Dover, Rochester mayors proclaim Recovery Month

DOVER — Dover Mayor Karen Weston and Rochester Mayor Caroline McCarley have both proclaimed September National Recovery Month in their respective cities.

In the proclamations both mayors call upon residents of their cities to observe this month with programs, activities and ceremonies to support this year’s recovery month theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Strengthen Families and Communities.”

For those looking for ways to join the voices of recovery and support the recovery community, SOS Recovery Community Organization is hosting two events on Sunday, Sept. 23 — a Recovery Rally taking place in Henry Law Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the third annual Recovery Rocks concert being held at the Rochester Opera House beginning at 5:30 p.m.

“We invite the public to join those in recovery and those who have loved ones who have been affected by substance misuse, to join us in celebrating recovery at our Recovery Rally and to see first- hand the faces of hope and recovery,” said John Burns, director of SOS Recovery Community Organization.

According to Burns, the recovery rally will feature music, inspirational speakers and recovery resources available locally and throughout the state.

Burns said he also invites the public to support the recovery community by attending the Recovery Rocks concert being held at the Rochester Opera House beginning at 5:30 p.m., Sept. 23. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door and can be purchase on line at SOSRCO.org or at the Dover SOS Recovery Center located at 4 Broadway in Dover or the Rochester Center located at 63 S. Main St. in Rochester.

Headlining this year’s SOS Recovery Rocks Concert will be legendary blues artist James Montgomery, who will be joined by Barry Goudreau, a former guitarist for Boston, and the Sax Attack Horn Band. The evening will also feature August First, a Massachusetts based band that celebrates the many musical incarnations of Jerry Garcia and Erin Harpe and the Delta Swingers, and who has been called "one of the most dynamic, talented and exciting roots rocking blues women on the scene” by Living Blues Magazine.”

A program of Goodwin Community Health, the mission of SOS RCO is to reduce stigma and harm associated with substance misuse by providing safe space and peer based supports for people in all stages of recovery. SOS Recovery Community envisions a world where recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs is possible, and widely embraced, through low barrier access to inclusive and respectful support, and where all who seek long-term recovery have access to the care and resources they need to achieve their self-defined goals. For information call 603-841-2350 or go to SOSRCO.org.