Immerse yourself in the reality of recovery

HAWLEY, PA — A recovery stigma simulation will be held starting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 16 at the Pike County Training Center. 

The simulation is an initiative from the Carbon-Monroe-Pike Drug & Alcohol Commission, and is designed to offer participants a firsthand understanding of the stigma and challenges faced by individuals navigating the early stages of recovery from Substance Use Disordersr. 

Registration begins at 10 a.m. and participants must arrive no later than 10:30 a.m. to ensure full participation. Late arrivals will not be permitted to participate. 

The simulation consists of four 15-minute cycles designed to imitate the chaos often experienced by individuals in early recovery. 

Participants might feel uncertain or confused during the simulation, organizers said; this is intentional. The simulation mirrors the uncertainty and unpredictability that those in early recovery encounter. 

Participants who feel unsure of their roles or need further clarification are strongly encouraged to ask for assistance.

At the end of the simulation, all can discuss and process the experience. All participants will be asked to complete a post-test, providing vital feedback that will aid organizers in refining the simulation and further the understanding of the stigma associated with substance use disorders.

“Your participation and insights will be invaluable in breaking down barriers and overcoming the stigma surrounding recovery,” the organizers said.

The Pike County Training Center is located at 135 Pike County Blvd.

To register, visit www.bit.ly/44WgEpq. Each person must register individually.

Learn more about the Carbon-Monroe-Pike Drug & Alcohol Commission at www.cmpda.cog.pa.us. 

Revved up for reading

Fun was had by all at the Truck Petting Zoo.

HONESDALE, PA — The Wayne County Public Library produced another successful Truck Petting Zoo on July 18. 

Dozens of families enjoyed the festivities along 14th Street in Honesdale, which was closed down for children to tour construction, emergency service and other large vehicles.

This year, a book signing was held by local children’s author Edward Martin. The Community Foundation helped sponsor this event by purchasing copies of Martin’s book, titled “Who’s Looking at Whom?,” for him to sign and freely distribute to Truck Petting Zoo patrons. In addition to the snacks and truck-horn honking, the free books were thoroughly enjoyed by those in attendance.

From the Wayne County Community Foundation newsletter; used with permission.

WSPL board to meet

JEFFERSONVILLE, NY — The Board of Trustees of the Western Sullivan Public Library (WSPL) will meet Monday, August 14, at 5:30 p.m. at the Jeffersonville Branch. 

The branch library is located at 19 Center St.  Learn more at www.wsplonline.org. 

GodStock: a spiritual awakening

LIBERTY, NY — GodStock, a revival in Sullivan County, will return to LaPolt Park on Saturday, September 2, beginning at 12 noon.

Christian bands will play and worship will be held. There will be ministry, prayers and testimonies from various churches—located in Sullivan County and beyond.

There is no charge to attend.

GodStock will end at 6 p.m.

The park is located on Main Street.

For more information, call Lighthouse Ministries Church at 845/985-7026.

Bringing poetry to those affected by substance abuse

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Sullivan County Poet Laureate Sharon Kennedy-Nolle is one of 23 individuals serving as poets laureate of states, counties and cities across the United States to receive an award of $50,000 from the Academy of American Poets. 

She will receive funding for a multifaceted project based on her experience with poetry and healing, to be undertaken between now and the spring of 2024. 

Kennedy-Nolle’s project, titled “Catskilled Poetry for Healing,” will use poetry as a tool for healing and self-empowerment. It will be targeted to residents, including youth, afflicted by mental illness and substance abuse. 

Supported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Catholic Charities, the project consists of a three-month period of outreach to their affiliates; a six-month series of poetry workshops; a day-long interdisciplinary symposium bridging poetry, mental health and public policy, for which the Hurleyville Performing Arts Center is also a partner; and a permanent public arts installation featuring the workshop’s poetry mounted on plaques and installed in the county’s 11 public library locations. 

The Sullivan County Poet Laureate Project is administered by the Sullivan Public Library Alliance (SUPLA), which is composed of the nine public libraries in Sullivan County. 

The award will enable her to undertake the “Catskilled Poetry for Healing” project. A SUPLA representative wrote that the poet has been passionate about this vital work during her tenure as Sullivan County Poet Laureate. 

Kennedy-Nolle is the author of “Black Wick: Selected Elegies,” the 2020 Chapbook Editor’s Pick, published by Variant Literature Press. It was a 2021 finalist for the St. Lawrence Book Award from Black Lawrence Press. 

A one-room schoolhouse, a quilt show and more at Claryville Day

CLARYVILLE, NY — Claryville Day, a celebration of the community and history of the town of Claryville, will be held on Saturday, August 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on the grounds of the Claryville Reformed Church.

Activities throughout the day include visits to the historic Claryville one-room schoolhouse, a cookie walk, craft vendors, a quilt show, cemetery walks and talks on Claryville history and environment.

Lunch and refreshments will be available.

Funds raised will support the maintenance of the historic Claryville one-room schoolhouse.

The church is located at 946 Claryville Rd.

For more information, call Anne-Marie Kremer at 845/985-2016 or email annemariekremer@yahoo.com.