Members of the Carrett County Republican Women’s Club at last year’s Walk who did so despite the rain and cool temperatures. They were joined by more than 200 other Walkers at the First Annual Walk for Recovery.
On Saturday September 14th, the 2nd Annual Walk for Recovery will be held at Deep Creek State Park according to Suzette Merrick, Chair for the event. The event will take place at the Oak Pavilion in the Park. Registration begins at 11:00 AM and the Walk starts at 12:00 NN.
Merrick said the event is a Garrett County first focusing our community’s attention on recovery not only of those with substance use disorder but also on those seeking to honor and remember a deceased loved one and for those they support in recovery. There will be a Memory Board where participants can post names in memory or support of someone they love.
The Walk will feature a variety of interesting food vendors as well as vendors from support groups with information about programs for treatment and assistance. Several featured activities will include Recovery rocks craft, 50/50 drawing, and 2 new food vendors – D’s Eats and Cassarelli’s. Prizes will be awarded for teams with most money raised, walker who traveled farthest, oldest and youngest walkers.
The program will feature local speakers in recovery, speaking about how recovery positively changed them, and their post-recovery lives.
The Walk is over two separate marked trails-one is 2 miles with a small challenge and the other is one mile over a level course. Hiking is not required but encouraged. Hikers are urged to wear hiking boots or laced shoes to provide good foot support. Volunteers will be posted along the trails to help. Admission to the Park is free and participants should mention Walk for Recovery at the gate.
Merrick said Reflection House, the event sponsor, is hoping to beat last year’s amazing turnout of over 200 walkers on a cool rainy day in May last year. More than $30,000 was raised during this first-ever event. Again, this year sponsorships are available at $2500 (Serenity), $1000 (Courage), $500 (Wisdom), and $250 (Hope) levels. Anyone wishing to donate may do so by sending their donation to Reflection House 40 Dennett Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, or going to the Reflection House website reflectionhousegc.org where interested persons can sign up. The Walk direct link is bit.ly/WFR-24. Sponsorships are available through these links. Merrick reminded that Reflection House is totally dependent on public donations which are always welcome.
The timing of the Walk focuses on two important events during September. First, it officially recognizes September as National Recovery Month. But, more importantly, on September 25, 2024 Reflection House will officially be opened in its new home.
Volunteers at the Walk event or to help with Reflection House may do so by contacting Mary Martin, Program Coordinator at 240-321-6723, or MMartin@reflectionhousegc.org.
