![[Company Logo Image]](images/3legstool.gif)
PATIENTS, SUPPORTERS CELEBRATE ROAD TO RECOVERY
Group Also Presents Plaque to widow of Mayor Roy Akins
THE POST-STAR
by Jordan Reardon
GLENS FALLS - A Cold, rainy Friday at the end of September is usually classified as one of those days where no one wants to do anything, and it is easy to give up.
But on this particular day, a ray of sunshine broke through the rain as patients, supporters and staff walked through downtown Glens Falls and Crandall Park to celebrate and promote recovery.
Everyone wore matching T-shirts, and several hand-made signs with phrases such as "higher power" and "recovery first" were proudly displayed.
The Walk for Recovery is part of National Recovery Month and is sponsored by treatment centers Conifer Park and 820 River Street.
The event has been held for a few years now, and is the region's contribution to National Recovery Month.
Treatment centers throughout America are encouraged to do something to recognize the month and promote their cause.
"We start at the men's home, at 13 Crandall St., walk through the city and celebrate at the end with a barbeque," explained Leo Guariglia, the regional director of 820 River Street. "Today's walk was a little long, with the rain, but so is recovery."
The Rev. Peter Young, who has devoted his life not only to helping addicts get in recovery and off the street, led a prayer and gave an inspirational speech.
"It is about getting people into recovery, for a better kind of life. We want to make them taxpayers," he explained beforehand. "But recovery sure isn't easy. A lot of people...they want to take the elevator, when they need to be taking the stairs. It's a long process."
Young is also one of the people who helped create a treatment model in the state judicial system. The system allows people who are addicted and need help to be forced to seek treatment, rather than spending time behind bars.
In addition to the walk and an inspirational message from Young, the group presented a plaque to Phyllis Akins, widow of the late Mayor Roy Akins. Akins was a supporter of the needs of the communities of 820 River Street and Conifer Park.
"He was a people's mayor...he loved the people he served for, and he was proud to serve for you," Akins expressed through tears. "No matter how sick he was...if he were still with us, he would have been here."