Who cares? Thirty-seven Lake, LaPorte, and Porter county not-for-profits found out last Friday that many of its citizens care.
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Even though it was a work day, more than 1,000 people of every age joined forces to pull weeds, plant flowers, put the sparkle back on windows, wash walls, put on new coats of paint, and do whatever was asked of them.
I was fortunate enough to be partnered with 10-year-old Taylor Hitz, who is from California and was spending time with her grandparents. She was both proud and excited to be able to help, and we worked together to put the shine on the Boys & Girls Club in Valparaiso, while her Grandpa Jim and fellow Kiwanians did the “dirty work” by doing the needed landscaping.
Kids are so interesting to chat with, and it was a delight to spend all morning with Taylor, who was an eager beaver worker. When our job was done, the smile on her face when chocolate-covered long johns (donated by Family Express) were provided as a reward was a reward for me.
A sincere thank you to everyone who helped in any way to making the United Way-sponsored Day of Caring a success. It is always a special bonding when people of all ages, male and female, work together for the common good. You are all my pet persons of the week, especially you, Taylor.
With all the emphasis on drug addiction, it was neat to get an email telling me that September is National Recovery Month to celebrate the many people who have brought value back into their lives by kicking the drug habit, which is no small accomplishment, and requires a strong support group.
The motto of the Recovery Connection is “Visible, Vocal, Valuable,” and they want all of us to celebrate with them. It begins on Friday, Sept. 4, with a Celebration Kickoff Yard Sale, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Recovery Connection offices at 254 S. Morgan Blvd. in Valparaiso.
If you are like me, a yard sale is like a magnet, and if you haven’t been to any, this is a great time to take a look at all the good deals while celebrating the recovery of many fine people. Then on the following Friday, Sept. 11, the whole town will be decorated with purple ribbons on trees and street lights in honor of recovery month, symbolizing tying the community together. On Friday, Sept. 18, you can bring out the artist in you by helping create a special mural to depict the struggle of addiction and the joy of recovery from 6 to 8 p.m.
The finale will also be held at the Morgan Boulevard address on Sept. 25 to have the community come together to celebrate the voice of recovery, beginning at 6 p.m. with a SMART Recovery meeting, followed by a balloon release with a renewed commitment to be joyous in the recovery of former addicts in our community. Together we can move mountains.
You can still register to attend “Awareness Matters” at the Porter County Expo Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday by calling 219-462-0946. One of the featured speakers will be County Coroner Chuck Harris, whose talk is titled Too little Too Late.
The day is free, and is for everyone, including teenagers, but please register so that there isn’t a shortage of lunches. We can beat this drug problem if we all are aware and care. Then I hope you have a great day because you deserve it. Thanks for reading. Fly your flag.
Lorrie Woycik is a freelance columnist for the Post-Tribune.