Our Most Successful Recovery Day Ever

Cazenovia Recovery Systems completely reinvented Recovery Day for 2016. The fifth annual event moved to a new location that allowed for an even bigger celebration with more to see and more to do. Held at the Main-Transit Fire Department’s Pavilion, the event saw over 500 attendees on August 26 and was our largest Recovery Day yet.

From left: Cazenovia Recovery Executive Director Sue Bissonette, County Executive Mark Poloncarz, emcee Venus Wiggins, and Commissioner Michael Ranney

The agency’s Events Committee, led by Lisa Johnston, planned this year’s Recovery Day. The committee sought to bring “recovery” back into the celebration. Over a dozen fellow providers of recovery-oriented services were invited so attendees could see the amount of support and help our community has to offer. Providers included Evergreen Health Services, Every Parent Influences Children (EPIC), Northpointe Council, Renaissance Addiction Services, the Veterans One-Stop Center of WNY, and many more.

We presented this year’s Recovery Day Recognition Award to County Executive Mark Poloncarz. Thanks to the County Executive’s leadership, the Erie County Opiate Epidemic Task Force he created is already saving lives. “We are a model for the rest of the country,” the County Executive said, serving as the event’s keynote speaker. “It’s so important that we’re all here today,” he said. “We are all on the road to recovery together.”

Live music was performed by staff and residents. Over 40 people were trained to use Narcan, a life-saving drug for opiate overdoses, at the event.

There were also massages, catered food, a magic show, and the third installment of the Recovery Day Art Show. Seven expressive pieces were featured on the theme “Choose Beauty.” Jeanene, a resident from Madonna House, was this year’s winner.

Cazenovia Recovery Staff Members at Recovery Day

Venus Wiggins, counselor at Cazenovia Manor, emceed the event. She is an enthusiastic supporter of people in recovery. “People who are in recovery have so much talent,” said Venus.

The last hour highlighted people in recovery and their personal stories. Introduced by Venus, each speaker shared powerful testimonials that showed that recovery truly is a reality. One attendee explained that she is currently participating in a Cazenovia Recovery program. “It’s the best experience I’ve had in my life,” she said. “I’ve never felt better.” Their stories were a wonderful way to close Western New York’s largest celebration of individuals in recovery.