BREWER — The third annual Ride for Recovery, sponsored by Bangor Area Recovery Network, or BARN, will be held Saturday, Sept. 13, at BARN’s community recovery center, 142 Center St., as part of National Recovery Month .
“Across the nation, people are celebrating National Recovery Month in September, and we are honored to be able to sponsor our third annual motorcycle ride to join in this national effort,” said Mike Falvy, a spokesperson for the ride and a member of the board of directors at BARN, in a press release.
The Ride for Recovery registration and breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. and “kickstands up” is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.
“Registration for the ride is $25 per bike,” said Falvy. After the ride, there will be a lunch and a motorcycle rodeo at BARN.
The event will offer door prizes and raffles, and for the second year, BARN will host a blood drive in collaboration with the local chapter of the American Red Cross.
“While we have everyone here,” said Pat Hickey, coordinator of the blood drive, “this is a great way to further give back to our community.”
Falvy explained, “Giving back in service to the community is one of the principles of recovery, and BARN volunteers contribute on average 900 volunteer hours per month to the community, and that doesn’t include special events like Ride for Recovery.”
Bangor Area Recovery Network was established in 2009 with a mission to provide a sustainable and reliable community recovery center that supports the needs of people affected by addiction. BARN moved into its permanent facility at 142 Center St. in 2012.
The four tenets of the BARN philosophy are: Recovery is a process; there are many pathways to recovery; recovery overcomes shame and stigma; and supporting recovery is a community responsibility. Since it first opened its doors in July 2010, BARN has provided support to hundreds of recovering individuals in the area.
“Membership to the BARN is only $10 per month,” said Bruce Campbell, acting chairman of BARN’s board of directors, “but there is no charge to anyone attending support groups or meetings at the BARN. They are all self-supporting.” In addition to more than 115 recovery-oriented meetings per month, BARN provides social activities, education and advocacy on recovery.
The BARN is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday and holds “clean and sober” dances twice each month, in addition to other social and recovery support activities.
“This event is growing each year,” said Falvy of the Ride for Recovery. “We always look for a reason to ride, and this is a great reason to ride. No one can deny the impact that addiction has on our community. This is an opportunity to support recovery from addiction, that is what the BARN is all about.”
Participants are encouraged to register at bangorrecovery.org, online or by downloading a registration form. For information, call BARN at 561-9444.