it’s back & it’s all new...jay colvell heidi o’connor carrie cromarite stephanie sanford...
TRANSCRIPT
The voice of MARR for alumni, patrons and the recovery commu-
Volume 15 Issue 1 www.marrinc.org Winter 2009
Board of Trustees
Dan Phelan, Chairman
Richard Andre
Gordon Bailey
Bill Barnes
Captain Steve Dickson
Dr. Karen Drexler
Tom Fariss, MD
Jule Lassiter
Randy McClain
Camille McCray
Rick Orchard
Bill Porter
Emmett Shaffer
Tom Sharp
Robert Sharpenberg
Kenneth Sternad
Terry Stinson
Bill Straub
Ken Thompson
Whit Walter
Hubert White
Lifetime Trustees
Donnie Brown, Founder
Tim L. Melton, D. Min.
James Grosklaus
Ex Officio
Guerry Dyes, MARR CEO
IT’S BACK & IT’S ALL NEW
The 4th
Committed to Living:
5K/10.5K
Saturday, March 7, 2009
It’s back --- bigger and better with something for everyone!
Lace up your sneakers, stretch out your legs and join The Women’s Recovery Center (WRC) for the 4th “Committed to Living: One Step at a Time” walk/run-a-thon on Saturday, March 7, 2009.
We will have our regular offering of the 2K Fun Run for those that just want to come out and enjoy a beautiful Saturday morning with friends of MARR and the 5K for those with a more competitive streak. For those super serious runners looking for a primer to the July 4th Atlanta Road Race, there will be a 10.5K — that’s right a 10.5K!!!
New routes and new venue, too! Central Gwinnett High School will play host to this fun morning with the 5K starting things off at 8:00 am. Promote your busi-ness this year by sponsoring this exciting community family event! This popular and high-energy event is a great opportunity to show your support for the women of MARR while building awareness and removing the stigma of addiction.
Your participation in the “Committed to Living: One Step at a Time” event will provide a tremendous gift to those who are trying to recover their lives and be-come a part of our community once again.
Contact Gigi Barnes for more information
678-805-5112
PROUD EVENT SPONSOR Newsletter items may be
submitted to
Brian R., 2004
“I know Sam to be a very dedicated individual in all areas of his life. He is a big part of what keeps MARR South running smoothly. I am proud to consider Sam as one of my friends and mentors. Occasionally, a former client will make it a point to come by the office just to see Sam. To me this speaks volumes about the work he does as a coun-selor and his commitment to the service of others.”
Samuel L. Jamison III
MARR South Primary Counselor
Having worked for MARR for nearly three years, Sam Jamison has become an integral part of the MARR South team. At the root of his success is his extensive counseling experience in identifying substance abuse issues and his desire to help men overcome the challenges of addiction.
A graduate of the University of Maryland where he majored in nursing and psychology, Sam came to MARR after holding positions at Talbott and the Clayton Center Substance Abuse/Behavioral Health. A native of New York, Sam now resides in Jonesboro where he is a Deacon and Biblical Counselor in his Church. He and his wife have six children and are blessed with eleven grandchildren.
Sam’s personal journey of recovery began in 2001. Since that time, he has become a jazz enthusiast and amateur golfer and along the way has taught himself how to play the saxophone. If Sam’s past seven years are any indica-tion of his success and determination, we may see him play The Masters or perform at The House of Blues!
The following are just a few thoughts on the impact and influence Sam has had on staff, clients and alumni. We are so glad that your amazing journey led you to MARR!
Joel C., 2007
“I first met Sam Jamison when I arrived at M.A.R.R. in March of 2007. I new from the start that he would play a major role in this "new" way of life I wanted so desperately. I connected with his spirit instantly. He was so calm and cool and he had a way of not giving me the answer, but guiding me into helping me figure out what the next step should be. He always made me feel as though we were in this together. In short, I would just like to say that as much as he has taught me how to stay clean one day at a time, just as im-portant he taught me how to apply the spiritual principles to the things we face throughout the day. THANK YOU SAM!!!”
IN THEIR OWN WORDS . . . DR. PAUL B., 2005
“I CELEBRATED MY THIRD BIRTHDAY OCTOBER 14, 2008. I HAVE BEEN BACK IN GASTROINTESTINAL MEDICAL PRACTICE SINCE AUGUST 2006. MY WIFE SHEREE AND I RESIDE IN TENNESSEE AND MY SON RYAN IS A SENIOR AT MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY. I MAINTAIN A SENSE OF HUMILITY BY FREQUENTLY LOOKING AT THE PICTURES OF THE MARR MRC ON MY CELL PHONE TO REMIND ME OF WHERE I’VE BEEN. I MAINTAIN AN “ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE” BY REMEMBERING HOW FAR I HAVE COME.”
MICHAEL D., 2007
“TODAY IS MY ONE YEAR BIRTHDAY. TODAY IS A MUCH BETTER DAY THAN ONE YEAR AGO!!!!!!! THANKS TO ALL OF YOU AT MARR FOR ALL YOUR HELP AND PRAYERS. STILL SOBER AND GRATEFUL!”
Steve B., 2008
“I immediately felt a connection to Sam as if I had known him most of my life. He has demonstrated to be a man of integrity time and time again. Sam is very spiritual, relying on God to direct and guide him. His influence and di-rection have turned my life around. I can’t begin to say enough wonderful things about this fine example of a man.”
NEW FAMILY RECOVERY CENTER LAUNCHED REACHING OUT TO FAMILIES IN THE COMMUNITY
Are you affected by someone in active addiction but have no where to turn? Do you have a loved one in treatment for addiction but need more support?
Faced with a demand for family treatment services, MARR is launching a new Family Recovery Center to help families understand addiction, codependency and healthy family recovery. The Center will increase MARR’s capacity to treat families twofold and provide enhanced programs and services to address the challenges families face.
Many families who may need support and treatment are not finding the help they so desperately seek. The Family Recovery Center will serve families in the community affected by the disease of addiction as well as families of loved ones in substance abuse treatment who need additional education and support.
The Center will host an educational workshop “Loving Someone With Addiction” on Friday, February 6. The one-day workshop will discuss the disease of addiction and its effect on families and teach how to set healthy boundaries and develop a support system.
The Family Recovery Center will offer clinical assessments of individual and family needs, educational workshops, weekly family support groups and individual, couple and family counseling sessions.
Living with an addict is never easy. MARR understands that families need more opportunities and options for addiction services.
For further information or to register for any family services, please contact the Family Program Director
Janet Fluker at 678-805-5118 or [email protected].
Janet Fluker, LPC
CHRISTMAS JOY
Christmas is a time of blessings and thanks and MARR is so very blessed by the many volunteers who care deeply about MARR and our programs. It may be the season to be merry for most people but Christmas is often the most difficult time of year for those in treatment and suffering from addiction.
Thanks to the many volunteers and the amazing staff at Right Side Up (RSU) the women and children of RSU en-joyed a very merry Christmas. Christmas gifts were assem-bled and distributed to 52 ladies and their children with dona-tions provided by individuals and North Atlanta Church of Christ.
A huge thank you to all who made wishes come true this Christmas by giving these families love and hope!
Shirley Adams Gwen Jenkins
Marlene Alligood Laura Johnson
Leigh Anderson Mary Kirley
Donna Bailey Caryn Leshynski
Gigi Barnes Barbara Lundberg
Brenda Bray . . . Camille McCray
+9 of her closest friends!! Al McDaniel
Arlecia Bryant Delena Merritt
Beverly Burns Shannon Morgan
Jay Colvell Heidi O’Connor
Carrie Cromarite Stephanie Sanford
Gayle Dalton-Smith Lisa Scott
Dorothy Gutschenritter Julie Seckman
Bob & Kayleen Harrington Mary Smith
Joe & Sharleen Herron Pat Thorpe
Danny Hopkins H.T. Woodward
MARR South opened its doors as a residential treatment program in 2000. Our mission has been to provide a therapeutic environment to enable men to return to work as they learn to develop a balanced mental, physical, and spiritual lifestyle in recovery. When our clients have needed additional treatment before obtaining employment, we would draw upon community resources to meet this need.
MARR South is excited to announce that they will now be able to offer these services in house. On January 5, 2009 MARR South began their own 3-day a week outpatient program. This program will pro-vide 9 hours a week of additional therapy, education, and support that will add a dynamic dimension to the current treatment program. This will enhance the individualized treatment of our clients and will also allow MARR South to offer these outpatient services to individuals in the local community.
Throughout our history, MARR has sought to bring lasting recovery to the alcohol and drug addicted individual. The establishment of the outpatient program at MARR South, reinforces the commitment of MARR to provide an effective and affordable treatment alternative for those seeking long term recovery from addiction.
MARR SOUTH OPENS OUTPATIENT PROGRAM
35th Anniversary Ban que t An d Ce le bratio n
A R es o u n d in g Su cces s fo r t he Scho la r sh ip Fun d
The Grand Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Ravinia was all a buzz as the host site of MARR’s annual banquet and silent auction. One of several high points at the 35th Anniversary Celebration of Recovery Banquet was the incredible story given by MARR Alumnus, Dr. Burns Brady. Thank you Burns for sharing yourself with us and for impacting us so richly and compassionately. You have left some big shoes to fill for future speakers!
The MARR 2008 Alumni of the Year awards were presented to Kathe Schellman and Whit Walter. Carrie Dye was the recipient of the Right Side Up Recognition Award. These individuals have displayed extraordinary service and dedication to MARR and to RSU.
MARR Alumnus Suzi Marsh served once again as Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Board Chairman Dan Phelan presented Suzi with a 26 year MARR medallion prior to the Sobriety Countdown. The Countdown recognized over 500 years of collective sobri-ety among the guests and was a powerful statement seeing these men and women all standing proud of this awesome accomplishment.
The banquet serves as the primary source of funds for MARR Scholarships for the upcoming year. Our successful fundraising is a testimony to the many caring and generous individuals, families and businesses that recognize the important need for MARR’s services and who responded with incredible support. The Banquet raised nearly $200,000 to replenish the scholarship fund and insure that MARR will continue to scholarship and treat those who may not have the financial resources to afford the cost of treatment.
Thank you to all the volunteers and staff that helped to pull this event together and make it a huge success. This is a terrific celebration but it would not be the success that it has become without the willingness of all who give so freely of their time and energy.
Many thanks to all sponsors, donors and guests who made the event such a festive and inspirational evening.
Kathe Schellman
Whit Walter
Carrie Dye
2008 Banquet Photos can be viewed
on the web at WWW.MARRINC.SMUGMUG.COM
MARRINC. SMUGMUG.COM
Dr. Burns & Kasey Brady
Thank You 2008 Sponsors
EVENT SPONSOR
Springs Close Foundation Dan Phelan
Delta Air Lines
PLATINUM Dr. Patricia Kimmerling Gordon & Donna Bailey
Bill & Gigi Barnes James Grosklaus
Bill & Sheila Hodges Kimberly-Clark Corp.
GOLD Thomas Neal Foundation Bill & Betty Ann Straub
Clay Wooten Marilynn and Sid Wooten
Ed & Molly Worrell
SILVER Glen Bridges
Cheryl & Ernie Johnson Ken & Rose Thompson
BRONZE Anonymous
Doug & Jeanne Brush Kay & Mike Chapman Jenny & Casey Cote
Dr. T.R. Dix Guerry & Claire Dyes
Bettye Fincher Interiors Thomas & Hideko Fowler
Pat & Scott Granowski Randy and Carol McClain
Metro Acupuncture Helen Schellman
Bob & Elke Sharpenberg Mary Catherine Sneed
David Tate Michael Friedlander
Thank You 2008 Sponsors
BENEFACTORS
Susan & Rick Andre Rae & Ken Blessing Nancy & Patrick Dye Dr. Camille Jeffcoat
Jenny McCurdy Dianne & Tim Melton
Becca & Rick Orchard Phil, Carol & Kristine Piser
Cheryl & Tom Sharp Mary Karl & Jim Swink
PATRON Anonymous
Christine & Mike Buckley Denise & Bruce Burn
June Callaway Priscilla & Chris Cobb Nancy & Peter Curnin Diane & Roman DeVille Karen & Andy Drexler
Karl Folk Mary & Joe Fusco Bertel Hollstrom
Ridgeview Institute Eleni P. Kalisch Camille McCray
Greg Pierce Christine & Charles Riggs
Charles E. Sharp Jeanna Shiver
Kim & Mark Thompson Susan & Roy Thompson
Debbie & Mike Walker Betty & Tom Wolfrom
**IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY**
THE ALUMNI CORNER! Whit Walter, Chairman MARR Alumni Association
A very special thank you to the many alumni who have worked hard and dedi-cated themselves to the “revitalization” of the Alumni Association over the last several months. I believe we have a new energy and I am looking forward to carrying that energy with us during the coming year.
The Alumni sponsored a “Celebrate Recov-ery Concert” in September that was open to the recovery community. MARR Alumnus
Corky Deaton hosted the event and shared his story and the “Sons of Mercy” provided the music. A record crowd participated in the Annual Fish Fry that took place the next day at Lake Alla-toona and alumni from the WRC hosted the AA meeting.
The annual banquet in November was a huge success! Dr. Burns Brady chaired the AA meeting at the annual alumni breakfast the morning of the banquet which was attended by 100 alumni and family. Burns talk at both the breakfast and banquet was powerful and filled with hope. Many, many thanks to Burns for sharing his recovery journey.
The association hosted Thanksgiving Dinner at the lake and Christmas Dinner at the MRC. Both were well attended and many thanks to Matt E. for sharing his story with us Christmas night.
The annual picnic has changed dates to June 13th to be held dur-ing Family Week. Once again, we have arranged with the Georgia Aquarium to have “MARR Night at the Aquarium” on June 12th. Special pricing will be available and we will be sending reservation forms closer to the event. Please make plans now for this fun alumni weekend.
Finally, the Web site that was originated by the Atlanta Men’s Alumni Chapter is being reworked to be the National Alumni Asso-ciation Web site. The conversion should be completed by the end of February. In the mean time visit the website at www.marralumni.org, email at [email protected] or phone 687-805-5114.
We look forward to your input and support. Please keep in touch and let us know what’s new with you! May you enjoy a happy, healthy and prosperous 2009!
Burns B. KY 12/1/77
John J. SC 11/11/80
Allan E. MI 11/17/81
Kevin W. OH 12/22/81
Charlene E. MI 1/1982
Rem T. GA 11/25/82
Randy M. GA 11/14/84
Mank S. FL 1/1/85
Shannon D. GA 12/31/85
Jeff C. GA 11/6/86
Chan C. TX 1/9/87
Jacqueline V. NJ 11/26/88
James P. O. PA 12/27/88
David S. GA 11/15/89
Marilyn M. GA 12/24/89
Tom S. GA 11/27/90
Ben C. GA 11/2/91
Mike L. GA 12/11/91
Bill B. GA 1/21/93
Phil Z. KY 12/7/93
Gary O. TX 1/13/94
Hugh W. GA 11/16/94
Dan C. GA 12/25/94
Bill S. GA 1/21/95
Rick N. AL 11/29/95
Thomas L. KY 11/27/96
Melissa F. GA 11/10/97
Clark G. TX 1/6/98
Charles M. GA 1/16/98
Art S. TX 1/20/98
Adam S. GA 11/15/98
Amanda I. GA 11/30/98
Traci W. KY 11/26/99
Richard K. GA 12/1/99
Mikhail D. TN 12/14/99
Kristine R. GA 12/15/99
David C. GA 11/20/00
Michael S. GA 12/4/00
Gil S. TN 12/12/00
Penelope M. GA 12/25/00
Roger O. GA 12/28/00
Melinda H. GA 1/26/01
Kevin O. GA 11/8/01
Tiffany L. GA 12/2/01
Steven D. GA 12/10/01
Barry G. KY 12/18/01
David V. KY 12/29/01
Mark G. IN 11/7/02
Chris H. VA 11/14/02
Tim H. GA 12/2/02
Jonathan W. NC 12/16/02
Jeff W. GA 1/14/03
Catherine C. GA 1/6/04
Eric G. GA 11/1/04
David B. GA 11/16/04
Hulon K. GA 11/22/04
Daniel S. CA 12/8/04
Dow S. NC 12/14/04
Stephanie S. FL 12/17/04
Elizabeth H. GA 1/5/05
David M. GA 1/7/05
Hobie A. GA 1/10/05
Andrea G. GA 1/10/05
James L. GA 1/10/05
Jessica W. GA 1/10/05
Bill K. GA 1/12/05
Tim B. GA 1/20/05
Rita G. GA 1/24/05
Nat C. GA 1/26/05
Nick T. MS 1/31/05
Jack R. GA 11/1/05
Teresa H. GA 11/2/05
Lee S. GA 11/4/05
Emily W. KY 11/8/05
John C. GA 11/24/05
Tharin S. GA 11/26/05
Kathe S. GA 12/10/05
Mark F. MA 12/13/05
David T. AR 12/24/05
Kevin F. GA 12/26/05
Alex W. GA 12/30/05
Adam L. GA 1/3/06
Greg W. OK 1/3/06
Patrick J. KY 1/4/06
James M. KY 1/5/06
Jessica M. OH 1/8/06
Terry E. GA 1/12/06
Ron S. KY 1/13/06
Daniel Y. SC 1/14/06
Rick O. GA 1/20/06
John T. AL 1/23/06
Steven W. SC 1/25/06
Brian J. GA 11/3/06
Grant A. AL 11/4/06
Sherrill B. GA 11/4/06
Catherine C. GA 11/6/06
Scott S. KY 11/19/06
Roger S. GA 11/20/06
Ginny B. GA 11/26/06
Kimberly F. GA 11/26/06
Tom H. KY 12/10/06
Benji L. GA 1/1/07 Maryam C. GA 1/6/07 Bruce G. KY 1/12/07 Angela O. KY 1/15/07 Eileen H. GA 1/17/07 Karl F. GA 1/20/07 Ramon N. NC 1/21/07 Gary A. GA 1/25/07 Mary C. TN 1/25/07 Ric V. TX 1/28/07 Lindsay D. GA 1/29/07 Patrick K. GA 1/31/07 Ben S. GA 1/31/07 Chris O. NC 11/5/07 Sam F. VA 11/8/07 Mark G. TX 11/9/07 Kurt T. GA 11/19/07 April G. GA 11/21/07
Lance M. AL 11/15/03
Debbie B. GA 11/17/03
Jim L. TN 12/13/03
Bernie P. GA 12/12/06
Jim H. GA 12/13/06
Bill B. NC 12/18/06
Sam F. VA 11/8/07 Mark G. TX 11/9/07 Kurt T. GA 11/19/07 April G. GA 11/21/07 Chris B. KY 11/24/07 Stephanie H. CA 11/26/07 Valerie P. GA 11/27/07 Mike D. AR 12/3/07 Amie C. GA 12/5/07 Betsy S. MD 12/15/07 Kim P. GA 12/18/07 Mary H. GA 1/2/08 Art C. GA 1/5/08 Mike M. LA 1/11/08 Ruffin M. GA 1/15/08 Clay M. AR 1/28/08
Chris B. KY 11/24/07
March 7, 2009 Central Gwinnett High School
7:00 am Registration
5K - 8:00 am 10.5K - 8:45 am
2K Fun Run - 8:30 am AWARDS
Top Male and Female
Top Male and Female Masters
Top 3 males and females in each age group
AGE GROUPS 10 & under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34,
35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64,
65-69, 70-74, 75 & over
DIRECTIONS I-85 North to Hwy 316, exit Hwy 316 at Hwy 120 (Duluth-Lawrenceville exit) and go right approximately 1.5 miles. Turn right at the 6th light onto Langley Drive. Turn right onto West Crogan Street
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE Contact Gigi Barnes 678-805-5112
Proceeds benefit the Women’s Recovery Center of MARR, a program dedicated to bringing lasting recovery to alcohol and drug addicted individuals. We are changing lives and restoring families
caught in the destruction of addiction.
Mail entry form & payment to: MARR, Inc., PO Box 48349, Doraville, GA 30362
Name:__________________________________________________________________________
Address:________________________________City___________________State_____Zip________
Telephone:________________________________ Email:__________________________________
Date of birth: Month _____ Day ______ Year ___________ T-Shirt Size: S M L XL
Please Circle: Male Female Race: 10.5K 5K 2K
Registration Fee: $___________ PHANTOM RUNNER Donation: $___________
$15.00 Pre-Registration by February 25, 2009
$20.00 Late-Registration begins February 26, 2009
W A I V E R M U S T B E R E A D A N D S I G N E D B E F O R E M A I L I N G : I know that running is a potentially hazardous activity. I should not enter or run this event unless I am medically able and properly trained. I agree to abide by any decision of a race official relative to my ability to safely complete the run. I assume all risks associated with running in this race including, but not limited to, falls, contact with other partici-pants, the effects of weather, including high heat and/or humidity, the conditions of the road and traffic on the course, all such risks being known and appreciated by me. Having read this waiver and knowing these facts, and in consideration of your acceptance of my application, I, for myself and anyone entitled to act on my behalf, waive and release the event, and all sponsors, their representatives and successors from all claims or liabilities of any kind arising out of my participation in this event even though that liability may arise out of negligence or carelessness on the part of the persons named in this waiver. All fees are nonrefundable.
____________________ __________ _____________________________________________
Signature Date Parent Signature if under 18
Can’t join us? Be a PHANTOM RUNNER! Donate $20 or more and receive a FREE race t-shirt in the mail.
Metro Atlanta Recovery Residences, Inc.
2815 Clearview Place, Suite 100
Doraville, GA 30340
The voice of MARR for alumni, patrons and the recovery community
Non Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Atlanta, GA
Permit No. 3324
SAVE THESE 2009 DATES
SPRING VOLUNTEER TRAINING
APRIL 13-14, APRIL 20-21
14TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
MONDAY, MAY 18, 2009 LAUREL SPRINGS GOLF CLUB
GEORGIA AQUARIUM MARR NIGHT
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2009
MARR ANNUAL PICNIC
SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2009 LAKE ALLATOONA
7TH ANNUAL ALUMNI BREAKFAST
36TH ANNIVERSARY BANQUET
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2009
Men’s Recovery Center (MRC) 2801 Clearview Place
Doraville, GA 30340
MARR Administration 2815 Clearview Place
Doraville, GA 30340
Women’s Recovery Center (WRC) 275 West Pike
Lawrenceville, GA 30045
MARR South 7264 Southlake Pkwy
Morrow GA 30260
Right Side Up (RSU) 2815 Clearview Place
Doraville, GA 30340
How to contact any of the above
MARR locations
Main Line 678-805-5100
Toll Free 800-732-5430
visit our website
www.marrinc.org