Walk for Recovery this weekend

FOSTORIA --- HOPE in Fostoria aims to land a significant blow against substance abuse on Saturday. HOPE (Heroin Opioid Prevention Education), a volunteer organization that formed in 2017, will host its second annual Walk for Recovery from 10 a.m.-noon at Market Square Park, located at the intersection of Main and Tiffin streets in downtown Fostoria. The event is free and open to the public. "There will be a lot of people speaking and raffles and resource tables, and at the end, about a quarter to 12 or so, we'll do the walk," said Shelly Biggert, director of HOPE. "Last year, I think, we went two blocks around the area." Biggert said 120 people registered at last year's event, and more than 130 were registered as of the end of last week. Those who registered by Aug. 23 will receive a free T-shirt. While that offer has expired, she said, others may register to participate onsite beginning at 9:30 a.m., on the day of the event. The walk can provide a starting point for those needing help, a sign of progress for those who are in recovery or a show of support for people who are making their way back to a healthy lifestyle. "We want people to embrace recovery and to support (people in recovery) and to know that there is help out there for those who are willing to take that step," Biggert said. "It's a place for people to meet and have fun together. "We're going to do a recovery circle, where they'll call off how long people have been in recovery, and they'll come up and be acknowledged for anywhere from the longest to a day, just to add support and let people know that there are people out there who want to help and there are resources available to them." Those attending will receive a free raffle ticket that enters them in drawings for several prizes. Resource tables will offer information about agencies that can assist in substance-abuse recovery and speakers will share experiences and encouragement. Scheduled speakers include Fostoria Mayor Eric Keckler to issue a proclamation regarding the event and Ohio Rep. Gary Click, Biggert said. Keith Hodkinson, an on-air personality at radio station WBVI in Findlay, will serve as master of ceremonies, and T-Town Dj of Tiffin will provide music. The event will also include activities for youngsters. Free coffee and iced tea will be available, and food may be purchased from Hog Dog Rick's food truck. Biggert said the event could serve as an eye-opener to people who are experiencing issues, or to their families or friends. "Sometimes people still don't know where to go or what the first step is, so we're hoping that we can link those people to know that there's treatment out there," she said. "Even if they don't have the means or the insurance, the (Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Seneca, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties) has help for people, too. There are lots of options out there if they're ready to take that step."