08/18/2026
It was great to see everyone’s reactions at the 2026 Better Together: Walk for Recovery last Sunday when we walked from the New England Sports Hub to the cul-de-sac at the end of Willand Drive. It was so surreal seeing everyone walk up to the display quiet and intrigued. Then to see how reading the sign affected people made it worth it. The first pictures show it like a perfect piece of artwork of different walks of life connected by this one commonality where we come together through many different doors or pathways to recovery. This display that became artwork only when we arrived together is symbolic of our paths leading to one common conclusion… we can’t do it alone! We now know we are only better together! Fortified in Unity all things are possible! Returning to where we started, we then went inside the New England Sports Hub where resources were available for further connection and fellowship. There appeared another door in the hub where individuals who considered themselves in recovery could write their pathway to solidify that there are many pathways to pass through the doorway of recovery.
In all the years I’ve been in recovery this unintentionally has affected me greatly. In the moment, during the event, a great experience… later though… when I saw the photos and all my anxiety from putting the event together was gone… that’s what I can’t shake at the moment. It’s coming from the overwhelming feeling that we are no longer alone. It’s that sense of calm and comfort that we are going to be ok. Thank you for all who made it out to share in this experience!
I also want to thank the New England Sports Hub for allowing us to use their space at no charge to support us,Somersworth Camber of Commerce for securing the event permit and insurance, LaValley Building Supply for donating all the doors, and our resources for coming to include Operation Warmth, SOS Recovery Community Organization, Hearthwell Recovery, The Freemen House, Community Partners of Strafford County, and Strafford County Public Health Network.
Somersworth Police Department Laconia Police Department PAARI - Police Assisted Addiction & Recovery Initiative Operation Warmth HearthWell Recovery Community Action Partnership of Strafford County SOS Recovery Community Center: Dover Somersworth Chamber of Commerce