Thanks to Lincoln Junior Woman's Club and CVS Pharmacy

To the editor:

This letter is an addition to the letter submitted Sept. 3 about the "2004 Backpacks for Kids" project. [See letter below.] It was brought to my attention by two of my sorority sisters that some sponsors were inadvertently left out of the previous open-letter thank-you. Lincoln Junior Woman's Club was gracious enough to donate money, and CVS Pharmacy sold supplies to us at very, very low prices. We, as a group, thank you for your help, and I apologize to you for my error.

When at least one of the children you are now helping will "further their education by going on to college," your thoughtfulness may then be rightfully acknowledged. A child needs to be encouraged constantly with positive lifestyle examples.

Again, a "huge" thank-you to everyone involved.

2004 "Backpacks For Kids"
Lois Vannoy, co-chair
Beta Sigma Phi
Preceptor Eta Chapter member

(posted 9-13-04)

Kids back to school in style, thanks to backpack project

To the editor:

2004 "Backpacks for Kids" was a success.

Approximately 10 years ago, local chapters of Beta Sigma Phi decided to give more time to a "special" project. Our chapter, Preceptor Eta, continues that project. We just completed another year of Backpacks for Kids. Over 100 Lincoln school children, kindergarten through sixth grades, received backpacks filled with required school supplies.

The supplies were purchased for those children whose families are facing financial or medical hardship. Meeting educational needs of children is of the utmost importance to us. At risk are the children whose environmental, familial or socioeconomic situation may affect their academic success or ability to learn. We as caring individuals should help in that area that is available to us.

This accomplishment was made with the help of others. We wish to extend a heartfelt thank-you for the generosity from the following:

YMCA, Wal-Mart, Coy's Car Corner, Wyatt Wedgeworth Memorial Fund, Gold Wing Road Rider Association, Weyerhaeuser, Richard Sumrall, Lincoln Lions Club, Lincoln College, Gail Wise, Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary, Lincoln IGA, Walgreens stores, Lincoln Police Department's DARE program, Brooklyn and Blake Hermes, Shelbi Frye, Bobi Frye (Frye's Upholstery Recovery Room), State Bank of Lincoln, Lincoln Office, Marty Fulton, Area Disposal.

[to top of second column in this letter]

Thank you to the anonymous donors of school supplies, all the people who continue to support our rib-eye steak sandwich sales at Lincoln IGA and everyone who supported our garage sale this summer.

We also wish to thank our sister chapters for their donations. To Lincoln Daily News: Thank you for the wonderful coverage. To CIEDC: Thank you for working with us and accepting applications from outlying Logan County communities.

Oh, to see the smile on the child's face walking into the classroom with his or her own bag and supplies, just like all the other children!

Already, we are working with the YMCA with preparations for 2005. If you have questions or would like to make a donation for 2005, please call Shanda Roderick at 737-1967 or Lois Vannoy at 737-0360 or write to Beta Sigma Phi, Preceptor Eta Chapter, 1501 N. Union St., Lincoln, IL 62656.

Thank you tremendously,
Shanda Roderick and Lois Vannoy
Co-chairpersons

(posted 9-3-04)

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Celebrating Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month

Dear Editor:

Gov. Rod Blagojevich proclaimed September as Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in Illinois. I'm grateful to have more than 30 years in recovery. Back then the stigma was so great I didn't dare tell anyone. I battled cravings, hoping and praying, but doubtful I'd reach a sober, drug-free life. I made it out alive, but millions still suffer. This letter is a call to action to help me widen the path for those still trapped in addiction to alcohol and other drugs and for those in recovery who've been discriminated against.

I drank to ease the perpetual fear, depression, repressed rage, shame, guilt and bitterness. I drank. I blamed. I ran. I hid. But I couldn't stop the madness, drinking and driving, lashing out -- on a path of self-destruction. A DUI jolted me into recovery.

For the first 2½ years I was sober, I fought off the cravings. Slowly the obsession with alcohol subsided. I fell in love with recovery and helping other women. My life, my career, my passion was, and still is, helping others.

Today we understand, through brain imaging technology and other research, how the brain is hijacked, simple problem-solving is impaired, the body and mind ravaged by alcohol and other drugs -- the anguish of withdrawal crying out for relief. Those once written off as hopeless are now grateful to be in recovery. The stigma is still a huge barrier for those still addicted and for people in recovery who experience discrimination.

[to top of second column in this letter]

My request to the media is that every time you speak or write about addiction or tell any story about an alcoholic or drug addict, you also include:

• A sentence or two about the millions of addicts in recovery who reach out, get help to turn their lives around, clean up the wreckage of the past, and become productive and happy citizens.
• Or a sentence about addictions, prevention and treatment services available in your area.

• Or an invitation to participate in Recovery Month activities.

Please help reduce the stigma and make this a recovery-friendly world -- during Recovery Month in September and all year.

If you or someone you know has a problem with alcohol or other drugs, call the state of Illinois hot line and referral to services at [phone].

Sincerely,
Maya Hennessey, B.A., CRADC, MISA II
Grateful to be in recovery!
Consultant-trainer
Women and addictions
Chicago

(posted 9-7-04)