CLARKS SUMMIT — Open the Dialogue, a substance abuse awareness series for caretakers of students in grades 5-12 and beyond, will continue from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 19 at The Gathering Place, 304 S. State St. Children ages 12 and up are also welcome.

Titled “Journeys into Recovery: Let’s Be Open,” the third part in the series will explore the journeys of six people recovering from addiction.

Admission is free, but tickets are required and may be obtained via The Gathering Place Facebook Page or by emailing Anne Armezzani at gatheringplaceCS@gmail.com. Attendees will be entered to win a large screen TV and a Safer Lock Box.

This four-part series is dedicated to opening the dialogue concerning the drug epidemic that plagues the nation and local communities. The goal is to begin to eliminate the fear, secrecy, shame and stigma that are the hallmarks of substance abuse.

“I am a 36-year-old mother, wife, sister, daughter and employee. I am celebrating five years of continuous recovery,” said Katie Gross, one of the evening’s panelists, in a news release. “My journey was long and heartbreaking. I am living proof that no matter how bad things get, you can always change your life. Some people aren’t lucky enough to have that chance. This is why I share my story in the hopes that this will reach someone who is caught in the grips of this lethal illness.”

Other April 19 panelists include Gary Davis, of Families Helping Families; Sharon Porey, family counselor, Clearbrook Treatment Centers; Michael Arcangeletti, assistant clinical director, A Better Today; Evan Glass; PJ Bone and Martin Russo, CRS, The Wright Center.

Panelists for Open the Dialogue: Part 3 are, from left, Gary Davis, Families Helping Families; Sharon Porey, family counselor, Clearbrook Treatment Centers; Michael Arcangeletti, assistant clinical director, A Better Today; Katie Gross and Evan Glass. Absent at the time of the photo were PJ Bone and Martin Russo, CRS, The Wright Center.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_ABJ-DialoguePt3.jpg.optimal.jpgPanelists for Open the Dialogue: Part 3 are, from left, Gary Davis, Families Helping Families; Sharon Porey, family counselor, Clearbrook Treatment Centers; Michael Arcangeletti, assistant clinical director, A Better Today; Katie Gross and Evan Glass. Absent at the time of the photo were PJ Bone and Martin Russo, CRS, The Wright Center. Submitted photo
Part 3 in substance abuse awareness series to highlight stories of recovery