Fun Day focuses on drug prevention
CHICORA — The second annual Community Family Fun Day — With a Purpose! will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Chicora Park on Route 68.
The community is invited to attend this no-cost afternoon featuring prevention strategies regarding addiction and recovery options.
“We all have a duty to our Creator to address serious issues like this together,” said the Rev. John Pistorious, pastor at St. John's Reformed Church of Donegal Township and president of the Petroleum Valley Ministerium.
“Ministers of the Petroleum Valley and East Brady worked together last year and plan to again. Unity among the members of the Christian churches benefits the entire community,” Pistorius said.
“We know how to step over the lines that divide us. We know how to work as a team to meet the needs of the community in this effort,” Pistorius added.
The Chicora Alliance Church is credited with taking the lead, and many members stepped up to help. Other churches, including St. John's of Donegal Township, Karns City and Chicora Methodist, Zion Baptist, Karns City Church of God of Prophecy, Holy Trinity Lutheran of Petrolia, Fairview Presbyterian, St. Patrick Roman Catholic, East Brady Baptist and Trinity Reformed participated and gave help in a variety of ways. Members of churches from other areas participated also.
“We want to reach as many people as possible with addiction prevention information, the signs of addiction and recovery options information,” Pistorius said.
Last year's event saw nearly 600 people registering during the day. The goal is to more than duplicate that event.
“We aim to improve the quality of every aspect of the event and draw as many people as possible to receive information,” Pistorious added.
Funds from the last event were reinvested into this year's program. “We've scheduled blow-up structures, games and entertainment,” Pistorius said.
“Speakers include Charlene Eckert from Walk of Hope, (Butler County) Commissioner Leslie Osche, Andrew Perry, Sheriff Mike Slupe and Pastor Joe Olkowski from Zion Church speaking on the Celebrate Recovery Program,” said Gloria Jane Bromley one of the organizers of the day. “Washboard Tony and Friends of God will be providing music.”
Last year, more than 100 silent auction items were one of the most popular of the attractions.
“Our offerings this year include six months' underground storage, car cleaning items, bicycles, women's and men's personal grooming items, gift cards and more,” said Pistorious.
Opioid death numbers are down, but the message is still a vital one.
Pastor Mark Wallace of Chicora Alliance Church said, “This afternoon event will inform and educate the community about prevention and recovery options.
“With the death toll lower this year, some might be tempted to reduce efforts, but we see it as a call to action. We want to reach people with a positive message because this issue affects everyone one way or another,” said Wallace.
