Free recovery celebration event to be held at Hodag Park

Oneida County will mark National Recovery Month with a free, family-friendly event aimed at celebrating recovery journeys and connecting residents with local support services.
The “Light Up the Night for Recovery” event will take place Wednesday, September 17, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Hodag Park Amphitheater in Rhinelander. The outdoor gathering will feature a community resource fair, games, refreshments, raffle prizes, and personal story-sharing sessions.
“Recovery is real when people receive the support they need when they need it,” said Tekia, an instructor at Nicolet College. “As a community, we can support one another by creating an environment where resources are available and people feel safe seeking help.”
The event’s keynote speaker will be the Honorable Mary Sowinski, newly elected Oneida County circuit court judge.
According to Jenny Chiamulera, Community Health Specialist at the Oneida County Health Department, the event serves multiple purposes beyond celebration. “The Light Up the Night for Recovery Event embraces local speakers as they share their stories,” Chiamulera explained. “Lived experience is valuable and storytelling is a powerful tool to help us understand what substance use disorder really is.”

The initiative addresses a widespread issue affecting all demographics. Mental health and substance use disorders impact communities across all walks of life and age groups, organizers noted. Risk factors include difficulty coping, social environment, untreated behavioral issues, and genetics - factors unrelated to personal character or willpower.
The event is organized through the Oneida County Substance Use Coalition, with support from multiple partner organizations including Nicolet College, the Northwoods Coalition, Rhinelander Police Department, The Human Service Center, Wisconsin Voices for Recovery, Oneida County Human Services, the Oneida County Health Department, and Casa Mexicana.
Attendees will have access to information about various recovery resources, including the We Care Line for peer recovery support (715-362-1467), the Tri-County Crisis Number (1-888-299-1188), and the 988 crisis support line available 24/7.
For more information about the event, contact Jenny Chiamulera at jchiamulera@oneidacountywi.gov or 715-369-6186. Additional resources and materials are available through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at samhsa.gov/recovery-month.