Loose Leaf Notes

– The following first appeared in the March 19, 2015 issue of The Floyd Press.

The 3^rd annual Community Forum addressing the problems and solutions of methamphetamine addiction in Floyd took place Tuesday evening at the Floyd County High School.  The well-attended educational event was hosted by they citizen group STOMP (Standing Together to Overcome the Meth Problem) and included a fellowship dinner, musical entertainment, door prizes and a host of speakers.

Educational videos, including one made by local high school students who participated in a Digital Storytelling project, were played in between speakers and the announcements of door prize winners.

Judge Marc Long gave an impassioned presentation about the importance of establishing a Drug Court in Floyd County, which would allow non-violent offenders to avoid incarceration.   He explained that the structure and  support that Drug Court provides saves money and lives.  The process involves working with attorneys, probation and parole officers to identify
who will be a good fit for the program, which provides housing, counseling, jobs and whatever is needed.

Judge Stephanie Shortt, Floyd County’s former Commonwealth’s Attorney, spoke about the benefit of Drug Courts, but also noted that incarceration has also saved lives, saying, “Sometimes you have to hold people accountable.” She stressed the importance of early intervention and urged parents to notice when their child is going down the wrong path.  “You can’t be in denial.”

Representatives from Mental Health America and The New River Valley
Community Services spoke about programs and resources to address addiction, as well as the connection between substance abuse and mental health.

Three past Floyd County High School students, including Amber Dalton, Paige Hall and Adam Myers, gave moving testimonials describing their painful experiences with addiction and their paths to sobriety.  Dalton was helped by way of a Therapeutic Community within a correctional facility environment.  Hall completed a program at New Life Recovery Center in Radford and Myers made his recovery at Eagles Nest Regeneration, a faith based residential drug and alcohol treatment ministry in Floyd County.

“I began to grow and prosper in that environment,” Adam Meyers said about his yearlong program of recovery at Eagles Nest, where he was supported to start an organic farm and went on to
become a staff member.  Along with the program, Meyers cited prayer and the love and care of his family for helping him overcome his addictions.  He received a round of applause when he told the audience that he was engaged to be married in May.

Photos: 1. Deborah Baum and Dr. Joe Baum, a founding STOMP committee member, are ready to pass tickets for door prizes that were donated by local businesses and included a pie from Tuggles Gap, a gift certificate from Healing Tree Wellness Center, cutting boards from Phoenix Hardwoods and
a birdhouse from C.W. Harman.  Also pictured is Board of Supervisor Lauren Yoder.  2. The self-serve buffet included homemade chili and salad.  3. Judge Marc Long (center), one of the evening’s speakers, talks with an STOMP event attendee prior to the program. Also pictured is James Pritchett (left) from New River Valley Community Services. Pritchett was instrumental in bringing a Drug Court to Pulaski and is working with Long to expand it to Floyd and neighboring counties.  4. Smart Mouth, a band that included STOMP committee member Doug Chancey (far left), performed during dinner. 5. Dr. Baum talks with Peter Burggraf of Eagles Nest. 6. MC Linda DeVito fields questions from the audience for Adam Myers. Myers gave a moving testimonial of his years of drug abuse and his recovery, which began at Eagles Nest.  7. Laken Quesenberry receives a $100 first place prize presented by Jack Wall, Chair of the STOMP committee.  Quesenberry’s art was chosen for the STOMP billboard displayed along Route 221 north.