Update: Inspiring Stories of Hope & Recovery Shared by "Not an Easy Fix" at Somerville High School Aug. 18

SOMERVILLE, NJ - Anticipating inclement weather this weekend "Not an Easy Fix" has moved its planned outdoor event on the Somerset County Courthouse lawn to the Somerville High School auditorium for a "Night of Community, Honoring & Healing" on Sunday, Aug. 18 from 6-8:30 p.m.

The high school is located at 221 Davenport St.

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Not An Easy Fix is a 501c3 non-profit organization that focuses its efforts on Somerville and Somerset County.

Its mission is to:
• Educate and Raise Awareness about the Opioid Epidemic and Fentanyl Crisis;
• Advocate and Take Action against the Stigma of the Disease of Addiction;
• Provide Resource Information for Prevention of & Recovery from Substance Use Disorder;
● Remember & Honor loved ones lost to addiction.

The evening begins with an hour of music and mingling, with representatives of area addiction related organizations hosting information centers with handouts, brochures and educational materials.

Narcan Training & Kits will also be available to 30 participants (sign up at 6 p.m.) from Somerset Treatment Services.

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There will be ‘Live Art’ by artists Javier Funes & Tony X, a kids’ table, giveaways, post-its message board and snacks.

Father Ron Pollock of St. John’s Episcopal Church will offer a blessing, followed by a memorial tribute for Maryrose Fealey, a former committee member who was murdered earlier this year outside her mother's home on North Bridge Street.

Following will be a brief ‘back story’ introduction by Ellen and Jack Rannells, co-founders, whose son Jackson started the organization to help others struggling with substance abuse before a relapse claimed his life.

Several community members will share information on prevention, treatment and recovery and how their programs and goals support those in need.

Speakers will include Somerville Mayor Brian Gallagher, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, as well as Zachary Berliner, Human Services Department and Stigma Free Somerset.

After a special presentation of the original music video ‘God Willin’ by Marques Jackson &
Loon! There will be personal stories of recovery shared by NAEF’s Committee member Mike
Mannion, and Ken Musgrove & Sarah Popa of Community in Connection.

As the event draws to a close, several individuals will present “Moments for Memories”/
”They Were So Much More Than Their Addiction” describing the special attributes of their
loved ones that were lost to this insidious disease.

To add your loved one’s photo to the Not An Easy Fix Photo Wall, visit notaneasyfix.org.

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