Martinsburg Renew

Today is Day for the letter M of the April Blogging Challenge. Today we are halfway through the challenge. Today is the day for the Letter M and my post is about Martinsburg Renew. I feel very honored today to share with you Martinsburg as well as to share a wonderful story about the founder, Andrew Garcia. On many days he is known around here as Officer Garcia.

Martinsburg Renew is a grassroots ministry focused on building up the community by giving everyone opportunities for enrichment. Our hopes are to build a giant network that will make sure that everyone who needs or wants an opportunity for enrichment (be it recreational activity, social opportunity, employment, or addictions

Community Event: Operation Warm Up

Sharing from Facebook

Local Entrepreneur Reaches Out to the Community

Local entrepreneur Mr. Winchester Hopkins is seeking mentors for his program. He says in a Facebook post:

WE NEED MENTORS!!!! IF YOU NEED ANY KIND OF ASSISTANCE (addiction recovery, job/career assistance, mentorship for your kids, entrepreneurship and how to set up your business, wealth building, setting up college fund for your kids, Lawyers for guidance on legal issues

Announcement: Newness of Life Lazrus House Coming To Martinsburg

I have been behind on the blogging for a couple of days. I had some Internet troubles earlier in the week and then it just flowed over. Big inventory coming at work so been very busy there this week. A big announcement was made earlier this week on Facebook by Justin Ponton, Director of The Newness of Life in Huntington, WV:

As you may of heard, Newness of Life is going to be coming to Martinsburg to kickoff a new chapter in Berkeley County. Through some talking and urging from the ...Berkeley County's Recovery Resource Coordinator, it is going to happen real soon. We utilized the new Berkeley County Recovery Resource Center to help guide us through this venture. We are excited to be working together as a team to help with the Heroin epidemic and substance abuse in Berkeley County!

The reason Lazarus House was chosen as the name is because when I think about being brought back to life I can't think of a better example than a drug addict finding a newness of life without drugs and alcohol, without criminal activity, and without the feeling of hopelessness that plagued me in my addiction. Please share your stories of being brought back to life with #IamLazarus and post here on the Lazarus House page. Let's show the world that there is hope and that there ...is a better way.

John 11:17-23
On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.
“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

Our Newness Of Life Director Of Operations Kevin Bowman will be moving to Martinsburg 1/27 to begin the process of opening a new location! Keep an eye out for Newness of Life Lazarus House coming to Martinsburg real soon!

This is great news for many of us in this area.

If you are struggling with addiction problems OR if you have a loved one struggling with addiction problems please reach out to Justin Ponton @ 304- 972-6601 or Kevin Bowman @ 304-412-0668 today. Please visit their Facebook Pages (links above) and visit their website @ Newness of Life

pic belongs to: The Newness of Life

The Hope Dealer Project

Locally we have two ladies in our community who do so much for others- for families in our community of active users, for anyone using and abusing who is ready to get the help they need and for those like us- the family of someone using and abusing heroin and other drugs.

They do not get the recognition that they so deserve.

Not only do they go above and beyond helping families and active users in the community but together they co-chair our local Nar Anon group and make it possible for us to meet each Sunday.
So, today I am highlighting and featuring a small local non profit organization called,

The Hope Dealer Project

"This group was born to bring hope, strength and healing to addicts and family members. 

Once a parent becomes aware that their beautiful child is an addict... hopefully, we will learn the truth about the impending situation sooner rather than later. Here are some truths that I have learned: 

Parents are enablers. We enable in ways we do not recognize such as handing out cash for "gas" or "food" when in fact, this money is inadvertently used for "drugs" T

his is something you will learn when dealing with an addict.  They are the best story tellers ever! They can make us believe outlandish stories which we would not believe from someone else, but these are our children, our husbands, our wives. They are people we love, how can we not believe them? 

We learn to do things differently in order to support them without enabling them. It's definitely not easy and it hurts!  But it can be done. We did not cause the addiction. We cannot control the addiction and we cannot cure the addiction. All we can do is educate ourselves, get support for ourselves and learn ways to BREATHE as we make it through each day loving our addicts. 

When we begin the terrible journey of turmoil and horrific consequences that the life of an addict involves, we are forced to learn and try to understand. It is only then that we are able to empathize with the addict while making sure that we take the time to "save ourselves"  

One thing is for sure, life as we knew it will never be the same, but with God's grace we can make a positive difference in the lives of others.

As parents, we will do ANYTHING to take away the pain and smooth the road for our loved ones, but we must be aware of certain truths because even as we struggle against the truth, we find that we're we are powerless.  By accepting the truth, we can begin to help the addict by helping ourselves. Feel free to reach out."

Message us Today!
Don't Be Alone!
Sending you much love and understanding.

To get more information call The Hope Dealer Project at 844-383-4673

You can find them on Facebook at The Hope Dealer Project

© 2016 The Hope Dealer Project

Challenge Myself: Day #66 Family Projects

Today is Day #66 of our Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today is to spend one hour working on a family project, or an arts and crafts.

What child doesn't like this idea?

Back when my kids were growing up we sent them to Vacation Bible School. Not just Bible School at our church, every church here in town. They loved the crafts and projects and for a time our house displayed macaroni picture frames and birdhouses made with popsicle sticks.

The book says,

After the dishes are done and the homework has been put away, turn off the television and turn on your creativity.

Get out the craft box and create something fun, whimsical, or beautiful with your kids.

Quality time with your children is never wasted. They need time with you to feel loved and wanted. Instead of allowing them to sit in front of the television and get bombarded with undesirable messages, establish an hour of family fellowship, and watch them thrive.

I've made homemade play dough for my grandson. You don't have to be artistic to be creative. If you have young children Lowes and Home Depot have projects for young children also.

Also if you live local don't forget the Be-Hive for kids 13 and under. Visit their webpage @ Be-Hive
The Be-Hive is great family fun. They do arts and crafts as well as learn fun and exciting things.

Just For Today: I will close my eyes, breathe and allow for some creative ideas to flow into my mind.

Here is a link to some kids project ideas:
23 DIY Projects For Kids

From the book: Live Happy

National Overdose Awareness

Starting today it is likely that you will see a lot of Facebook Pages lit up Purple for this month. August 31st is International Overdose Prevention Awareness Day.

In my opinion, everyday should be overdose prevention awareness day. I gave a lot of my ribbons away on July 23rd at our meetup. One lady asked for twenty to give to those she knew so they too can rock the purple ribbon.

Just the fact that people are still overdosing on heroin here in my town and people are still dying here in my town indicates we still have a lot of work to do here in Berkeley County and Martinsburg, WV.

The stigma of this disease is still alive and kicking here in this county and city. I have talked to so many people here. There are those who have lost a loved one. There are those going through this with someone they love.

Then there are those who haven't even gotten here yet.

Rock'in Recovery

Challenge Myself: Day #38 Lend A Helping Hand

Today is Day #38 of our Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says that we should give a helping hand when it is needed.

The book says,

Join others who want to make their lives count for the greater good. One way to find meaning in your life is by devoting time, money, and expertise to the fight for others who have been unjustly imprisoned.

Their voices have been silenced.

Amnesty International works hard to expose such human rights abuses. The organization and it's supporters have helped save the lives of thousands of victims from torture and execution at the hands of rogue warlords, armed guerillas and oppressive regimes and governments.

Your help is needed and wanted. Contact Amnesty International to find out how you can help.

Not meaning to change the subject away from the heroin epidemic today, but have you ever heard of Leonard Peltier? Leonard was a member of the American Indian Movement and in 1972 was accused of shooting and killing two FBI Agents at Pine Ridge in self defense and was subsequently convicted. You can read his story by reading about him on wiki Leonard Peltier

Leonard's case is just one of the cases on Amnesty International.

Volunteering is a great way to make a difference. Here locally in Martinsburg we have the Berkeley County Senior Center, the humane society is always seeking volunteers to help out. Whatever your passion you are likely to find a group for that cause.

Volunteer Match. org
Non-Profit Volunteer

Just For Today: I will lend a hand when needed

Amnesty International USA

pic found @ Helping Hand

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #37 Join A Club

Today is Day #37 of our Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says that we should join a club.

The book says,

One way to make your life more meaningful is to join others in working to save the planet. Sometimes things can be accomplished only when working in concert with other like-minded individuals in groups like the Sierra Club or the Rainforest Action Network.

Joining a group of people who share your feelings about a common cause can inspire you to do things you might never do on your own. Plus, there is truth that there's strength in numbers.

Although one person working alone may not be able to save a rainforest, thousands or millions of people rallying around a single goal might just accomplish it.

Now, while I am concerned about the planet Earth, I am more concerned about the heroin epidemic here in our community. I know that things are being accomplished because of the groups coming together to work side by side.

Just since April I myself have had the courage to come forward out of the stigma of feeling alone. I have met so many wonderful people a long the way. I notice the Berkeley County Heroin Epidemic Awareness Facebook Group is growing in numbers. The Bikers Against Heroin is growing. Take for instance The Hope Dealers Group, Mom's Against Heroin Groups and Someone's Child.

It's okay to branch out, but we need to remember that everyone needs to work together because we only have one goal to accomplish here- to bring more awareness to our community. We have so much work to do.


Just For Today: I will do my part.

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #36 Help In Dire Times of Need

Today is Day #36 of our Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today is to call the police for help if you witness a crime

I know most people do not want to be involved in any matters like that and likely for many reasons. For one, fear of retribution.

The book says,

Don't turn a blind eye or deaf ear to criminal activity or injustice. Stand up for what is right. If you witness an accident a robbery, abuse of a child (even if it appears the abuser is the parent), dial 9-1-1.

Fear of reprisal or worry that getting involved may eat up too much of your time or cause you stress seems trivial when you consider that the crime could happen to a member of your own family. If so, you would want other's to help, especially if they witnessed what had transpired.

Aid someone in distress. Heling another person can be gratifying, and even make you happy whereas doing nothing can cause feelings of guilt and remorse.

If you saw someone in need of help would you?

If you saw someone overdosed on heroin would you call for help? Would you render help?

Have you ever witnessed a crime? Did you call the police or 9-1-1 for help?

We live in uncertain times don't we?

Just For Today: I will let go of the fear of the unknown.

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #33 A Giving Heart- Community Generosity

Today is Day #33 of our Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today is about Community Generosity

The book says,

Pick ripe fruit off your backyard trees and box it up for a local food bank to give to the poor. Giving your surplus fruit and produce to a local food bank will help feed people without resources or options to purchase everything they need.

You'll be glad to know you did something nice for someone else and that the excess fruit and vegetables won't be wasted. Even if you live in a city and don't have fruit trees, you could share vegetables and herbs from it with the poor.

We here in West Virginia we have witnessed many acts

Second Annual Feed The Community

The First Steps in Healing and Recovery For Martinsburg/Berkeley County WV

Yesterday evening we were invited to a sit down meeting with Councilman Kevin Knowles who has also been appointed as Berkeley County's Community Recovery Services Coordinator. He invited us to tell him about our son Kyle who has struggled with heroin and opiate addiction now for the past eleven years and to tell us his plans for the future of Martinsburg and Berkeley County as it relates to the heroin, opiate and drug problem we have here.

He shared with us his plans for his Recovery Resource Center and we got to visit the center which is still under construction and is

If We Do Nothing...

About a month ago I held a Community Awakening, Memorial and Vigil to bring attention to our growing heroin epidemic here in Berkley County, West Virginia.

This event was to bring us all together in one place. That place is the site of the proposed treatment center here in Martinsburg, West Virginia.

About fifty people attended from various groups here in the county. All of us coming together as one. The goal I had in mind then is still the goal I have in mind today. We have to make them see in such a way that they cannot deny this problem any longer. This will not go away on it's own.

Although a month ago I still remember the words of Mr. James Boyd that day when he said,

"If we do nothing this will hit those who haven't even made it here yet."

Boy was he right. Yesterday I learned that three young people from our county who just graduated from high school six days ago are dead from an overdose. There was a graduation party this past weekend and from the stories I am hearing about it they apparently bought what they thought was cocaine. It was either pure heroin or it was cocaine laced with heroin I'm not sure which since our county officials- Sheriffs Department- has not come forward to the news paper with this story.

I am saddened, but I am not shocked or surprised.

I am saddened that another family is going through this; yet I'm not shocked or surprised that this has happened.

Back In History: It Just Had To Be The Pot

It couldn't have been all the LSD and Acid!

This is a continuing discussion about Berkeley County's out of control drug problem. Weeks ago I posted one of several I have written on the subject of, Should Pot Be Legal?

I was born and raised here in Martinsburg. My parents took me to church every Sunday and also talked about why we should never use drugs. Maybe that should say they used scare tactics back then to explain it.
As a kid I was scared to death of drugs. Back in those days the majority of kids I went to school with was raised the same way we were.
Back in those days on Sundays you were in church. Everyone knew each other here in town. At the stores or when out you ran into people

RU Recovery Program Here In Berkeley County

RU one of the over 30 million Americans that struggle with an addiction? RU tired of talking about your problems and not being given the tools to overcome them?

Shenandoah Bible Baptist Church here in Martinsburg, WV offers this faith-based program. They also offer free nursery care for young ones and also free transportation to and from for those who attend.

They meet every Friday Night from 7 PM to 9:30 PM at their church located at

Visit their website @ Shenandoah Bible Baptist Church
For more information on this program or you can call 240-630-4268 to get more information

Their church is located at 2251 Williamsport Pike Route 11 North in Martinsburg, West Virginia

Be Careful Of Your Words and What You Say Today...

After some emails here it comes... Remember, Be careful of your words and what you say today...

Words can sometimes come back to bite!

I think this post is going to go out to those who walk around wearing their high heels on their cloud with the attitude of...

This won't happen to me.

How many of you know someone like that, though? Let me tell you, I and all the other parents affected by this heroin epidemic never once said,

Hmmm, I think I'll raise a child to be a heroin addict.

My personal share:

Bikers Against Heroin WV Chapter

pic belongs to Bikers Against Heroin

Locally helping with this epidemic is the Bikers Against Heroin, WV Chapter led by Dee Stotelmyer Pierce

BIKERS AGAINST HEROIN - A LEGAL NON PROFIT Corporation of the United States of America

TRYING TO HELP and RAISE AWARENESS ON HOW BAD THIS DEADLY EPIDEMIC IS and VOW to HELP AS MANY AS WE CAN

Bikers Against Heroin also has a Facebook Group. You can find them @ Bikers Against Heroin

picture belongs to Bikers Against Heroin

The Community Awakening, Memorial and Vigil

On April 24, 2016, We held our first Community Vigil. Here is the video highlight of that day.

The video was taken by Winchester Hopkins currently running for Council At-Large Seat in Martinsburg, WV

Click HERE to watch the video

Thank you, Mr. Hopkins, for this great highlight of the day!!!!

Special Speaker this day was Mr. James Boyd a local vet who is 30 years clean helping us with our voice and making a difference in our community. Mr. James Boyd #staystopped. He along with Mendy Hutton and Laura Griffith are Advocates For Change.

Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Boyd, for all that you are doing and for your message. You give many families Hope that our loved ones will get clean and hopefully one day they will be giving their testimony! You are truly angels in this fight. Thank you to everyone who turned out today to talk, share our stories and prayers for the Hope of a new beginning- this treatment center. For healing for our community.

The weather was great, everyone who came showed support- we needed that. We need to know we don't walk alone. Your stories gave us all hope. To those who are running for office thank you too for sharing your platform. The Advocates For Change, The Bikers Against Heroin, Tim and Emily, Buck Locke who led us in prayer, Tina for Nar-Anon, Jenni Vincent from The Journal who wants to tell the stories. It was wonderful. I know there are more I am missing I'm sorry. I am trying to remember all. To anyone who couldn't make it, you are more than welcome to stop by. There are memorials already placed. Many there want to do this every Sunday. If you would like to, come out next Sunday. God Bless all

Now Sober, Martinsburg Vet Helps Others Kick Drug Habit

The video for this post is the property of Winchester Hopkins

© 2016 Gossip Girl

A Community Uniting

Picture belongs to Laura Griffith

When things like this happen often the only thing you can rely on is your faith to get you through. I've prayed so many prayers. Last year we started hearing that our town leaders were proposing a Treatment and Recovery Centerhere in Martinsburg, WV. The site already had a building that was sitting empty for many years at 750 Baltimore St. in Martinsburg.
What a relief!!! Finally!!!! But then as often happens, a fight began over this treatment center by our town leaders: Martinsburg City Council and Berkeley County Council.

It began as the usual: Who is going to pay for it?

Here we are all these months later and we are no closer to seeing this treatment center become reality. Meanwhile, the numbers of overdose continue to rise. The number of deaths continues to rise.

I and others are starting to realize that this recovery center won't become reality until it hits the town leaders doorstep. OR Has it already?

For months, while in prayer for my own son I get this feeling that I am supposed to do something? For a time I wondered is there a lesson I am supposed to learn from all of this.

A few weeks ago my son did something very stupid to get his fix. It hit me one day. If they refuse to listen to our voices, our begging, and pleading for this treatment center... maybe then we have to show them in a huge way. It hit me. What if I went to the site and started a memorial?

BUT...

I am not facing this struggle all alone. There are many other families struggling. Many do not know the resources out there. I know I didn't. There was a feeling that I have to ask others.

This feeling weighed heavy until one day I just said a quiet prayer... Lord, if this is what I am supposed to do then you know I cannot do this alone. Show me in some way. Lead me to someone else who can help.

A little while later I signed onto Facebook and visited a local group page for Heroin Awareness and although I had been hearing his name and reading the stories in the newspaper about him I really didn't know who Mr. James Boyd was but for some reason, I was led to contact him. I did.

I thought, Oh My Lord this fellow is going to think I am a real loony. He doesn't even know me. Within a few minutes, he contacted me back wanting to hear more about this Community Memorial and Prayer Vigil.

We spoke of the legalities of gathering at the site and having a time of reaching out, hearing about the resources and sharing stories and praying.

We held this on Sunday, April 24, 2016.

Many thanks to everyone who came out that day. (Which I will be sharing) Many thanks to those in the political field running for office who came out that day in support of us. Many thanks to Jenni Vincent a writer for our local newspaper, The Journal who came out and is sharing our stories. She is very passionate about this heroin epidemic our community is facing. Of course, it made front page news but wasn't shared on The Journal Facebook page that day but that is okay. She did a wonderful job on the stories.


I checked these links and they've removed them from their archives and I have no idea why.

Residents Come Together For Anti- Heroin Memorial Service

Anti Heroin Advocacy Group Has More Thank 1,000 Online Members

© 2016 Gossip Girl