The LCADA Way's Diamond Day Recovery Reunion celebrates sobriety in agency's 40th year

AVON — Organizers of The LCADA Way's Diamond Day Recovery Reunion at Mercy Health Stadium in Avon on Saturday were hoping to hit a home run with a celebration for the recovery community, a part of the agency's 40th anniversary celebration year. The COVID-19 pandemic caused several events to be canceled, postponed or downsized, so heading into 2021 the organization wanted to find a way to celebrate its 40th anniversary with a fun day outdoors for the recovery community, staff and supporters, said Joe Matuscak, director of marketing and development. It was a free afternoon of fun for the several hundred people who showed up at the home field of the Lake Erie Crushers independent baseball team — who were "absolutely so gracious" to rent out the stadium, Matuscak said. There was a photo booth, ballpark food and numerous basket raffles for health care, crafting and cleaning supplies, coffee and treats. Comedian Mark Lundholm, who does recovery humor, came from California to perform for the crowd. An alumni-versus-staff softball game ended in a 14-14 tie, with Dave Rivera of WOBL/WDLW radio doing a play-by-play of the action. Children also were allowed to run the bases on the field before and after the game. Blank posters along the concourse invited attendees to write what their "biggest lie" to continue their destructive behavior was, but also what they were grateful for. Big lies included "I need diapers," "I need gas money" or "I'll stop on Monday." Grateful thoughts were for "sobriety," "Road to Hope and being sober!" and "second chances." There also was a "recovery countdown" planned, where attendees were invited to shout out how long they have been sober, as well as speeches by those in recovery, telling their personal stories. Matuscak said a committee of six came up with the idea of an outdoor alumni reunion "jam" as a "fun thing, a celebration" of sobriety and fellowship honoring clients, customers, staff, families and friends, past and present. "We're really excited to be outdoors on a beautiful day," he said. "I hope it looks good and I hope everyone is having a good time." The organization was founded in July 1981 as Lorain County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services Inc. after the merger of the Lorain County Council on Alcoholism and Midway Health Center. It focuses on helping those suffering from alcohol or substance abuse, gambling addiction and other behavioral health issues. Known as The LCADA Way since October 2015 and with centers in Lorain, Erie, Medina and Cuyahoga counties, it is dedicated to becoming Northeast Ohio's premier recovery center, President and CEO Dan Haight said. "We can't do it without the community and family," he said, calling the day a fun "celebration of recovery." The agency's next big event is its annual Pearls of Wisdom benefit and recognition dinner on Oct. 21 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Independence, with guest keynote speaker former U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy. Dr. Alexander and Maria Zolli, Dr. Nicholas Ksenich, Road to Hope and the Erie County Health Department also will be recognized at the event. For event information including sponsorships or auction donations, call (440) 989-4919. For earlybird tickets, visit www.thelcadaway.org. Contact Dave O'Brien at (440) 329-7129 or dobrien@chroniclet.com. Follow him @daveobrienCT on Twitter.