November 15, 2007
Thursday AM

Ketchikan, Alaska - Celebrating sobriety and a healthy way of living to address alcoholism, the 16th Annual Sobriety Celebration will be held at the Ted Ferry Civic Center on Friday, November 16th. Honorary speakers will share their personal stories of how they became sober, their challenges and successes.

The Sobriety Celebration will begin with an AA meeting at 12 noon, a light lunch, followed by other activities throughout the day including a staking ceremony, and dance group performances. A turkey dinner will begin at 5 pm. Participants are requested to contribute to the dinner by bringing potluck salads & desserts.

Thurston Ketah, founder of Ketchikan's Sobriety Celebration, said that he came up with the idea of a local celebration after he heard about a sobriety celebration program in Anchorage. He thought, "Why can't we have one too?"

Thurston has been sober 16 years. It has been a challenge along the way but Thurston said by staying busy he's been able to focus on his sobriety and the sobriety of others. Thurston credits his sponsor Ernie B. with helping him to live a sober life.

To-date, Ketchikan Indian Community (KIC), Alaska Native Brotherhood/Alaska Native Sisterhood (ANB/ANS), the City of Ketchikan and the U.S. Coast Guard are helping to sponsor the 16th Annual Sobriety Celebration event. A&P, Tatsuda's and Safeway have also contributed generously to the event.

Asked if he needs help with anything else for this year's celebration, Thurston said, "We need local community members to bring potluck dishes and to share in this celebration."

The Sobriety Celebration will begin at noon on Friday, November 16th at the Ted Ferry Civic Center. Dinner will be at 5 pm. The event will end around 9 pm after dance group performances by three local Native dance groups.

All are welcome.

Source of News:

Ketchikan Indian Community
www.kic-tribe.org

 

SitNews ©2007
Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska