For several years Bernie Quartaroli, SMART Recovery volunteer and Local Coordinator in Warwick, Rhode Island, had a vision of bringing a SMART Recovery meeting to the Annual Laconia Bike Week in Laconia, New Hampshire. Thanks to advancements in our technology, we were able to make his vision a reality this year and we are so glad we did! This pop-up meeting was held on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at Navigating Recovery of the Lakes Region and although there were just four attendees, including himself, Bernie considered the meeting a success.

Joyce Fulweiler, another of our SMART volunteers, who runs a Family & Friends meeting at Navigating Recovery came in after hours to open the room for Bernie and decided to stay for the meeting. She stated, “It was a wonderful, educational experience to connect with Bernie and the other folks present” and went on to tell us that because of this connection she was inspired to start a 4-point SMART Recovery meeting in the future. She even told Bernie “Don’t be surprised if I zoom into your meeting from time to time.  I can learn so much from you.”

Not only did Bernie make a connection with Joyce, but he was also able to meet an active 2-year attendee of his Zoom meeting who vacations in the area. Also with them was an old friend of Bernie’s that made the 3-hour trip with him to learn more about what he does. All that were present were delighted that Dr. Joe Gerstein’s Hierarchy of Values tool was presented after the opening statement, general information, and check-ins were completed.  The lives that were touched through these connections are sure to create a ripple effect that will impact many lives. We are fortunate to have such dedicated volunteers who think outside of the box to help make SMART Recovery known everywhere.  Thank you for everything you do!