2025 Events
LLRC Hosted
Monthly Community Events
LLRC is proud to offer a variety of free monthly and weekly wellness events designed to support the health, connection, and wellbeing of our community. These recurring gatherings bring local partners and LLRC staff together to provide accessible services for anyone who walks through our doors.
-What We Offer Each Month-
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15-Minute Reiki Sessions with Rina-Fey London
Once a month, Rina-Fey offers free 15-minute Reiki sessions to help community members relax, reset, and center themselves. Sessions are first-come, first-served.
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Free Community Haircuts with Kelsey Theriault
Kelsey provides free haircuts once a month for anyone in need. This service helps remove barriers to self-care and supports confidence and wellbeing.
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Weekly Friday Yoga with Lauren & Mikaela
Every Friday, LLRC staff Lauren and Mikaela lead a welcoming, beginner-friendly yoga class focused on movement, grounding, and community.
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HIV & Hepatitis C Testing with Angelea (Frannie Peabody Center)
Each month, Angelea offers free, confidential testing at LLRC with 20-minute results and the opportunity to talk privately about resources and next steps.
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Community Health Worker Drop-In with Alexa (Healthy Oxford Hills)
On the third Thursday of each month, Alexa from Healthy Oxford Hills hosts a drop-in session at LLRC.
She supports individuals of childbearing age with:
-navigating paperwork and systems
-attending appointments for support
-connections to services and resources
-advocacy tailored to individual needs
No appointment is needed — your first meeting is simply a conversation.
Monthly Community Event Info Flyers
LLRC 3rd Annual
Community Thanksgiving Meal
LLRC is deeply grateful for the generosity and kindness that made our Free Community Thanksgiving Meal such a meaningful event. LLRC was able to serve over 50 plates of food throughout the day.
Thanks to the support of local businesses, community members, staff, and volunteers, we were able to welcome guests into a warm and inviting space to share a holiday meal together.
We extend our sincere appreciation to:
Simply Vibes Café
Ralph’s Market & Deli
Debbie & Dennis Gallant
Jackie Pinette & Connie Libby
Glenn & Sandee Gordon
Monica Hayes
Jo Thurston
Veronica Ames
Hope Association
And our dedicated LLRC employees and volunteers
Your contributions of food, time, and effort made it possible for our community to gather, connect, and celebrate the season together. We are proud of the sense of care and connection that filled the room and thankful to everyone who helped make the day feel welcoming and meaningful.
Warm-Up Wednesdays
&
Cereal Share Program
In November 2025, LLRC hosted “Warm-Up Wednesdays,” offering free weekly meals to community members in need. At a time when food access was uncertain for many in the River Valley, LLRC stepped up to provide a warm meal and a welcoming space each Wednesday throughout the month.
These weekly gatherings created an opportunity for connection, support, and nourishment during the colder season. On one of the Wednesdays, LLRC was grateful to receive help from local students assisting in serving meals, demonstrating the power of community involvement and youth engagement in giving back.
The final Wednesday of the month transitioned into LLRC’s separate Thanksgiving meal event, continuing the effort to ensure community members had access to food and fellowship.
In addition to Warm-Up Wednesdays, LLRC also launched a Cereal Share Program throughout November to further address food insecurity. Community members donated boxes of cereal, and LLRC partnered with a local store to provide gift cards for milk so families could have complete breakfast options at home. Together, these efforts reflected LLRC’s commitment to meeting immediate needs while strengthening community care.
WMARI 9th Annual
Recovery Rally
On September 21st, 2025, the Western Maine Addiction Recovery Initiative (WMARI) hosted its Annual Recovery Rally at Moore Park in South Paris, Maine. The event was organized in partnership with The HILLS Recovery Center.
The rally brought together community members, recovery advocates, organizations, and supporters for a day focused on connection, hope, and celebrating recovery in Western Maine. Events like the Recovery Rally help raise awareness, reduce stigma, and highlight the strength of the recovery community across Oxford County and beyond.
Sound Bath
with Rina Fey London
In 2025, LLRC started hosting Sound Bath events. 1 in September, October, and November, led by Rina, who also facilitates our monthly Reiki sessions. Rina wanted to help by offering additional opportunities for relaxation and healing within the community. She guided participants through calming, one-hour sound meditation experiences.
Rina created a peaceful soundscape designed to promote deep relaxation, mindfulness, and stress relief. Participants were invited to sit or lie comfortably while being immersed in soothing vibrations intended to support grounding and overall well-being.
These Sound Bath sessions provided a restorative space for community members to pause, reflect, and recharge in a welcoming and supportive environment.
River Valley Recovers Strong
Annual
Street Dance / Block Party
On August 23rd, 2025, River Valley Recovers Strong (RVRS) hosted its annual Street Dance / Block Party at LLRC, bringing the community together for an evening of music, food, and connection. The street in front of LLRC was closed to traffic as community members gathered to enjoy a free BBQ, street games, door prizes, and a lively, recovery-friendly celebration.
This year’s event featured music provided by MC Hazy Beats and DJ G Waves aka Tommy and Glenn, members of RVRS. They kept the energy up and the dance floor moving throughout the event. Families, friends, and neighbors came together to dance, laugh, and spend time in a welcoming, substance-free space where “bad dancing was highly encouraged.” The Street Dance continues to be a joyful reminder of the power of community, connection, and celebrating recovery together.
Job Fair
LLRC partnered with WorkSource Maine CareerCenter (Wilton Career Center) to host a Job Fair and Hiring Event on August 13th. In LLRC’s newly expanded space, local employers with open positions connected directly with community members to answer questions and explore open employment opportunities.
The event created a supportive and accessible environment for job seekers to network, share resumes, and learn more about available career paths. LLRC was glad to host this event and help connect community members with local employers and workforce resources.
Recover2gether
Ride 2 Recovery
On August 31st, 2025, LLRC was a featured stop during the Recover 2gether: Ride 2 Recovery event, organized by the Recover2gether Facebook Group and led by Randy Beard (founder of Recover2gether). This annual motorcycle ride brought together riders and recovery supporters from across the region to raise awareness and funds for recovery services.
The ride began at the Holistic Sober Center in Whitefield, traveled to LLRC in Rumford for a scheduled stop with refreshments, speakers, and a tour of the center, then continued on to the Franklin County Recovery Center before returning to Whitefield for a closing BBQ and gathering. Proceeds from the ride were shared among the recovery centers featured along the route, helping support recovery programming and community connection.
LLRC is grateful to Recover2gether, Randy Beard, and all who participated in this meaningful event and showed up in support of recovery.
LLRC
5th Annual Golf Tournament
On August 3rd, 2025, the Larry Labonte Recovery Center proudly hosted its 5th Annual Golf Scramble Fundraiser at The Bethel Resort & Suites, with a full roster of 18 four-person teams. Following the tournament, players were invited inside for a pulled-pork BBQ lunch generously provided by Bethel Resort & Suites. The afternoon wrapped up with prizes awarded for longest drive, closest to the pin, and top-placing teams.
Thanks to the generosity and participation of everyone involved, the tournament was a great success. Funds raised directly support LLRC’s mission to provide recovery support, community programming, and essential resources to those we serve. We are grateful to all who played, sponsored, volunteered, and helped make this year’s scramble possible, and we look forward to continuing this tradition in the years ahead.
Gov. Mills
7th Annual Opioid Summit
On July 10th, LLRC staff attended Governor Janet Mills’ 7th Annual Opioid Response Summit, held at the Augusta Civic Center. This statewide event brought together leaders, professionals, and community organizations from across Maine and beyond to share strategies, best practices, and ideas for addressing the opioid crisis.
With the theme Sustaining Progress through Prevention, Perseverance, and Passion, the summit featured keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and the voices of people in recovery. During her opening remarks, Governor Mills referenced LLRC’s Winter Recovery Rally, highlighting how connection and community play a vital role in supporting recovery. LLRC appreciated the opportunity to be part of these conversations focused on prevention, recovery, and continued collaboration to support Maine communities affected by substance use disorder.
Wiener Wendesdays
Every Wednesday, during the month of July, LLRC hosts a FREE Community Hot Dog Giveaway. This year, LLRC moved the event outside, grilling hot dogs and chatting with community members while soaking up the sun.
For one of the Wednesdays, LLRC received an event donation of hot dogs & buns alongside cookies from the local Subway Restaurant, provided by the folks at Thibault Remembrance Center.
Bethel Pride
On June 26th, LLRC attended Bethel Pride, a community celebration of LGBTQIA+ identity, inclusion, and acceptance hosted by BAAM at The Gem and the Telstar High School Civil Rights Team.
LLRC attended with a resource table, sharing information about recovery support services and connecting with community members in an affirming, stigma-free space. Events like Bethel Pride offer an important opportunity to highlight that recovery resources are for everyone, and LLRC was honored to be part of this inclusive and uplifting community gathering.
LLRC & RVRS
Open Mic & Karaoke Nights
River Valley Recovers Strong (RVRS) and LLRC hosted quarterly Open Mic/Karaoke Nights at LLRC. The first event on June 6th marked the first event held in LLRC’s newly expanded space. Community members gathered to sing, share music, and enjoy a fun, welcoming evening together.
The event created a relaxed and supportive environment where people could connect through music and creativity. It was a great example of how LLRC’s expanded space can be used to bring the community together in recovery-friendly and substance-free ways.
WMARI's 21st Annual Basics S.U.D Conference
LLRC attended the Western Maine Addiction Recovery Initiative (WMARI) Basics of Substance Use Disorder Conference on June 6th, 2025, held at the South Paris Fire Department. The conference brought together community members, professionals, and organizations for a day focused on education, collaboration, and strengthening community responses to substance use disorder in Oxford County.
During the conference, Lauren presented alongside Aaron Ryder from The HILLS Recovery Center, sharing information about The Recovery Centers' Student Recovery Coaching Program, how the program operates, and the positive impact it has had on students.
Mikaela, an LLRC staff member, also presented, sharing her personal recovery story as one of the Voices of Recovery, offering attendees a lived-experience perspective on resilience, growth, and the importance of peer support in recovery.
LLRC Expansion
Open House
On June 3rd, 2025, LLRC hosted an open house to celebrate five years of serving the community and to showcase our newly expanded space. Community members, along with state and federal representatives, were welcomed into the newly renovated LLRC facility to learn about the center's growth and future direction.
During the event, LLRC Co-Founder and President Dr. Lonnie Labonte shared the early conversations that led to the creation of LLRC, the steps it took to open, and how the organization plans to continue expanding its resources and services. Gordon H. Smith, Esq., Director of the State of Maine’s Opioid Response, also spoke, highlighting the impact of LLRC’s work and its role in supporting recovery across the region.
Additional remarks were shared by Ben Tucker, representing U.S. Senator Angus King; Carlene Tremblay, representing U.S. Senator Susan Collins, whose leadership helped propose funding for the LLRC expansion through United States Congressional Direct Spending; and Kayleigh Bordeau, who spoke on behalf of State Representative Rachel A. Henderson. Their support underscored the importance of continued investment in recovery services and community-based care.
This Open House marked the beginning of a new chapter for LLRC, with expanded space that allows the center to grow its services, strengthen its mission, and continue walking alongside individuals and families on their recovery journeys.
Cinco De Mayo
LLRC participated in the Cinco de Mayo community event in Mexico Maine, hosted by the Good Samaritan.
The event brought together a variety of community vendors and resource tables, along with food provided by the Mexico Good Samaritan and local food trucks. The celebration was held behind the Mexico town office and offered a welcoming space for community members to gather and connect
Luncheon at The Hills
with Sen. Angus King
On April 23rd, LLRC staff attended a community gathering at The HILLS Recovery Center during a visit from U.S. Senator Angus S. King, Jr. The visit created an opportunity for open conversation about recovery services, community needs, and the real-world impact of addiction and mental health funding in Western Maine.
During the gathering, Senator King joined recovery center staff and Oxford County OPTIONS Liaisons for lunch and discussion, taking time to listen, ask questions, and learn directly from those working on the front lines of recovery support. LLRC was grateful to be part of this conversation and to help represent the voices of the communities we serve.
Jobs for Maine Graduates
-Make a Difference Night-
The students of Mountain Valley High School Jobs for Maine Graduates Group hosted the "Make a Difference Night" event on April 17th, 2025. This event featured community resource tables during JMG's Bake Sale before moving to the MVHS's Muskie Auditorium for a hypnotist show by Botson's Master NGH Certified Hyponotist Mr. Joe DeVito.
The LMG group donated proceeds from this night to
Larry Labonte Recovery Center & River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition.
Women's Whole Health Fair
On April 3rd, LLRC participated as a tabling organization at the Women’s Whole Health Fair hosted by the Rumford Eagles Club. This event was held in the weeks leading up to Mother’s Day and focused on highlighting health and wellness resources available to women in the River Valley area.
During the event, LLRC shared information about recovery support services and pathways, with a focus on resources that support women in recovery. We appreciated the opportunity to connect with community members and be part of an event centered on women’s health and wellbeing.
Recovery Center Coordinators Conference
LLRC staff attended a statewide conference bringing together management teams from recovery centers across Maine. This networking and information-sharing event provided an opportunity to connect with other recovery organizations, exchange ideas, and learn how centers throughout the state are supporting their communities.
Line Dancing
LLRC was grateful to host a weekly line dancing class led by community members Sandee and Christine, who generously shared their time and energy to bring movement and fun into our space. The class welcomed participants of all experience levels and focused on learning simple, step together line dances set to a variety of songs.
As a fun extension of their weekly classes, Sandee, Christine, and a few other community members also put together a short line dancing performance at the RVRS Street Dance, adding a light-hearted and joyful moment to the event. This community-led activity was ga reat experience of how connection Movement, and shared experiences help strengthen recovery-friendly new spaces
OFCU Finacial Class Series
LLRC partnered with Oxford Federal Credit Union (OFCU) to host a monthly series of free financial education classes at the center. Community members learned helpful information and practical tools around topics such as scam awareness, starting over financially, managing bank accounts, budgeting, and credit. We appreciate OFCU for bringing these classes to LLRC and helping strengthen access to financial wellness resources in our community.
Visit the LLRC & OFCU partnership page see more info on how we work together to support the local community