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“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity" Albert Einstein

From the Desk of

Ana Gopoian

The Gifts That Come Wrapped in Struggle: Finding Opportunity in Life’s Lemons

Life is a complicated tapestry of joy, hardship, growth, and change. Often, we find ourselves standing in the middle of challenges that seem insurmountable—times when it feels as though the world is handing us more than our fair share of bitter lemons. And yet, it is in these very moments that the seeds of opportunity quietly take root.

This month's quote, "In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity," attributed to Albert Einstein, holds more than poetic value—it holds truth born from experience. History is filled with stories of individuals who turned personal hardships into defining moments of purpose. Opportunity doesn’t always arrive with grand announcements or flashing lights. Sometimes, it appears quietly in the form of a setback, a closed door, or even a loss. It is how we choose to respond that defines whether that moment will break us or build us.

When life gives us lemons—those sharp, unexpected events that sour our plans or derail our dreams—we’re often tempted to resist, complain, or wallow. But "make lemonade" isn’t just a cliché; it's a call to action. It’s an invitation to transform bitterness into something refreshing. It’s about taking what we’re given, however imperfect, and creating something of value. Making lemonade is an act of hope, creativity, and most of all—courage.

Opportunity, then, is not always a door that swings open. More often, it’s a crack in the wall—a small, nearly invisible opening that we must notice and walk toward, even when it’s hard. It’s the job loss that pushes someone to start a business they never thought they had the guts to pursue. It’s the heartbreak that opens someone to deeper self-love and a truer relationship. It is the painstakingly planned benefit concert that gets cancelled just hours before it was scheduled to start! UGH!! It’s the failure, the challenges, that teach more than any easy success ever could.

The truth is, struggle refines us. The trials we face are harsh at first, but often full of unexpected gifts. Difficult moments teach resilience, empathy, perspective, and gratitude. And from those lessons, we grow into people capable of doing more, loving harder, and leading better.

So the next time life throws a lemon your way, don’t just brace for the sour. Look closer. What is this moment trying to show you? What strength is it revealing in you? What door might it be nudging you toward that you would’ve never dared open otherwise?

Because in the end, opportunity isn’t just something that appears—it's something we create. Sometimes, all it takes is the willingness to squeeze those lemons, add a little sweetness, and lift the glass to your mouth.

Here’s to the lemonade—and the courage to keep making it.

Together WE are Stronger!

October's Spotlight

CompuMail of Southington

Family owned and operated, by Dana, Kathleen, and Meghan Rickard, CompuMail has been helping organizations with their printing and marketing needs since 1990. They are committed to working effectively with their clients to carry out their visions. They do all work in-house in their facility in Southington and TriCircle is extremely grateful to have their ongoing support and honored to spotlight them in this issue! Pictures below are of CompuMail's ad in a few of the

Annual Gala Brunch programs from past years.

This year's program has advertising options available on

TriCircle's sponsorship form click here.

A SMALL amount of your time

can make A BIG difference!

Lend a Hand With Events!

Shape the future with a

purpose driven,

fun and fulfilling opportunity

to give back!

TriCircle is looking for people who are action oriented and

passionate about our cause to work with us.

Please consider leading or joining the Fundraising Committee!

Contact ana@tricircle.org to sign up.

Community Service Hours Are Available for All of the Above.

Together WE are Stronger!

What's Happening?

WE ARE MOVING INTO...

The Carriage House

116 S. Main St.

Wallingford, CT 06492

(Ribbon Cutting will be announced in The TriCircle Connection next month)

Check out our October calendar below. So many meaningful ways to get involved, events to attend, and groups for support, Together WE are Stronger!!

Drop In Setback Middlefield at 1741 Pub & Grill - First and Third Wednesday of each month, October 1 and 15 at 72 Lyman Road, Middlefield. Registration at 5:00 pm, first game 6:00 pm. (click here)

Drop In Setback at Sliders in Wallingford - Second Wednesday of each month, October 8, located at 950 Yale Avenue, Wallingford. Registration at 5:00 pm, first game 6:00 pm. (click here)



TriCircle's Hope & Support Groups - Thursdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and every Thursday throughout the year. (click here for full schedule with times and locations) (Next Region 2 group will meet at our new location in Wallingford, October 16th)

TriCircle's Hope After Loss Support Groups - Mondays, October 6, 20, 27 and every Monday throughout the year. (click here for full schedule with times and locations) Due to the holiday, there will be no group October 13. (Next Region 2 group will meet at our new location in Wallingford, October 20th)

SMART Family & Friends Fun APG Wallingford - Paused until further notice

Harmony Within SMART APG Wallingford - Paused until further notice

SMART Recovery Wallingford - Every Tuesday October 7, 14, 21, 28, 7:00 - 8:30 pm Master's Manna 428 S Cherry St Wallingford.

SMART Recovery Family & Friends Meriden - Paused until further notice

Reuniones de SMART Recovery en Espanol Meriden - En pausa hasta nuevo aviso

SMART Recovery la APG Meriden - En pausa hasta nuevo aviso

SMART Recovery Amigos y familiares en español Meriden - En pausa hasta nuevo aviso

SMART la APG Amigos Y familiares en español Meriden - En pausa hasta nuevo aviso

Dinner and a Show - Trans-Siberian Orchestra Ghosts of Christmas Eve - Mohegan Sun Earth Sky Box Suite, Sunday afternoon, November 30, doors open at 2:00 pm, show starts at 3:00 pm, $160 per person, dinner included, proceeds benefit TriCircle. Limited seats available.

Mixtape Match Music Bingo - Wednesday, October 29, doors open at 5:00 pm, round 1 starts at 6:00 pm sharp! Food and cash bar, 10% of all purchases will benefit TriCircle, raffles too! See flyer below.

SAVE THE DATE for TriCircle's 7th Annual Gala Brunch at The Farms Country Club, Sunday, November 2, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Click here for more information. Ticket sales will open soon, stay tuned!



It's Re-scheduled

Concert Time!

Due to an unforeseen emergency with the Australian Pink Floyd band, TriCircle's concert event was cancelled last month just hours before it was scheduled to begin. We are very pleased to announce we have secured the Earth Sky Box Suite with dinner for a breathtaking performance by Trans-Siberian Orchestra Ghosts of Christmas Eve on Sunday afternoon, November 30th, at 3pm! TriCircle was able to retain about 95% of its sponsors and ticket holders, there are a few options left.

We hope you can join us just in time for the holidays!

See below for concert details and stay tuned to our social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and TriCircle's website.

To get tickets please contact Melissa Gionfriddo at Melissa@TriCircle.org

The Amazing Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Ghosts of Christmas Eve

Sunday Afternoon, November 30, at 3:00 pm

For more details click here.

Raianna's 4th Annual Memorial Poker Run was a great success! An incredible $5,256 was raised and all net proceeds

benefit TriCircle!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to Patti Denardi, who puts her heart and soul into honoring and remembering her daughter, Raianna, each year and to all the sponsors, volunteers and participants who helped make this event so successful!

The 8th Annual Outrun Addiction 5K Run/Walk on September 20, had 677 Runners/Walkers! Click Here to see the photos from this amazing event! Thank you to everyone who helped build awareness and raise funds!

TriCircle is in the process of moving to:

The Carriage House

116 S. Main St.

Wallingford, CT 06492

TriCircle has been so looking forward to relocating to Wallingford where Founder and Executive Director Ana Gopoian grew up!

We are pleased to have been located inside the WFC in Meriden until now. It allowed for wonderful opportunities to expand the reach of our support services and resources. We are certain that our new Wallingford location will be instrumental in the furthering

of our mission in the community.



Alternative Address:

Master's Manna, 428 S Cherry St, Wallingford, CT 06492

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