A Sense of Community Through Collaboration!

September 2025| Issue 57

The TriCircle Connection

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“Community is a place where connections

are made, relationships are built,

and support is given.”

Sandra Day O'Connor

From the Desk of

Ana Gopoian

The Importance of Community and Collaboration

The quote above emphasizes the vital role of social interaction in fostering a sense of belonging, mutual care, and collective strength within a group. It really highlights how community activities create opportunities for people to meet others with shared interests and experience, develop meaningful bonds, and receive assistance, ultimately contributing to individual well-being and a thriving collective. I am proud to say that TriCircle provides many such opportunities and the heartwarming story in our spotlight feature below demonstrates exactly this kind of spirit.

TriCircle has always collaborated with other organizations to provide safe environments for individuals and families to connect, form social networks and build supportive relationships with others who have had similar lived experiences. Shared resources, emotional support, a sense of being heard, interpersonal connections all convene in a judgement free environment under TriCircle's umbrella.

September's calendar brings a number of exciting events and opportunities for us to gather together and support one another. Whether you volunteer, participate as a sponsor, or attend as a paid guest, we welcome you with open arms. Please resist isolation! Take a look at your calendar and see where you can fit in!

Together WE are Stronger!

August's Spotlight

Patti Denardi

Bereaved Parent and TriCircle Champion

My Journey with TriCircle

by Patti Denardi

To be honest, I don’t exactly remember how I first got involved with TriCircle. I believe it started the first year I organized a motorcycle run in memory of my daughter, Raianna Perez. I knew I wanted to donate to an organization that truly made a difference in the community. When I found TriCircle, something told me it was the right place—and I couldn’t have chosen better.

The people at TriCircle have helped me more than words can express. After losing my daughter on Christmas in 2021, I was in a very dark place. I was suicidal, self-destructive, and had no desire to keep going. I made many desperate calls to 211, but it was the support and understanding I received from TriCircle that pulled me through.

At first, I was hesitant to get involved. I thought being around others who had lost loved ones would only lead to more tears and sadness. But what I discovered was something so much more powerful: we lift each other up. We support one another. We grow stronger together. Yes, we all share a bond that no one ever wants to be part of—but within that bond, we find love, compassion, and strength. When we see each other, it’s not just sadness—it’s hugs, understanding, and healing.

Raianna wasn’t an addict. She made one wrong decision after an argument we had. Because she didn’t really use, I never thought about rehab or intervention. But since her passing, I’ve become much more educated about substance use, and I’ve learned about the amazing programs TriCircle offers. There is a separate company called TriCircle Restoration LLC, that was simultaneously created to help educate communities. It brings light to what people walk by and/or throw out the window of a vehicle while driving. I am especially moved by The Paraphernalia Project, the work is being done and used to show communities what's out there, while removing dangerous paraphernalia from the roadsides, walkways and parks. That kind of community care is so important.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that self-love and taking care of yourself is crucial—especially when you’ve lost someone to substance use or are supporting someone through it. I'm really looking forward to the upcoming retreat. Every event, every meeting, every support group—whether it's a SMART group or a service project—has made a difference. These things keep us connected, grounded, and moving forward.

There are moments that remind me just how connected we all are. Recently, I was at a Matt Fraser event in Torrington, standing in line, and I felt a strange energy around a woman nearby. We started talking—and sure enough, she had lost her son. She lived just one town over from me. Moments like that remind me how close this crisis hits home for so many of us.

This fentanyl epidemic is heartbreaking. It’s taken out a whole generation, and it continues to steal futures. But as Matt Fraser reminded us, our loved ones are still with us. I hold onto that every day.

This year marks the fourth motorcycle run I’ve done for Raianna. I hope she’s proud of me, because this is how I keep her name alive. Being part of TriCircle means the world to me. I truly believe in what this organization does, and I’m honored to be involved. You’ve helped so many of us, and I look forward to giving back—volunteering, supporting others, and continuing to heal together.

Because, as the saying goes, Together WE are Stronger!

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!

New locations and updated calendars

for Hope After Loss and Hope & Support

groups are now available on our website!

What's Happening?

WE ARE MOVING TO

WALLINGFORD!

STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS!

In the meantime, check out our very busy September calendar below. So many meaningful ways to get involved, be heard and supported, and show your love for each other and for TriCircle!

Drop In Setback Middlefield at 1741 Pub & Grill - First and Third Wednesday of each month, September 3 and 17 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, September 17, located at 950 Yale Avenue, Wallingford. Registration at 5:00 pm, first game 6:00 pm. (click here)

TriCircle's Hope & Support Groups - Thursdays, September 4, 11, 18, 25 and every Thursday throughout the year. (click here for full schedule with times and locations)

TriCircle's Hope After Loss Support Groups - Mondays, September 8, 15, 22, 29 and every Monday throughout the year. (click here for full schedule with times and locations) There will be no group held on Sept 1, due to the Labor Day holiday.

SMART Family & Friends Fun APG Wallingford - Third Tuesday of each month, September 16, 5:30 - 6:30 pm, Master's Manna 428 S Cherry St, Wallingford, before the SMART Recovery Meeting. (see flyer above or click here)

Harmony Within SMART APG Wallingford - Last Tuesday of each month, September 30, 5:30 - 6:30 pm, Master's Manna 428 S Cherry St, Wallingford, before the SMART Recovery Meeting. (see flyer above or click here)

SMART Recovery Wallingford - Every Tuesday September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 7:00 - 8:30 pm Master's Manna 428 S Cherry St Wallingford. (click here)

SMART Recovery Family & Friends Meriden - Every Tuesday September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (click here) 6:00 - 7:30 pm 169 Colony St, 2nd Floor, Meriden.

Reuniones de SMART Recovery en Espanol Meriden - Todos los miércoles en el mes de septiembre 3, 10, 17, 24 (haga clic aquí) 6:00 - 7:30 pm 169 Colony St, 2nd Floor, Meriden.

SMART Recovery la APG Meriden - Al tercer miércoles de cada mes de septiembre 17 antes de la reunión, 4:30 - 5:30 pm, 169 Colony St, 1st Floor, Meriden. (haga clic aquí)

SMART Recovery Amigos y familiares en español Meriden - Todos los jueves en el mes de septiembre 4, 11, 18, 25 (haga clic aquí) 6:00 - 7:30 pm, 169 Colony St ,1st Floor, Meriden.

SMART la APG Amigos Y familiares en español Meriden - Al tercer miércoles de cada mes de septiembre 17 antes de la reunión, 3:30 - 4:30, 169 Colony St,1st Floor, Meriden. (haga clic aquí)

Don't miss Raianna's 4th Annual Memorial Poker Run at Freedom Road Harley-Davidson, 557 West Main Street, Branford, CT, Saturday, September 20, Registration begins at 9:00 am, kickstands up at 10:30 am with a Bike Blessing. All proceeds benefit TriCircle, see flyer below or click here for details.

Outrun Addiction 5K - Saturday, September 20, 2025, Click here to register or for more information. Registration begins at 7:30 am, 5K begins at 9:00 am. A portion of proceeds benefit TriCircle.

Australian Pink Floyd Show - Mohegan Sun Skybox Suite, Thursday, September 18, at 6:30 pm. $160 per person, dinner included, proceeds benefit TriCircle. Limited seats available. Click here to purchase tickets.

Music Bingo - Wednesday, October 29, MixTape Match, Doors open at 5:00 pm, Round 1 starts at 6:00 pm sharp! Cash bar, 10% of all food and beverage purchased will benefit TriCircle. Raffles and door prizes, too! Flyer coming soon!

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 Concert Time!

Thursday, September 18, at 6:30 pm

For more details click here.

To purchase tickets click here.

Don't Miss It This Year!

Raianna's 4th Annual Memorial Poker Run!

ALL PROCEEDS Benefit TriCircle.

Click the image above for more information or to register!

A portion of proceeds benefit TriCircle!

TriCircle is currently located at:

169 Colony Street

Second Floor, Room 28

Meriden, CT 06451

TriCircle is looking forward to relocating to Wallingford soon!

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