'Visions' receives
Points of Light award

By KATE BREX
Of Suburbanite

TEANECK — Recovery Productions, Inc., producers of the premiere East Coast recovery play "Visions, A Play About Addiction" has been cited by the Points of Light Foundation.

The foundation's Daily Points of Light Award is to be displayed this Oct. 10 on the foundation website at PointsOfLight.org. The award is co-sponsored by The Knights of Columbus and the Corporation for National Service.

Former President George Bush has said about the Points of Light Foundation, "It is the soul of America. They are ordinary people who reach beyond themselves to the lives of those in need, bringing hope and opportunity, care and friendship."

And specifically about Visions the former president said, "Your efforts profoundly influence the life of your community and they are a shining example for us all."

Its daily award is highly prestigious and past recipients include The Cole High School IMPACT (Inspiring Miracles: Parents and Children Together) Partners of Coral Springs, FL, The Community Drop-In Center (CDIC) of Lawrence, KS, the Rum River Interfaith Caregivers of Princeton, MN and many, many more too numerous to mention.

According to website material, the Daily Points of Light awards are designed to honor those who have made a commitment to connect Americans through service to help meet critical needs in their communities.

Recovery Productions, Inc. has done that and much more over the ten years since its inception. The production company's premiere play Visions, according to company literature, is the core of its non-profit organization, which is dedicated to substance abuse prevention and recovery education. Integrity House in Secaucus premiered Visions in September of 1991.

Maria Scaros-Mercado, acting director of therapeutic activities of Gracie Square Hospital in New York City said, "Your play powerfully presents the dark and terrifying journey one takes in active addiction. The experience felt by the audience was clear. Many shifted in their seats, others shut their eyes and others wept. What is obvious is that this production continues to be an act of love from a recovering addict to another addict in pain, struggling to become whole..."

The author, producer, and director of Visions, who wishes to be identified as Bob L., penned the "images in his head" during his break time at work. Bob is dedicated to the concept of recovery from addiction and, with his play, has brought the recovery message to thousands of suffering alcoholics and addicts throughout the tri-state area.

"We are honored to have received this prestigious award," said Bob L.

The Visions characters are portrayed by anonymous actors and actresses, with names that run the gamut, A to Z. They are unpaid amateurs who stress their "conscious decision to spurn media attention."

"We're not looking for fame...we have only one aim and that's to offer the addicted hope..." they said collectively and anonymously. The play is free, but donations are accepted.

The play is a journey from despair to happiness, bringing home the message that "once an addict, always an addict" need not be a death sentence.

Former New Jersey state governor, Jim Florio, has called Bob L.'s play powerful with the awarding of the distinguished New Jersey Governor's Volunteer Award in the Arts and Humanities to Recovery Productions, Inc. in 1993.

"I applaud you and all of the participants of Visions," said Senator Robert Torricelli. "It is people such as yourself that help others to realize that the addiction can be overcome and recovery is within reach."

Visions has had the opportunity to present its play at such places as New York's Beth Israel Hospital, Discovery House in Secaucus, Gracie Square Hospital of New York City, the Manhattan Bowery Shelter, the Paterson Salvation Army, the Saturday Night Live AA Group, Straight and Narrow in Paterson, Turning Point in Cedar Grove, and Tabot Hall in Kearny, to name just a few.

Bob L. and his crew continue to carry the message of recovery reminding all who witness the production that a 12-Step program can help those suffering from any addiction see a light at the end of the tunnel.

For further information please contact the website at www.VisionsRecoveryPlay.org.