$ Prizes
Teams
Individuals
Raffle
Free Lunch
Northern Pike
Walleye
Lake Trout
Perch
Join us for the First Step Winter Fishing Derby, a community event bringing together neighbors, friends, and families for a day of fishing, fun, and friendly competition. Whether you’re chasing the big catch or just enjoying the time spent together, this derby is all about coming out, connecting, and supporting a good cause.
Info
Tickets can be purchased on-line or picked up at Hog Island Market in Swanton, Bibens Ace Hardware in Malletts Bay or at the Colchester Recovery Community Center, 25 Raymond Road, Colchester (9am-3pm M/W/F). $40.00 for individuals and teams. Included is a free lunch (kids with ticket holders eat for free too!) at the prize ceremony beginning at 12:30 PM on Sunday, February 22nd, at 25 Raymond Road, Colchester, Vermont. Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each fish category, and a cash prize for the winning team consists of 50% of total team ticket sales. - up to four people may compete as a team. Kids fish for free (please review the VT Fish and Wildlife rules regarding supervision). Come out for a fun time - there will be plenty of additional raffle prizes and giveaways!
PRIZES
Info
Weigh-In
Stations
SPONSORS
Hog Island Market Bibens Ace Hardware
172 Lakewood Drive, Swanton VT
SPONSORS
Malletts Bay
713 Lakeshore Dr, Colchester VT
Cash Prizes for Individuals and Teams
Award Ceremony
25 Raymond Road, Colchester
$1000
1st Place Winner
TBA Celebrate Your Wins!
Join us for the Fishing Derby, bringing the community together for a good cause. Proceeds support First Step Recovery House, Inc., helping individuals take the first step toward lasting recovery. Fun, prizes, and community spirit await—get involved today
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Treatment is a term often applied to mean Detox or Rehab - programs that wean people safely off drugs and alcohol.
Aftercare is the period of care typically following Treatment. It implies once medically cleared.
Recovery is more than detox or 30 days in treatment—it’s a long-term journey shaped by personal growth, choices, and support. Early recovery is a vulnerable time when many face serious challenges like housing instability, strained relationships, unemployment, and more. Yet aftercare remains one of the most underfunded parts of the recovery process—especially non-maintenance-based programs that focus on long-term change. Without this critical support, the risk of relapse, homelessness, and continued addiction rises. It’s time to change that. We must invest in comprehensive aftercare programs that offer people the structure, safety, and resources they need to build lasting, sober lives.
A lapse refers to a brief and often isolated return to substance use after a period of abstinence. It is typically a one-time occurrence and does not signify a complete abandonment of recovery efforts. For example, an individual may have a single drink at a social event and then promptly resume their commitment to sobriety the next day. Lapses are common, especially in the early stages of recovery, and can serve as valuable learning experiences. They provide an opportunity to identify triggers, evaluate coping strategies, and reinforce one's commitment to recovery. Experiencing a lapse does not mean the journey is over; rather, it can be a stepping stone toward deeper self-awareness and resilience. All that you learned on your journey matters.
A relapse, on the other hand, involves a more sustained return to addictive behaviors, often over an extended period. Unlike a lapse, a relapse may include a complete return to substance use and a potential abandonment of recovery strategies. It is a serious setback and often requires a reevaluation of treatment plans and support systems. Relapse is typically a gradual process that includes emotional, mental, and physical stages. Recognizing these stages early can help individuals take preventive action and seek appropriate support. It's important to note that relapse is not a sign of failure but an indication that adjustments may be needed in one's recovery approach.
Whether it's a lapse or a relapse, it's crucial to approach the situation with self-compassion and a proactive mindset. Both are part of the recovery journey and can provide valuable insights into personal triggers and coping mechanisms. Seeking support from a treatment team, engaging in therapy, and connecting with support groups can aid in regaining momentum and strengthening one's commitment to sobriety.
We Look Forward to Seeing You