Short Gap, West Virginia is a small town and like most towns in West Virginia it is also being impacted by the drug epidemic that has hit the state and country. No one seems to know the right answer or how to fix this problem. Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church’s board has voted to open a recovery center within the church walls. It will be a foundation honoring the memory of a man who died of an overdose. “It would require us to open our church for “office hours” for the recovery center – three hours a day, three days a week. It would require us to allow Narcotics Anonymous to meet weekly at the church.” (Scott Knowlton, Preacher).

Wesley Chapel Church is in the middle of a quiet neighborhood, there is a child care center within sight of the church, the church is within walking distance of Frankfort High School, and Frankfort Middle School, as well as many families, and children living nearby. The church has its own playground, basketball hoop, and pavilion for the community to use. Is this really the best location for a recovery center? Next to a playground? In the middle of a neighborhood? Do you really want your children playing in a playground where drug paraphernalia will become common, because realize this is a "on the front end and the back end,"(Richard Lechliter). This means people coming into the neighborhood and community will be ACTIVE addicts. This also includes all types of addiction, "They really cover everything. It's not just drugs and alcohol. It could potentially be pornography, it could be anything a person is addicted to." (Lechliter) PORNOGRAPHY!? Inviting these people to where children regularly play, really?!

This petition is asking the church to reconsider having the recovery center at the church. A potential alternative meeting location could be a fire hall or any other plaza. It is not believed that the true opinions of the church people or neighborhood are being heard and the majority of the church people are not for this recovery center being located at the church. If you sign this petition you are also encouraged to call Mr. Michael Estep and Mr. Scott Knowlton and tell them no to the recovery center. Thank you in advance for your signature and phone calls!

Michael Estep E 97 Goldsborough Avenue Romney, WV 26757 Home: 304-677-5198 Cell: 304-822-4191 potomachighdistrict@yahoo.com,

Scott Knowlton 128 Wesley Chapel Drive Ridgeley, WV 26753 Home: 304-726-4350 Church: 304-726-7215 Cell:412-996-4434 psknowlton@gmail.com

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