ONEONTA - An addiction-recovery celebration banquet will be held at the Morris Complex at the State University College at Oneonta on Wednesday.

The event is to honor those in Otsego and Delaware counties recovering from the disease of addiction to alcohol or other substances, officials said.

The LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions Inc. and the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Delaware County are is sponsoring the event as part of National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month.

During the proceedings, the councils will recognize individuals with appreciation awards for community service.

Stacia Murphy, president of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, will be the keynote speaker at the event that begins with a 6:30 p.m. reception followed by a banquet and program.

Founded in 1944, the NCADD is the oldest advocacy organization of its type in the country. Today, NCADD is a network of 96 affiliates in 27 states, all devoted to improving services and support for those in recovery from addictive diseases.

In addition, former state Assemblyman Peter Dokuchitz and Mt. Vision resident Sherry Garvin will be recognized by the LEAF Council as recipients of Robert S. Sioussat appreciation awards.

"Both Peter Dokuchitz and Sherry Garvin are shining examples and living proof of the fact that recovery from addiction truly works in people's lives," said Betty Currier, LEAF's executive director. "Their experiences with the devastating effects of the disease of alcoholism, and their respective recoveries from that disease, are powerful messages that can spread hope to others who are walking the same path."

The Delaware Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council will also recognize several of its constituents for their community service at the gathering. The public is invited to participate. Those interested should contact the LEAF Council at 547-8220 for reservation details.