THE CRONE’S WISE WORDS –  

Sept. 4, 2023 – Speaking at Brooks Memorial Library is a big deal for Avery, she said, “because this is my hometown.” She said she’s excited and nervous at the same time. 

Her first foray into public speaking came at an AARP event in 2019. She had drug paraphernalia on display and read from a script, as she was new to the format. 

“Left behind are the children, our future,” Avery told members of the local AARP chapter at the Brattleboro Senior Center. “I’ve made a commitment to put a face to addiction and I’m honored to be here today.” very never expected to get into public speaking nor advocacy for support related to substance use and addiction. 

“So it’s really taken off in the last couple of years,” she said.  Editorials and letters she penned have been published in the Brattleboro Reformer, Commons, Keene Sentinel and Greenfield Recorder. She self-published “Addicted” in February. 

Her main message is that help is available. 

“Don’t hate the person,” she said. “Hate the disease.”

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