An alcohol and drug-free block party on Friday in the Linen District in downtown Boise will cap off a number of national and local events that observe National Recovery Month in September.

Soberfest 2005 will include the "Stop Driving the Porcelain Bus — Toilet Smashing Extravaganza" as well as celebrate the grand opening of Second Chance Building Materials Center.

Donations raised at the event will be used toward developing detox and treatment programs for people who actively are seeking recovery, according to Melanie Curtis, executive director for Supportive Housing and Innovative Partnerships (SHIP).
"All individuals and groups who are concerned about the ravages of substance abuse in our community are encouraged to join with us to support our friends, neighbors and family members who have chosen recovery," Curtis said.

SHIP oversees programs that provide affordable housing and supportive services for those recovering from alcoholism and drug addiction.
"Our focus is to reduce the demand for illicit drugs and alcohol by promoting recovery and treatment and to welcome persons with addiction disorders back into the community — this event demonstrates that one can have fun without drugs or alcohol," Curtis said.

Friday's celebration includes a street fair and dance, food vendors, artist booths and other vendors as well as a Recovery Rocks! concert featuring local bands XEX, Pirkqlaters, Missing Fido and Monty.

In addition, recycled porcelain potty shards will give Soberfest 2005 attendees an opportunity to make garden stepping stones symbolizing the steps of recovery.
Representatives from the Community Detox Coalition, Regional Substance Abuse Authorities for Regions 3 and 4, Treasure Valley Alcohol and Drug Coalition, SHIP, El-Ada, the Linen District, Idaho Council on Hispanic Affairs and members of the recovery community support the celebration.

The grand opening of Second Chance Building Materials Center will include extended hours and special promotions on Friday and continue throughout the weekend, with sales on lighting, cabinets and toilets.
Ken Carter, SHIP housing and partnerships manager, oversees the 10,000-square-foot building materials center. The center officially opened in May.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has come down to support us. Business is starting to pick up, and word-of-mouth has been instrumental in our success," Carter said.

"We get donations every day. It's wonderful people are bringing us things they no longer need and we make it available to others. Landlord and homeowners are able to improve their properties while keeping great stuff out of the landfill," he said.
The center is open to the public and has an inventory of new and reusable building materials that are sold at 50 percent or more off retail prices. Inventory includes a wide variety of lighting (interior and exterior), lots of bathroom and kitchen sinks (cast iron and metal), new windows, doors, bathroom fixtures, new and used lumber, wood flooring, cabinets, shelving and some appliances. More donations of any type of dimensional lumber would be appreciated, Carter said.

Individuals and businesses also can apply for a SCBMC membership, which includes further discounts on purchases, consignment benefits, deconstruction services and exchange privileges.