Hope on Haven Hill event draws a fun-loving scary crowd to Charles Street

Nadja, 4, costumed up as Princess Peach laughs as she play-duels with Harry Potter, aka Josh Leonard (Rochester Voice phot)

ROCHESTER - New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu was on hand Tuesday as Hope on Haven Hill's Recovery and Wellness Center held a special Halloween event to celebrate the continued recovery of scores of moms, many of whom attended the festivities with their kids dressed up in their Halloween best.
Hope on Haven Hill Executive Director Kerry Norton said she was thrilled with the size of the crowd, which filled the grounds of 40 Charles St. in Rochester, formerly the site of the old St. Mary's Church.

Gov. Chris Sununu chats with eventgoers during Tuesday's Halloween party at Hope on Haven Hill's Recovery and Wellness Center in Rochester.

Groundbreaking for the rehabilitation of the church was held last year, and Norton gave the governor, The Rochester Voice and others a tour of the new facility that boasts conference rooms, a "store" where moms seeking recovery can get clothes and personal care products, and even a gym where they can exercise.
Several other nonprofits at the event like SOS Recovery had tables where eventgoers could get vital information about recovery options and programs.
Much of the show, however, was stolen by the youngsters who thoroughly enjoyed their day in the sun as they romped and played with costumed adults.
Norton said the Recovery and Wellness Center on Charles Street is an outpatient center that sees about 40-60 clients a month who come there for group therapy sessions, 12-step styled interactions and to receive peer and counselor support.
"They have access to a nurse practitioner and other clinicians as well," Norton explained.