The Plymouth County Drug Abuse Task Force has a new fighter joining the ranks, with Roxie the boxer making an appearance on a Main Street billboard in Brockton.
Roxie was created by Boston-based recovery artist Merk Aveli, as a tribute to friends and family lost to overdose.
He stepped in to complete the project started by recovery artist Keith “Mise” Miner, who lost his battle to addiction last month.
“I miss him,” said Aveli. “I hope people don’t forget about him.”
The top of the canvas at 2020 Main Street reads “The City of Champions Fighting to End Opioid Addiction.” Rosie stands left of the canvas, throwing a punch, yet ready for the next challenge. Tributes to Miner are on Roxie’s gear, and the bottom right of the billboard reads “In memory of Keith Mise Miner.”
The Plymouth County Drug Abuse Task Force sponsored and funded the billboard. On Wednesday, Co-Chairs District Attorney Tim Cruz and Sheriff Joe McDonald joined Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan gathered for the unveiling of the artwork.
“The Plymouth County Drug Abuse Task Force is proud to support this project,” said Cruz. “Merk Aveli used the memory of his friend lost to an overdose, as his inspiration for Roxie. Now, Merk’s vision has come to life on this billboard for every motorist driving down Main Street to see. The message is clear, knockout opioid addiction, but I hope it is also a reminder for people to have hope that the resources and prevention efforts that we have dedicated to ending this dreaded disease, will have success.”
Miner worked with Susie Lordi of 24 Hour Power, Inc. before his passing. As recovery artists, they organized creative events for people suffering from addiction. Lordi says they offer sober programs to help reduce the stigma and promote awareness.
“It’s for the kids here that are struggling with addiction, that want to find something fun and cool to do,” said Lordi. “Keith was really our all-star player. He mentored a lot of people and showed them how cool it could be to do something that’s fun.”
Miner had worldwide renown, with commissioned works from Copenhagen to California. It was his mark on the world, with the goal of helping others.
“We’re just very overwhelmed that they’re doing this for Keith. It’s so wonderful that he used his talent and what he loved to do to help people,” said his mother, Linda Tarlach. “I know when he was working with people, he said ‘Mom, I working with these people, and I see myself. I was there.’ I think this is just such a wonderful tribute. We’re thrilled that he’s so loved.”
They said Miner was a funny person, a wonderful son, and someone who kept fighting. They want to see more programs for people battling addiction.
Miner was in recovery for nine years, with two years of consecutive sobriety.
“People need to realize that it can grab a hold of anyone. It just takes over your life,” said Tarlach. “It just destroys families and their lives. I always told Keith I was proud of him because no matter what, he kept getting himself into another program. He kept trying.”
Through the COVID-19 pandemic, Susie Lordi says overdoses are up 30%.
They continue to create art for recovery homes, local churches, and treatment centers. In two years, they’ve held 65 events. More are planned in the fall.
“We’ve stayed busy because of COVID-19 because we know how dangerous it is to stay isolated. We don’t need this on top of everything else. Zoom isn’t going to cut it sometimes. You really need to have some kind of a connection,” said Lordi. “I always tell kids, you can’t think about two things at once. You can’t think about getting high and think about how to draw the next project for us. Chances are, they’re going to research the materials they’re going to use, what kind of image. They’re going to make phone calls.”
“That’s all time away from getting high,” said Lordi. “The more time you put in between that, the less power it feels like it has over you. I think you get a little confidence to realize you can do it.”
Lordi says support for programs like 24 Hour Power, Inc. is key. They’re a tiny non-profit, and she said without the support of the Plymouth County Drug Abuse Task Force, they wouldn’t be in business.
“Even during this pandemic, the scourge of substance abuse has not gone away. In fact, in many ways, it can be worse and more difficult now to get help and treatment,” said Sheriff Joe McDonald. “We want to remind people that we are still here. We implore people – if you need help, please reach out and get it.”
Help and resources are available through the Plymouth County Drug Abuse Task Force.
More information on 24 Hour Power, Inc. can be found here.
From left: Roxie artist Merk Aveli, Plymouth County Sheriff Joe McDonald, Susie Lordi of 24 Hour Power, Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan, and District Attorney Tim Cruz. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
