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Meet me at Table 51

Some trivia: Whether at Bob Evans or C.J. Cannon’s, you,’ ” he said. “God brought me out of that. The
Russ and his wife usually eat breakfast at Table 51. addiction ended that day.”
In what is a regular feature, Russ breaks bread with He owned a recording studio in Tennessee
someone you may or may not know. from 2011-18.
For 10 years, Troy Whitson spent four to five “In 2015, I felt a pastoral calling in my life,” he said.
nights on the road playing guitar in a rock band. Fast forward to January 2018, and Troy is the
He had piercings and tattoos, but he didn’t take drugs. director of communications/worship leader at First
He started that a year later, while working at a Troy Whitson United Methodist Church in Vero Beach.
grocery warehouse in Tennessee. The church’s senior pastor, Jeremy Rebman, saw Troy as
“I got stuck in a job I hated,” he said, reflecting on his the person to lead an outreach program.
four-year addiction to opioids. Troy started “Celebrate Recovery” – which to open to
Drug use was rampant at the warehouse. anyone with an addiction (be it drugs, alcohol, pornography
“It’s who you hang around with,” he said during our or eating) – with six people. It now averages about 20.
conversation at C.J. Cannon’s. “You become your company.” Meetings are Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the church
On Sept. 16, 2011, he was able to put his addiction behind (1750 20th Street).
him. (“That is my ‘born’ date,” he said.) The temptation to “Bring your baggage,” Troy said.
take another pill was real, but he resisted. For more information about “Celebrate Recovery,” call
“A voice in my head said, ‘If you leave, I’ll take care of Troy at 772-562-1900, ext. 21.

MEDITERRANEAN
CAFÉ
“You’ll leave with a Sammy Smile!”
1130 20th Place, Vero Beach
772-217-3897

Mon-Sat: 11AM - 2:30 PM & 5 - 9 PM