Ex-Con Speaks to Inmates at Livingston County JailEx-Con Speaks to Inmates at Livingston County Jail

12/6/13 - A nationally-known comedian, former prison inmate and former drug addict is in the Livingston County and surrounding area this weekend to raise awareness of the problem of drug and alcohol addiction and how it leads to crime. As part of his three-day visit, Mark Lundholm was at the Livingston County Jail Friday, where he gave a talk to about 60 incarcerated men facing various charges, from minor in possession to serious felony offenses. Lundholm spoke at the invitation of the Livingston County Sheriff’s Dept. and jail administration. His appearances locally are sponsored by the Brighton Center for Recovery, formerly Brighton Hospital, one of the nation’s leading centers for treatment of those addicted to drugs and alcohol. During his hour-long talk, Lundholm kept the prisoners riveted as he told of his personal experiences as a criminal and his time at San Quentin Prison in California. He peppered his talk with humor and admonishments to the inmates to stop and think after they get out of jail, before they do something they’ll regret for the rest of their lives. Now a successful stand-up comic, Lundholm tells WHMI he never has a problem with his jail and prison audiences, saying they are the most receptive of all. The Brighton Center for Recovery is hosting Lundholm for six shows this weekend including appearances in Troy, Northville, Dearborn and Hartland. Brighton Center for Recovery Outreach Specialist Scott Masi says Lundholm’s final performance will be on Saturday at the Hartland Performing Arts Center for an “Evening of Comedy with Mark Lundholm” and a community craft show. For ticket information, go to brightonhospital.org, click on “news and events” and follow the prompts for information, or to purchase tickets online. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.