CAASA to host ‘Celebration of Life’

Submitted by CAASA member Harriet Burak

This year, during the COVID-19 pandemic, so many events in our lives have been cancelled. We “virtually” attend meetings, watch and listen to programs all on Zoom. With all safety precautions in place, the Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse (CAASA) has decided to go forward and hold its fourth annual “Celebration of Life,” an event to remember those lost and fighting the disease of substance use disorder.

The event is planned for Monday, August 31, which coincides with International Overdose Awareness Day — a global event held annually that aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends in remembering those who have met with death or permanent injury as a result of drug overdose, while spreading the word that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.

This year’s Celebration of Life event will be held at 5 p.m. on August 31 on the front lawn of the Armando Recreation Center at 92 Pleasant Street. The rain date will be 5 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1. All COVID-19 public health protocols will be observed. Seats will be six feet apart and all rows will also be six feet apart. The vocalist will be positioned 25 feet from the first row. All participants are required to wear masks, and hand sanitizer will be available.

The program will include readings, a vocalist, a speaker, candle-lighting ceremony, and the opportunity to have your loved one’s name read aloud. This year’s speaker will be Maureen Cavanagh, author of If You Love Me: A Mother’s Journey Through her Daughter’s Opioid Addiction. Cavanagh is also the founder of Magnolia New Beginnings, a nonprofit support group for those living with or affected by substance use disorder. She has been recognized by the New York Times, CNN, and other outlets for her work fighting the opioid crisis and the stigma that surrounds it.

Lisa Yves is a recording artist, vocalist and songwriter with 16 albums released. She will be singing several truly meaningful songs as part of the Celebration of Life.

The focus of the event will be the actual candle lighting with several readings as part of it.

Members of CAASA include representatives from the Police and Fire departments, Parks & Recreation, Board of Health, Canton Public Schools, and Canton residents.

During the month of August, CAASA will be “Going Purple” to raise awareness about the opioid epidemic. Purple ribbons and signs promoting International Overdose Awareness Day will be available after August 10 for those wishing to put them around a tree at their homes or on their lawns. CAASA members will be displaying the signs on their lawns and putting the ribbons around their trees, mailbox posts or lampposts. Email Harriet at harrietbur@aol.com for information on where to pick up your ribbons and/or signs.

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