CAASA to hold annual Celebration of Life Aug. 31
By Canton Citizen~New photo display to honor loved ones lost~
The Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse (CAASA) invites the public to its annual Celebration of Life on Tuesday, August 31, from 7-9 p.m. on the grounds of the Canton Senior Center at 500 Pleasant Street.
Held in conjunction with International Overdose Awareness Day, the event remembers those lost to overdose and those currently struggling with substance use disorder. It also acknowledges the grief felt by family and friends, reminding them that they are not alone. Overdose Awareness Day spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose is preventable. Although the loss of an individual is certainly sad, this Celebration of Life is intended to be uplifting, honoring the valued life of each person.
This year, for the first time, there will be an opportunity for residents to display a picture of their loved one on a Gratitude Board for all to see — serving as a visual reminder that the person did live, and continues to live in the memories of all those who knew and loved them.
“As a mother of a child lost to substance use disorder, I always want to hear stories about my son,” noted Harriet Burak, event organizer and CAASA member. “It means so much to know that Michael continues to live in memory, if not in the physical sense.”
Those who would like to have their loved one’s photo displayed should email their picture, along with the name of the individual, to Harriet Burak at harrietbur@aol.com or Jay Turner at jturner1033@gmail.com by Sunday, August 15.
During the entire month of August, CAASA will be placing signs throughout the town highlighting International Overdose Awareness Day. Please email Harriet at harrietbur@aol.com to request a sign to place on your lawn during August. In addition, purple ribbons, associated with the Recovery Movement’s official color, will be tied to the light posts in downtown Canton for the month of August. If you would like one to tie one around a tree on your property, please email harrietbur@aol.com to request a ribbon.
Continue to follow announcements in the Citizen about all of the particulars of this event. The program will include music by a vocalist, readings, a guest speaker, refreshments and a candle-lighting ceremony. In addition to posting a picture of your loved one, there will be an opportunity to include that person in a reading of names during the candle lighting ceremony.
“For me personally,” said Burak, “it is the one time during the year that I truly feel that I am with my son. Michael died in 2004, yet every August 31 he stands beside me with his infectious smile and let’s me know that he supports what we are doing here in Canton. I know he wants us to ‘keep the conversation going.’ And so we do.”
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=75927
Posted by Canton Citizen
on Jul 30 2021. Filed under News, Town Government.
Both comments and pings are currently closed.
