CAASA’s ‘Celebration of Life’ to honor loved ones lost

Submissions welcome for slideshow tribute

The Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse (CAASA) invites the public to its annual Celebration of Life on Thursday, September 1, from 5:30 to 7 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 while reminding them that they are not alone. Overdose Awareness Day — a global event held annually on the last day of August — aims to erase the stigma associated with overdose and to spread the message that these tragedies are preventable. Although the loss of an individual is certainly sad, Canton’s Celebration of Life is intended to be uplifting, honoring the valued life of each person.

This year’s event will feature readings by CAASA members, music by Michael Hohmann, a keynote address by Karen Quatromoni, and the evening will culminate with a candle-lighting ceremony and the reading of names of loved ones lost.

Additionally, anyone who has lost someone to overdose or the illness of addiction is invited to submit a photo of their loved one to be included in a slideshow that will be displayed during the program. Photos can be submitted via email, along with the individual’s name, date of birth and date of passing, to cantonmaalliance@gmail.com. Please note: Photos that were displayed in prior years will not be used without updated permission.

To further promote awareness of drug-related illness and death and support a message of recovery, members of CAASA have attached purple ribbons to the light posts in downtown Canton and they will remain in place through the end of August.

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