NewCanaanite.com recently received the following letter to the editor. Send letters to editor@newcanaanite.com to have them published here.
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The ninth annual Addiction Awareness Vigil will take place on Wednesday, August 27th, beginning at 7:00 pm (casual music and meet-n-greet starting at 6:30), at the corner of Elm Street and South Avenue.
This year’s theme, “Sharing Stories Saves Lives”, builds on the experience of the past nine years and past themes, and the event will highlight three individuals who share their recovery stories. NCPSG founder, Paul Reinhardt, says he is convinced that the Vigils over the years have saved lives, because people have heard how life can change for the better.
The event brings together people of all ages and from all walks of life, to remember lives lost, and to give thanks for lives saved. We celebrate life – life in recovery, and specifically recovery from addiction and the dark side of substance use. As the sun goes down and we close out the Vigil, we will light candles and pledge ourselves to be a light in the world, which desperately needs it.
Sponsored by the New Canaan Parent Support Group, the Vigil has grown to be a widely supported community event, attracting more than 500 people annually. A big part of successful recovery is sharing time in serving others, being light in a dark world, and setting an example of joyful living. Sharing stories of recovery gives hope, and hope looks forward. Please look forward, join us on August 27, and share stories of life, love and hope.
Eric Thunem