CASA to Hold Special Events for Recovery Awareness Month

By Sue Ellen Woodcock

September is Recovery Awareness month, and to kick it off CASA will hold special events to raise awareness.

On Thursday night, Aug. 31, a rally will be held on the town hall lawn from 6-8 p.m.

Last year, CASA held a similar event called the Fed Up rally. This year’s event grows from that and is called a Stepped Up Rally. Proving the fact that last year people were Fed Up, and this year it’ll be shown how the Town of Winthrop has stepped up to the challenge of combatting opioid use and addiction.

“We stepped up with a positive message and give hope,” said LeighAnn Eruzione of CASA. “We are the only city or town in Massachusetts that has signed on with the National Fed Up Organization.”

The rally will include speakers in recovery and families who have lost loved ones. Across the Town Hall steps will be numerous pairs of new sneakers. The sneakers will later be donated to people in local recovery homes. Inside the sneakers will be a note of encouragement.

“There is still time to donate new sneakers or lightly worn ones,” Eruzione said.

In honor of Nancy Williams, who was a board member with CASA, there will also be a release of hundreds of butterflies at sunset.

The rally kicks off Recovery Month which runs through September. On Saturday, Sept. 9 there will be a some basketball tournament at the Walden Street basketball courts. registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with play commencing at 9 a.m.

Also on Sept. 9, there will be the “Fancy Pants Recovery Dance” at the senior center from 6-11 p.m. There will be a DJ, dinner will be serve and everyone is welcome.

On Sept. 25, the will be a recovery and treatment resource meeting. People who provide services will be there and the entire community is invited.

CASA is looking for donations for all the programs. Anyone interested in donating food and other items is urged to contact CASA at 617-207-1627 or Eruzione at 617-763-0241.

On Oct. 1, CASA will also hold the Winthrop without Stigma Awards Ceremony at the PSA Hall from 6-8 p.m. CASA will honor members off the community who strive to combat stigma and the stigma of recovery. For more information or to nominate someone, go to www.winthropcasa.org.