By Avery Cotton
On Wednesday, August 27, the New Canaan Parent Support Group held the 9th Annual Community Addiction Awareness Vigil at the corner of Elm Street and South Avenue. Visitors gathered well before the event’s official 7:00 pm start time, chatting and enjoying live music performed by New Haven-based band Musical Intervention.
After opening remarks by Paul Reinhardt, founder of the New Canaan Parent Support Group, and the introduction of emcee John Hamilton, three speakers – Alex Smith, Gina Frazier, and Pete Thunem – shared their stories of overcoming addiction. Each speaker was introduced by their parents in celebration of their victories, recounting tales of resilience in the face of adversity.
Standing bravely at the podium, Alex, Gina, and Pete commanded a magnetic presence over a crowd of six hundred. Their speeches resonated deeply with the audience, the vast majority of whom had loved ones in recovery or were in recovery themselves. Each speaker shared unique stories shaped by different circumstances, yet all brimmed with hope and determination. Applause broke out as Gina revealed that this September will mark five years of sobriety.
Following their speeches, New Canaan clergymen from churches around town led a candlelit ceremony. With the help of the RAM Council, candles were distributed to the audience, and a moment of silence was held for departed loved ones. For a few hushed minutes, hundreds of candles wavered in the night air – a glittering display of unity and remembrance for the New Canaan community.
A full story will appear in next week’s paper.
