NORTHPORT, NY – Today, August 31, 2025, is International Overdose Awareness Day. Our town’s 6th Annual Night of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil was held on Thursday, August 28, 2025 from 7:00PM to 9:00PM in Northport Village Park, organized by the Northport-East Northport Drug and Alcohol Task Force – now “A.W.A.R.E. Drug & Alcohol Community Coalition”. Attendees slowly arrived in ones and twos, quietly setting up folding chairs or gathering at the edge of the grass, just “being” there for a few minutes as a local musician played his guitar. When ready, we each stepped forward in our own time to reach out to another – a touch on the arm, a smile, a hug. “Good to see you.” and “How are you?” conveyed a far deeper meaning than the words used. Every attendee lost someone they love to a drug overdose.
We brought photographs of our loved ones to add to the Night of Remembrance Memorial Board. Vibrant, beautiful faces with kind eyes and warm smiles captured in their prime. Yes, it’s sad – but we’re all so very proud of the incredible, loving, funny, passionate people they were and we love to remember them. All of them. They were here. They changed the world. They are very much alive in our memories. Once a year we gather as a community to cherish their photos and say their names out loud as the cool breeze weaves among us. We are tied together as darkness falls. Each small light pierced night’s veil as a beacon to Heaven sending our love.
“TONIGHT Overdose Awareness Day NIGHT OF REMEMBRANCE Candlelight Vigil in Northport. Have you lost a friend or loved one to overdose? WE HAVE… When we stand together in this shared space holding a memorial flame to acknowledge and honor the PRECIOUS and BELOVED lives of those who have passed away, we are enveloped with a deep and profound PEACE in COMMUNITY despite the sadness. I can’t explain it well… it’s something you just have to experience to understand. No words required. The unseen is palpably SEEN and FELT and we are LOVED for being there in a unique way that brings hope and some healing for those of us left behind. It’s not a club that anyone wants to join, but most of us are members as we all know someone. If this resonates with you on any level, we officially invite you to come find us – Dana Elliott Richter and June Hunt Margolin. We can use a hug, and we have many to give out too. Bring a photo of your loved one(s) to be added to the Memorial Board. You are not alone. Wear purple if you can. IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING with substance abuse or addiction, PLEASE COME to be supported and encouraged, and connected to many resources to help you overcome. YOUR LIFE IS PRECIOUS and YOU ARE LOVED – even by complete strangers.” – June Margolin, August 28, 2025, Huntington Matters & Huntington Matters Community Forum Facebook Post.
“Remembering……those we have loved, our sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, relatives and friends we have lost to overdose. I miss you my son, every minute of every day, I love you, and I vow to fight the system, the stigma, so that those who are caught in the hell of addiction may find hope and healing and Recovery. That ALL who want the help and treatment can access it regardless of ability to pay, While I cannot attend tonight, thank you to June Hunt Margolin for bringing and putting up the picture of Christopher Revell“ – Diane Schaber, August 28, 2025, Facebook Post.
FREE Upcoming Events For National Recovery Month:
Rock ‘N’ Recovery XVI Celebrating Recovery on Friday, September 19, 2025
The Town of Huntington Annual Wellness Walk For Hope at Heckscher Park on Saturday, September 20, 2025.
If you or are loved one are dealing with addiction, substance abuse or mental health issues, HELP IS AVAILABLE. Please contact the Town of Huntington Drug & Alcohol Counseling Center at (631) 271-3591. The Town of Huntington Opioid & Addiction Task Force also features a TREATMENT REFERRAL LIST on their website.
Photography by Dana E. Richter. Copyright 2025 – All rights reserved.
