Ceremony of Remembrance and Candlelight Vigil to be Held to Commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day Aug. 26 in Rockville
Per Montgomery County:
For Immediate Release: Friday, August 13, 2021
The public is invited to attend a Ceremony of Remembrance and candlelight vigil on Thursday, Aug. 26. to memorialize lives lost to overdose or substance use. The ceremony, hosted this year by NBC4 news anchor Doreen Gentzler, commemorates International Overdose Awareness Day, a global event, and is aimed at raising awareness of overdose and reducing the stigma of drug related deaths. Other participants include Congressman Jamie Raskin and State Delegate Kirill Reznick. Songs related to loss and hope will be performed by local musician Tom Blood, accompanied by bass guitarist Chris Marsh.
The Collaboration Council will launch the video, “Remembering with Love” featuring mothers paying tribute to loved ones lost to drugs/substances contaminated with fentanyl. Since 2016, more than 60 percent of overdose fatalities in Montgomery County have been related to fentanyl.
The opioid epidemic and the disease of substance use disorder have been exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In Montgomery County, opioid overdose deaths increased by 29 percent in 2020 from the previous year.
The event will be held at 7 p.m. at Memorial Plaza, located at 101 Monroe Street (terrace between Executive Office Building and Circuit Court) in Rockville. A resource fair featuring substance use prevention and treatment information will be held at 6 p.m. Family members and friends will remember loved ones and light candles in their honor.
Those wishing to have a loved one memorialized in a commemorative photo display can submit a photo (an individual photo with no one else in the photo) to
https://montgomerycountymd.seamlessdocs.com/f/IOADSOUL2021 The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, Aug. 24. The outdoor exhibit will be on display until Sept. 30.
The event is hosted by S.O.U.L. (Surviving Our Ultimate Loss), in partnership with Montgomery County, the Circuit Court’s Adult Drug Court, the City of Rockville and the Collaboration Council. S.O.U.L. is a grief peer support group comprised of mothers and their families who have lost a child to substance use.
Free parking is available in the jury parking lot located at the corner of East Jefferson and Monroe Streets.
For more information, email [email protected] or call 301-514-3546.
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17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Now in its 17th year, the Kensington Day of the Book Festival is a family-friendly street festival featuring 150+ renowned authors, poets, and literary organizations. Enjoy live music on five stages, special guest speakers, military veteran writers and comedians, poetry readings, cookbook demos, children's program, and much more.
Admission is free, and attendees will also be able to explore a marketplace of books and food offerings from local vendors.
Not your average book festival! This festival offers something for everyone!
17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11am-4pm (held rain or shine!)
Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
www.dayofthebook.com
Instagram: @kensingtonbookfestival
Contact: Elisenda Sola-Sole, Festival Director
301-949-9416 (text preferred)
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
