Newton community honors overdose victims with art, remembrance event
Newton. The Sussex County Recovery Community Center marked International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31 with an art exhibit, memorial display and candlelight ceremony honoring those lost to substance use while highlighting recovery resources and hope.
Newton /
| 01 Sep 2026 | 10:52
Brian Cheda of Andover stands next to his painting, "Pathways to Recovery." (
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John Pierro of Newton stands beside his painting, "Sunset Boulevard." (
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Tina Aue looks at artwork. (
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The Newton community came together Monday, Aug. 31, for a day of remembrance, reflection and hope as the Sussex County Recovery Community Center hosted its annual “Remembrance and Recovery Art Exhibit” event in observance of International Overdose Awareness Day.
The event, hosted by the Sussex County Recovery Community Center, part of the Center for Prevention & Counseling, honored the lives of people lost to substance use and fentanyl poisoning while offering a message of hope and support to individuals and families affected by addiction.
The Arbor Restaurant at **45 Main Street** hosted an art exhibit featuring works by local artists. The exhibit provided community members with an opportunity to stop in, view the artwork and reflect on the day’s message of remembrance and recovery.
A memorial display was also arranged along the walkways of the Newton Green, at the intersection of Routes 206/94 and Spring Street. Photographs of loved ones lost to substance use were displayed, creating a quiet and deeply personal tribute in the center of town.
The evening concluded with a candlelight memorial and closing ceremony. Along with the memorial, attendees were provided with information about community support and recovery resources available to individuals and families.
The gathering served not only as a time to remember those who have died, but also as a reminder that recovery, connection and hope remain possible.
International Overdose Awareness Day, observed annually on Aug. 31, provides communities around the world with an opportunity to remember those lost to overdose, raise awareness about the impact of substance use and encourage efforts to prevent further loss of life.
For Sussex County residents affected by addiction or those seeking recovery support, community organizations such as the Sussex County Recovery Community Center and the Center for Prevention & Counseling continue to provide resources and connections to help individuals and families move toward recovery.
