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OAKLAND – The ShineOnCass Foundation will host its second annual Light the Night Blue Christmas Ceremony for grieving families and friends, and those who support them, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21 – the winter solstice, which is the longest and darkest night of the year.
Light the Night will be held at the Oakland waterfront park, of Belgrade Road, and will feature music, speakers, a reading of submitted names of loved ones’ lost and the lighting of memorial blue candles.
Blue Christmas ceremonies are held around the world in acknowledgement that the holiday season can be difficult for many who are grieving.
“This time of year can be so challenging when celebrations of peace and joy contrast sharply with the sadness and loneliness that come with loss,” said Monica Charette, founder and executive director of the ShineOnCass Foundation. “Our hope is to bring people together, both those who are grieving, and people who support them, to offer a comforting space where everyone feel less alone.”
Charette said the idea to host a community Blue Christmas Ceremony came from a gathering organized by her friends after the passing of her 17-year-old daughter Cassidy Charette eight years ago. Cass, in whose honor the ShineOnCass Foundation was created, was a Messalonskee High School student and longtime community volunteer, who died in a hayride accident on Oct. 11, 2014.
“It was comforting when people came together to support our family, acknowledge our grief, and stand beside us during a very dark and lonely time,” Charette said. “We want to continue to share that experience with others in our community.”
Anyone in the community can participate by sharing their loved ones’ names for remembrance. They will receive a blue candle to light at the ceremony. People are also welcome to attend in silent remembrance and offer support to others. To complete the online form, visit Light the Night: Blue Christmas on the foundation’s website, shineoncass.org. Deadline to submit is Monday, Dec. 19. I
In case of inclement weather, Blue Christmas will be held on Dec. 22.
For more information, email shineoncass@gmail.com or call 207-314-6996.
PHOTOS: Last year’s Light up the Night Blue Christmas ceremoeny. (Submitted photos)
