OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Pictured is Brian Boedo, President of the Michael Boedo Community Foundation. The Town of Hanover will support his efforts at the Foundation’s annual Family Picnic fundraiser this weekend.

HANOVER — Drug addiction and accidental overdose is not an easy subject to talk about, but that did not stop the Hanover Town Board from voicing support of local agencies doing their part to address the matter.

The Town of Hanover issued a resolution to declare Aug. 30-31 as days to recognize the effects of overdose and drug addiction in communities across the world. The Town also recognized the efforts of Together We Can CHQ and the Michael Boedo Community Foundation in raising awareness regarding mental health, overdose, and drug addiction.

This Saturday, Aug. 30 is the annual Family Picnic, hosted by the Michael Boedo Community Foundation, an organization founded in 2017 to raise awareness for addiction and overdose risks after its namesake, Michael Boedo, died of an accidental overdose. Michael’s brother, Brian, began by offering a scholarship in his brother’s honor, but the fund quickly grew to become the Michael Boedo Community Foundation.

The Family Picnic, now in its fourth year, is the Foundation’s major fundraiser each year. It will be held on Saturday from noon until 8 p.m. at 12401 Allegany Road, Silver Creek. The following day, Sunday, Aug. 31, is International Overdose Awareness Day. The Town of Hanover will participate in the Family Picnic as a partner in support of the Michael Boedo Community Foundation’s efforts to combat drug addiction and overdose.

The Family Picnic features a Community Barbecue and Cornhole Tournament, along with a motorcycle run, basket raffles, big ticket raffles, a 50/50 drawing, a petting zoo, bounce houses, and live music featuring Charity Nuse and Smilo & The Ghost. The family-friendly event is free of charge, but donations are appreciated. Checks and money orders can be addressed to the Michael Boedo Community Foundation, 11872 Bennett State Road, Silver Creek, NY.

Prior to his death, Michael Boedo was a longtime healthcare worker at Lakeshore Hospital as a phlebotomist. The former Lakeshore Hospital campus has been a discussion point for the Town Board throughout the past year. New York Medical Center plans to establish a residential mental health and rehabilitation facility at the site. Plans for the residential facility include a total of 180 total beds – 140 for behavioral health and 40 for substance abuse. The facility hopes to be open later this year.

The Family Picnic comes one week after another community event, Be The Light: Anyone Can Save a Life, focused on the prevalence of addiction and remembering those lost to overdose. The event was held at Point Gratiot Park on Aug. 23, featuring live music and giveaways, while various organizations offered support and information regarding overdose and addiction, as well as mental health support and suicide prevention efforts. A vigil at dusk was led by Pastor Billy Heather of the Gospel Church in remembrance of the lives lost to accidental overdose.

For more information, visit Together We Can CHQ or the Michael Boedo Community Foundation on Facebook.