APRIL
28 2023
Volunteers Among Those Recognized at MHA Luncheon
Photo Submitted Among those recognized at the Mental Health Association April recovery luncheon by Executive Director Steven Cobb (left) were volunteers Peggy Lindsey and Tom LeBeau. The event well-attended was in the Jamestown recovery center. Jamestown, N.Y. – In opening the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County’s (MHA) April recovery luncheon at the Jamestown recovery center, Executive Director Steven Cobb reminded the many present of the importance of celebrating milestones in recovery. Cobb said that on their journeys to recovery from addictions, many participants had found tobacco one of the most difficult substances to put down. In looking at how to support those efforts, milestones in giving up smoking are now being recognized. Participants also received certificates for finding employment, a year of sobriety, and acceptance into Jamestown Community College’s CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and
Substance Abuse Counselor) program. Cobb shared a meditation reading in remembrance of an MHA participant who lost their life to an overdose the previous week. Two MHA volunteers were recognized for their special contributions. Peggy Lindsey was significant in helping start the Fun Friday Group, a time to relax and enjoy the moment, to laugh, have fun, and socialize, with a variety of activities. Tom DeBeau received a certificate for facilitating the faith-based PTSD men’s group and truly embracing the MHA’s mission and vision statements. The MHA’s Mission Statement is: The Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County commits to radical acceptance, empowerment, and advocacy
for our community members who struggle with mental health and substance use. The Vision Statement is: The Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County envisions a time when the peer recovery model is widely relied upon as a foundation of support and advocacy to address the total needs of all individuals and their families challenged by the effects of mental health and/or substance use disorders. We will persevere in changing our local culture to one of hope, kindness, and justice, redefining and expanding the possibilities for a rich and satisfying life for people in recovery. Black and Latino folks were reminded of community meetings—open conversations to help address the needs of our community—planned
by the Chautauqua County Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (I.D.E.A.) Coalition. The Black/Latino Community Meeting was Tuesday, April 25, 6 – 7:30 p.m. in the Dunkirk High School cafeteria, 75 West 6th Street. The Black/ African American Community Engagement Meeting is Wednesday, January 26, 6 p.m. in the Love Elementary School gym, 50 E. 8th Street, Jamestown. The Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene provided the delicious lunch prepared by Basil & Bones. The MHA is a peer recovery center offering support groups and individual coaching for people looking to improve their lives, deepen wellness, thrive in recovery, or support those on a recovery path. Peers use their personal stories to help people find recovery in their own lives in their own way. Anyone with questions or in need of services for themselves or a family member suffering from a mental health or substance use disorder is welcome to call or stop in at the Jamestown recovery center at Door 14 in the rear of the Gateway Center, 31 Water Street. It is open Monday – Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Hours for the north county recovery center at Grace Lutheran Church, 601 Eagle Street in Dunkirk, are 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, and 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. To learn more about the Mental Health Association, call (716) 661-9044 or visit MHAChautauqua. org or facebook.com/ MHAChautauqua. A schedule with descriptions of MHA’s more than five dozen groups and classes is at MHAchautauqua.org/groups.
Chautauqua County Officials Remind Residents of Ongoing Burn Ban Burn Ban Began on Thursday, March 16 and Remains in Effect through Sunday, May 14
Mayville, N.Y.: -Chautauqua County Fire Coordinator Noel Guttman reminds county residents about the annual New York State burn ban on all open burning. It began on Thursday, March 16 and remains in effect through Sunday, May 14. “With spring around the corner, we are at an increased risk of brush fires due to the lack of green vegetation, the abundance of available fuels such as dry grass and leaves and the warmer temperatures and wind,” said Fire Coordinator Guttman.
not otherwise prohibited by local law or regulation. Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated or Open burning is unpainted wood can be prohibited in New York State burned. – with some exceptions from Fires cannot be left March 16 through May 14. unattended, must have a water supply available and The New York must be fully extinguished. State Department In towns with a total of Environmental population less than 20,000, Conservation (NYSDEC) you may burn tree limbs provides the following with attached leaves (also guidance on those referred to as brush). The exceptions: limbs must be less than 6 inches in diameter and 8 feet Campfires or other in length. Burning loose outdoor fires less than 3 leaves or leaf piles is illegal, feet in height and 4 feet in according to the NYSDEC. length, width or diameter (https://www.dec.ny.gov/ are allowed. public/46613.html) Small cooking fires are allowed. For more information Ceremonial or celebratory about open burning bonfires are allowed. regulations, go to the Disposal of flags or NYSDEC website at religious items in a smallhttps://www.dec.ny.gov/ sized fire is allowed, if it is chemical/32060.html.