Volunteers Among Those Recognized at MHA Luncheon

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.

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.: -- 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.

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.

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 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 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

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.

“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.

Open burning is prohibited in New York State – with some exceptions from March 16 through May 14.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) provides the following guidance on those exceptions:

Campfires or other outdoor fires less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in length, width or diameter are allowed.

Small cooking fires are allowed.

Ceremonial or celebratory bonfires are allowed.

Disposal of flags or religious items in a smallsized fire is allowed, if it is not otherwise prohibited by local law or regulation. Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated or unpainted wood can be burned. Fires cannot be left unattended, must have a water supply available and must be fully extinguished. In towns with a total population less than 20,000, you may burn tree limbs with attached leaves (also referred to as brush). The limbs must be less than 6 inches in diameter and 8 feet in length. Burning loose leaves or leaf piles is illegal, according to the NYSDEC. (https://www.dec.ny.gov/ public/46613.html)

For more information about open burning regulations, go to the NYSDEC website at https://www.dec.ny.gov/ chemical/32060.html.