Rochesterians Turn Out in Dreary Weather to Show Support for 11th Annual NAMI Walk

BY JODY LYNN GREER

The mental health battle is one that no one should ever have to ght alone. On May 20th, hundreds of people came out for the 11h annual NAMI walk in Rochester, NY. Americans have recognized May as Mental Health Awareness month since 1949. e National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is recognized for its motto that “It’s now how far we walk, but how far we’ve come.”

7-800 Rochesterians turned out in the rainy weather to walk the route through the Neighborhood of the Arts to show support and let those struggling with mental health issues know they do not have to su er in silence. Local businesses and organizations such as Wegmans, the University of Rochester, Villa of Hope, Excellus BCBS, and Everyone Needs a Little Assistance Sometimes (ENALAS) sponsored May’s NAMI event, and many other sponsors attended to extend their support.

Despite the adverse weather conditions, the infectious enthusiasm of the day’s event le participants in good spirits. e path to wellness starts with community engagement and NAMI is just one of the local organizations in our community making an impact in e ort to expand the dialogue about mental well-being.

NAMI CEO Kristina Mossgraber says, “It’s important to talk about mental health because that’s how we’re going to break down the stigma. e reality is we are hearing about mental health more than ever but that’s where the opportunity comes to have those conversations. It o ers teachable moments to people and to challenge that stigma.”

According to Mossgraber, the purpose of organizations such as NAMI is multi-faceted. Local people in the community regardless of insurance or nancial status can reap the bene ts of their programs. She says, “We o er classes at no cost, we do yoga, journaling, and vision board is year’s walk marks a particularly momentous milestone in the ongoing nationwide discussion to raise mental health awareness. In 2023, Americans continue to navigate an insecure economy, rising gun violence, as well as a divided nation. Many believe America has a signi cant mental health crisis. Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are increasingly common and becoming less stigmatized, but Americans are still hesitant to get support when they may need it the most. Whether social stigma, lack of information, or nancial resources is the culprit, the dialogue surrounding mental health is o en considered complex terrain.

According to NAMI.org, an estimated one in ve Americans currently struggle with mental illness in the United States. Mental illness a ects Americans from every race, nancial status, and background. It does not discern between the poor and uninsured or the nancially sound. At some point in their lives, most, if not all, Americans will either struggle with a mental health issue or know a loved one who has. By breaking down common perceptions and stereotypes about mental illness as a community, we promote opportunities to overcome the American mental health crisis together. Organizations such as NAMI are a valuable lifeline to those who need it most. And when they combine with community involvement, they strengthen the ght to combat mental illness.

To explore volunteer opportunities or to nd more information about NAMI and other local mental health programs, visit namiroc.org, www. villao ope.org, suicidepreventioncoalition.org, or stopthestigmaroc. org. Let’s help destigmatize mental health concerns.

Disrespectful kids

When I was walking my dogs, these kids had a loud speaker playing rude music on max volume.Then they started to shout disrespectful comments to me and my dogs. Where are these kids’ parents?!

Shame on man who cussed out preschool child

On Saturday afternoon, 6/17/23, shame on the man who abruptly stopped his blue 4 door sedan in [a parking lot] across from [fast food restaurant] to cuss out a child. The man exited his car, opened the driver side rear door to shout obscenities at what appeared to be a pre-schooler strapped into a car seat in the back. The man then grabbed the child’s drink and threw it on the ground. Then he called the child a disgusting name, slammed the door, and proceeded to take off in the car at about 50 mph in the mall lot. Shame on you as an adult to act like that to anyone, much less a child. Still shocked by this unacceptable behavior! :O

Ridiculously Rough Railroad Tracks

Who’s responsible for repairing rough railroad tracks… the railroad, the town, the county? This well traveled rural road has tracks in front of the railroad and you have to just about stop to TRY to save your vehicle from the wear and tear. Recently, other tracks around this area were repaired and they’re smooth sailing now. Somehow this set was skipped over, and in my opinion, these were worse than the others. Anybody know whose responsibility it is for the repair?

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the blue sky, is by no means waste of time. ~John

How To Account For A Rising Cost Of Living

Look for a new job or fresh income streams. A rising cost of living is a concern for people from all walks of life, but it may be especially concerning for retirees or individuals with costs like childcare that can be hard to pare back. In such instances, individuals can look for new a job or fresh income streams. According to the Q3 2021 CNBC | Momentive Small Business Survey, 50 percent of small business owners say it’s gotten harder to find qualified people to hire compared to a year ago. And nearly one-third of survey respondents indicate they have open roles they have not been able to fill for at least three months. Individuals can explore local employment opportunities in an effort to find a new, more lucrative job that can help them combat a rising cost of living. Others who want to remain in their jobs can look for part-time work to supplement their existing income.

REASONS TO SHOP FARMERS’ MARKETS

The vivid colors and smells emanating from farmers’ markets indicate just how fresh and nutritious the offerings tend to be. Farmers who peddle their wares at farmers’ markets adhere to careful farming methodstoensuretheirfoodsare as nutritious as possible.

Honeoye Falls-Lima Central School District IS HIRING

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION TEACHER

SECRETARY TO THE DIRECTOR OF CONTINUING EDUCATION

STUDENT SUPPORT PARTNERS

NETWORK TECHNICIAN PARAPROFESSIONALS

Hours and pay vary by position. NYS Pension and bene t eligible positions available. To apply, visit: www.work4h .org

Maintenance Position Available

Legendary Auto Interiors, Ltd.

Maintenance of equipment and machinery

Background in electronics, pneumatics, hydraulics, computers, electrical, mechanical, fabricating, spray painting, and welding is helpful. Must have experience with all types of hand and power tools. Constant observation of safety and re procedures at all times. is is a fast-paced environment with some strenuous work involved. Must be a team player and a self starter and be able to work independently and multi-task. Have the ability to problem solve, good communication skills, and represent professionalism at all times. Must be willing to sometimes work outside normal hours to complete projects. Excellent attendance is a must. Must have clean and valid NYS driver’s license.

We o er excellent starting wage at $32/hr. and bene ts.

Give us a call at 315-331-1212 ext. 226 and ask for Heather, or stop in at 121 West Shore Blvd, Newark, NY 14513

- FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE -

Typical projects include newsletters, business cards, flyers, post cards, print ads, directories

Qualifications

• Degree in Graphic Design

• Excellent knowledge of InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat

• Ability to work independently and consistently meet deadlines

CDL B Driver •

Full or Part-Time

Santelli Lumber is currently seeking reliable and motivated team members for local building material deliveries. Competitive wage and bene t package.

• Clean MVR preferred

• Building knowledge helpful

• Excellent benefits - health and dental insurance, 401k

Apply in person at:

1660 Division St, Palmyra or e-mail resume to: tfitch@santellilumber.com

What It Takes To Be A Team Player

Adapts easily: Team players are willing to adapt to change and take others’ suggestions. Professional flexibility and openness to ideas are important traits, as you just may learn something from team members when you try things their way.