May Came and Went...

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To the Editor:

May was and is Mental Health Awareness Month yet this year May came and went in Columbia-Greene counties with no mention of Mental Health,except at (MHA) Mental Health Association who had an open house here in Hudson. In past years there have been 'Out of the Darkness' marches both in Hudson and Catskill to remember those lives lost to this devastating illness and it's impact on those families and friends left behind. It seems like most things unless it touches us in some way personally,we can turn a blind eye to it. I believe Mental and emotional illnesses touch everyone's lives in some way. Many Americans lose days at work due to their emotional state of mind which costs companies money. The government has had to pay a heavy price financially to support many who can't work as the 'system' as it is called, is very flawed and would rather put a bandaid on the problem rather than treat it. They are penalized if try to work as government takes half of check. Where's the incentive in that? This is not to say that people don't go to therapy and take the medication to be some what stable. Unfortunately this is not enough. Many live on the fringes of society or are recluses in their homes as they fear the public and visa versa. 'That which we don't understand we fear'. How do you get to know a person? Simple. You talk to them. Everyone has a story. If we can identify with one another and drop the judgement as none of us are better than another,we would see how similar we are. I suppose that is what frightens us is that it could happen to us. People with mental challenges need to be assimilated into society. Companies need to become willing to hire those with disabilities and let them do something. They can't be expected to do what someone who doesn't have this can. I believe before people come to the job,the company needs to provide it's employees with training on mental health illnesses,thinking,feeling,behavior so that they can work with them. Ex. Someone may have problems with concentration or memory so it is better if things be written down for them on a post it like 'need 5 copies'. I believe there is a solution if we are willing to look for one. Obama wants the unemployment rate cut. The state and country are broke. Social security and Medicare are threatened. I say the party is over. Was it such a party anyway? Unlike what many Americans who have to work every day,believe,many of those on the government rolls are hanging on by a thread and not living high on the hog. Granted there are some who play the system and have some illegal family business going on to which even it's children are a part of as are born into it. For many though I believe, if they could get help finding a job they could do and get the proper training and support to keep it and work with them and bosses should any confllict come up on job,they would gladly work. This will not happen in a day as from being out of work years,many have developed poor habits,let alone having a good work ethic. For some,a job full time is not reasonable as their functioning level is not high enough to cope. Perhaps working part time or volunteering is the answer. I believe everyone who is unemployed should be contacted and worked with so that they can serve society in some capacity as this develops self esteem and makes our country stronger by having people in it who are happier and a part of this country they inhabit rather than existing leading mundane,meaningless lives. Many were abused as children and are still as adults as are easy targets to bullies anyone who just wants to make a pot shot at them. When did this become ok? The reality is they are more often the victims of crime and are taken advantage of as are gullible,trusting,passive and are often alone as ARE FRIENDLESS.

Many of us have family members who suffer from depression,anxiety,panic attacks,phobias. In fact 1 in 4 Americans will have a mental illness at some point in their lives. 1 in 10 young people between the ages of 13 and 25 have a mental illness. The suicide rate is growing amongst our teens and returning military who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, at an alarming rate. Many service men and women have head injuries. This too is not easily understood as they bring on changes in mood,behavior such as anger outbursts,low frustration tolerance,depression,feeling overwhelmed. What was easy to do such as do several things in a day, is now difficult. Perhaps they can only do the laundry, in time. It is important that those with any mental health challenge, whether it be mild head injury,emotional illness(which are learned patterns of behavior based on one's environment),mental illness(which runs in families so there are some genetic reasons for this biochemically,is often caused by abuse and neglect as children or some traumatic event such as being a crime victim or hurt by domestic violence),developmental delays,autism,etc. )not compare themselves with those who don't . The same could be said of society who can be often very cruel to these people. Notice I say people as they too feel pain,are someone's sister,brother,daughter,son,friend. For many sadly, their families and friends have rejected them as they don't understand them. They can't relate to how they think and it does get 'old' and frustrating very quickly. Many can be dependent on families both financially and emotionally and the family member can get sucked in. This is called codependence. A similar pattern happens with those who have chemical dependencies. A triangle is played out where each person is either the victim,persecutor or rescuer.

Mental illness like addiction is a family illness. It is very treatable and many can lead satisfying,autonomous lives. Some even have families of their own. These are the fortunate ones. So many are not. These we see in our jails,homeless living in the streets and shelters,are part of the sex industry,are involved with selling drugs,hooked on drugs or drink or dead at their own hands or the hand of another.

I think May should not be the only day we address mental illness in this country or when a Columbine happens at our schools often due to bullying from other students and victimizing another student so he comes in with a gun. When someone jumps off the Rip Van Winkle bridge,like what happened last year we say”he had a history of mental illness' like it's an explanation and somehow ok and not worth worrying about as it's not someone we knew. N oone was born this way. These illnesses don't usually show themselves until someone is between 16 and 18. The individual is often shy and sensitive. The answer perhaps is to incorporate into therapy not to take what others say and do personally as is how we are. We have become an extremely rude,crude,inconsiderate ,angry and mean-spirited society. Ask anyone who serves the public and they will say that they can't stand people and when they go home they want to be alone. This is sad as many of us have jobs and don't want to be treated like this. If it's hard for us out there,can you imagine how hard it is for someone with a disability? Do you think these tormented souls need your wrath,ridicule,stupidity and disdain hurled at them because you are miserable? How hard would it be to smile or say hello when someone says hello to you? If you don't perhaps it's your problem more than theirs. Maybe you need to look at yourself.

Cairo is where the mental health clinic is. It serves many people in this community,especially low income individuals trying to deal with the stress of their lives. It is in an old building shared by some other offices including HUD,case management for those with mental illness who need someone to visit them weekly in their homes or take them somewhere. These people also advocate for those who have trouble doing so so that they get benefits like Social Security,HEAP,etc. Perhaps they help if person is having a housing conflict with a neighbor or landlord. The sheriff also is in this building right off the waiting room behind a dark partition watching you when you. If your not paranoid coming in you sure are when you leave. Though so many people come to this clinic, don't be looking for a new building to be built anytime soon as this is not the priority here. Having a library overall apparently is going to bring people to a town where the village looks like a ghost town of empty store fronts as most people have no money. The unemployment rate is staggering and there is a rift between the classes as wide as the bridge that separates Hudson from it. The officials of the town only care about the ones they can relate to who are doing ok. Forget about those who are living in an unweatherized cottage with their pets because they have nowhere else to go and no one to help them get there. That is their problem they say. They brought it on them selves.Many oft them would tell you that they are good ol' Christians as they attend mass on Sundays to ease their consciences. A small group of people run this town and don't welcome outsiders and any new ideas they may have. They think if it aint broken why fix it. Unfortunately it is very broken. The only thing good about Cairo is it does have some stores one can walk to,hAS A NICE pARK AND HAS SOME EVENTS IN IT LIKE SOME FAIRS. The rest of the year it is dead as a door nail. When you walk down the street be prepared to be ignored or talked about unless you fit in with their way of thinking. I think building a new library is fine,just not an expensive one. We need better transportation more so people could look,get work out of this area like in Albany,Kingston, I think they should be given money for bus fare too.

This area (Columbia Greene county) has a reputation for having horrible mental health services. We are told to be grateful not in some third world country and that we get any at all, when in fact the USA is becoming more and more like one. One can only see therapist every other week. Larger cities like Albany,White Plains have compeers(regular people in the community who volunteer their time to do something weekly with the outcasts amongst us). Perhaps taking a walk together or having a cup of jo' is what will help. One doesn't always need a pill but that is what the doctors like to give you as is easier and quicker as they send you on your way.
Also having a care line(run by volunteers for when people call in and are in pain in between appointments and is not an emergency) would be helpful. Also a support group one could go to weekly to just check in and touch base in between appointments would be good too.

Learning to advocate for and assert yourself is key here. Similar to how AA works, one who has gotten better,helping another, is the answer here. Who cares more than those who have these issues and can relate as having dealt with them. Many are empowering themselves and have become better for the struggle as they can help another as they are miracles and survivors. There is no shame in this. We did not cause this it's about taking responsibility for ourselves and being the best we can be and taking care of us. I have participated in the empowerment movement with organizations like (NYAP RS) NY Association for Rehabilitative Svcs., by writing to and meeting with legislators,marching at the capital to pass the parity bill (so people get therapy,doctor visits and medication paid by their job's insurance like any other physical condition as it is one.) There is an imbalance of serotonin in the brain that can cause one to feel depressed. The same is true of schizophrenia(physical causes),anxiety,etc. Why then should people be penalized when they act nervous,sad,etc.?

An organization called Active Minds is working with many students who have illnesses on college campuses so that they feel comfortable to get help. They are telling,sharing their stories to help erase the stigma associated with this illness. NAMI, National Association for the mentally Ill has educated the public on these illnesses,Patty Duke,Morley Safer,Catherine Zeta Jones,Linda Hamilton have helped put a face on mental illness by coming out and sharing they have it and live with,manage it. Hospitals no longer keep patients locked up but release them after a week when the insurance runs out. It costs about $600/day to kee someone in a hospital so it is more cost effective to send them home.

We have come a long way since the days when people were locked up and treated in their filth by doctors up until the 30's,forced (ECT)electric shock therapy to treat depression in the 40's,atrociities exposed by Meredith Viera at an institution in NJ years ago when she was with 20/20,concerning Willowbrook, in the 70's,potrayals in movies like 'One flew over the Cookoo's Nest',the emptying of instutions in the50's, 60's to the streets with no after care,the actions of Rudolf Guliani to hide the homeless and get them out of Grand Central Station so regular folks didn't have to be harrassed by pan handlers when they bought train tickets or when politicians came to town in the 80's. Many ended up going underground and live actually below NYC in tunnels or can be seen keeping themselves warm huddled around burning metal garbage pails. The bottle bill helped many and saved lives as it gave those addicted a way to buy their drug or drink without hitting someone over the head for some money to do it. There are some advocates who work with the homeless and try to get them their benefits,into housing,drug,alcohol treatment,therapy,medication denied them as they have no address or they are too sick to get them themselves as they don't stay on the medication. Medication and advances in therapies and knowledge about these disorders has helped improve the lives of many.

I believe we are not too far off before we find a genetic gene for this and it can be prevented. Already some are getting what is like a pace maker, put in their necks to give a shock to the brain to stimulate it to help with resistant depression that different drugs haven't helped. There is some risk here though. PET scans of the brain actually show a difference in how a person with depression's brain functions vs. a healthy persons in that certain areas are more active and a different size than in the depressed person's.

People with mental illness are perhaps the most courageous,misunderstood,maligned people you ever will meet.We are far from weak but have great inner strength to endure like Auschwitz victims in this society being treating worse than criminals as 5h class citiens. It is not easy to walk outside when your mind is telling you many are laughing,talking about you and some are. Being by oneself 90% of the time because no one wants to spend time with you even when you try to be friendly,ask them if they want to do something,like the therapist suggests,is not pleasant. Is what mental illness is. Is a distorted view of reality and the world. The irony is that society has a misconception of this too. Self help books like Feeling Good can help one see when their thinking is stinking but it is not the end all and be all. Many have a psychiatric service animal like a dog which people don't understand and try to make you feel weird about, to help them with their symptoms. For many depressed people,their only friend is their pet. Is there any wonder why they stay depressed in such an oppressive society? We are told not to carry the suitcases of our pasts and troubles with us and live one day at a time in the now when the now is pretty crumby, the way it is and the future is far from bright. Is very sad when so many of us are intelligent,creative people with a lot to offer the world.

-Ann Reilly

The Eagle has landed!

mixed medium "Bald eagle" painting I did..

Saturday February 7, 2009
Hudson River EagleFest
Category : Outdoors
Description : Teatown Lake Reservation will host the Fifth Annual Hudson River EagleFest on Saturday, February 7, from 9am to 4pm. The event will be headquartered at Westchester County’s Croton Point Park, with additional eagle viewing sites located along the Hudson River.

The EagleFest coincides with the annual winter gathering of Bald Eagles in the Lower Hudson Valley and offers participants a chance to observe our national symbol up close in their natural setting. Adults and children attending the EagleFest will learn about the natural history, recent recovery, and habitat needs of eagles through activities led by local experts and environmental conservationists.

EagleFest activities will include:
At Croton Point Park. Heated tents filled with educational displays, collaborator exhibits and children’s activities featuring Bald Eagles and other birds of prey.
Arm-of-the-Sea Theater’s “City that Drinks the Mountain Sky.” A performance of giant puppets and music telling of the formation of the New York City water system, and the on-going story of the watershed, it’s beauty, vulnerability and necessity for ecological health in the Hudson Hills and Highlands. Two shows in the Eagle Theater: 11:15am and 1:45pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $5 at 914-762-2912, ext. 110. “Close Encounters with Birds of Prey.” Bill Streeter from the Delaware Valley Raptor Center, will introduce eagles, hawks and owls in an informative and entertaining show. Two shows in the Eagle Theater: 10am and 12:30pm.
Jonathan Kruk, Storyteller. 10:30am and 12:45pm on Eaglet Stage. Free.
“Flight of the Raptor.” Animal expert James Eyring at 3pm. Free.

Eagle Exploration Bus Tour. The tour will begin at the headquarters at Croton Point Park and will visit three eagle viewing sites. The 2-hour tour is geared to adults and teens (12 years and older), and offers the expertise of a naturalist in the comfort of a chartered 36-seat bus. Tour times: 9:30am and 2pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance for $15 at 914-762-2912, ext.110.

Eagle Viewing Sites Along the Hudson River. Individuals and families can visit at no charge three eagle-spotting sites along the Hudson River: (1) Croton-Harmon train station boat ramp; (2) George’s Island Park in Montrose; and (3) Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center in Peekskill. Each site will be staffed by eagle experts with spotting scopes, warming tents and hot chocolate. See www.teatown.org for the listing of additional open education centers, viewing locations and activities.

Each winter between January and March, Bald Eagles from Canada and northern New York and New England fly south to the Lower Hudson Valley to feed on fish and waterfowl found in unfrozen waters. In recent years, more than 100 bald eagles have been counted along the Westchester and Putnam portions of the Hudson River and nearby reservoirs. The annual return of the Bald Eagle to the Hudson Hills and Highlands region is a celebrated occasion for local bird lovers as well as environmentalists because it represents the success of a broad-based environmental effort to rescue the Bald Eagle, our national symbol, from near extinction. Every year the eagles’ return affirms the continued health of the Hudson River and nearby habitats for birds, fish, plants and people – and a reminder that people working together can make a difference!

In the event of severe weather, the alternate date for the EagleFest will be Sunday, February 8. Please check Teatown’s website — www.teatown.org — for program details and weather updates, or call Teatown at (914) 762-2912, ext. 110.





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Teatown Lake Reservation is a nonprofit, bioregional environmental organization with an 834-acre nature preserve and education center spanning Yorktown, Cortlandt and Ossining. The preserve has 15 miles of hiking trails over woodlands, meadows, streams and marsh habitats. Teatown’s mission is to conserve open space and to educate and involve the regional community in order to sustain the diversity of wildlife, plants and habitats for future generations.

Some Good "Green" WAys to Save US All Some $!!

Contrary to popular belief, "greening" or going Organic, doesn't have to cost you a lot of money. In fact, if you think of it's benefits, both on your health and our environment, going "Green' is the wiser choice and is more cost effective. The healthier you are , the less you and yours, need to visit the doctor for one, take medicines and you feel better too!

Well..I just bought another vaporizer by Kaz. Yeah the same company that is leaving my locale to outsource in Mexico as is cheaper to produce there than here with the coolie wages they pay there. It is costing Columbia County's residents 400 jobs. What they fail to realize is the cost of shipping to the USA when we could be producing here. This is something Governor Patterson wants to do, by promoting production here in the states.

I was inspired by his inaugural speech last week. Of course his critics think it is a tall order he is proposing and that it lacks specific details on how he intends to accomplish his "Green" initiative for one. He thinks that the upstate region would be ideal for developing alternative fuels and wants to support the car industry, that effects us all, by creating hybrid cars. Patterson says it will create "Green" jobs if we all go green. I agree! Also, at least he like Obama, has some ideas which is better than their opponents who can only criticize and use their tired plans that don't work. As we all know the Middle East is very unstable and we need to stop depending on them for our primary source of fuel. Also, with the coal spill recently, I think it is safe to say that this is not a good fuel either! More

Reminds me of being Eco-friendly

Do you buy products like Second Generation to clean with and use their paper towels and such as are good for environment but cost a bit more? Do you recycle and use recycled goods? I plan to check out Petguard pet products as they are organic. I want to see if they are carried in Walmart,go figure. My dog has a skin problem and needs something better than the typical food that is out there with by product in it. By product contains junk that FDA approves as standards are not as high for animals as they are for people. Cat food contains beaks and feathers and ash instead of chicken meal for instance. This is gross but it weighs down a bag. Also the wet food is mostly water so better off with the dry and giving them tuna fish once in a while like I do. Check first three ingredients when looking at the bag of pet food as they have the highest percentage of product here. A good food has grains,vegetables and bone meal. It also is naturally preserved.

Kiss Your FAce is a product line of skin care goods that is organic and not tested on animals.

Dr. Woods has soaps that are organic like castile oil.

Pro Printers Hudson, NY ( a green company)

CSA- community supported agriculture,RT 9G Germantown,NY If you do some work for them like donate a couple of hours a month, you get fresh organic produce all season and get to participate in their dinners they hold all summer where the food is just great! You can also notice the distinct taste of the greens as that's just it, there is a taste unlike say iceberg lettuce. I recommend it as you get to see where your food comes from . Besides this they have a goat for milk,chicken for eggs and an apple grove.