Letters to the editor August 31

Posted 8/30/17

Suicide: a community challenge A young community member took his life in June. His passing bears witness to a continuing struggle to understand why, and to the deep affection by all who knew him. …

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Letters to the editor August 31

Posted

Suicide: a community challenge

A young community member took his life in June. His passing bears witness to a continuing struggle to understand why, and to the deep affection by all who knew him. Though we cannot bring him back, we can support those in need.

Remembering Trevor:

I can only imagine your burden—a young man, with so much life before him, instead, taking it.

It is said that when the earth cracks deep beneath the ocean, barely a ripple disturbs the surface—gently rolling secrets, kept even from fishers, until destruction unfolds upon landfall.

To know that how we treat each other matters, that each of us is within reach of trying times, and that those we encounter each day—on the street, at work or in school, or even at home—may be overwhelmed in ways we do not know.

To be lost, without bearing to safe harbor.

I’m sorry that we didn’t build a better lighthouse.

Stigma with mental illness increases the challenge of addressing our county’s consistently poor overall ranking in health outcomes in New York State. “On average, one person dies by suicide every five hours in [NYS]”, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Yet opportunities to help reduce suicide-related impacts exist in Sullivan County:

• The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s “Out of the Darkness Walk” is open to the public. 

Date and time: September 9, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check-in/Registration 10 a.m.

Location: Town of Bethel Senior Center, 3592 Rte. 55, Kauneonga Lake, NY

Contact: Patty Sweet, 845/665-7232, pattysweet1963@yahoo.com

• The National Alliance for Mental Illness, Sullivan County, holds regular support groups for those struggling in suicide’s aftermath on the first Wednesday each month, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at 20 Crystal St., Monticello.  Call 845/794-1029.

Dave Colavito

Rock Hill, NY

Library facilitates eclipse viewing

A great big thank you to the Tusten-Cochecton branch of the Western Sullivan Public Library for making it possible for the community to view the partial eclipse on Monday. With NASA coverage being broadcast, and safety glasses available, it was an informative and enjoyable afternoon, and another example of why our public libraries are such a valuable community resource. A special thanks to branch manager Kyoshin Lohr for planning the event.

Marileta Robinson

Milanville, PA

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