During the troubling times of COVID, teens and young adults in Fort Bragg now have one more resource to rely on. Blue Door, a community service offering free and confidential health care, is now offered at the JD Center next to Fort Bragg High School every Wednesday beginning at 1:00 p.m. Blue Door is a program of Mendocino Coast Clinics, the local community health center whose mission is to build a healthy community by providing quality patient-centered health care to all coastal residents. Blue Door’s confidential services include birth control information, supplies, and behavioral health counseling. Blue Door’s expansion is part of the district’s ongoing effort to ensure students are as safe and supported as possible. Blue Door began to respond to an expressed need for accessible and confidential health care for teens and young adults. “It started as a community collaboration, and it continues to be a community collaboration,” said Stacy Pollina, reproductive health program manager at Mendocino Coast Clinics.

Blue Door’s expansion means even more growth potential. “Blue Door is part of the JD Center’s overall plan to be a hub that connects families to the resources they need,” Pollina said. On their first day of operation, Kei Velazquez, one of Blue Door’s medical providers, described his vision: “We want the process to be seamless: someone can be seen by a medical provider, talk to a counsel and participate in interactive art projects. We want to provide a safe space that offers tools to build self-esteem. Soon, Blue Door will offer family advocates, including the two recently hired bilingual liaisons by FBUSD, to help connect families with the support and services they need, such as food stamps and MediCal.”The new location makes it all possible,” Pollina said. “We’re excited to make Blue Door and its associated resources even more accessible to young people and their families.”

The entrance to the new Blue Door location has what you would expect of a clinic: a check-in counter, chairs to sit on while you wait. There are also a few rooms for exams or counseling sessions. However, to the right is a room you might not expect – a large room lit by two skylights on the high ceiling, an open door to let in a swath of sunshine and fresh air, and ornate walls of artwork created by a range of age groups in the community. Blue Door has partnered with FLOCKworks, a local non-profit organization supporting local collaborative arts initiatives, to create an inspiring and heartwarming space. “We hope to one day offer art workshops in this room, maybe even classes like sewing,” Velazquez said. “If nothing else, Blue Door will always be a safe place for teens and young adults.”

■Bow Rotary is sponsoring a speech contest based on the Rotary “Four Way Test”. The test of what we think, say, or do is used by Rotarians around the world as a moral code for personal and professional relationships. Any high school student, including homeschoolers from Bow or Dunbarton, is eligible. Entry forms, contest rules and more details are available at www.bowrotary.org. Completed applications should be sent to Dean Cascadden at SAU 67, 55 Falcon Way, Bow, NH 03304, or can be submitted electronically to [email protected] by March 11 at 3 p.m. The Bow competition will take place on March 22 most likely via Zoom. . Registration will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the contest will begin at 6:00 p.m.

■Applications for the Rotary Club of Bow “Foundation Scholarships” are now available. Thanks to the tremendous financial support of our community, the Foundation will award a total of $26,000 in post-secondary scholarships in 2022! Our scholarship program offers scholarships to high school seniors who attended Bow High School or who are Bow or Dunbarton students who attended other area high schools. The Bow High School student must be from a city without a Rotary club or with a Rotary club that does not offer college, vocational, or business scholarships. Applications are available in PDF format for download on bowrotary.org under the Scholarships/Grants menu. PDF forms can be completed electronically and emailed or can be printed and mailed. Forms are also available at the Bow High School Guidance Office. Adult scholarships are also available. Nominations must be received at the Bow School District Superintendent’s office or emailed to [email protected] by 3 p.m. April 29. Applications mailed to the Bow Rotary Club at PO Box 1935, Bow NH 03304 must also be received by this deadline.

■ A $1,000 Bow Garden Club scholarship is available for a BHS Senior graduate entering college and pursuing a degree in one of the plant sciences (horticulture, conservation, forestry, etc.). An application can be acquired through the BHS Consulting Office or by contacting Deb Wayne, BGC Scholarship Chair, at [email protected] or (603) 715-1466.

■Bow resident Jessica Dunbar sets up a “Bow Energy Committee” and invites members of the public to join her team. Joining the Bow Energy Committee will give you a new opportunity to participate in city initiatives and engage with others in your community.

■Looking for a positive and practical way to make a difference in the health of the environment and your community? Are you interested in renewable energy, making Bow a more energy efficient town, and helping your neighbors learn how to save money and energy in their homes? The Bow Energy Committee meets every third Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in Room C of the Town Municipal Building. To learn more about our committee or to join our team, we invite you to attend a meeting and/or contact Tonia Lindquist at the municipal office for more information, contact [email protected], (603) 223-3910 .

JOYCE KIMBALL

[email protected]

DUNBARTON Beware of downsides

■This month, the library reading group is reading “Giver of Stars” by Jojo Moyes. The discussion around the book will take place on Wednesday noon at the library. Bring a lunch if you wish.

■Reading to Dogs for children in grades 1-4 will have 20 minute sessions on March 24th. Read aloud to Mr. T, a Registered/Certified Therapy Dog from Therapy Dogs Winter and Spring 2022. Mr. T and Nancy will be there for three individual sessions per day: 2:45-3:10 p.m., 3:15- 3:35 p.m., 3:40 p.m. to 4 p.m. Compulsory registration at the library. No appointment. Thank you.

■“Fraud Watch: Outsmarting the Con-Artist,” presented virtually by the Dunbarton Police Department with NH AARP and the Dunbarton Public Library on March 24 at 6:30 p.m. During the presentation, AARP and the Officer Jason Patten will discuss common scams and frauds. which are seen locally. This will take place via Zoom. The link will be posted closer to the event. Open to the public.

■Virtual mindfulness meditations via Zoom with Judy Caron, Living Mindfully NH. Join us for a one-hour virtual meditation on kindness on March 24 at 7 p.m. Please email [email protected] if you would like to attend. They will send you the link.

■This month, the DCC Book Club is reading Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass. The discussion will take place on April 7 from 7 to 8 p.m. Anne Hosts.

■ The exhibition of photographs by wildlife photographer and member of the Dunbarton Conservation Commission, Drew Groves, on the library’s art wall has been extended until the end of March. We encourage you to come see the great photos and the beauty of our own backyard. To learn more about the Dunbarton Conservation Commission, visit: dunbartonconservation.org.

■ Save the date for the PTO Easter Bunny Breakfast and Egg Hunt on April 9 from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Farm Breakfast and Egg Hunt for the kids (weather permitting) .

NORA LEDUC

774-3141

[email protected]

HENNIKER / CLOTHING riot memory

■ Raising a teenager aged 10 to 19? The Weare Library is hosting a series of get-togethers where parents can join other parents and talk about their experiences. The first meeting will take place on March 21 at 7 p.m. This session will feature the expertise of Dr. Debbie Farr.

■ A trailer for the Alchemists’ Workshop docu-fiction about 19th century Henniker’s deaf educator and advocate, Tom Brown, is now available on their website, Instagram or YouTube: drive.google.com/file /d/1nwkOMyb2X6AXcR7 njWkJhvPZMknChnBu/view?usp=share.

■The Pine Tree Riot 250th Anniversary Celebration will be held April 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for all ages.

■ As part of the Weare town festivities, the library hosts talks by Connie Evans, author of ‘Ebenezer Mudgett’ and ‘Pine Tree Riot’ AND crafts and macaroons for children.

TOM DUNN

[email protected]

HILLSBOROUGH / DEERING shopping trip

■ On Monday, the Fuller Public Library (FPL) Military History Reading Group will meet at 2:00 pm to discuss Sarah Rose’s “D-Day Girls”.

■ On Tuesday, a new Cookbook Group will meet at FPL at 1:00 pm and the Mystery Book Group will meet at 6:30 pm to discuss “Open Season” by Archer Mayor. Call for more information at (603) 464-3595

■ RSVP is required by March 18 for the March 22 GHSS Hooksett Shopping Tour. Tour departs from Shaw’s at 9:00am with stops at Corey’s Closet, Ocean State Job Lot, and Joanne’s Fabrics. Pay for your own lunch at choice of Runners, Applebee’s or 99’s Restaurant. Please RSVP to Lou Ellen (603) 464-5138.

NANCY SHEE

[email protected]

HORN Telephone Tales

■March 13 at 4 p.m., Reed’s North Acoustic Series presents Old Folk. And don’t forget Trivia Night every Tuesday at 6 p.m. For more information and menu, visit Reed’s North on Facebook.

■On March 14 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, the Warner 4-H Club will hold its monthly meeting (second Monday of the month) at Warner United Church.

■On March 16, at 3 p.m., visit Telephone Tales by Gianni Rodari at the NH Telephone Museum. Read by Miss Sue of the Pillsbury Free Library. The suggested donation is $5. General admission to the Telephone Museum is $6 for seniors 65 and older, $7 for adults (18-59), and $3 for students in grades 1-12. Guided tours are available at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. with advance reservations and an additional $3 per person. For more information, visit nhtelephonemuseum.org or call (603) 456-2234. The Telephone Museum is now open on Tuesdays and Saturdays in March and April.

■On March 18, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Magdalen College is holding its last Fish Fry community supper served in the dining room, take-out option. Regular, gluten-free and dairy-free fish dishes are available. Meals are $10 per person over 12, $5 from 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and under. A group of students from the Madeleine will raise funds to help refugees from the war in Ukraine. Bring money to support the cause! COVID-19 protocols will be posted on the main building doors and a temperature check is required prior to entry. For more information, contact Ginger Iverson at (603) 456-2656 or [email protected].

■ March 18 is the deadline to register your co-ed softball team with Warner Parks and Recreation. For more information, visit warnerparksandrec.com and click on Spring Softball.

■ March 19-20 is Kearsarge Maple Weekend. Seven sap houses will demonstrate; cards available at local shops and sap houses. Plan to visit a sap house, buy a craft from the library, learn about traditional sugaring methods at the Mount Kearsarge Indian Museum, eat waffles or pancakes with local syrup at the public market, and lend your taste buds a taste of maple syrup contest on Sunday noon at the Town Hall. Sponsored, in part, by the Follansbee Inn, the Kearsarge Area Chamber of Commerce, the Nancy Sibley Wilkins Trust Fund of the NH Charitable Foundation, and the Warner Historical Society. For more details, visit warnerhistorical.org or kearsargechamber.org.

■Through March 20, Warner’s United Church is hosting a Double Impact Food Drive. The Church will match your can-for-can canned food donation. Items will be distributed to people in our community. Donations can be dropped off at the parish house of the church. For more information, visit ucwarner.org/doubleimpact.

■March 30 at 6:30 p.m., Zoom on Banjos, Bones and Ballads with Jeff Warner, performer, teacher and performer of traditional music. Free to the public, this Humanities-to-go program is funded by NH Humanities and sponsored by the Pillsbury Free Library, MainStreet Warner and the Warner Historical Society. To sign up for the Zoom link, visit nhhumanities.org.

■Registration for youth softball is open! Scholarships are available for those who cannot afford the full registration fee. WYSA is also looking for a volunteer coordinator. To register and for more information, visit warnersports.org.

■ March Madness at Family Closet! Open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Special offers on little-worn clothes and accessories. Help us clear the closet for spring!

■Kearsarge Food Hub is seeking candidates for the second year of its agricultural apprenticeship program. This six-month paid program for one or two aspiring farmers offers an immersive experience in sustainable vegetable farming. For more information, visit kearsargefoodhub.org.

Elibet Chase

[email protected]

LEWISBURG (WVDN) — The Greenbrier County School Board reviewed school achievements, new food policy updates, the upcoming year’s levy budget and heard public feedback at the board meeting. Tuesday, March 8.

Greenbrier East Secondary School student representatives on the council highlighted some of the school’s recent successes. The trio, Tristen Deeds, Ceili Allder and Rylee Norman, pointed out the following:

– The Academic Showdown team that travels to the States after winning the regional contest in Concord.
– Mathematics Field Day participants attended the recent regional competition, where two students placed in the top ten.
– Of the GEHS seniors, 141 are eligible for the PROMISE scholarship, a major grant program available to students in the state of West Virginia.
– Cody Jenkins qualified for the All-Service National Rifle Competition.
– The women’s basketball team will participate in the sectional championships.
– The men’s basketball team participated in the regionals on March 9.
– The acting class placed second in the WYCA Project Against Racism competition.
– Healthcare students participated in epilepsy first aid training.
– The National Honors Society mentored students at Eastern Greenbrier Middle School.

Two of GEHS’ student representatives were also applauded by the board for their individual achievements.

“The Greenbrier County School Board extends a round of applause to West Point appointee Tristan Deeds of Greenbrier East High School!” reads a post from Greenbrier County Schools on Facebook. “We wish Tristan well as he prepares to enter this prestigious American Service Academy in West Point, New York. Congratulations Tristan!”

Additionally, student representative Ceili Allder was recently placed in the West Virginia Music Educators Association (WVMEA) All-State Ensembles. For more, see “GEHS Music Program Celebrates All-State Performance and Governor’s Award” on wvdn.com.

In other cases:

– To see students celebrated for their efforts in English classes, see “Spelling bee and WV Young Writers celebrated at BoE” on wvdn.com.

– A new food service policy is expected to be approved after a 30-day public comment period. The policy will include a requirement for a staff member trained in the Heimlich maneuver to be present during the hours when students eat, allowing meal substitutions for students with dietary restrictions, removing the sale of soft drinks in schools secondary, adjusting the management of finances related to lunch debts and assigning tasks to the director of child nutrition.

– The proposed levy rates for the 2023 financial year have been approved. The school’s chief business officer, David McClure, explained, “Overall, the assessments and Greenbrier County are merging at 3.24%, which is typical of what we’ve seen during COVID. . We still rank very favorably with the state, we are 32nd out of 55 [counties], to the extent that local property tax collections are used to support public education. Details are expected to be published in local newspapers shortly after approval.

– While reviewing budget information, Board Chair Jeanie Wyatt celebrated the upcoming end of some of the school system’s obligations, saying, “It’s exciting to think that the major obligation, the obligation that we did on Greenbrier West, Rainelle, Lewisburg, the gymnasium in East [Greenbrier]Smoot, and it will all be paid off in 2024. It’s really exciting, I think.

– A bid to replace the roof at Western Greenbrier Middle School has been approved. The bid, totaling $500,900, was awarded to Five Star Commercial Roofing.

– Lewisburg parent Dorian Swann told the council that on February 23, around noon, she arrived to pick up her child from Lewisburg Elementary School to find “about 60 students to the right of the school”, where she found his child “being beaten by another student. He tries to defend himself and the child continues to hit my child, one punch after another. … Not a single adult has approached them. I parked my car, got out, and ran as fast as I could towards the students. … This is clearly something that happens often. Noting that she was able to approach the children without being approached by a member of the staff, she said, “if you’re going to have 64 students outside, we need to have [a staff member] outside with them, and if we don’t have enough staff, we bring them inside. She also hopes “to offer possible parent workshops, for students and their parents. When a specific student has bigger issues and bullying, we need to understand what their underlying problem is. She also asked if the school could have “counseling sessions for each student monthly, quarterly, or even annually, without specific request. If not, can we?

– Community member Frank Tuckwiller approached the board to look at “a public school exam which I assume has been set up by the Greenbrier County School Board” which relates to “proficiency in math and reading for elementary, middle and high schools.” Tuckwiller said, “I would like to recommend that someone come up with a plan to improve math education in the west. [side of the county].”

This story is about suicide. If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, please call the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741, or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for resources additional.

When the news broke that 22-year-old Stanford football star and senior Katie Meyer died by suicide last week, it was a heartbreak to parents who understood what Katie’s mother, Gina, meant. , when she said she was having “a parent’s worst nightmare” in her interview with NBC News’ Stephanie Gosk on TODAY.

Especially terrifying for parents: Meyer told Gosk that she and Katie’s father had no red flags leading to his death and that she had been in good spirits on FaceTime with them hours before.

Katie’s death leaves questions about what parents need to know about mental health support on campus and how they can support their children in college, especially now that students seem to be struggling more than ever.

Related: Katie Meyer’s parents speak out after her death

According to the latest Healthy Minds Institute data report from Winter 2021, 41% of students surveyed reported moderate or major depression, and 13% said they had had suicidal thoughts in the past year.

We asked experts in the fields of mental health and higher education for their thoughts on what parents can do.

1. Start working on self-defense skills early

Think about the skills people need in college before your kids get into college, Myrna Hernández, vice president of student affairs at the College of Wooster in Ohio, told TODAY Parents. “While they’re still in high school, figure out what your child is dealing with, whether it’s academics, mental health, or anxiety,” she suggested.

“Then start building their self-advocacy skills,” she said. “Ask them, ‘What do you want to do about it and how are you going to achieve it? to be able to speak for themselves.

Read more: TODAY’s guide to young adults and mental health

2. Learn about mental health resources

When visiting college campuses, parents and students should ask about mental health services the same way they would ask about meal plans or internship opportunities, experts said — even if their students have never needed mental health support in the past.

Know who to contact in case of a problem. Know where the student health center is. Know how to find mental health help and make sure your college kids know too. At Wooster, for example, Hernández said the school has an “early warning system” in the form of a university “care team” made up of students, faculty and staff. staff who can follow up if someone alerts them with concerns about a student. .

Wooster offers counseling services through its Student Wellness Center, but Hernández noted that those services might have a wait time. She said Wooster and most colleges and universities also have emergency mental health support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week — which is important for students to know.

Other questions to ask colleges: How long do students typically wait to see a counselor? How many sessions are they given before they have to seek help outside of the university? What kind of support does the university provide if they need to find a private mental health provider?

3. Consider legal release forms

What many parents don’t realize is that once kids are over 18, privacy laws limit colleges in what they can tell parents about mental health. of their students.

In some cases, parents may want to submit documents signed by their students, which will give the college more freedom to tell them if their children are suffering from a medical condition on campus, whether mental or physical. These forms may include a medical and/or financial power of attorney as well as HIPAA authorizations.

“If a student welcomes this, it’s not a crazy thing to have, just in case,” said Dr. Sarah Cain Spannagel, licensed clinical psychologist and faculty member at Case Western Reserve University.

“My mom sent me off to college with a Tupperware with things like a little sewing kit in it,” Spannagel noted. “Did I use any of these things? No. They sat in a storage block in the corner of my dorm. But I had them if I needed them; and it’s really no different, if it makes sense to everyone involved.

4. Talk about mental health and have a plan

When a child goes off to college, the dynamic between them and their parents changes, Hernández said — and communication is important.

Once a student has been on campus for a few weeks, “Ask them, ‘Who besides your friends supports you?'” she said. “Make sure they can point to someone. Even a single connection, like a coach or a professor or someone from the academic resource center is enough, but they have to be connected to someone.”

For students who received mental health support in their hometown, a “direct continuity of care plan” is also essential, Spannagel said, and not just in terms of counseling or medication.

“Whatever personal care your child takes at home, it has to accompany them in some way through college,” she said. “If they have a gym membership at home and working out helps relieve their stress, make sure they know where they can do it on campus. nails every week, so they should.”

5. Work on noticing instead of judging

Spannagel advised parents to stay in regular contact with their kids in college and insist, sometimes, on hearing their voices or FaceTiming so they can see what they look like. However, she warned that parents should be “observers” when watching their children and not judge them.

If they are grumpy from lack of sleep or not eating enough, instead of criticizing them, be aware and notice if a child seems to be eating, exercising or sleeping more or less than usual, has she declared. Significant changes can be an early warning signal that something is wrong. A big say a student might need help with, Spnagel said: any mention of desperation.

Spnagel also said that while students need their independence, it’s okay for parents to decide to take something off their child’s plate.

“If you have to pick up their medicine from the pharmacy and mail it to them at school, who cares? ” she says. “There are a million other opportunities in college to be independent. If they need you to do that one thing to keep them on track, that’s OK.”

6. Tell your kids they’re not alone if they’re struggling

Samantha Arsenault Livingstone is an Olympic swimming gold medalist who battled depression and now works as an educator and mental health advocate. She knows all too well the perfectionism and pressure that Katie Meyer’s parents mentioned in their TODAY interview, for both top athletes and the average person.

Going to college as an elite athlete, she would have benefited from knowing that “other people struggled as well,” she told TODAY Parents. “I completely believed that I was the only one. Even after all my achievement, I felt like an impostor, and that for me was the driver into the depths of depression, into this dark, dark space, because I had felt like I would be found out if I revealed some kind of struggle.

Livingstone noted, “We don’t need a diagnosis to be able to talk about anxiety. Sometimes children feel they need permission to feel what they feel.”

Hernández said the mental health crisis among students is “generational,” not just a byproduct of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We must remember that it is getting worse now, as not only are students dealing with the disruption caused by the pandemic, but they have also grown up in schools with the anxiety and stress of active shooting drills and thinking to their personal safety every day just at school in general,” she said.

Related:

The Hardin County Schools Family and Youth Resource Centers have a program for parents to help prevent mental health issues among the student body.

HCS parents can attend a session called “More than Sad” from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Central Hardin High School Library to learn about the signs of depression, how to talk to a child about mental health and the various resources that are available.

This session is a partnership between the school and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. It was previously scheduled for January 13, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

CHHS Youth Services Center coordinator Brendan Chaney said the event was aimed specifically at parents in the district, not students. Some refreshments will also be available.

Chaney said when the foundation hosted the “Out of the Darkness” event last fall, they decided to team up to organize trainings and programs for parents, teachers and students.

She said that at the start of the school year, the school sent out surveys to staff, students and parents. She said the top three concerns for parents were counseling options, teenage stress and anxiety, and self-esteem.

“We want to educate parents and staff, and then we want to work with and educate students,” she said.

Chaney said the event will teach parents how to recognize signs of depression in their children and how to talk to them about it, as well as how families can get the resources they need in the community.

She said the district partners with 10 different agencies that can step in and help arrange therapy sessions for students if they qualify for school-based counseling.

Chaney also said there are also small groups at CHHS for different things like anxiety, coping skills and self-esteem during flextime at school.

“We really want to be preventative as much as possible and help students and parents as much as possible,” Chaney said.

Andrew Harp can be reached at 270-505-1414 or [email protected].

Nick Martin can be sweet, but when he reads the words to his poem “Honesty”, the message comes through loud and clear.

my therapist

Taught me that it’s not failure I fear

But rather the potential for my success.

A black man

Could speak through my firm exterior

And talk to my inner child.

In the 30-line narrative poem, Martin, an economics student at San Diego State University, explains how a visit with a therapist helped him find himself, giving him the strength and release to be himself in the process.

The poem struck a chord with audiences: Soft Quarterly, an arts and culture publication, published the poem in its most recent edition, and he performed the piece at several SDSU receptions, including the reception of the Young Men of Color Alliance in November and Brother to Brother Luncheon in December.

Martin will perform it again at “Let the Poet Speak,” a February 27 spoken word event at the Black Resource Center hosted in conjunction with the San Diego Association of Black Psychologists.

“I feel blessed with the impact the poem has had so far,” Martin said. “I didn’t think it would spark as much dialogue as it has so far, however, I’m happy with it. My main intention is to tell so that people don’t feel alone. The poem serves its purpose and that’s what matters most to me.

Martin, who grew up in Spring Valley and the Encanto neighborhood of San Diego and graduated from Patrick Henry High School, said he started writing poetry when he was 14. He published his words on the powerpoetry.org website.

During his junior and senior years, he was actively involved in the spoken word community and participated in his high school’s talent show.

But poetry was more than something he excelled at. It was his outlet to express his feelings of confusion, sadness, hope and humanity during a tumultuous time in his life.

“I would just like to talk about the struggles I witnessed in high school when it came to my mother’s health and the fact that I was separated from her when I was 15,” Martin said. “It was a confusing time, especially during those teenage years when all we do as people is understand each other for the first time. My intentions, whenever I wrote poems on the subject of mental health, were to relate to people as best I could. People want to feel seen and heard in their day-to-day lives.

We tango in philosophy and call it conversation.

He would ask me who I am and what do I want?

I am still struggling with this question.

As a black man, I feel the need to adapt

EVERY ENVIRONMENT.

Though my dark skin can’t blend into every

environment,

I know how to camouflage my voice and

mannerisms,

For any environment.

The inspiration for “Honesty,” Martin said, came from mental health therapy sessions he had in the spring of 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when mental health and wellness were a major topic of discussion. A National Institute of Health study showed that minorities were disproportionately affected by the mental health side effects of the pandemic.

Martin said he wanted to let his audience, especially black men, know that it was okay to seek help for their mental health.

“I felt it was important to shine a light on a part of the black community that is still stigmatized in certain contexts,” Martin said.

This constant game of charades, left me

I don’t know my own hue.

my therapist

I said to find my own success, I gotta know what

I appreciate.

I told him that honesty matters most.

And it’s been one of the keys to mine

Freedom all the while.

One person who has worked to combat this stigma of therapy within the black community is Ricky J. Popea psychologist from SDSU Psychological and Counseling Services who acts as a facilitator for the Alliance of Young Men of Color.

He asked Martin to recite his poem at the reception in November, during which audience members were moved to tears and heartfelt discussion.

“It touched me to see this work that I have dedicated my life to having such an impact on someone like Nick,” Pope said. “The idea of ​​being a black therapist and helping people like me kept me going. Reading this poem kind of validated my perseverance in getting this degree so I could help young men unleash their potential.

“I will be forever grateful to him for what he wrote in this poem,” Pope said. “It’s moving.”

Martin, a major in economics with a focus on policy and a minor in creative writing, wants to work as a policy analyst.

But until then, and beyond, he wants to keep inspiring people with his words.

In this coming-of-age story, growth is not linear.

In the same way that grass and plants grow down

Sun is the same way I will grow towards my values.

My honesty.

My own freedom.

Without having to adapt to anyone.

“I want my work to accomplish healing, empathy, and using knowledge gained to improve our relationships with others,” Martin said.

Related content

4th anniversary of the Black Resource Center

Monday, February 28 | Noon – 2 p.m.

With prom season fast approaching, Rootstown’s Do Something Ministry of Community Bible Church is planning its free annual Prom On Us event to be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 5 at Cook Hall in NEW center at Northeastern Ohio Medical University. , 4211 Route 44, Rootstown

When 17-year-old Nevo Abutbul joins the IDF next year, he’ll have the coolest job ever: he’ll be the army’s first-ever mentalist, spending his service wowing soldiers with his wit lively, his mind-reading abilities and his versatility. awesomeness.

“I am the youngest mentalist in Israel and the world,” Nevo told ISRAEL21c. “I started trying my hand at magic when I was six and mentalism when I was nine.”

It’s less about formal training and more about your own strength, he says.

“Ever since I can remember, I’ve been playing games like guessing which hand is holding a coin or how many coins I’m holding. I kept practicing the way people think,” he explains.

“What attracted me and made me curious were people’s reactions and how the brain works. I learned body language, NLP [neuro-linguistic programming]. I slowly but surely started to build myself a mentalist toolbox.

Over the next few years, Nevo performed on TV shows in Israel and abroad, appeared on the biggest stages and entertained VIP crowds. His plans for the next two years – in addition to donning a uniform – include taking the world by storm.

And his first stop is America.

Unlike Israel, which adores its homegrown mentalist veterans (hello, Uri Geller and Lior Suchard), the United States isn’t all that familiar with the field. Which is perfectly fine with Nevo.

“It’s not popular, and people overseas don’t know much about it, at least not in America. My goal is to combine mentalism with Nevo. I want to introduce people to the field and also inspire them to pursue their own dreams. No matter how old you are, you can still make your dream come true. This is a goal that is really important for me to promote,” he says.

Not like other high school students

“I am a 12^and grader, and it’s not easy with all the shows and TV. I miss school a lot and it’s not easy. But I’m a good student, I put effort into my studies and it’s important to me, so I make sure to catch up,” Nevo says. “I live the dream and I realize myself every day anew.”

Although he has less time to hang out with his friends, “My friends love and encourage me, and I’m learning to balance school and a relationship. It’s the kind of thing that keeps you grounded and helps maintain balance.

Nevo Abutbul wows the crowd during a recent US tour. Photo courtesy of Sarit&lorens

To become a successful mentalist, even at a young age, certain basic traits are needed, he says.

“As a mentalist, you have to be very, very sharp, very focused, pay attention to the little details and think a few steps ahead,” he explains.

“You have to understand why things happen and influence how they happen. And, of course, you need charisma and performance. Without it, you can’t host an hour-long show with a focused audience.

mentalism versus magic

Many people don’t really know what differentiates mentalism from magic.

“Magic is about using movement – ​​hand movements, deceptive tricks,” Nevo explains.

“Mentalism has more to do with the brain, more with psychology and body language. I deal with the brain, not speed and things that deceive the eye.

Yet many people mistakenly think that mentalism is about methods.

“I’m actually in favor of this view because it makes it entertaining and gives people a lot of fun,” Nevo says.

“In Israel, of course, more people try to find out how you do all this, while elsewhere in the world they believe you more.

“But I don’t try to deceive people, only to make them happy and surprise them,” he concludes. “I really like doing it; this is my passion.”

Learn more about Nevo Abutbul here.

When 17-year-old Nevo Abutbul joins the IDF next year, he’ll have the coolest job ever: he’ll be the army’s first-ever mentalist, spending his service wowing soldiers with his wit lively, his mind-reading abilities and his versatility. awesomeness.

“I am the youngest mentalist in Israel and the world,” Nevo told ISRAEL21c. “I started trying my hand at magic when I was six and mentalism when I was nine.”

It’s less about formal training and more about your own strength, he says.

“Ever since I can remember, I’ve been playing games like guessing which hand is holding a coin or how many coins I’m holding. I kept practicing the way people think,” he explains.

“What attracted me and made me curious were people’s reactions and how the brain works. I learned body language, NLP [neuro-linguistic programming]. I slowly but surely started to build myself a mentalist toolbox.

Over the next few years, Nevo performed on TV shows in Israel and abroad, appeared on the biggest stages and entertained VIP crowds. His plans for the next two years – in addition to donning a uniform – include taking the world by storm.

And his first stop is America.

Unlike Israel, which adores its homegrown mentalist veterans (hello, Uri Geller and Lior Suchard), the United States isn’t all that familiar with the field. Which is perfectly fine with Nevo.

“It’s not popular, and people overseas don’t know much about it, at least not in America. My goal is to combine mentalism with Nevo. I want to introduce people to the field and also inspire them to pursue their own dreams. No matter how old you are, you can still make your dream come true. This is a goal that is really important for me to promote,” he says.

Not like other high school students

“I’m in high school, and it’s not easy with all the shows and TV. I miss school a lot and it’s not easy. But I’m a good student, I put effort into my studies and it’s important to me, so I make sure to catch up,” Nevo says. “I live the dream and I realize myself every day anew.”

Although he has less time to hang out with his friends, “My friends love and encourage me, and I’m learning to balance school and a relationship. It’s the kind of thing that keeps you grounded and helps maintain balance.

To become a successful mentalist, even at a young age, certain basic traits are needed, he says.

“As a mentalist, you have to be very, very sharp, very focused, pay attention to the little details and think a few steps ahead,” he explains.

“You have to understand why things happen and influence how they happen. And, of course, you need charisma and performance. Without it, you can’t host an hour-long show with a focused audience.

mentalism versus magic

Many people don’t really know what differentiates mentalism from magic.

“Magic is about using movement – ​​hand movements, deceptive tricks,” Nevo explains.

“Mentalism has more to do with the brain, more with psychology and body language. I deal with the brain, not speed and things that deceive the eye.

Yet many people mistakenly think that mentalism is about methods.

“I’m actually in favor of this view because it makes it entertaining and gives people a lot of fun,” Nevo says.

“In Israel, of course, more people try to find out how you do all this, while elsewhere in the world they believe you more.

“But I don’t try to deceive people, only to make them happy and surprise them,” he concludes. “I really like doing it; this is my passion.”

Learn more about Nevo Abutbul here.

Produced in collaboration with ISRAEL21c.

Women and their well-being are a passion for new gym owner Karina Timpson.

Ms Timpson took over rental of the upstairs gymnasium at the Oamaru Rowing Club last week and hoped to have it fully operational by the end of the month.

She was moving equipment and waiting for new equipment to arrive.

”It was delayed a bit with Covid. So it’s in Auckland. I have some really awesome pieces of gear coming up.”

Ms Timpson, who had previously rented the gym space from former owner Jamie Rhodes, continued to manage her women’s groups and clients with what she already had, but was eager to welcome other members when she could.

She had been in the fitness industry in Oamaru for around 12 years and said her focus was definitely on looking after her female clients.

The satisfaction she derived from her work was not the physical results her clients achieved, but “all the other things that go with it.”

”So the self-confidence, just being able to hang out with their kids. Because that was always my goal when I started, was to be an active mom while my kids were growing up. Yeah, it’s that stuff, it’s all emotional.

”I like when people feel good. I love my clients, that’s why I do what I do.”

Ms Timpson had studied female hormones and pre- and post-menopausal support, which was ‘just a different kind of support’.

”Also, pre and post natal is an area I’m really interested in and I will bring a little more to my gym for my clients. ”

As a mother of three herself, with sons Josiah (15) and Max (13) in high school and daughter Elyse (10) in her final year of primary school, Ms Timpson was also busy outside of work, and with 40 clients already on her books, she wasn’t looking too much to grow her client base. A small group allowed her to specialize, which she preferred.

She believed that the biggest challenge faced by women who wanted to prioritize their health was the lack of support.

”Having, I think, someone who is invested and caring – and that’s what I like to do.

“I’ve done a lot of life coaching and wellness coaching, so it’s been fine, and I think that’s what makes a big difference is that they know someone is there. with them.”

Ms. Timpson was a qualified Level 5 Personal Trainer and Wellness and Green Prescription Coach.

“So if people go to the doctor and the doctor says you need someone who can help you with your blood pressure or your weight, then come see me.”

She was also a practitioner of NLP (neurolinguistic programming), which helped her build relationships and communicate with clients, she said.

The gym would be 24/7 for members, with key access, and she would be available to help members if they wanted, which is why she was limiting numbers.

“I’ve had a lot of interest so I might consider taking on another coach in the near future – maybe an apprentice or something, that would be great.”

Ms. Timpson loved the community at the gym, and there were plenty of people who had used it for years and enjoyed doing their own thing, which she was also happy to support.

”I’ve been coming here myself for about 10 years, so it’s always been a pretty active gym. I’m just looking to maybe modernize it.”

Being part of the rowing club building also added great dynamics to the gymnasium, and Ms. Timpson hoped to be able to help with high school training during the off-season.

She also wanted to provide training for teenage girls and young women, to give them more confidence.

“Maybe kids who don’t like to play sports. Something different.

”Mental health is so important — it’s not just adults who struggle, it’s teenagers and young people too. . .it would be so great to trigger something in the younger ones too.”

Inquiries to join the gym can be made now by message Ms. Timpson on her Facebook page ”Coach K” or by emailing [email protected]