THURSDAY, June 12th, 2003, was the much-awaited day; we were leaving our cares behind and going to camp Quinipet on Shelter Island.

As predicted, the cloudy, rainy weather wasn’t a surprise. It was the same as last year. Going east we drove into several rainstorms. We arrived in Greenport and a detour sign led to a very long line of vehicles waiting to board the ferry to Shelter Island. One of the ferries was out of service, which caused the backup. After a short wait we were on the ferry and transported to the island.

Our van and another car arrived at the camp at the same time.We unloaded the van, put food and supplies away and unpacked all our gear. After all vehicles; except the motor home, arrived a group of us went down to the dock with three kayaks which belong to Roni; the clubhouse's Director. She is an expert kayaker. Among the regular kayakers there were several people who never tried it. Roni instructed and demonstrated the correct way to get in and out of a kayak. Roni then paddled out in the water, turned the kayak so she was facing everyone on the shore. She proceeded to demonstrate and instruct; how to use the paddle to steer left or right. What to do if you get off course and how to back up etc. It was so professionally done. As a viewer to all this I felt I was witnessing the making of a live videotape “on the art of kayaking.” I enjoyed the show.

After a few hours watching the kayakers; I walked along the shore with a young lady who helped lighten my steps by carrying my bag, upon getting back to the main house, I helped set the tables with red and white checkered table cloths; a perfect touch for the evening meal. You are right; it was pasta night. It was delicious.

After clean-up, groups were formed; some played cards, board games, other went outdoors to play volleyball. Three people who had their fishing poles and bait caught four crabs, a sea robin and a stripped bass which was thrown back into the water. In the evening a bonfire was started to make s’mores. Although some people retired for the night, activity was going on strong way past midnight; in the main house.

Friday morning the two young ladies who had chopped, diced and cut green peppers, broccoli, cheese and onions (which brought tears to their eyes) the night before; cooked two different combinations of omelets. Everyone complimented the chefs for a job well done. A group led by Roni went on a nature walk. It had rained Thursday evening and most of the night. This morning it was misty; but the group was not discouraged. They were able to complete their walk before it poured.

Vehicles arrived with the “day trip” people just in time for lunch. Afterwards they joined in playing cards, or played volleyball, while others walked along the shore. I joined three Creative Arts members in playing Monopoly. We took a break for the evening BBQ. We resumed the game; while the “day trip” group was leaving the island. Because it was raining again, the log in the fireplace was lit and s’mores were made over the flame. As the evening wore on Marilyn came in with three large Sicilian pizzas which was very thoughtful and generous of her. I was thankful for another break from Monopoly. Finally at 11 PM after much pleading they all agreed to end the game by declaring one of the ladies the winner.

The next morning the sun was promising to appear. Breakfast was light and simple. Everyone helped in the task of leaving the camp neat and clean. When I had finished packing I went with another lady to look for the rock with the painted flag; at the far end of the shore. Upon returning, everyone gathered outside to get a group picture. The climax to an interesting and sociable time!

I rode in Marilyn’s car on the journey back home. We stopped to shop and take in the local sites in Greenport. As we traveled westward we stopped at a fruit stand. Marilyn purchase apple filled pastries which we sampled when we stopped for tea and coffee at Burger King.

It was the end of a perfect day when Marilyn left me at my door. About two hours later it started to rain.

WELCOME to the Autumn issue of the music corner. Elvis Presley’s daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, is making a record and has played at Jones Beach Theatre. She will also play at the Westbury Music Fair. She is being compared to her late and great father in her stage show.

Sorry to hear about the Field Day being cancelled in Calverton. Instead they will have it at Giant Stadium. And they are working on putting on a concert in August. I hope they get the permission to have the show in August.

The Beacon Theatre in New York has a good show. Brian Wilson formerly of the Beach Boys and Earth Wind and Fire, the great R&B group that has been around for many years, will play. And also at the Jones Beach theatre they will have Boston, a great group. Santana and another great new singer Michelle Branch will play there.

Playing at the “downtown” on west main street, in Farmingdale will be Donovan, Leon Russell, Berlin, the Mighty Bosstones, Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers, and the Dave Mason Band. Don’t forget Jefferson Starship playing at InterMedia Art Center in Huntington, N.Y. There is still no news from HALI about starting a new band. I know that HALI has a chorus led by BJ Kraus.

New Music can be bought on the Internet and there is also Satellite Radio. It’s for cars only and cost about $200. Speaking about radio, did you hear after hours with Glen Hollis? He has some nice sounding romantic songs and dedications. He has songs like: I will always love, Pictures, and many other songs. Another Romantic Deejay is Delilah on B108, a Connecticut Station. She is really great. I listen to both of these great Deejays. Kenny Lewis and the Blues House band plays every Tuesday at Molly Malone. Also playing in Bayshore is the Tommy Mulvhill Band.

My artist of the month is Bill Anderson, he sings and plays guitar and is on the Grand Ole Opry and also has a band called the Po Boys. He owns a chain of restaurants and also owns a radio station in Utah and tours with his band. He is also a record producer, and is a great songwriter. He is one great talent. Bill Anderson of the Grand Ole Oprey with his Po Boys Band, they are a great package show.

WHEN you are in a shopping mall, on a public bus, or any other public place, and you see a person you may know from the Clubhouse or any other another mental health agency, please use discretion regarding your conversation.

Many individuals do not wish to have any mental-health related information about themselves mentioned in public. Certain statements or questions may reveal confidential information. For example:

“Are you going to Clubhouse today?”
“Do you still live in that community residence?”
“Do you still have the same case manager?”
“Are you still taking Prozac?”

Out of consideration to those of us who wish to keep such information confidential, please use discretion in your conversations when in public, and avoid any comments or questions which could infringe upon an individuals privacy.

Froggy was his name
A big fat frog was he.
He was Black and Brown
Just like a cup of tea.
He followed the duck’s
As they went down to the sea!
But Oh! He said they want no
Part of me.
Down by the sandy road, He
Came across a ground hog
Digging a big hole.
Hi!, he said what you doing?
Sand piled upon his head.
But he was so busy he didn’t
Hear a word I said.
All of a sudden a Bike was by his side
He picked me up high above his head
I said if this kid drops me
I’ll surely be dead
But he said Hi Beautiful
Froggy
Will you be my friend?
And now I am so happy and
This is the end----

Recently I had to make an in-patient visit to the University of Stony Brook Hospital and Medical Center in Stony Brook, New York, because of an illness. And boy was I surprised during my visit! Not that they built any new buildings to the hospital, or that I met a famous specialist that would handle my problem or even that I saw Stony Brook Hospital on TV, but I met very competent staff who got along well with each other. They also showed overall professionalism throughout the day. From the person with the lowest job to the supervisors at the top.

The first day of my visit I had to have blood work taken. I do not like needles and I’ve never liked needles. But I always tried to be a good trooper and put up with the pain. The first nurse that tried to collect the blood failed miserable. Well, I told her off, and that was only after her one attempt. The next try was performed by a nurse named Tom; and his one attempt crashed and burned. I told him that I would speak with his supervisor. Well the last nurse didn’t do much better. I almost screamed when she drove the needle into my arm, but instead I prayed to God. Well she finally succeeded and got her blood sample. I told her I should get a medal or a lollipop for what I’d been through. She said she would look for a lollipop for me. But then she returned and said that she couldn’t find any even in the children’s ward. “Well, I said to myself, “this is it! I’m very disappointed”.

The next day I was put in several different areas of the hospital and was really able to see everyone at work.

Like I said earlier, the employees had smiles on their faces, even the custodians. The employees joked around a little as they greeted each other in the hallways. When they had trouble with an angry patient that was threatening them or telling them off, the employees simply said nothing or responded with a controlled, low voice. I was floored! I saw true professionalism at work. Something I won’t forget.

I went to camp Isabella Freedman from June 2nd – 5th . Camp Isabella is a summer camp in Connecticut designed for people recovering from mental illness. This was my third year going to the camp. We enjoyed singing outside around a campfire, morning exercises, karaoke, swimming, boating and fishing. One day they brought various animals for us to look at and pet. One of the best things about it is the variety of food to choose from. On the second to last night we had a great BBQ. There is also free coffee from 8am to 12AM at night including BBQ, and free coffee from 8AM-12AM. The rooms are very clean, and this year I was able to get my own room.

On the last day we packed up, wrapped up or sheets and pillowcases, folded our blankets and left to catch our buses home. The cost of the trip was $195 for four nights and three days. I had a great time on my vacation and look forward to going again next year.

Dear Michael Stoltz:

The Korea Drinking Culture & Alcohol Research Foundation and I deeply appreciate your friendly helping, guidance, and explanation for the preparation of our new center which will be open this winter in Korea.

I am so impressed with your people, programs, professionalism and passion after visiting your organization and meeting your staff during my stay in U.S.A. Once again I would like to learn more about your excellent programs and philosophy with client centered concepts in your vocational facility because we are now at a starting point for our new treatment facility.

I expect your ongoing contribution and prosperity for solving the alcohol and other addiction problems in the world. And I hope for your continuous cooperation for the alcoholics and addiction people in Korea. I also will make an effort for our mutual concern and development.

With Best Regards,

Jisoon Yim
Chairman
Korea Drinking Culture and Alcohol Research Foundation

Through a combination of video and ourown first-person story-telling, Clubhouse members, Marilyn Colgan, Ellen Zepress, Linda Vatsis, staff member Diane Austin Gidding, and President of Board of Directors, Dr. Davis Pollack, went to the Police Academy on February 26th and March 21st to talk to an attentive group of about fifty police recruits, about what it’s like to live with having a mental illness.  More that that, we demystified the experience pointing out to them that the majority of people with a psychiatric diagnosis are no more violent than the general population.  Unfortunately, the only ones that come to their attention are people in crisis, or people who have fallen through the cracks of the mental health system.  We also pointed out to them the reasons why someone might go off medications.  Certainly, we were not advocating that, but we pointed out the side effects of these major drugs we need to take to keep us on an even keel.  We talked about how we want to be treated and about what helps and what doesn’t.  It’s always an exhilarating day, full of tears and hope that things will change and that our presentation will help these officers when they come into contact with one or us.  It’s just another small step towards eliminating stigma.  If you are interested in participating in this project in the future, please contact me:
Diane Gidding: (631)471-7242 ext.339