The Scoop on Issue 36

What do Patty Duke, Buzz Aldrin, Ted Turner, Winston Churchill have in common? All have fought battles with chronic mental illness. These folks still found a way to make significant life contributions to the careers they loved by managing their illnesses. Issue 36 which is on the ballot for the election right around the corner will benefit those in our community who battle similar problems.

TMHA does not usually spot light election issues. However, in this case, we decided to present some information on Issue 36 because many of the disabled people who benefit from I-36 are receiving housing assistance from TMHA and the actual roof over their heads from Voucher Program Owners. For Issue 36 this election is a “do or die” situation.

Issue 36 is known as the ADAMH Board issue – ADAMH standing for Alcohol, Drug Addition, and Mental Health Services Board. The ADAMH Board has had this tax levy in place for some years, but now faces the unenviable circumstance of losing this funding at the end of 2006 if this levy does not pass. Issue 36 imposes NO NEW TAXES. It is a renewal of the current levy.

Issue 36 will provide the following services:

• treatment of children with emotional problems

• emergency outreach to persons in crisis

• protection for victims of family violence

• programs for the prevention and treatment of drug and alcohol abuse

• community support for mentally ill persons and their families

The funds collected from this levy are delivered to these community agencies to provide the needed services.

• Community Mental Healthcare

• Personal & Family Counseling Services

• Harbor House Domestic Violence Shelter

• Health Department Alcohol & Addiction Program

• Advocacy, Choices, & Empowerment

• Harcatus Head Start Drug Free Schools Program

Issue 36 is a .5 mill levy, which amounts to $0.05 for each 100 dollars of valuation. Above all remember to VOTE on November 7th, 2006 for the candidates and issues of your choice. In a democracy, every opinion, no matter how small, counts.

 

Being Thankful All Year Long

Do you wait until Thanksgiving Day or Christmas to thank those that you love and those that have helped you? It is important to spend time during these special holidays to be thankful. However, it shouldn't be the only time you demonstrate your love and appreciation to others.

There are some great reasons to thank people throughout the year and not just during the holiday season.

1. Your appreciation may have more of an impact when it is done at an unexpected time. Giving thanks during the holidays can be somewhat expected. Surprise someone by showing your gratitude when it is least expected and it will be remembered for a long time.

2. It can be done immediately after an event you are most thankful for. That is when it will encourage others the most.

3. Your notes and thoughtful comments won't get diluted by those from others trying to catch up for the past year on their thanks.

4. You can give more time and personalized attention when showing your gratitude. You will not have to do something for a large list of people in a short period of time.

You should have no problem thinking of ones to thank on a daily or weekly basis. If you need some ideas, here are some to get you thinking:

1. Family and friends that have done something for you (including being your friend).

2. The person that delivers your mail and newspaper.

3. Teachers, teacher aides, and school staff.

4. Business co-workers and clients.

5. Community workers (including police, fire fighters, and government workers).

6. As a landlord, if you have good tenants in your property, take the time to thank them for being a quality tenant.

What are some ways to thank those that have made a difference in your life? Try one of these ways or be creative with your own heartfelt method:

1. Send a handwritten note or letter that expresses your thankfulness.

2. Tell the person face-to-face how grateful you are for them being in your life.

3. Provide a simple gift to the person. Don't give an extravagant gift or you run the risk of minimizing the actions of the other person.

4. Help the other person in a way that benefits him or her.

Giving thanks doesn't just benefit the other person. You will receive benefits from doing it as well. You will begin to feel happier and more relaxed. In fact, it has been proven in studies that being grateful can have a positive effect on your health. It can reduce your stress and boost your immune system.

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