Volunteers working to improve Mental Health in Highland Falls

Text and Photos by MJ Pitt
Posted 10/1/24

Many of the people who wandered through Saturday’s ‘Mental Health Day’ in Ladycliff Park only did because they were on Main St. for some other reason and wanted to find out what was …

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Volunteers working to improve Mental Health in Highland Falls

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Many of the people who wandered through Saturday’s ‘Mental Health Day’ in Ladycliff Park only did because they were on Main St. for some other reason and wanted to find out what was going on. What they found was a simple event created just to boost their mental health.

From chair yoga going on to tables with resources to find help for oneself, or someone else, to healthy snacks of bottled water and fresh apples to a table set up for soothing rock painting, there was something for everyone.

But, why?

Mental health matters.

About halfway through the event, Highland Falls Mayor Joe D’Onofrio gave out two awards, to two community residents who work hard to help others with their mental health. The first was Lisa Sibley, who coordinated the event, via The Center of Highland Falls, with her fellow Board of Directors member there, Hannah Pitt.

“Today is a great day,” the mayor said. “Lisa makes a constant effort to better the community she grew up in and still lives in.”

Sibley said she was happy that the day came together and announced that in the very near future a ‘trail box’ would be installed at the top of the walkway in the park that will feature mental health resources for anyone. She also thanked the mayor for having had lights installed in the gazebo so that people needing a place to sit and gather their thoughts, rest, or talk, have a safe place to do that.

“Thank you so much to all who came today,” she said. “I was given a second chance at life, and I’m using that to try to make a difference in my community.”

The second was to Finnegan Schumacher, the therapy dog who is as well-known in the community as any human. Finnegan, and his owner, Barbara, attend not only events at West Point and the greater Hudson Valley with Hudson Valley Paws for a cause, but also spends time with young readers at the Highland Falls Intermediate School and Highland Falls Library, as well as often stops by community events. He accepted his medal from the mayor by sitting as nicely as possible, Barbara accepted a small statue for him.

“If Finnegan ran for mayor, he’d win,” D’Onofrio said. The audience cheered, agreeing. “A faithful companion and comforting presence, your love and dedication bring peace, comfort and joy with every wag of your tail.”

Also, on hand to speak for a few minutes were Assemblyman Chris Eachus, who not only praised The Center for its outreach into the community, but also pledged his support to help with that outreach.

“I so, so respect the people who work, and volunteers, who address this very serious problem we have across this nation,” he said, talking about mental health. “I am very proud of what you are doing today.”

Orange County Legislator Laurie Tautel also took a few minutes to praise the day, and introduced a representative of Orange County’s Department of Mental Health and Social Services, which has installed mental health clinics in area schools, including the Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Central School District.

“I am so proud to work with you on the mental health issue,” Tautel said to Sibley and Pitt.

Tautel reminded all listening that if they need immediate mental help, to call 988. “It’s a lifeline,” she said.

On hand were representatives of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Orange County, including Frankie Wright, who is ADAC’s prevention specialist in the HF-FMCSD. He announced that in the Spring, he and his resources would team up with The Center and its resources for “a very big event” at Roe Park. Mayor D’Onofrio offered his help with that.

“People helping people, that’s what we’re here for today,” Wright said. “And I’m proud to be a part of this community.”

Once the speakers were finished, the crowd disbursed to do things like participate in a drum circle, learn some basic chair yoga, and sit with Artist Patti DeFrancesco to paint river stones. DeFrancesco had painted a large stone with a picture of the park’s gazebo on it and donated it to the community. The Center’s executive director, Ann Molina, and president, Brian Aylward, were on hand talking with those strolling around and manning The Center’s table.