Horrigan announces new 800 number to help connect people with drug addictions to treatment, and other help...
Chautauqua County residents suffering from drug addiction now have a 24-hour a day -- seven-day a week number they can call for professional services to get the treatment they need. County Executive Vince Horrigan and county Mental Hygiene Services Director Patricia Brinkman say the New York State HOPELine is a toll-free service that offers "help and hope" to those trying to break their addiction. Horrigan says the confidential "one-stop" service came out of discussions by their "Action Teams" that were started up following the county's Drug Forum in March. Horrigan says the phone number is 1-877-8-H-O-P-E-N-Y - or 1-877-846-7369. He adds that HOPELine Services are multi-lingual... and, directed by Masters-level clinicians who are professional... well-trained, and knowledgable about all local, confidential services that include both in-patient, and out-patient. Horrigan says this was the "best option" officials could find for anyone with addiction issues be they drugs... alcoholism... or gambling. He adds that the county's Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Clinics are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Jamestown and Dunkirk. The Jamestown number is 661-8330... while the Dunkirk number is 363-3550.
Spanos says seniors who haven't enrolled in Medicare still have time in Chautauqua County due to last month's Winter storm...
If you didn't have a chance to enroll in a Medicare program... or want to change plans... you still have time to do so in Chautauqua County. That from county Office for the Aging Director Mary Ann Spanos... who says Chautauqua... Erie... Wyoming and three other counties were given special extensions because of last month's snowstorm that paralyzed parts of the region with 4 to 7 feet of snow. Spanos adds, though, that while Open Enrollment has been extended through the end of the year... you cannot enroll directly through their office. She says you have to call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE. Spanos says it may be worth your time to make the call because "plans have changed... " especially with Medicare Advantage. She adds you should also check if you're have Medicare Part-D and your medications have changes. Again... the Medicare Open Enrollment period for Chautauqua County has been extended through Dec. 31, due to last month's snowstorm that mainly impacted the north county area. You can also go on-line to www.medicare.gov.
World War-Two vet Costanzo receives French Legion Award...
Another honor was given this afternoon to one of Jamestown's most well-known, and decorated World War-Two veterans at the Vietnam Veteran's of America Post on Bigelow Ave. State Senator Cathy Young was in Jamestown to present a medal to U.S. Army Cpl. Anthony Costanzo... honoring him as a member of France's Legion of Honor. Young says the medal is given to only selected members of foreign army's for their help in keeping France free during times of war. The Olean Republican says Costanzo was a member of the First Infantry Division that was the first ground force to fight the German's in North Africa. Young says the Legion of Honor was first established by Napolean Bonaparte in 1801, and is the highest decoration in France. Those members also include late General's Dwight Eisenhower... and, George S. Patton. It's another in a long-line of awards and decorations given to Costanzo for his service in World War-Two. He was inducted into the New York State Senate Veteran's Hall of Fame in 2011.
"Holiday Haul" needs big final day to reach goals...
Tomorrow is the final day of the second-annual Holiday Haul to benefit the St. Susan's Center in downtown Jamestown... and, there's still some room in the truck for food. That from Jamestown Community College Athletic Director Keith Martin... who is camping out in the parking lot of the Jamestown Cycle Shop to raise money... and, food donations for the city's largest soup kitchen. Martin began his three-day fund-raiser yesterday... and, says they've had a steady "trickle" of people stopping by. But, he says they still have a lot of work to do by 3 p.m. Saturday. Martin says they have a truck from Jamestown Mattress to place the non-perishable food items... such as canned food... pasta... and, spaghetti -- among others. He also hopes to surpass last year's monitary donations of $9,000. Martin says he's outside -- doing this -- because there are many people who are down on their luck... and, dont know where their next meal is coming from. Again... Martin will be out accepting donations at the Jamestown Mattress truck at the Cycle Shop from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
