Glob

Golb – that’s blog spelled backward which is exactly how I feel when dealing with such “modern” ways to communicate. How about rettiwt or koobecaf – those too are backward and are even more accurate about my skills in using them. When Mental Health America of Licking County first got computers – how many years ago? – our staff gave me an etch-a-sketch. Their message was loud and clear “get with it girl!” Even though I ordered the computers and support stuff to use them, they tortured me over being backward about these modern day tools. Of course today we can’t do without them.

I would encourage you to read a wonderful blog. It is on our website and written by Graham Campbell, Associate Director. He is a very talented writer and has so many fabulous things to say. Let me know what you think of our website: www.mhalc.org . We can always make improvements. It is our mission to promote good mental health, wellness and for victory over mental illness. Get on our bandwagon and contribute your time, your money, your talents. I can be reached at 740-788-0302.

Paddy Kutz, Executive Director, Mental Health America of Licking County

Friendship Therapy

How do you make new friends? Healthy friendships add joy and subtract stress. But for many of us, friendships don't just "happen" the way they did when we were kids. As adults, we have to make more effort.

In times past, we met our neighbors over the clothesline in the backyard or when we tried to catch a breeze on a hot summer evening on our front porches. We got to know each other at the corner store. Now we stay inside with air conditioning, an electric clothes drier, a TV and the Internet. We shop at Big-Box-Mart. The people we meet stay acquaintances, not friends.

Today, meeting people and making friends has to be more intentional. One way to meet new people is explore your interests. What have you always wanted to learn? What has always fascinated you, perhaps even as a child? Licking County is rich in special interest groups like these:

• Licking County Rock and Mineral Club, which has speakers and field trips on geology, gemology and archeology; www.rockmanjoe.com/ohioclubs.html


• Licking County Computer Society, which has a repair group, a digital photography group, a website group, and monthly speakers; www.lccsohio.org


• Ohio Green Specialists, a newly formed group that brings together people interested reducing, reusing and recycling, and has upcoming speakers on solar and alternative energy and organic gardening; www.meetup.com/greens


• Moundbuilders 511 Toastmasters International Club, where both shy and outgoing people learn public speaking and leadership skills in a supportive environment; www.lectern.us


• Licking County Players, which in addition to actors and directors, needs people behind the scenes to usher, publicize, man the candy stand, paint the scenery, and other "roles"; www.lickingcountyplayers.org


• Habitat for Humanity of Licking County, where you can learn or teach building and maintenance skills while helping to build a home for a low-income family; www.lickingcountyhabitat.org


• Songwriters of Central Ohio, groups.yahoo.com/group/Songwriters-of-Central-Ohio

This is a small sampling--and they are all clubs I either belong to now or have belonged to in years past, so I can vouch that they are friendly groups where the members have a shared passion. There are many more where those came from. If you can think of an interest, there is probably a group somewhere, or you can start one.

Wishing you joy and friendship!

--Judith Allee
Parent Support Coordinator