Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
September 21, 2016 6:53 p.m.
At the September 20, 2016 Regular Meeting of the Fernandina Beach City Commission, Mayor John A. Miller presented Proclamations to local citizens to in recognition of three important community efforts.
September 2016 declared Mental Health First Aid Month
Katrina Robinson, community liaison and Mental Health First Aid instructor, accepted the city proclamation. She was accompanied by Susan Woodford, Executive Director of the Nassau Alcohol Crime Drug Abatement Coalition (NACDAC). Mayor Miller called Mental Health First Aid “an extremely effective public education program where participants learn about depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, eating disorders, substance use disorders an self-injury.” He added that “program participants learn how to assess people’s risk of harm or suicide, listen nonjudgmentally, give reassurance and encourage the appropriate professional help.”
Robinson thanked the city for recognizing mental health issues. She characterized the program as “miraculous.” She said that the program is a way for people to receive help and “keep our community well.” She encouraged audience members to take advantage of classes, usually free of charge, that are offered regularly.
October 2-9, 2016: Les DeMerle Amelia Island Jazz Festival Week
Les DeMerle and Bonnie Eisele accepted the city proclamation, recognizing the work of their Board Members in their acceptance remarks. Miller read from a long list of accomplishments of past Jazz Festivals and the jazz notables who have continued to participate in the week’s activities. He also highlighted the many educational programs that the Jazz Festival promotes for students of all ages.
In speaking for the Jazz Festival, Les DeMerle advised that early sessions of this year’s festival are already underway. He said that this year the festival will return downtown and that people are attending from locations as far away as Australia and New Zealand. There will be a free concert in the park featuring the University of North Florida’s 21-piece band on October 2. Complete information may be found on the Jazz Festival’s website: www.ameliaislandjazzfestival.com/.
September 17-23, 2016: Constitution Week
On behalf of the Amelia Island Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Regent Lucinda Jo Glenn accepted this proclamation. Mayor Miller noted that September 17 marked the 229th anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution of the United States and highlighted the documents importance in the civic health of the populace.
Regent Glenn reminded the audience that the U.S. Constitution is the oldest and shortest constitution in the world. She reported that the local DAR chapter this year gave a presentation on the Constitution at a local school and that members would like to expand that effort to additional schools next year.
Advisory Board appointments
Discussion and action on the Planning Advisory Board was deferred to the October 4, 2016 FBCC Regular Meeting due to the absence of Vice Mayor Robin Lentz.
The following citizens were appointed to new or renewed terms on city advisory boards:
- Richard Smith: Arts and Culture Nassau
- Aaron Morgan: Airport Advisory Commission
- Beano Roberts: Board of Trustees of the General Employees’ Pension Plan
Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.