JAMESTOWN – Every-one deserves a pat on the back for a job well done. One local group is doing just that for those in the community making the world a little bit better and brighter place to live. Chautauqua Bright Spots is an initiative that recognizes neighborhoods, individuals and organizations for making positive changes in the community.

Chautauqua Bright Spots was started as an initiative of HOPE Chautauqua. HOPE Chautauqua is a coalition that was formed to promote substance abuse prevention in the county. Coalition members wanted a way to recognize the good things happening in the community while working to bring awareness to substance abuse prevention efforts in Chautauqua County. Chautauqua Bright Spots supports and promotes all the positive things happening in Chautauqua County.

On June 16, six community efforts were recognized at an event held at the Jamestown YMCA: Susan Schrader and Luke Fodor of Children of the Books, Deb Kathman and Jane Becker of Women to Women, Vickye James of Baby Cafe , Mary Maxwell of Grow Jamestown, Georgeanna Guiffrida Culpepper & Family of Keeping Each Other Warm, and Sue Cala and Janet Forbes of Knitting4Peace.

These honorees were chosen based on the Chautauqua Bright Spots mission statement. The mission of Chautauqua Bright Spots is to empower groups and individuals to create positive community change, highlight positive alternatives to harmful behaviors, and build Community connectedness and synergy to make Chautauqua a healthier place to live, work and play.

Groups, entities, or organizations in Chautau-qua County that fit the description of a Bright Spot according to the initiative’s mission, can be nominated. Nomination forms are available at the Chautauqua Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Council (CASAC) office at 501 W. 3rd St., or on the Chautauqua Bright Spots Facebook page and either download the form or follow a link to complete it online. Nominations will be accepted continuously, and Bright Spots will be designated at special recognition events on a periodic basis.

There are many Bright Spots out there, so help give them the recognition they deserve!