Submitted Photo The HOPE Chautauqua Coalition will host a free community event open to the public today.

The HOPE Chautauqua Coalition, a diverse group of community partners has been working together to plan a free community event open to the public. The event will be held today from 3-7:30 p.m. at the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds, Floral Hall “Celebrating Success” of all of the positive achievements, activities, projects and resources strengthening our mission and vision to assist in combating substance use in Chautauqua County. The planning committee includes representatives of HOPE Chautauqua Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, Chautauqua Alcohol & Substance Abuse Council (CASAC), the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County (MHA), Evergreen Health, Chautauqua Tapestry, the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene, local faith leaders, Community Alliance for Suicide Prevention, and Tobacco Free Chautauqua Cattaraugus and Allegheny.

The event will kick off at 3 p.m. with a presentation by special guest speaker Dr. Bob Whitney providing: Overview on Substance Use and Abuse facts, Opinions and Misinformation, The Opioid Epidemic – “How did we get here”, Taking care of your family as well as Marijuana – Enjoyment, Medication, Drug of abuse and profit center, lessons from changes in regulation and now what should we do? Additional presentations will be provided by local agencies on prevention, treatment and recovery services in Chautauqua County. In conjunction to the presentations, a health and wellness fair will provide information on resources, and where help and supports for prevention, treatment and recovery are available. This event was made possible by Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, Food, refreshments and giveaways will also be provided free of charge.

From 5:30-7:30 p.m., the Celebrate Your Strengths YOUth Talent Show will take place. Youth between ages 8-17 will perform various acts, including solo and group dancing, singing, and individuals playing musical instruments. There are three divisions, with each receiving a first-, second- and third-place prize.

Division I includes youth ages 8-11, Division II includes youth ages 12-14, and Division III includes youth ages 15-17. Local comedian Kipp Reynolds and owner of Kranky Plate Productions will be the master of ceremonies for the event, offering a touch of laughter for the community to enjoy. Melanie Witkowski, executive director of CASAC says, “this is a wonderful opportunity for youth to celebrate something positive in their life, as well as hear important messages from other youth to help them stay on the path to success.”

During the show, Awareness Theatre of Dunkirk and Jamestown will provide short performances on building resiliency and life skills. Awareness Theatre is a peer to peer group that discusses real life issues that youth face in today’s world and offers participants the opportunity to put learned life skills to action through role-playing. Awareness Theatre focuses on multiple topics, anywhere from bullying and conflict resolution to alcohol and other substances. Awareness Theatre Directors Sheridan Smith, Angela Heath and Marjorie Bohn will be available for questions to learn more about the program for any students interested in joining the groups. Awareness Theatre is an initiative of Chautauqua Alcohol & Substance Abuse Council and is funded by the Chautauqua County Youth Bureau.

The event is sure to be an entertaining experience for youth and the community, come out and enjoy the performances, learn some new information and make some connections.