Keeping with tradition, the local chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association will be hosting its annual Mayor's Luncheon on May 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at McKenna Hall. The guest speaker will be David Jones, who will speak about the impact of gambling. Tickets are available through the CMHA for $20 each.
Jones will also deliver a free seminar on the impact of gambling on May 8 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the CMHA Resource Centre, which is located at 404 Ashford Street.
Kaley Schultz, the newest addition to the CMHA Weyburn team, said that although the theme for the special speaker is gambling, the organization's theme and focus this year is on its Youth Program.
"We want to promote mental health. There is a difference between mental health and mental illness. Through being involved in your community, through social interaction, through positive experiences, we are promoting healthy young people," she said.
Branching out into new traditions, the organization will be hosting an Art Gala on May 9 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. This free event will allow members of the public to enjoy an evening with CMHA consumers while they display their art work, which will be available for sale.
Each of the artists, Gordon Stairmand, Patricia Gowdie and Barry Styre, have previously been featured in the CMHA Cash Calendars.
Gordon Stairmand's works are well-known water colour paintings of local scenes, which include architecture and landscapes.
Patricia Gowdie's works range from the art school studies of her youth to her most recent projects, with her subject matter resonating as familiar, comforting and even nostalgic. From a sketch of the Lone Ranger to one of a classic Mountie, to still life works to catalogue art, Gowdie's pencil works offer something for everyone.
Barry Styre's signature combination medium of marker over paints is just one of his styles being represented in the gala's offerings. From silhouettes to portraits of humans as well as animals, including wild cats, Styre's strong lines attract the eye to his iconic imagery.
Schultz noted that the gala will include an ambient decor that will be conducive to an art show. She said that they are open to volunteers interested in helping with the look of the event.
"We are always looking for new ideas," she said, "and just in getting people through the doors to see what CMHA Resource Centre is all about."
The Art Gala will take place at the Resource Centre and hors d'oeuvres and punch will be served.
The CMHA is extremely interested in recruiting volunteers this year.
"We are definitely looking to expand our volunteer base," said Schultz, noting that people interested in helping with specific events can volunteer in that way, but there are other options for those hoping to help out within the organization.
"Even just coming in and enjoying a cup of tea or coffee with some of our consumers, that would be welcomed, too," she said. "We want to break down barriers about mental illness and improve mental health, but also make it an enjoyable experience for all involved."
Schultz said they are open to anything, including baking to exercising to woodworking. The only requirement is that each volunteer has a criminal record check completed, which is done by the City Police at no charge for volunteers.
"We would love to have people from within the community come in and teach a class and share their talent and time," she said. "Not only would it be an enriching experience for our consumers, but I feel it would be enriching for the person that gets involved."
The CMHA Weyburn Annual General Meeting will be held on June 6 at 7:00 p.m. at the CMHA Resource Centre. Kaley Schultz will be giving a presentation on the CMHA Youth Program.
For more information on any of these events please contact CMHA Weyburn at 306-842-7959.
