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WILKES-BARRE — The Luzerne County Courthouse rotunda provided a serene aesthetic for a presentation themed “mindfulness” as mental health care advocates, service providers, consumers and patients gathered to spread awareness of mental illness and treatment.

Presenters on living with mental illness highlighted a program in which the Honorable William Amesbury was honored for years of service in mental health care as the Wilkes-Barre chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness held its 15th Annual Candlelight Vigil Wednesday night.

Magen T. Harleman, director of NAMI in Luzerne and Wyoming County, opened the program, saying the gathering was intended to shed light on mental health awareness in recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Week.

“We’re meeting here tonight to show that there is a community of those in recovery from mental illness, that there is hope, happiness and success to be had,” said Harleman.

The podium was then turned over to Glenda Race who read her poem, “It’s Time.” One stanza contained the lines, “When I take medicine to keep me healthy, I am relieved … no longer is my mind deceived,” as the poet expressed her appreciation for the ability to live with her illness through treatment.

Joe Fedak followed Race with an essay about the many ways mindfulness can aid in dealing with mental illness through practices such as meditation, regulated breathing and embracing body sensations, whether pleasurable or painful. He stressed that mindfulness can be attained in various and personal forms, all of which can help an individual deal with stress in healthy ways.

“Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment, without getting stuck in the past or worrying about the future,” Fedak said. “That’s the great thing about mindfulness. You can taylor it to suit you needs.”

Emilia Policare was next to address the crowd, sharing her experiences in a successful and continual battle to maintain her desired quality of life.

“Taking back control of your life, and making your own decisions and your own choices is essential to recovery,” Policare said.

Policare suggested keeping a journal to record progress, working openly with health care providers, formulating life goals and developing a plan to achieve those goals.

When the guest speakers were finished, Paul Radzavicz, president of NAMI, took the stage to present the Lester Varano Advocacy Award to Amesbury.

Radzavicz explained that Verano, a founding member of the Wilkes-Barre chapter of NAMI, was a fierce advocate for individuals with mental disabilities and that Amesbury exemplifies the same qualities of dedication to service and considation.

Amesbury, who worked as a mental health worker, crisis intervention professional and therapist before he became a lawyer and eventually a mental health court judge.

Radzavicz noted that Amersbury’s experience prior to reaching the bench made him a special and effective person to hold it, having an acute understanding of what people with mental disorders go through. Amesbury joked that his colleagues refer to him as a social worker with a robe.

Amesbury said he is indebted to all the people he met and worked with during his years dealing with mental illness issues, both care providers and those suffering from disorders.

The judge called it a personal pleasure to receive the award and thanked all speakers for their inspirational presentations before addressing the audience.

“I have walked the path with you,” Amesbury said. “I continue to walk the path with you. I wish you nothing but the best. I want you to trust our science, our knowledge and belief in your faith. With these together, the two of us, all of us, will walk together toward a better future.”

A lighting of the candles ceremony gave consideration to those suffering from severe anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and reminded all in attendance to embrace avenues of treatment, better ways of living and hope.

Judge William Amesbury thanks Paul Radzavicz, president of the local chapter of NAMI after being presented with the Lester Varano Advocacy Award.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_TTL100815courthousevigil11.jpg.optimal.jpgJudge William Amesbury thanks Paul Radzavicz, president of the local chapter of NAMI after being presented with the Lester Varano Advocacy Award. Aimee Dilger|Times Leader

Magen Harleman, director of NAMI, addresses the audience at a candlelight vigil for mental illness.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_TTL100815courthousevigil21.jpg.optimal.jpgMagen Harleman, director of NAMI, addresses the audience at a candlelight vigil for mental illness. Aimee Dilger|Times Leader
Wilkes-Barre branch of NAMI holds candlelight vigil for mental illness

By Matt Mattei

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Reach Matt Mattei at 570-991-6651 or [email protected]