The Southern Ulster Rotary Club, a part of Rotary International, is a group of dedicated members who share the ideas of service, friendship, diversity, integrity and leadership. They believe in service above self and wish to create lasting change in the world.

Every year Rotary International has a unique theme to guide clubs in their service to their respective communities. The theme for the 2023-2024 year is “Create Hope in The World” with a focus on mental health.

The mental health crisis has skyrocketed since COVID, which includes teenagers who are having increased rates of anxiety and depression.

“Ever since COVID, all we hear on the news is how mental health problems are at an all-time high. Our club felt it was crucial to gather some of the best practitioners in the field who support mental health at one location where people can visit, ask questions and get information for themselves or someone they care about,” said Michele Tomasicchio, a member of the Southern Ulster Rotary Club.

The Southern Ulster Rotary Club, SURC, organized a community event to showcase the resources and modalities who support mental wellbeing.

Servicing the areas of Wallkill, Modena, Plattekill, and now Gardiner through a subcommittee, “Gardiner Community Committee”, SURC will be sponsoring a free “Mindful Wellbeing Fair”.

Some of the participants who will give a short presentation on how their modality supports mental wellbeing are as follows: Malinda Sanducci, Acupuncturist; Jackie Riddick, Acupuncturist; Vet2Vet; Singing Yogi’s program for kids; Ted Petrochko using light frequency to help PTSD; H.E.A.R.T.S. Ministry program for family, caregivers, and persons living with dementia; The School of Practical Philosophy; Ulster County Sherriff’s Opioid Response Team; Hudson Valley Horse Play; Giovanna Sidoti sharing the powers of ASEA to calm stress and anxiety; Sandra Capellero; Jin Shin Jyutsu; Vet2Vet - Reintegration programs for veterans.

“Hudson Valley Horse Play”, one of the practitioners, will share recent studies conducted by the Institute of HeartMath to explain the bidirectional “healing” that happens when we are near horses. The electromagnetic field projected by the horse’s heart is five times larger than the human one (imagine a sphere-shaped field that completely surrounds you). The horse’s electromagnetic field is also stronger than ours and can directly influence our own heart rhythm. This program helps people reduce anxiety and depression.

Several of the presenters will be offering demos of their work for a small donation.

The full list of all vendors and speaker times is available on their Facebook page, facebook.com/rotaryclubofsouthernulster.

“If you’re a parent and your children are having a tough time, a veteran needing support, someone dealing with health issues, or in search of extra support in addition to your conventional therapy, this event will have something for you,” said Michele.

Everyone is welcome, including children, to come to this important event and discover the many wonderful resources that help support mental wellbeing.

The “Mindful Wellness Fair” event is open to the public and will take place on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Reformed Church of Shawangunk, 1166 Hoagerburgh Road in Wallkill. There will be a raffle and light refreshments.

Southern Ulster Rotary Club is looking for new members interested in giving back to the community with service projects and making lasting change in the world. For more information about the Rotary Club, please contact the president, Rick Bull, 845-863-6465.

For more information about the “Mindful Wellness Fair” event, please contact Michele Tomasicchio at 845-674-3715.