A Worthwhile Afternoon of Music and Comradery for an Unexpected Important Cause

HUNTER — There was an event at Scribner's in Hunter which was as wonderful as the weather this past Sunday. It was a celebration and a recognition of thanks for those who support or will support Mountain Top Cares Coalition. After a short speech by Jonathan Gross, the President of the Board of the coalition, and a ten minute film, his wife Elizabeth summed up the start and need for the project. She said, " I want to acknowledge my husband. Some nine years ago, we became aware that there were some issues at the Mountain Top. People in need were struggling, that there were no resources there. There was nothing in place for people like Chris (an addict who, with the help of Mountain Top Cares, now is years clean and sober with a new young family.) And my husband said, 'We should do something about that.' because he is a doer... 'we should start something,' and it became what it is today. It helped so many people, and it was just an idea. He saw a need and he created Mountain Top Cares Coalition to help so many people."

The MCC mission statement states what Jonathan and the board and staff have accomplished. "Mountain Top Cares Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and their loved ones impacted by alcohol and substance use disorders, as well as other addiction-related challenges. We provide non-clinical services, including certified peer support, education, referrals, social networks, and advocacy. Our mission is to empower those we serve, promote and sustain recovery, prevent addiction, and reduce harm and stigma."

Jonathan put it in a few powerful words. "We are a community recovery organization. " They reach out to those who are struggling with addiction to alcohol and drugs. They help them to navigate the system. They help those who have nowhere else to turn. He noted that those who live on the mountain top know how isolating it can be, there is huge income disparity, food is hard to find. "There is just a huge cornucopia of issues and there has to be someplace to turn." To make concrete what all this proposes, MCC helps between 150 to 200 people a year and is growing. To keep growing, they welcome donors and volunteers.

Their program uses "recovery coaches." These are Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) who provide one-on-one support directly to those in recovery or struggling with substance use. They help the recovering individual to engage with treatment and dedication to recovery. CRPAs also help you find other community-based recovery resources that may enhance your treatment, recovery, and discharge plans. The MCC helps train people in the use of NARCAN and distribute kits to cut down on overdose deaths. They have Women in Recovery Groups, which are specialized peer-support programs designed to aid women who have undertaken recovery from substance use disorders. MCC finds that Family & Loved Ones Support Groups are important in building a network to successfully recover. All of this is described fully on their website https://www.mountaintopcarescoalition.com/

The event reflected the culture of hospitality, and warm and supportive community which Jonathan Gross describes as his road to recovery. The music was provided by Soul Purpose, a 7-piece band from the Hudson Valley. The music was, in fact, truly excellent. They gave lie to the statement, "you get what you pay for." They gave MCC the friends and family discount and provided music that was authentic and uplifting. The band's members are Sara Espinosa, Lead Vocals; Dr. Lori Morris - Alto, tenor and soprano saxes, flute, percussion and vocals - also a chiropractor with 40 years of experience in Applied Kinesiology, Pre and PostNatal care, Pediatrics, Cranial Adjustments, Sports Injuries,/general chiropractic care (called "Dr. Bones" by other band members); Rich De Crosta - Trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals, percussion; Robert "Cue" Gerhards - Guitar and Vocals; Francis Ralston - Bass; Jerry Teters - Drumset, percussion and vocals; Michael Snow - Keyboards.

The venue was donated by Scribner's Hollow, who have been energetically helpful before this event as well. The food was provided by Zicatelas, 5386 New York State Highway 23, in Windham; Brandywine Restaurant, 11157 State Highway 23, Windham, Prominence Restaurant, 55 Route 296 ,Windham NY and Last Chance, 6009 Main St., Tannersville . There was a cash bar and the food and drink was delightfully served and added to the abundant hospitality. Jonathan was the perfect host, wrangling the guests joyfully to the garden to dance to the superb music, or back into the venue for an informative film to remind the guests of the serious work this fundraiser accomplished.

It has been said it takes a village to raise a child, and Jonathan Gross operates on the model that it takes a community to cure addiction. Also a community to support the institution that helps create that community. The MCC holds events throughout the year, as witnessed on their website's calendar. This Sunday's event is good evidence that it is a good community to join and to which you should consider adding support. He told the gathering that the theme of the afternoon is "connection and thank you." He points out that the acceptance of the community is a cause for thanks in a world where there is generally a stigma towards addiction. He proves that giving others a hand up rather than a hand out makes for a strong community of good people who are brought together in the process.  

The community that has created MCC is supportive of each other as well as the care program. Today's event was planned to raise funds for the program. However, after an exigency on October 16, the purpose changed. A staffer, recovery coach Erin Garcia, lost nearly everything in a disastrous fire in Woodstock. The entire building was a total loss, and Erin's car was lost as well. The Woodstock Fire Department was dispatched at 5:23 a.m. Firefighters from 10 neighboring departments, including Olive, West Hurley, Centerville, and Phoenicia also responded. Tragically there was one fatality. Two other residents were taken to the hospital and treated. Erin escaped unharmed with two cats and a work bag and must start life again, with the support of a community which Erin has worked to help. If you missed this wonderful fundraising event, and would like to help Erin, there is a gofundme. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-erin-rebuild-after-devastating-house-fire.