'Tinnitus III' scheduled April 14

Tinnitus III is coming on Saturday, April 14, at the Coudersport Consistory auditorium.

From 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the concert hall will be filled with music performed by bands with particular appeal to teens. Scheduled to appear are Navar, Fool Hardy, Brookland, Heroes vs. Villains, Brittany Garrison and Sandlot Heroes.

It's a project of the Potter County Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention program, billed as "a celebration of life and music."

In addition to providing an evening of traditional rock and contemporary music, students from Yellow Ribbon clubs at each Potter County school have been working to promote the message, "It's okay to ask for help."

Between musical acts, Eric Czeckner will be sharing a personal story.

Admission is $3.00 and the first 300 who turn out will get a free commemorative T-shirt. Doors will open at 2:30.

Parents or other adults from the community are welcome to attend. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult. A group of adult volunteers will supervise and manage the event.

In a related development, Yellow Ribbon has signed on with the Olweus Bully Prevention Program.

"Kids being bullied has been linked with depression and suicide," explained Deb Hamilton, community awareness chairman for Potter County Yellow Ribbon. "Raising awareness of the adverse effects of bullying will be a theme at this year's event."

Hamilton said suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death for those ages 15 to 19.

"Suicidal behavior is a manifestation of severe depression," she explained. "Depression is a psychiatric disorder for which treatment is available. Every person who makes the decision to end his or her life goes through a period of ambivalence. Our objective is to get people to reach out for help."

"Should a close friend or loved one confide in you that they are having thoughts of suicide, stay with them, listen to them and get help," Hamilton added.

In Potter County, help is available by calling 274-8729 or dialing 911 and requesting the mental health delegate.

Individuals, businesses or community organizations that would like to donate to Potter County Yellow Ribbon should contact Deb Hamilton at 274- 8651 or email her at: deb.hamilton@dmhc.org.