Teens are focus of upcoming 'celebration of life'

Brittany Garrison of Wellsville, N.Y., is a favorite performer of the younger set. Her music, much of which she composes herself, speaks of emotions and issues to which teenagers can relate.

Tinnitus III is coming on Saturday, April 14, to the Coudersport Consistory auditorium. It's a project of the Potter County Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention program.

From 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the concert hall will be filled with rock and contemporary music performed by Fool Hardy, Brookland, Heroes vs. Villains, Brittany Garrison, Sandlot Heroes and Navar.

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.

Navar, a band based in Portville, N.Y., has been making a name for itself regionally and is developing a national following.

Among the band' s members is Tim Lindhome, son of Rick and Cheryl Lindhome. Rick Lindhome is a 1969 graduate of Coudersport Area High School.

A wide variety of performers, including Britanny Garrison, will step onto the stage at the Coudersport Consistory auditorium next Saturday.

This is much more than a musical event. It's also a "celebration of life," designed to send a message of hope to young people, according to Yellow Ribbon. The suicide rate for those ages 15-24 has tripled since 1950, and suicide is now the leading cause of death in this age group.

In addition to providing Teen Tinnitus, students from Yellow Ribbon clubs at each Potter County school have been working to promote the message, "It's okay to ask for help."

In a related development, Potter County 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."

This face might look familiar to many Coudersport residents age 50 and up. He bears a striking resemblance to his father, Rick Lindhome, who graduated from Coudersport Area High School in 1969 and, yes, knew his way around Pete's Pool Hall in his younger days. This is Tim Lindhome, drummer for the band Navar, which will perform at the April 14 Teen Tinnitus event at the Coudersport Consistory. Tim's sister, Rikki Lindhome, is an actress who has appeared in several films, including Clint Eastwood's "Million Dollar Baby."

Individuals, businesses or community organizations willing to support Potter County Yellow Ribbon or those who want to learn more about suicide prevention should contact Deb Hamilton at 274- 8651 or deb.hamilton@dmhc.org.