Julie Davis

jdavis@cherryroad.com

Shine Your Light Nebraska City will host a free spaghetti feed at Pin High Clubhouse and Grill, 5633 I Rd., on Friday, Aug. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m.

“It’s Ok To Not Be Ok” will feature guest speaker Cathy Martin. It is designed to get the word out in the community about community resources like Shine Your Light Nebraska City.

The organization, which hosted its first event a year ago, is dedicated to raising awareness for mental health in the Nebraska City area.

Founders Stephanie and Ryan Roth spoke at the July Hot Topics on July 9 about the organization and its efforts to spread hope and to eliminate the stigma and shame associated with mental illness.

Shine Your Light Nebraska City partners with other community organizations like Small Beginnings and also with the Wellbeing Initiative Inc.

Certified Peer Support Specialist Tanner Cohoe provides a free peer support group at the Nebraska City Housing Authority on Mondays. Call 402-450-3622 for additional information.

“Recovery is not one size fits all,” said Cohoe, who said Nebraska City is where he began rebuilding his life and himself.

Cohoe also reminded the audience about the 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline that is available to help people who are having a mental health crisis.

Gina Simrell, one of the founders of Small Beginnings, read a poem she had written about being busy—so busy that the person in the poem neglected friends, family, and interests.

“Busy is a four-letter word that keeps you right where the Devil wants you,” she said.

Transportation to the Aug. 8 spaghetti feed is available by contacting Small Beginnings. Message the group on Facebook for more information.

Hot Topics takes place on the second Wednesday of odd-numbered months from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Kimmel Gallery of the Morton-James Public Library. It is organized by Nebraska City Tourism and Commerce. Call 402-873-6654 for information on upcoming topics.