PAX Centurion - Summer 2014

Page 34 • PAX CENTURION • Summer 2014 617-989-BPPA (2772) Suicide prevention: “Making happy happen” by a Superior for reimbursement. New vests will be distributed to all sometime in the new fiscal year, hopefully byAugust. Marathon gift O n the first anniversary of the Marathon bombing, the NY/NJ Port Authority Police, the NewYork PBA and NYPD Ser- geants once again responded to the needs of their brothers and sisters in Boston by trekking up to Boston on Easter Sunday with their loaded trailers and canteen trucks to assist our police force with sustenance on Patriot’s Day. The show of solidarity and friendship in light of family holiday commitments is unquestionably one of the most gracious gestures any group has made in my many years. In addition, Presidents Pat Lynch of the NYPBA and Paul Nun- ziato of the Port Authority were with their respective troops for the Marathon and for the passing of a “gift that will keep on giving”… a newly-detailed trailer. Members of both Departments observed their Boston counterparts were in need of a trailer to support officers in the field during the week of April 15, 2013. With the help of Ray Butler, Joe Rao and countless others that made this possible, this offering will help provide those in similar need and assistance in the future. In commentary after the acceptance that was attended by Com- missioner William Evans, Chief WilliamGross and members of the command staff, the theme of “reciprocity” was echoed by Presidents Paul Nunziato, Pat Lynch and Tom Nee regarding the on-going, “all for one and one for all” relationship between the Departments. Our Detectives have also purchased a canteen truck which has been meticulously detailed and also helped support recent events. A “spe- cial thanks” to Mike Talbot who assisted with the game-day logis- tics and lodging for our benefactors. A few had actually shed their Yankees pinstripes for Red Sox logos by go time. Vice President’s Message… From Vice President on page 5 M ary Nee wanted to do something to help others after the loss of her brother, Joseph. “He was my best friend, biggest cheerleader and protector,” said the Marshfield resident. “Something I always admired about my brother was that he stood up for those who could not do so for themselves.” Nee said Joseph always encouraged her to chase her dreams, and he never let a day go by that he didn’t say he was proud of her for pushing through tough times and coming out successful. “His consistent advice to “make happy happen” for myself and for others obviously came in handy because without it, this project would have never taken such form.” The project she refers to is one that originated after Joseph com- mitted suicide this past November. “Make Happy Happen” is based on spreading positivity and hap- piness to all of those who need it through a simple picture, she said. Nee explained that individuals take a photo of themselves, from the bridge of the nose downward, taking part in something that makes them happy. The photos are uploaded to Facebook, Twitter or Tumblr (social medial sites) with a caption. “ Grace Taylor, a young local photographer, allows people to come to her studio in Marshfield and take their photo, leaving a per- sonal caption to go along with it,” Nee said. Feedback so far on “Make Happy Happen” has been overwhelm- ingly positive, Nee said. “From the moment Grace and I constructed the Facebook page, text messages, emails, phone calls, came pouring in from friends, peers, coworkers, even strangers,” she said. “Everyone wanted to know when they could take their picture, if they could help in any- way, etc.” Nee said the project has taken a new form in the last few weeks, “as it broadens to encouraging students, friends, and even strangers to “Make Happy Happen” not only for themselves, but for others around them.” During a meeting in Marshfield last month, where members of the Marshfield and Scituate communities got together to discuss forming a Suicide Prevention Coalition, and to raise awareness about what services and resources are available, Nee spoke about her brother, and about “Make Happy Happen.” Nee said she attended the meeting because it is an issue extremely close to her heart. “After the loss of my brother, and a couple of other individuals from my town, I realized that enough is enough,” she said. “The simple fact that the meeting took place at all is a step in the right direction because in order to raise awareness we must first rid the stigma that one cannot speak of suicide.” She said it is important to teach not only the loved ones of those struggling with mental illness, but the individuals themselves, that it is OK to reach out in your darkest hour. “This does not mean that you are weak or vulnerable, rather strong because your drive to live overpowers your mental capacity to want to end your life,” she said. “I thought it was important to attend the meeting as a graduate of Marshfield High and a college student, because I truly believe that there is so much power and influence in the youth of these towns.” ThroughouthighschoolNeewasactivelyinvolvedinstudentcouncilandputting togetherprojectstoimpactstudentsaroundthestate. “Whenever I felt upset or worried about my future, Joe always supplied me with the advice to keep my chin up and to make happy happen.” She acknowledges that Marshfield has gone through a tough few months, losing individuals who meant a lot to the community. “I felt like this project would not only allow me to focus and heal, but also end the stigma of the glamorization of self hate and self harm, and bring to the surface the power of positivity,” she said. State Representative Jim Cantwell, D-Marshfield, who organized the public awareness meeting, said he thinks “Make Happy Happen” is a “terrific project.” “When people are feeling those tremendous bouts of depression, to be able to go back and feel how they did when they were happy is something that might make them feel better and remind them that they could feel happy again,” he said. “This is a very thoughtful way to help other people.” Cantwell said he is touched by Nee’s dedication to being involved with the Suicide Prevention Coalition. “She is using technology, which is right at our fingertips, to bring people together, to let them know that they matter and that we care, and hopefully to make them feel less alone,” he said. Nee said people have to start talking about the issues behind sui- By Ruth Thompson, Scituate Mariner