In the person of Dave Kohler, Santa stopped in at the Mental Health Association’s December recovery luncheon. A meal was prepared and served by members of Jamestown’s St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

Handing out candy and personal care products, Santa Claus made an appearance at the December recovery luncheon of the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County.

Dave Kohler, father of Jake Kohler, MHA board treasurer, filled the role at the Jamestown recovery center. Bonnie Weber of Be The Change You Want To See In Jamestown donated more than 20 bags of hats, gloves, scarves, snacks, and hygiene products to share with participants.

Finance Director Jill Marsh presented Dereck Taylor, Weber’s son, with a certificate for his community service. Taylor has worked for years helping with homeless outreach as well as various projects at the MHA.

William Matteson. executive director of C.O.P.E. (Children of Opioid Parents and Empowerment) and owner of the Family Martial Arts Center dojo in Fredonia, told participants about the group he would run in January that would incorporate martial arts to help men over 18 in their recovery.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church members Sandy Harle, Brian and Sandy Kearney, and Linda McCallum served the holiday meal prepared by the church.

All are welcome to the recovery luncheons held at 1 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month at the Jamestown recovery center in the Gateway Building, Door 14, at 31 Water Street.

The Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County is a peer recovery center offering support groups and individual coaching for people looking to improve their lives, deepen wellness, thrive in recovery, or support those on a recovery path. Peers use their personal stories to help people find recovery in their own lives in their own way.

The MHA commits to radical acceptance, empowerment, and advocacy for community members who struggle with mental health and substance use.

MHA’s Jamestown recovery center is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m.to 7 p.m., and Tuesday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hours for the north county center at Grace Lutheran Church, 601 Eagle St., Dunkirk, are Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Fridays for the Wellness and Recovery group.

To learn more about the Mental Health Association, call (716) 661-9044 or visit MHAChautauqua.org or facebook.com/MHAChautauqua. A schedule with descriptions of MHA’s dozens of groups and classes is at MHAChautauqua.org/groups.

To receive MHA newsletters and communications, send an email to MHAChautauqua.org/email.