MALONE — Franklin County legislators passed a vote Thursday to proclaim September as National Recovery Month.
Since 1989, National Recovery Month has been observed annually in September to celebrate the gains made by people in recovery, while promoting evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, and honoring the dedication of service providers in the community, according to the county’s resolution.
Behavioral health is an essential part of overall health and well-being, and substance use disorders are treatable health conditions from which people can and do recover, according to the resolution, which states recovery from addiction and mental health challenges affects individuals, families, workplaces, schools, and communities across every region.
Policymakers have a role in advancing recovery-ready communities through compassionate leadership, recovery-friendly language, evidence-based policy, overdose prevention, peer support, treatment access, housing stability, employment pathways and community engagement, according to the resolution, which calls upon residents, organizations, businesses, healthcare providers, public agencies, and community leaders to honor this recognition by supporting people in recovery by using language that reduces stigma, while working together to build a community where recovery is understood.
On Thursday, the county’s resolution was presented to Chris Hastings, of Malone, who spoke about the importance of supporting recovery.
“We want everybody to know what the celebration is, the celebration is gratitude, we area all so grateful to be able to be in recovery and it’s with the help of you folks, the state and all the different programs. We really are thankful,” Hastings said.
Hastings said he appreciates the opening of the Discover the Direction clubhouse, in Malone, earlier in the summer.
“Especially for getting the club going, now we all have a place to go and hangout and recover together, that’s a thing we all are peers and we all accept one another for who we are and what we are, and that’s the greatest gift that we can have,” Hastings said, “We do want to thank you too.”
Run through Community Connections of Franklin County the clubhouse offers community members a place to both hang out and learn life skills.
“As far as eligibility, all you need is to come in and say I have a mental health diagnosis,” Sarah DiOrio, director of behavioral health person centered services at Community Connections, said during the clubhouse’s grand opening in July, “It’s a safe space for people to come to and be comfortable.”
Coroners
Lawmakers voted to create and fill two deputy coroner positions on Thursday.
In November 2025, legislators adopted a local law changing the number of coroners to be elected in Franklin County from four to two starting in January 2027, according to the resolution, which states the legislature would like to create and fill two deputy positions to assist the county’s two elected coroners.
County Manager Donna J. Kissane said whoever is elected as coroners in November will appoint their respective deputies.
Recognition
One of the county employees recognized by legislators, Thursday, was Jonathan Miller, currently a conflict defender, who has spent 30 y ears working for Franklin County, in different roles, including as the longtime county attorney, in addition to time as acting district attorney in 2022.
“You have been here being a part of something, either as our lawyer or where you are now for years, and we appreciate that,” Greg Janisewski, D–Chateaugay, the board’s chair said, “I want to thank you Jon for all the years of service, you’ve done a wonderful job for Franklin County and 30 years is a long time.”
Soccer
Legislators passed a resolution recognizing referee David Legacy for 50 years of dedication to the s port of soccer.
Legacy began working as a soccer referee in the late 1970s and to date has officiated approximately 1,300 games, according to the resolution, which states Legacy has upheld the integrity, fairness, and spirit of the game which has helped create safe and competitive environments that are essential to the sport.
Legacy not only served the community with his commitment to soccer but has also worked as a teacher at Malone Central School District for 34 years, retiring in 2012, according to the resolution, which states the legislature congratulates Legacy for his years of dedication to local sports.