Child Abuse Prevention Month, marked by a display of pinwheels on the lawn of the Bradford County Courthouse (top), was one of many events and observations addressed at the April 13 meeting of the Bradford County Commissioners (above).
Photos and Story by Rick Hiduk
Spring has sprung. And the number of organizations that stretch their legs at this time of the year with awareness events and fundraisers was evident at the regular meeting of the Bradford County Commissioners in Towanda on Thursday.
Proclamations acknowledging Child Abuse Prevention Month, National Public Safety Telecommunicator’s Week, National Library Week, and Bradford County Volunteer Week, were read, plus Commissioner Ed Bustin alerted the public to Blue & Green Day to bring attention to organ donation, Cathy Yeakel announced that Bradford County would officially mark Earth Day, and Big Brothers Big Sisters was represented by Kaitlyn Hoeflein (http://www.endlessmtnlifestyles.com/?p=7177).
Blue pinwheels adorn the courthouse lawn to bring attention to Child Abuse Prevention Month, which was marked with a proclamation on April 3.
Bradford County Director of Public Safety Robert Barnes (below) read the proclamation marking National Public Safety Telecommunicator’s Week from April 9 to 15. The celebration is meant to increase awareness of the valuable work done by 911 dispatchers and the rest of the staff that runs the county’s EMA center.
“People don’t realize the importance of it until you make that call,” Commissioner Daryl Miller remarked.
“It’s not for everybody,” Barnes said of the task of the dispatchers. “People don’t call that number to say, ‘How have you been?’ It’s often their worst day.”
It was noted that Barnes will be retiring from his EMA job on May 18 after a 44-year career in public safety. “We were blessed to get Bob to Bradford County,” said Commissioner Doug McLinko, noting that Barnes had already retired once in Oneonta, NY.
The commissioners have received between 25 and 30 applications from people hoping to fill Barnes’ position and are still conducting interviews.
McLinko read the National Library Week proclamation and encouraged everyone to use and support their local public libraries.
“Libraries anchor our communities,” he stated. “And they operate on a shoestring budget…or less.”
Pam Brown (below), new volunteer and activities coordinator at the Bradford County Manor, read the proclamation for Bradford County Volunteer Week, April 23 to 29.
According to Bradford County Conservation District manager Cathy Yeakel, there has not been an official celebration of Earth Day in the county for nearly 27 years. This year’s event, planned for Saturday, April 22 at East Side Riverfront Park, will feature a chicken barbecue, entertainment, a live animal exhibit, and information about Lyme’s disease. (Read more here: http://www.endlessmtnlifestyles.com/?p=7189)
Blue & Green Day will be held on Friday, April 21. Supporters are encouraged to wear blue and green clothing and to register for organ, eye, and tissue donation. Commissioner Bustin related that he is proud of the “organ donor” notation on his drivers license and was excited when called upon to donate bone marrow. Unfortunately, he was unable to donate because he had received chemotherapy too recently.
In other business, the commissioners approved a contract with TimeKeeping Systems that will make the electronic guard tour system at the Bradford County Correctional Facility more efficient. A PA County Risk Pool Grant will cover the cost of the system. To read about the Bradford County Prison Board meeting that followed the commissioners meeting, click here http://www.endlessmtnlifestyles.com/?p=7165.