Towns are going blue as reminder

by Geoff Fox

The Blue Ribbon is the international sign for child abuse prevention and serves as a reminder of the responsibility people have in helping protect children.

Starting Points and Doodlebugs in Berkeley Springs will be placing ribbons and pinwheels to mark the occasion, and groups on the other side of the Potomac River are doing their part as well.
According to Audrey Morris, Starting Points Family Resource Center will be making a pinwheel garden at War Memorial Hospital.

The pinwheels focus on healthy child development right from the start, before abuse or neglect ever begins, said Dianne McCusker of Hancock. Pinwheels for Prevention Gardens are displayed to show support and the need to protect our children, she said.

McCusker is coordinating Child Abuse Awareness events in the area.

Doodlebugs child care center will be creating two blue ribbon trees to mark the month as well.

Both locations will have the pre-k students putting the ribbons on the bushes and trees around both the War Memorial Hospital and Oakland Road locations.

Students of all ages in Hancock will participate in making the town blue in recognition of “Child Abuse Awareness Month.” Signs of their efforts will be visible in local parks and downtown areas.

McCusker said decorating a tree with the ribbons helps to celebrate the commitment to happy, healthy, and safe kids.

A fundraising walk/run to raise funds for child abuse prevention is scheduled for April 28 in Hancock.