No. 16 Vol. 5
www.mypaperonline.com
May 2018
Pinwheels Spin In Roxbury To Mark April As Prevent Child Abuse Month
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By Dawn M Chiossi here’s something sweet and merry about a pinwheel. They just make people happy. But now these pinwheels hold another purpose: To raise awareness to the issue of child abuse. Recently Roxbury declared the month of April as Prevent Child Abuse Month. In a brief five minute reading, Roxbury’s Mayor Mark Crowley, signed the proclamation himself at its March Council Meeting. In addition to the proclamation, Roxbury additionally held a more tangible way of raising awareness to the problem of child abuse: Pinwheels. People from all over might have noticed the lovely garden of them located at the corner of Route 10 West and Eyland Ave. in Succasunna. The pinwheel garden was the inspiration, efforts, and caring from the 37 members of the Roxbury Women’s Club. The display is dedication to happy and safe childhoods, all in hopes of preventing its insidious horrors and lasting aftermath. According to Crawley, the Roxbury Women’s Club has been doing the pinwheel garden ever since he has been in office, approximately seven years. Why pinwheels? According to Roxbury Women’s Club Member, Marcellene Thomson, “the display is part of a project
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sponsored by the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs. The Pinwheel is a reminder of the importance of protecting all children—keeping them safe and away from violence.” The pinwheel is a symbol of everything a childhood should be- happy and fun. People respond positively to the pinwheel. This activity is utilized in conjunction with the national Pinwheels for Prevention /Prevent Child Abuse America Campaign. Founded in 2008, Pinwheels for Prevention puts a new spin on preventing child abuse. The campaign utilizes community activities and public policies to prioritize prevention right from the start, making sure child abuse and neglect never occur. The Pinwheels for Prevention is a nationwide campaign that takes place in all 50 states. Both the campaign and the Roxbury Women’s Club encourage everyone to take a proactive role engaging in events and activities that strengthen families and communities. They encourage folks of all ages to provide the environment for all children to grow, flourish and thrive. Crawley can’t say enough about this event, and the extremely hard working women behind the Women’s Club. “They did a great job,” he enthuses. When asked what she would like to
see regarding this initiative, Thompson remarks, “to bring awareness of critical issues and for others to be aware of the need to keep all children safe.” Crawley credits April being declared Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Pinwheels around town as “one part of a much larger picture,” in which the town seeks to raise awareness of this very real, disturbing issue. Realizing that child abuse and preventing it, is a multi-layered issue, Crawley praises the whole town of Roxbury for their wonderful community spirit in helping bring awareness to the problem of child abuse: From the schools to the police, to everyone in between. “With everyone working together, everyone works together well,” he says. A pinwheel garden may be a small thing, but the message behind it is anything but small, it really sparks an impact. Do what one can to make a difference in the lives of children. Simple every day actions really do make an impact. It could be volunteering, babysitting, anything to promote great childhoods. “This is a great, amazing event,” Crowley comments. “If it raises awareness and helps in the problem of child abuse, then that’s very important. No child should ever be abused.”