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Last week I wrote about the importance of community. With those lingering thoughts in mind, I recall two things that happened this week which reminded me of the value of community to a group of members who need us all to watch out for them – our children.
My 18-year-old niece and her husband are here visiting with their four month old baby. The love and care they (and the rest of us) showered on the baby brought me back thirty years to our first child. What is the constant between my husband and I then and them now? The most important thing in the world? For both of us, it was and still is to keep our child safe and healthy.
Then tonight I was sitting here surfing the Town’s website. And I happened to bring up our Youth Services section in an area called “The Stranger You Know.” How much do you know about child sexual abuse – ways to identify, prevent opportunities, and talk to your children about it? Think about it. A two hour workshop could provide you with information that you may never need – but, what if you do? Preparation and education is never wasted.
Check out our website at www.colchesterct.gov for this free program sponsored by Colchester Youth Services, as well as for the many other programs offered for children, youth, seniors, parents, and you!
Public health and safety isn’t only about fire trucks, police cars, and ambulances. Let’s think about the larger scope. The above is one example of how Youth Services promotes public safety. Our highway crews keep the roads open and maintained – cutting down on accidents and providing access for emergency crews. The fleet maintenance department maintains the vehicles used throughout our town each day. Public Health inspects septic tanks ensuring sewage be maintained in proper receptacles, not polluting our yards or water supplies. The Sanitarian inspects all businesses serving or selling food to protect us against contamination. Code enforcement, the building inspector, and the fire marshal make sure that public buildings are built safely and maintained. I could go on, but I’m allotted only so many words here. But please do think about it – who else protects us on a daily basis in ways we rarely consider?
Have a happy and healthy week!
Linda Hodge
First Selectman
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