SMETHPORT — The McKean County Commissioners adopted a resolution Tuesday proclaiming April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and April 11 as Child Welfare Professionals Appreciation Day in the county.
Dan Wertz, director of McKean County Children and Youth Services, attended the meeting for the signing of the proclamation along with caseworkers and supervisors of the agency: Amanda Robbins, Jennifer Calkins, Rick Fry and Brittany Falconi.
Also attending were Mary McCormack of the McKean County Family Center, a program of The Guidance Center; Robert Esch, vice-president, external affairs, American Refining Group and Kristin Tim, executive director of CASA of McKean County.
According to the resolution, while every day in the county many children are at risk of child abuse or have been removed from their homes due to these risks, child abuse can be reduced by ensuring each family has needed support to raise their children in a safe, nurturing and healthy environment.
This same resolution lauds the dedicated caseworkers of CYS, who at times enter into situations in which their personal safety may be at risk and into trying situations with children who have been victims of various forms of abuse and other forms of mistreatment.
Wertz lauded the CYS caseworkers and supervisors for the important work they perform, often in very risky situations.
Esch referred to the Child Abuse Prevention Month activities that include the Kids’ Fest scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 29 at the Bradford YMCA. “This is the last large event of the month, and the McKean County Collaborative Board is working hard to engage other communities with the day’s activities.”
Tim spoke about the Superhero 5K and Kids Fun Run/Walk from 7 to 10 a.m. prior to the Kids Fest. “Registrations are picking up, and we hope to surpass the 100 mark of last year,” she said.
In another approved resolution, the commissioners have adopted a “Health in All Policies” approach to the county’s decision-making by considering the inclusion of “health” in all future policy development and implementation, budgeting and delivery of services.
Commissioners also gave their OK to have the county enter into an agreement with E & M Engineers and Surveyors for providing engineering and surveying services necessary to construct the proposed compactor facility on county lands adjacent to the Good Growing Gardens at the northeast end of the county complex on U.S. Route 6, west of Smethport.
Justin Lund, the county’s recycling coordinator, said that when this facility is in operation, the number of bins is to be reduced to one, and a compactor will be on site. “Casella’s ‘Zero Sort’ program of not separating many recyclables will still be used,” Lund said. “The site will also be equipped with a camera to prevent illegal dumping,” he added.
Casella Waste Systems won a one-year contract with the county to provide transportation and disposal service.
Commissioners have proclaimed April 23 to 30 as Conservation District Week in the county, recognizing this agency for its work in carrying out natural resource management programs.
