April events highlight child abuse prevention

April 07--Community members gathered Monday to kick off National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

"The theme this year is 'Say Something, Do Something For Kids,'" said Doreen Wehmas, intake and assessment unit supervisor with Douglas County Human Services. She focused her speech on how families are able to make changes and connect with supports in order to keep their children safe and in their home.

It's also a call to action for the public.

"Be aware of children in the community," Wehmas said. "If you are concerned, say something."

That could rise to the level of calling the county to report a possible safety issue, she said, or just taking time to talk to a frazzled parent at Wal-Mart.

This month and throughout the year, the Douglas County Council on Child Protection encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making the community a better place for children and families. Everyone is encouraged to wear blue Friday in honor of child abuse prevention efforts.

Child safety

Internet safety is the theme of this year's annual Safety Awareness for Our Kids event, which takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Superior Public Library, 1530 Tower Ave. The free event for children ages 5-11 includes prizes, lunch, a book giveaway and a pie-eating contest.

"We really worked hard at pulling a good team together throughout the community to heighten awareness of child safety," said Superior Community Policing Officer Bonnie Beste.

Douglas County Sheriff's Detective John Parenteau teaches kids how to stay safe on the internet. Members of Superior's Child Safety Team talk with children about the importance of standing up for themselves and talking to a trusted adult.

"Safety Day is going to be a lot of fun," Beste said.

Sen. Janet Bewley, D-Delta, is expected to attend. Organizer Mike Almond said Bewley may even join in the pie-eating contest.

Kids must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. To preregister, call the library at (715) 394-8866.

Healthy kids

The Superior-Douglas County Family YMCA invites members of the community to celebrate youngsters during Healthy Kids Day, 9 am. to noon April 29. The free event includes bounce houses, crafts, games and a healthy snack. The pool and waterslide is open from 10 a.m. to noon. Resource tables will be set up.

"It's a great way to kick off our summer programs," said CEO Jackie Minor, and highlight resources available in the community.

Children attending Healthy Kids Day must be accompanied by an adult.

Mugs and Hugs

Benna Ford hosts an Operation Mugs and Hugs event 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.May 6 at 3022 Tower Ave. Volunteers compile a digital identity file for each child who attends, including a video, picture, voiceprint, fingerprint, DNA swab, height and weight. The information is loaded onto a CD that is handed to the parent, then cleared. No information is saved.

"The goal is to try to identify as many kids as we can," said organizer Jeff Vollman, also known as "Jiffy" Jeff from WKLK radio.

In the case of a child abduction, that disc can provide immediate information. It speeds the Amber Alert process, which Vollman said can take up to 20 hours.

"If you have kids, it's something you should do," he said. "The fliers can start printing right away, the information is correct."

Last year's Benna Ford event included the chance to tour a Superior fire engine and steer the Superior Police Department's robot, as well as free chips, souvenir mugs and root beer floats. Vollman said this year, the Humane Society of Douglas County gives away certificates for free dog chipping and Smooch-A-Pooch salon features colorful poodles on display.

More sponsors are being sought for the event. For more information, call (218) 879-4534, ext. 8094.

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