Dear Editor,

What do April’s blue pinwheel gardens and pinwheel bookmarks have in common?
They remind us everyone has a role to help children and youth to feel safe, hopeful, and welcomed throughout the community. They remind us everyone can help children and youth flourish.
This April, 1,714 pinwheels were planted in 64 community gardens, large and small, across the Clarkston community. The Pinwheels for Prevention Program distributed about 8,100 pinwheel bookmarks for elementary schools, secondary schools, school staff, public libraries, churches, and businesses. The Pinwheels for Prevention Program Committee is part of Clarkston Area Youth Assistance (CAYA)—a community nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and reducing adversity in children and youth through community involvement. CAYA is dedicated to providing the Clarkston community with preventive programs and casework services.
CAYA’s Pinwheels for Prevention Program Committee has many to thank! First, the Committee would like to acknowledge and recognize all of our Pinwheel Garden Supporters, Neighbors, and Friends: Bowman Chevrolet, Brandon Still, Calvary Lutheran Church, Carrie Wheeler, Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce, Clarkston Crossing, Clarkston Dental Group, Clarkston Family Farm, Clarkston Independence District Library, Clarkston Mills, Clarkston Union General, Clarkston United Methodist Church, David W. Elliott Memorial Foundation, Essence on Main, The Gateway, Harrison’s Design + Furniture, HealthQuest Physical Therapy-Clarkston, Ian Jones, Jackie Fromm, Jacqui Bess, Kyle Hughes, Leah McLean, Lowrie’s Landscape, Maggie Sans, Main Street MI Coworking, McLaren Clarkston, Melissa Bridgman, Michael and Nancy Moon, Morgan, Milzow & Ford Realtors, Morgan’s Service, Neiman’s Family Market, Olde Village Café, Oxford Bank (Clarkston Branch), Planned Financial Services, Premier Eyecare, Pro-Active Chiropractic and Wellness, Real Estate ONE-Clarkston, Reverend Amy Mayo-Moyle, Robert and Peg Roth, Rudy’s Market, St. Trinity Lutheran Church, Tara Hanson, The Learning Experience, Theresa Fabrizio, Village Fashion Boutique, Waterfall Jewelers, Waterford Bank, and Wint Funeral Home.
Second, we thank CAYA’s permanent sponsors for planting pinwheel gardens, including Clarkston Community Schools, Independence Township, Springfield Township, City of the Village of Clarkston, and the Oakland County Circuit Court—Family Division.
Thank you also to Oakland County Youth Assistance CARE House of Oakland County, and Independence Township Parks, Recreation, and Seniors.
Third, it is a special pleasure for the Committee to acknowledge and recognize the Clarkston High School (CHS) students in Melissa Bridgman’s A World of Difference Class for working on two projects that make a positive impact on the community, including other students!
In April, 7900 bookmarks were packaged for distribution and in June, the class will help to recycle this year’s pinwheels.
Fourth, this year the Pinwheels for Prevention Program Committee felt honored to be the recipient of a grant from the David W. Elliott Memorial Foundation and a special donation from Waterfall Jewelers’s April “Batteries for Charity” Program. The grant and donation allow the Committee to create ways to focus community attention on good news, how everyone is empowered to help prevent and mitigate child and adolescent adversity in all of its forms.
This empowerment comes from beginning a journey of awareness and understanding, that includes Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), toxic stress, and resiliency.
Know that it is not just April, but every month, every week, every day, every hour, and every moment is an opportunity to positively impact the lives of children and youth.

Sincerely,
Clarkston Area Youth Assistance
2022 Pinwheels for Prevention Committee