Dear Editor,
April’s blue pinwheels have come to mean so much in the Clarkston community! As part of the nationwide campaign, April is Child Abuse Prevention month, blue pinwheels represent that childhood should be filled with hope, happiness, and kindness.
As a part of local interests and efforts in the well-being of the community, especially youth, blue pinwheels remind each member of the community of the role he/she can play in helping youth feel safe, hopeful, and welcomed throughout the community. Both initiatives are locally sponsored and coordinated by the Clarkston Area Youth Assistance (CAYA) Pinwheels for Prevention Program. Community support and involvement have been tremendous. There are many to thank!
The March 21 CAYA Pinwheels for Prevention Community Kick-off, hosted in partnership with the Clarkston Community Schools (CCS), brought together a cross section of the Clarkston community to start conversations about working together to focus on prevention and well-being—topics covered by a CAYA-made video and speakers, Brenda Baker-Mbacke, CASA Director for CARE House of Oakland County, Staci Puzio, CCS Director of Student Growth and Well-being, and Shawn Ryan, CCS Superintendent.
We thank the speakers and the more than 45 community members who attended. Everyone received three different Pinwheels for Prevention bookmarks, with a well-being message—designed specifically for elementary students, secondary students, and adult community members.
We would like to thank the following Pinwheels for Prevention Supporters and Friends for making the Pinwheels for Prevention Program more self-sustaining, while also making the blue pinwheels more visible and meaningful, including: CIarkston Independence District Library, Oxford Bank, Washington Management, Clarkston State Bank, Millpond Inn, Brioni Café & Deli, The Gateway, Clarkston Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, Fort Clarkston, Morgan & Milzow Realtors, Clarkston Family Farm, Independence Truck Repair, Clarkston News, Ennis Center for Children, Rudy’s Quality Market, Parker’s Hilltop Brewery, and IGD Solutions.
Long-term support and guidance have been provided by Bob and Peg Roth of Washington Management.
CAYA would like to thank its permanent sponsors, Clarkston Community Schools, Independence Township, Springfield Township, the City of the Village of Clarkston, and the Oakland County Circuit Court-Family Division. Finally, additional support came this year from CARE House of Oakland County, Oakland County Youth Assistance, Team RUSH 27, and the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce.
While blue pinwheels are most visible in April, remember that every month, every week, every day, every hour, and every moment is an opportunity to positively impact a youth’s life.
Pinwheels for Prevention Committee, Clarkston Area Youth Assistance