April is Prevent Child Abuse Month. Craven County will be celebrating with the following events:
Wednesday, April 3 – Opening Ceremony for Prevent Child Abuse Month at the Craven County Court House on Broad Street at 8:30am. The kick off will include keynote speaker, District 3B Chief Court Judge, The Honorable Walter B. Mills, comments from the Guardian ad Litem Program, a Pinwheel Garden planting and entertainment by the Excel 7 Learning Center children. Contact Terry Brubaker 252-636-4900 Ext. 3081.
Friday, April 5 – Opening Ceremony for Prevent Child Abuse Month at Havelock City Park at 8:30am. Senator Norman Sanderson will read the Prevent Child Abuse Month Proclamation and the kick off will include keynote speaker, District 3B Chief Court Judge, The Honorable Walter B. Mills, comments from the Guardian ad Litem Program, a Pinwheel Garden planting and entertainment by Child Network children. Contact Terry Brubaker 252-636-4900 Ext. 3081.
Saturday, April 13 – Festival of Fun at Union Point New Bern 10am – 3pm. There are activities, games, arts and crafts and educational opportunities for families and children. Come on down for some good healthy family fun! Most activities are free.
Thursday, April 25 – State of the Child Conference “Understanding Trauma and Resilience” at the Havelock Tourist and Event Center (201 Tourist Center Drive, Havelock) from 8:30am until 4pm. The speakers are Dr. George “Tripp” Ake and Chaney Stokes. Dr. Ake is a child psychologist at Duke University Medical Center and with the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. His work focuses on assisting children and families who have experienced stressful and traumatic life events. Ms. Stokes is a former foster youth and current Assistant Program Coordinator of SAYSO (Strong Able Youth Speaking Out). She is a North Carolina Statewide Trainer of the Resource Parent Trauma Training Curriculum. The cost is $20 in advance, which includes refreshments and lunch. Registration form is available from Sylvia with Promise Place at 252-636-3381.
Saturday, April 27 – Springhill Suites in New Bern on Hotel Drive is hosting a free Movie Night for Dad’s and kids! Mom’s night off…Come at 6pm for movie, popcorn and fun! Contact Sharon at 252-637-1551.
April 30 – Recognizing and Responding to Child Abuse at New Bern Craven County Library, Johnson Street 6:30pm. For Child Care providers and anyone interested in knowing more about this issue in our county. Contact Pinkie Moore at 252-671-0689.
Every Tuesday afternoon 3:30-4:40 Intergenerational Zumba at George St. Senior Center. Free for all ages during April. Come and bring your child or grandchild and get some fun exercise! Contact Kim or Linda at 252-638-1790
The Community Coalition for Craven County Children will have a display up in the New Bern Craven County Library all month on Strengthening Families. Come by for some good information to help your family!
Submitted by: Terry Brubaker, Chairperson, Community Coalition for Craven County Children