Madison Messenger - March 10th, 2024

PAGE 14 - MADISON MESSENGER - March 10, 2024
www.madisonmessengernews.com
Messenger photo by Kristy Zurbrick
Honoring Black History
As we celebrate Black History Month, let us not only reflect
on the past but also commit ourselves to building
a brighter future. As your State Senator, I am honored
to stand in solidarity with you during Black History
Month, a time dedicated to commemorating the resilience,
achievements, and cultural richness of the
Black community. This month serves as a poignant reminder
of the struggles and triumphs that have shaped
our nation. From the courageous leaders of the Civil
Rights Movement to the trailblazing innovators who
have revolutionized every facet of society, Black Americans
have left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness.
Their unwavering determination in the face
of adversity and their relentless pursuit of justice continue
to inspire us all.
However, Black History Month is not merely a time for
reflection; it is a call to action. At the community level,
there are countless ways to honor Black History Month
and contribute to its celebration. Here are a few suggestions:
Support Black-Owned Businesses.
Patronize Black-owned businesses in your community
and amplify their voices through social media and
word-of-mouth recommendations. By investing in the
economic success of Black entrepreneurs, we can promote
economic empowerment and foster a more equitable
society.
Attend public hearings and meetings where issues
affecting black communities are discussed.
These hearings provide an opportunity for community
members to voice their concerns, share their experiences,
and advocate for change directly to lawmakers
and policymakers. By showing up and speaking out,
you can ensure all voices and perspectives are heard
and considered in the decision-making process.
Engage directly with your elected officials.
Writing letters, making phone calls, and scheduling
meetings with local government officials and state legislators
are all powerful tools for advocacy. Building relationships
with your elected officials and holding us
accountable can help drive positive change from the
ground up.
Get involved with local organizations and advocacy
groups actively working to address issues facing
black communities.
These groups often have deep connections and relationships
with state government officials and can provide
valuable insights and support for your advocacy
efforts. By collaborating with problem solvers who are
dedicated to advancing black communities, you can
amplify your impact and contribute to meaningful
change in your community and beyond.
Together, let us strive to create a society where every
individual is valued, respected, and empowered to live
up to their fullest God-given potential. By honoring the
legacy of Black Americans, we can forge a more just and
unified future for generations to come.
Paid Advertisement
Madison County’s new Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program welcomed their first crop of volunteers in a swearing-in
ceremony held on Feb. 29: (from left) volunteers Austin Hill, Michele Bouquet, Carolyn Anderson, Sandi O’Connor, Elizabeth Parker,
and Patricia Blazer; Brianna Britton, CASA program director; and Madison County Juvenile/Probate Judge Christopher J. Brown.
CASA: Being a voice for children
By Kristy Zurbrick
Madison Editor
On Feb. 29, six individuals with a passion
for helping children officially became
court appointed special advocates (CASA).
Madison County Juvenile/Probate Judge
Christopher J. Brown administered the oath
of office.
“This is a wonderful endeavor each of you
is going to undertake, and it is much needed
in Madison County,” Brown said.
CASA volunteers advocate for children
who are in the court system as a result of
abuse, neglect, or dependency. Their job is
to listen to the child, find out what their
wishes are moving forward, and present the
child’s best interests to the court. The ultimate
goal is to reunify the children with
their families by linking them to appropriate
resources.
Each volunteer completes 33 hours of
training over the course of six weeks. The
training includes in-person and online instruction,
as well as court observation. Once
training is complete, volunteers can begin
accepting cases.
The first appointees in Madison County’s
new CASA program are: Carolyn Anderson
of Mechanicsburg, Patricia Blazer of London,
Michele Bouquet of London, Austin
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Hill of Mount Sterling, Sandi O’Connor of them find success and resources,” he said.
London, and Elizabeth Parker of London. Madison County’s CASA program is always
accepting applications from prospec-
“I signed up with the CASA program to
give children a voice and hopefully help tive volunteers. A summer or fall training
them with their needs,” said Blazer who will take place this year, depending on the
previously volunteered for the CASA program
in Dayton.
anna Britton, program director.
number of applications received, said Bri-
Parker’s decision to become a CASA volunteer
is an outgrowth of her professional out an application, complete a background
CASA volunteers must be 21 or older, fill
career during which she held various positions
with the state, including serving as a They don’t have to have a certain back-
check and interview, and complete training.
child wellness expert for the Ohio Department
of Health. Now retired, she is giving ing kids, Britton said.
ground or experience, just a heart for help-
her time to various child advocacy efforts, Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer
can fill out an application online at
as well as volunteering as a tutor.
Hill, who serves as the family ministries www.co.madison.oh.us/departments/court_s
pastor at Mount Sterling Nazarene, signed ystem/juvenile_probate/casa.php. Or they
up because he felt he could be a good voice can contact Britton at (740) 845-1632 or brianna.britton@madison.oh.gov
to have an in-
for children who don’t have one.
“It will help me better understand the formation packet and application mailed to
struggles of families and allow me to help them.
Easter egg hunts planned
• The London Kiwanis Easter egg hunt
will take place at 10 a.m. sharp March 23 at
Cowling Park in London. It is open to children
ages 12 and younger and will take
place rain or shine. Basketballs and footballs
will be up for grabs, thanks to the
Mount Sterling Community Center.
• The Egg-Streme Community Easter
Jam & Egg Hunt will take place at 10:30
a.m. March 23 at the Mount Sterling Community
Center, 164 E. Main St. Egg hunt
age categories are: 1-3 years old, 4-5 years
old, 6-7 years old, 8-10 years old, and 11-18
years old. Register for the egg hunt by visiting
msnazarene.org/easter. Coffee, juice,
and doughnuts will be served. Photos with
the Easter Bunny and prizes are planned.
• The village of West Jefferson is hosting
an Easter egg hunt and other festivities
from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 30 at Converse
Park, 799 Converse Ave. The egg hunt
starts at 11 a.m. Age categories are: 0-5
years old, 6-9 years old, and 10 and older. A
total of 12,000 eggs filled with candy or
prizes will be hidden. Anyone who would
like to help hide the eggs is asked to show
up at the park at 8 a.m. that day. Also
planned are free food, inflatables, and pictures
with the Easter bunny.
• Plain City’s Easter egg hunt is set for
12 p.m. March 23 at Pastime Park. The
Easter bunny will be on site for photo opportunities.
The rain date is March 30.
• The Forgotten Ones Motorcycle Club
and its London chapter, the Founding Fathers,
are hosting an Easter egg hunt at
10:30 a.m. March 30 at the Merri-Mac Park
ball fields, 250 Toland St., London. Age
groups are: 0-4 years old, 5-9 years old, and
10 and older. Participants will hunt for plastic
eggs filled with candy. Prizes include bicycles
and Easter baskets filled with
goodies. Hot dogs, chips, and drinks will be
served. The Easter Bunny will be on site.
Parents and children are invited to check
out the motorcycles on display and talk to
the owners. The festivities will go on until 2
p.m.