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Blue Monday - Celebrating what’s right with families
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 About 400 people turned out for the first Blue Monday celebration held in Max Square last spring. The aim is to end Child Abuse Awareness Month on a positive note. - Observer file photo Event organizer Sandra Leavitt said the concept behind Blue Monday is to end Child Abuse Awareness Month on a positive note. In 2007, confirmed cases of child abuse in Union County rose to 120 from 102 in 2006, according to reports filed by the local office of the Oregon Department of Human Services, Leavitt said. “That is a significant increase. But I see it as a positive, because I think there is more awareness in our community and people are choosing to intervene,” the Mount Emily Safe Center director said. Two years ago, the idea to develop a community event at the end of April that celebrates what is right with Union County families was born out of an Early Childhood Planning Team session. Leavitt estimates more than 400 people turned out for the first Blue Monday at Max Square last spring. “It was more successful than we hoped it would be,” Leavitt said. “So I do hope the weather cooperates.” This year, vendors will again be on hand with plenty of family friendly activities — all of which are free. There will be outdoor prizes — door prizes given at an outdoor event, Leavitt explained — like a bicycle, bike helmet and several gift baskets. Information tables will be chock full of the latest information on child care, foster care, children’s health, family resources and more. A concession stand with hotdogs, drinks and more will allow parents to buy dinner. “Everything else is free — all the activities, information and prizes. The only thing there will be a charge for is the food,” said Leavitt. Everyone is encouraged to wear blue — the official color of the child abuse awareness ribbon — as the aerial photograph to commemorate the event will be taken at 6 p.m. For information on Blue Monday, child abuse awareness and how to be involved in prevention, call Leavitt at the Mount Emily Safe Center at 963-0602, or go online to www.loveourchildrenusa.org . |
