On a beautiful early fall evening, the Laporte Women’s Club met September 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Laporte Community Hall, with about thirty in attendance. Speaker for the evening was Lauren Shultz Edkin, of Sullivan County Victim Services. Her topics were “Good Touch, Bad Touch” and “Reporting Child Abuse.”
Lauren pointed out that we don’t talk about child abuse often because it is an unpleasant topic. Statistics relate, however, that one in four girls and one in six boys is sexually assaulted by age 18. The ages of 7-13 is the range when children are most frequently abused.
In the Sixties, children were told about “Stranger Danger”; unfortunately, 90 percent of the time the abuser is someone that the child knows -- a relative, a family friend, a coach, etc.
Lauren begins working with children in Kindergarten. When talking with children about sexual abuse, she cautions to keep the message nonthreatening and age-appropriate. She talks with children about three types of touches – safe touch, which feels good, like a pat on the back; ouch touch, which hurts, like a pinch or slap; and oh-oh touch, which makes us uncomfortable, like a touch to a private part of the body. (With primary children, “a private part of the body” can be explained as an area covered by your swimsuit or underwear.)
Little kids sometimes think that any touch to a private part of the body -- like tucking in a shirt – is an oh-oh touch until they get more explanation.
Child abuse can consist of physical abuse, verbal or emotional abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect. Those who choose to report abuse must remember that it is suspected abuse – you do not have to have solid proof admissible in a court of law to report. Suspected abuse should be reported to ChildLine, the state child abuse hotline. If you have the child’s name and phone number, an investigation can begin. ChildLine is an anonymous reporting center. Unless you are a mandated reporter (a medical professional, teacher, social worker, etc.), it is your choice whether to report suspected abuse or not. Lauren pointed out that, if no evidence of abuse is found, no official report is made.
Before and after the program, members shopped at the Fall Boutique, organized by Kathi Rode. Items were donated by members, and then bought by them for what the shoppers considered a fair price. Money will go to advance the club’s work.
After an interlude for luscious refreshments, the business meeting began at 7:20 p.m. with President Dee Tarcza conducting it.
The community Halloween party will probably be October 27. Kim Sechman is the chairperson. A meeting concerning the party was held Sept. 15 at the Community Hall. Those interested in helping with the party attended.
Dee reported that she has received a letter from County Treasurer Kathy Robbins concerning the new gaming laws. On Sept. 19 from 6:30-9:30 p.m., a meeting will be held at the Courthouse with Kathy Robbins and a state trooper concerning the new laws. RSVP to Kathy Robbins by Sept. 18 if you plan to attend.
Under new business, Dee reported that LWC received a certificate of appreciation August 25 from the Laporte Volunteer Fire Co. for members’ efforts at the carnival and other events.
Germaine Donahue, chairperson for the Victorian Tea, announced that the first meeting of the committee will be Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. at the Muncy Valley Country Friends Café.
Kathy Stetler, of Pioneer Campground, spoke about the Halloween Bash to be held at the campground in conjunction with the Laporte-Eagles Mere Lions Club. The bash will include hayrides, a haunted house, and refreshments, and will be held October 5-6, 12-13, and 19-20 between 7:30 and 10 p.m. Costs will be $5 for adult; $2.50, 7-17; and free, 6 and under.
The secretary read thankyou notes from LWC Scholarship recipients Calen Wylie and Sarah Urner.
Jackie Overdorff won a blue ribbon for her Halloween windows at the fair. She then sold them at the LWC meeting, with the money earmarked for the Halloween party.
Dee Tarcza won a first place for her vanilla ice cream, which she then used to prepare a pistachio ice cream cake for the meeting’s refreshments.
The next meeting will be October 10 at 6:30 at the Community Hall with Jane Swift and “Papermaking 101.” We will also have lists for the Halloween party available there.