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Labor’s OSHA Division Releases Schedule for Safe and Sound Week Events

Labor’s OSHA Division Releases Schedule for Safe and Sound Week Events
Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Safe and Sound Week starts next week, Aug. 15-21 The Safe and Sound campaign is a nationwide Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) event to raise awareness and understanding of the value of safety and health programs, including management leadership, worker participation, and a systematic approach to finding and fixing workplace hazards.

The public is asked to show its commitment to safety by taking part in the V.I. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Division of Occupational Safety and Health (VIDOSH) Safe and Sound webinar: “Operating Safely in a Sargassum Environment” from 2-3 p.m., Monday, Aug. 15.

This webinar will provide useful information to the public sector departments and agencies, human resource professionals, labor unions and stakeholders. Attendees will be provided with details for safer decision-making processes regarding occupational safety and health hazards within the public sector workforce.

Selected public sector departments, agencies, stakeholders, and labor unions will receive a separate invitation to meet with Occupational Safety and Health Administration in breakout sessions on Friday, Aug. 19, to address their specific workplace occupational needs and concerns about Sargassum hazards.

Selected Departments and Breakout Session Schedule:

9 a.m. – 10 a.m.: Public Sector Human Resource Professionals, Labor Unions and Stakeholders

10 a.m. – 11 a.m.: Department of Public Works, Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority, Department of Sports Parks and Recreation, and Department of Property and Procurement

11 a.m. – Noon: Department of Labor, Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, Department of Health, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, and Virgin Islands National Guard

2 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Virgin Islands Police Department, Virgin Islands Fire Services, and Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs

Departments and agencies that may have already planned a Safe and Sound Week event, must remember to register their event at www.osha.gov/safeandsoundweek to be included on a map of events across the country. Be sure to share event details and photos with the V.I. Department of Labor by submitting photos to usafe@dol.vi.gov (subject: #SafeandSoundVI).

For additional information, contact the V.I. Department of Labor VIDOSH at usafe@dol.vi.gov.

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Police say they’re ready to keep huge events such as San Diego Pride and Comic-Con safe

Police say they're ready to keep huge events such as San Diego Pride and Comic-Con safe

When it comes to reasons to be worried over the coming weeks, local law enforcement can take its pick. The deadly attack on Fourth of July paradegoers in Highland Park, Illinois, is still fresh in people’s minds. And, in June, during Pride Month, there were a number of disturbing incidents, including what police say appeared to be a plan for a sizable attack on a Pride event in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho. Police arrested 31 members of a white nationalist group.

On Thursday, San Diego police sought to reassure the public about security at events happening here this month.

“Safety is our No. 1 for the San Diego Police Department,” Lt. Jonathan Lowe said.

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Roland Lizarondo

The Pride Flag is shown in Hillcrest on July 7, 2022.

In the shadow of Hillcrest’s massive Pride flag on Thursday, Lowe provided a note of reassurance, talking about security preparations for San Diego Pride next week and Comic-Con a week later.

“We’re going to have uniformed officers and nonuniformed officers in the crowd, always watching over the parade route, the festival and the associated parties around Hillcrest. Same goes for Comic-Con as well,” Lowe said.

In the case of Pride, police are getting some extra help from the Hillcrest Business Association. Ryan Bedrosian, the owner of Rich’s nightclub, sits on the association board.

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Roland Lizarondo

Artwork is shown on the patio of Rich’s in Hillcrest on July 7, 2022.

He said he and his fellow Hillcrest business owners had been talking recently about how to make sure security this year is tighter than ever.

“Our exits are clear, properly well-lit. Our security staff is on point. We have extra security guards — they’re trained. So those are things that we always take into consideration, but obviously more so on Pride weekend,” said Bedrosian.

The security of big events came up this week when San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria appeared on KPBS Midday Edition.

“It is frustrating to have this threat of violence across the nation impacting this event,” Gloria said.

But the mayor also said he was confident in law enforcement’s ability to keep people safe.

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Roland Lizarondo

One of many fire hydrants painted in pride colors around Hillcrest is shown on July 7, 2022.

“I have full faith in our San Diego Police Department, as well as our regional law enforcement partners,” Gloria said.

But, even with all the reassuring words, there is still that nagging reality that a person with a gun determined to cause mayhem and violence — can. That’s why the words that came into our lexicon after 9/11 still ring true today: If you see something that doesn’t look right, say something.

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Pride events provide safe place to be oneself

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Drifting leisurely down the Grand River in canoes and kayaks was a new way to celebrate Pride Month.

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Participants in the Paddle for Pride event on Saturday registered at Chiefswood Park on Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, then were taken to the launch point in Onondaga.

“We are huge paddlers, and we do the Two Row (on the Grand) ever year,” said Chiara Williamson of Toronto. “When we saw Paddle for Pride, we decided to come.

“We’re dating,” she said, gesturing to her partner Emma Mutsaers. “So this is our Pride Month, and Sylken (Smith, age 10 of Six Nations) always comes and paddles with us.”

Williamson said they enjoy paddling trips every summer, including the ten-day Two Row on the Grand event from Cambridge to Port Maitland that is scheduled for later in July.

Participants in Paddle for Pride make their way down the Grand River from Onondaga, Ontario heading to Chiefswood Park on Six Nations of the Grand River Territory on Saturday.
Participants in Paddle for Pride make their way down the Grand River from Onondaga, Ontario heading to Chiefswood Park on Six Nations of the Grand River Territory on Saturday. Photo by Brian Thompson /The Expositor

“Events like these give chances for youth to connect with their community and to see that love is love, and every type of identity is okay,” Williamson said. “Hopefully it will allow them to be who they are. who they always were and have pride in themselves.”

Jess Hill, one of the Paddle for Pride organizers said participants would be treated to entertainment including a DJ and local musicians, face painting, vendors, food, crafts and the screening of films at the park into Saturday evening.

“It’s a day to celebrate and uplift our community, and 2SLGBTQIA+ youth can see they are loved and can move forward in a good way,” said Hill.

Pride in the Park drew a large crowd to Mohawk Park in Brantford on Saturday afternoon.

Event co-chair Ken Giesen said the turnout, the weather and the energy of the crowd was very good.

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“A lot of people commented they were so glad we could do this, and so glad we got this going again after two years,” he said.

A DJ provided music as people strolled past a vendor market, and community information booths.

“My favourite part is seeing the young people come out, dressed in the rainbow and feeling comfortable:  their authentic selves,” Giesen said. “And creating that safe place for them to do that.”

Renu Dhaliwal represented the Sexual Assault Centre of Brant at one of the information booths.

Mabe Kyle (right) of Brant County sports a message-laden jacket while chatting with Renu Dhaliwal of the Sexual Assault Centre of Brant at the Pride in the Park event at Mohawk Park on Saturday.
Mabe Kyle (right) of Brant County sports a message-laden jacket while chatting with Renu Dhaliwal of the Sexual Assault Centre of Brant at the Pride in the Park event at Mohawk Park on Saturday. Photo by Brian Thompson /The Expositor

“It gives everyone a sense of community, and I think because of COVID it’s really important to see people and what they are doing,” she said. “To feel the good energy, love and support, that’s why an event like this is important.”

Abrianna Money of Brantford said she was attending a Pride event for the first time.

“I’ve always wanted to go but haven’t been able to because I haven’t been in Brantford or where ever they’re holding them,” said the former Simcoe resident. “I love the inclusivity. It feels safe.”

Among a large crowd attending Pride in the Park on Saturday at Mohawk Park in Brantford were (front row, from left) Madison Wintemute and Abrianna Money; and (back row) Charlie Taylor, Josephine Hutchings, and Erica Nichol.
Among a large crowd attending Pride in the Park on Saturday at Mohawk Park in Brantford were (front row, from left) Madison Wintemute and Abrianna Money; and (back row) Charlie Taylor, Josephine Hutchings, and Erica Nichol. Photo by Brian Thompson /The Expositor

“It’s nice to be able to express yourself, be open and comfortable in the community,” said Erica Nichol of Brantford. “It’s a good place to meet people who are like-minded,” gesturing to newly made friends.

“And now we’re best friends,” said Madison Wintemute of Simcoe. “This is my first Pride and I’m still exploring who I am,” she explained. “Something like this is amazing to me.”

bethompson@postmedia.com

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DU students hail return of open mic events: Safe spaces to exhibit talent

DU students hail return of open mic events: Safe spaces to exhibit talent

Calling all singers, rappers, beatboxers, poets, instrumentalists, mimics and comedians to come and take to the stage — Delhi University’s young performers couldn’t wait to hear announcements like these, after two long years of being in the virtual space due to the pandemic. As open mic events, where one can display their talent in front of an audience, return to DU’s campus, budding performers share how much they love the freedom it gives them!

Aayush Goel, a third-year student of Business Economics at Shivaji College, recently gave voice to his poems at an open mic organised by the college’s Enactus team. Elated to find a platform, he says: “When the Covid-19 situation got normal, I was determined to perform. I never realised before my first [physical] performance how good it felt when audience praises you for your work. That feeling, when someone cries after listening to you because they relate to your story or the thought moved them, is spellbinding.” Goel adds that open mics are “really a safe and easy space where one can just present what one thinks”.

For Anushka Raj Sonkar, a second-year student of Bachelor of Business Administration at Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, performing at an open mic came as a chance to dust off her singing skills. She shares, “I’m a trained singer. Even though I’m out of practice now, I’m excited to perform and entertain everyone. It’s going to be just Bollywood songs.”

Feeling lucky to be back in time for the last leg of fest season, before he graduates and enters a different world, is Pratham Naman. A talented singer, who is pursuing BCom (Hons) at Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, he shares his excitement to be a part of the event, aptly named Mic Drop 4.0! “It used to be a prolific experience back when I was in my first year. It’s a platform where artists can express their art in its true form. The crowd motivates us to give our best,” says Naman.

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Safe and Sound Child Advocacy Center plans several events for April

Safe and Sound Child Advocacy Center plans several events for April

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and a Midland organization has several plans to raise awareness for the month.

The Safe and Sound Child Advocacy Center has a few events planned late this month to recognize CAP Month. From a pinwheel planting event to a 5K, the center aims to promote prevention for protecting children from abuse.

Michelle Waskevich said the first event of the month will take place at noon on Monday, April 11 with the Pinwheels for Prevention Ceremony. The event will take place outside of the Midland County Courthouse and feature Midland City Police Chief Nicole Ford and have an announcement for their 2022 Midland County Champion for Children award winner. Pinwheels is a symbol of a carefree, whimsical life that every child deserves to have, she said.

At 6 p.m. on April 19, a presentation from Kevin Mahoney at the Bullock Creek Auditorium. He is a prosecutor and sexual abuse survivor that will talk about his experiences as a child and the grooming process, Waskevich said.


Finally, on April 30, the Superhero 5K Fun Run + Walk will take place both in person and virtually. There will be a superhero costume contest, prizes, and a superhero cartoonist, Waskevich said. Money raised at the event will go to Safe and Sound, she said.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the race begins at 10 a.m.

Waskevich also encourages people to wear blue for each Friday of the month to spread awareness of the month.

Safe and Sound, in terms of prevention, provides families with protective factors, such as presentations on body safety and empowerment. The center also offers adult training on sexual abuse prevention an Adopt a Child Smile program, which helps with preventative and restorative care.

Waskevich said this is month is important for the center because it helps highlight the issue of child abuse in Midland County.

“We know that child abuse can be prevented,” Waskevich said. “If we can help increase the protective factors in our all of our families, we can reduce and eliminate child abuse. The more that we can to highlight the prevention of child abuse and neglect, the healthier our community will be.”