Kids learn about safety

Safety Village is a pretty special annual event in Jackson Township.

This year, it was a little more special, because it marked the passing of the torch from long-time director Marilyn “Mame” Jones to long-time volunteer Molly Ott.

Jones, a former first grade teacher, was cleaning out her desk at Lake Cable School when members of the Jackson Fire Department basically told her that Safety Town began in a week – and they wanted her to be there. That was 15 years ago.

“And I have absolutely loved every minute of it,” Jones said, her face lit up with a smile.
Ott, 24, who will be the new director, has been a member of Safety Village’s volunteer staff since she was 11 years-old.

“My girlfriend’s mom, who was also a teacher, volunteered us and I have come back ever since,” Ott said.  “I stuck with it because kids are my passion. I’ve always taught Sunday school, babysat since I can remember, and now I take care of newborns.”

Both women worked this year, as in years past, with 150 soon-to-be first and second graders for five mornings.  Each half-day session is a particular day in the safety curriculum including Police Day, Fire Day, Bus and Railroad Safety and Poison and Water Safety Day.  These are all critical lessons for children, according to Ott.

“I think parents today, unfortunately, don’t have the time to actually teach these values and lessons,” Ott said. “This is a fun way to teach a valuable lesson for life but in a fun environment.”

Another aspect that makes Safety Village so successful is the fact that it is based on important partnerships. The Jackson Police and Fire Departments are involved in the event as are other community organizations, like the Jackson Parks and Recreation Department.

“This is a great program for Jackson residents and their children,” said Tracy Hogue, a firefighter in the township. “We bring it down to the kids’ level by incorporating characters and coloring books, videos. If it wasn’t for the counselors, directors and volunteers we couldn’t do this. You know, some communities are reactive – they wait for something to happen. Jackson Township has always been proactive. We don’t believe in waiting ‘til something to happen and then responding to it. Whether it is building inspections or safety education, we are proactive. We believe in nipping it in the bud before something goes wrong.”

Each participant also went home with a DVD that included their height, weight, picture and birthdate, which is all critical information, when officials are searching for a missing child.