This organization laid out pinwheels. Here’s why.
“It’s a very big concern for us, not just with child abuse, but with domestic violence cases,” Baudendistel said. “We’re trying to plan for and anticipate how we’re going to respond to the uptick [in incidents] we’re expecting.” “I think it’s really important now, especially with a lot more people being home with their kids,” Buadendistel said. “Maybe even doing some education with their kids to really focus on coping skills and, ‘How do we get through this together?'” Baudendistel is encouraging people to make Broome County and other counties they serve a safer place for families and children, but notes the COVID-19 pandemic could play a factor with people staying in their homes more often. BINGHAMTON (WBNG) — April is National Child Abuse Prevention month, and here in the Southern Tier, the Crime Victims Assistance Center is remembering those they help, and are reminding people of resources they can turn to. On April 1, the Broome County Child Advocacy Center, which falls under the CVAC, laid out 302 pinwheels on the front lawn of the CVAC to represent each child abuse victim the organization helped in 2019.
But with the time at home, Baudendistel is also optimistic about personal growth in families that may have dysfunction. Executive director Raini Baudendistel told 12 News the number is the largest number the CVAC has ever seen when it comes to child abuse victims in our area, but attributed that number to the CVAC and Broome County CAC’s efforts in broadening the type of abuse they provide services to. The CVAC has taken measures to move their employees remote during the coronavirus crisis. Baudendistel emphasized the 24/7 crisis line is still open, and can be reached at 607-722-4256.
Other, social distancing practices will be put into place on the now expanded dugout that goes into the bleachers. Parents will be seated behind the outfield fence. Heslin says there will be X’s marked on the benches in the dugouts where players should be sitting to maintain social distance. Johnson City Baseball VP Brendan Heslin says he’s ready for the season. The league is only allowing two spectators per athlete. Coaches will make sure everyone is following the new guidelines. Heslin says, more importantly, kids are happy just to be able to play again. Even umpires will be in an unfamiliar spot. According to Heslin, they will stand behind the pitcher instead of the catcher.
JOHNSON CITY (WBNG) – On Monday, Little League Baseball returned to the Southern Tier. “Almost a three month delay from when we should normally be starting games but I say better late than never,” he said. Heslin told 12 News a lot of things on the fields look normal but if you take a closer look, there are some big changes “You won’t see things like team huddles, high fives, fist bumps no sunflower seeds no gun chewing,” said Heslin. 