Lenoir, Greene and Wayne County Guardian ad Litem director Colleen Kosinski delivers a presentation Monday at the Kinston City Council regular meeting. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News

By Junious Smith III

This week’s Kinston City Council meeting featured proclamations toward a bevy of causes.

The first proclamation was created for Child Abuse Prevention Month, where Lenoir, Greene and Wayne County Guardian ad Litem Director Colleen Kosinski delivered a presentation about the importance of making sure children across the area were taken care of and part of safe, nurturing homes.

"We recognize the month through the county, but the city is where the biggest population is," Kosinski said. “There are so many children and families who need our care and volunteers. We also want to have mandatory reports, encouraging people to call if they feel like a child is being neglected. Our goal is to protect every child, and to lose 14 (across the state) this year is far too many, even if it is the lowest total in years.”

A proclamation was also created for today as Lineworker Appreciation Day, a national holiday where the profession of electrical lineworkers are appreciated for their work.

"The city has recognized other workers, but we wanted to do it for our linemen," Kinston Public Services Director Rhonda Barwick said. "The timing is perfect because it's right before hurricane season and it's a way to inform the community of the dangers linemen go through to keep the power on."

The third proclamation was in recognition of Global Love Day, which is set for May 1. The Love Foundation Inc., a nationally recognized nonprofit organization, announced the day to facilitate in establishing love and peace across the world.

"It's about bringing joy, love and happiness to the area,” Kinston Mayor Don Hardy said. “For us to have those factors, we have to work together and count on each other. We can’t do that without the love and support of the community, no matter someone’s race or nationality.”

The next Kinston City Council meeting is set for Monday, May 6.