Children learn ‘safe from unsafe’

Children about to enter kindergarten had a taste of what school would be like and learned many ways to stay safe during the week-long Safety Town from July 31 to Aug. 4.

This is the second year that Hardyston has offered the program.

The wind beneath its wings is Dana Vitz, Hardyston’s recreation director.

“Some parents approached us last year, referencing a similar program that was held in Vernon, so we started working to get one going here,” she said. “It’s not school, but in ways it’s like it with lessons and time frames, so it teaches them safety while also getting them prepared for kindergarten.”

Safety Town was sponsored by the township Recreation Department and was funded by a Youth Leadership Grant awarded to the Wallkill Valley Drug Alliance from the state Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS).

“The children were split into groups, and six teen volunteers made sure the schedule was followed and that their groups of children were with them at all times,” Vitz said.

The week included activities and demonstrations on various safety topics.

On Monday, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Officer Adam Merritt did a demonstration on bear safety. Also, Jennifer Cimaglia, principal of Hardyston Township Elementary School, taught the children about bus safety.

On Tuesday, police Sgt. Alan Carbery taught a lesson on bike safety.

The Department of Public Works constructed a small “Safety Town” with buildings, traffic signs, roads, crosswalks and railroad tracks so the children could practice what they learned with balance bikes.

The second lesson Tuesday was by representatives of the Sussex County YMCA about water safety.

On Wednesday, McGruff the Crime Dog made a surprise visit to teach about “stranger danger” and the importance of knowing the emergency number 911.

Also, the children were given a tour of the police station.

They received worksheets about healthy snacks and lunch, and St. Clare’s First Aid Squad brought Boo Boo Bear and helped the children bandage and give him first aid.

On Thursday, officers from the Sussex County Sheriff Department’s Canine Unit brought two of their dogs and did a demonstration on how they can track a missing person or criminal.

Later, members of the Hardyston Township Volunteer Fire Department taught a lesson on fire safety.

“Since it was a humid day, the children were thankful to get hosed down with the fire hose,” Vitz said.

The program concluded Friday with Ginnie’s House Children’s Advocacy Center giving a presentation on body safety.

“Throughout the week, the children practiced the Safety Town song that they performed on Friday, Graduation Day,” she said. “Each child was given a graduation certificate and gifts from the Hardyston Police Department. The day ended with a pizza party for the children and parents.”

Not one but two Miss Hardystons were on hand as volunteer counselors. One won the People’s Choice Award at the New Jersey State Fair last year and the other clenched the same honor this summer.

“This was my first activity as Miss Hardyston last year, and I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to come and volunteer again,” said Emily Carey.

“One of my favorite parts is the bear safety. It’s just something you wouldn’t think of teaching in most parts of the country, but in Sussex County, it’s very important and I love that it’s included.”

Carey graduated from Wallkill Valley Regional High School and will be attending Clemson University, where she plans to study mechanical engineering.

Miss Hardyston 2023 Kayla Van Ginneken was also a volunteer. She attends Wallkill Valley and is an avid soccer player.

“It isn’t every day that children are given the chance to tour a police department or get sprayed by a real live firetruck,” she said. “This program is truly amazing, and I love being a part of it.”

Vitz said Safety Town allows the children to experience “real life” situations before being confronted with them.

“Children are trained to evaluate ‘safe from unsafe’ and learn how to react safely when confronted with dangerous situations.

“The township extends their sincere gratitude to all the agencies and volunteers that made the week possible for the kids from Safety Town.”