Submitted photo The Randolph County Commission signed a pair of proclamations, for Community Action Month and National Childcare Provider Day, during its most recent meeting. Taking part in the signings were, from left, Randolph County Commissioner David Kesling, Mountain Heart Community Services’ Peggy Rittenhouse, Mountain Heart Community Services’ Brenda Riggleman, Randolph County Commission President Cris Siler, and Commissioner Chris See.

ELKINS — The Randolph County Commission signed a pair of proclamations during its most recent meeting at the James F. Cain Courthouse.

Peggy Rittenhouse and Brenda Riggleman, representatives from Mountain Heart Community Services, attended the meeting, and Rittenhouse gave a presentation to Commissioners Cris Siler, David Kesling and Chris See.

“May has been designated as Community Action Month for years, and it was put in place in the United States 60 years ago,” Rittenhouse said. “Since then, community action agencies have made a promise to continue to help citizens with various projects in our communities.” 

Community Action Month was established in 1964 and was built to help strengthen the role of community action agencies that assist low-income families in achieving economic stability. Kesling talked about the importance of Community Action Month and read from the Proclamation.

“Whereas community action has made essential contributions across the nation for 60 years, inspiring a spirit of hope, creating opportunities for millions of people to be a part of the American dream, and improving communities,” Kesling read.

“Community action remains committed to a nation that creates opportunities for all people to thrive, build strong resilient communities, and ensure a more equal society.”

The second proclamation approved was for National Childcare Provider Day, which is celebrated annually on the Friday before Mother’s Day. The special day recognizes child care providers, teachers and other educators of young children everywhere.

“We want to bring recognition to Child Care Providers for the work that they do with our children,” Rittenhouse said. “We want to make sure they know that they are appreciated for teaching our children what they need to do before they start school. And Provider Appreciation Day also includes teachers, who also provide care for our children.” 

Kesling then read from the Proclamation for Childcare Provider Day.

“Whereas Mountain Heart Community Services and other organizations nationwide are recognized as child care providers on this day, May 10,” he said. “Whereas child care has provided a safe, nurturing place for the enhancement of millions of children nationwide… Whereas West Virginia recognizes that child care has, and continues to be, a lifeline for families, communities, and the economy… Whereas the future depends on the quality of early childhood experiences provided to the young children of today.” 

The next Randolph County Commission meeting will be May 16 at 1:30 p.m. at the Cain Annex.