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In this episode, Lloyd explores the Levitt Amp Calusa concert series with Millie Lee and Sadie Boggs-Ash, who share insights into the importance of free live music in building community. They discuss the roles they play in organizing the series, the design of the concert experience, and the significance of volunteer engagement. The conversation also covers funding strategies, artist selection, and memorable moments from past events, culminating in a preview of the upcoming concert season.

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This episode of The Back Page features hosts Lloyd, Kent, discussing local happenings and a crucial topic: Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The episode begins with an explanation for Hayley's absence, attributing it to a rough night after the Colusa Art Walk. The hosts reminisce about the art walk, where Hudson, under the artist name H. Jefferson Boes, showcased his artwork in the window at Stitches Embroidery and Customs. Kent shares his contribution of naming the artwork, with "meh. Not today" being a favorite .

The conversation then shifts to the Colusa Art Walk, which was the first official one, expanding upon a previous downtown business walk. They highlight its success and potential for future growth, suggesting it could become a recurring event in different towns within Colusa County. The art walk this year stretched from the library to the post office and involved various businesses and artists, including live painting and quilting displays.

The main segment of the podcast features an interview with Carissa Bowers, Executive Director for the Colusa County CAPC (Community Advocates for Parents and Children), which is also the designated child abuse prevention council for Colusa County. They discuss CAPC's regular programs, emphasizing their parent playgroup for children aged 0-5, which aims to promote early learning, socialization, and emotional competence. Hudson, Kent and Hayley's son, participates in this playgroup.

The primary focus of the interview is April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Carissa explains the importance of raising awareness and shares concerning statistics about the prevalence of child abuse. They detail the different types of child abuse: physical, sexual, emotional, and neglect, with neglect being the most common and often difficult to identify.

Carissa also discusses CAPC's parenting education programs designed to provide parents with tools and confidence . She provides contact information for CAPC: website www.colusacapc.net, phone number 530-458-7678, and email cbowers@colusacapc.net.

The discussion covers how to report suspected child abuse by calling CPS at 530-458-0280 (reports can be anonymous) , and emphasizing to call 911 in cases of immediate danger. They also discuss subtle signs of abuse beyond physical bruises and encourage people to look for multiple concerning indicators.

CAPC has several activities planned for Child Abuse Prevention Month29 :

• National Wear Blue for Kids Day on the first Friday of April (the 4th).
• Visiting the Colusa County Board of Supervisors to submit a proclamation.
• The Children's Memorial Flag Raising Day on Friday, April 25 at 10:00 a.m. at the courthouse lawn in Colusa31.
• A Prevention Collaborative meeting on April 10 at 9:00 a.m. at the Rocco's Banquet Hall. This meeting is for representatives from agencies serving families in Colusa County to collaborate.
• Participation in the Family Fair on April 12 at the Colusa County Fairgrounds.

Carissa also outlines CAPC's year-round programs that support families by focusing on the five protective factors: parental resilience, social connections, knowledge of child development, social and emotional competence of children, and concrete supports in times of need. She also mentions opportunities for volunteering and donations to CAPC.

Following the interview, the hosts briefly announce other local April events in Colusa County, including a centennial sprint in Colusa, an Easter egg hunt at the Colusa Hospital, a Bunko Bash and a paint party in Williams. They also remind listeners about the upcoming Colusa County Fair and the May 1st deadline for registering still exhibits. Information about fair entries

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Lloyd, Kent, and Hayley sit down with Pam DaGrossa, Literacy Services Coordinator for the Colusa County Free Library, to discuss the critical role of literacy programs in the community. They explore the library’s efforts to support both children and adults, addressing challenges in reading, writing, digital, and financial literacy.

Pam highlights key initiatives such as the Raising a Reader program, designed to develop early literacy skills for children aged 0 to 5, and one-on-one tutoring for adults seeking to improve their reading and writing abilities. She also discusses the library’s work in expanding digital literacy, including email training and online navigation skills.

The conversation touches on the broader literacy challenges in Colusa County, which ranks among the lowest in California. Factors such as poverty, parental education levels, and a high immigrant population contribute to low literacy rates. Pam shares how the library is working to address these issues, including efforts to provide literacy workshops for inmates at the Colusa County Jail and build a more robust book collection within the facility.

Listeners will also learn how they can support literacy efforts by becoming volunteer tutors. Pam outlines the application process, training, and the impact volunteers can have in helping adult learners improve their English skills.

In addition to literacy programs, the episode covers a range of other library services, from Sensory Saturday and story time for children to access to digital resources, audiobooks, and the Sacramento library system’s vast collection. Pam also explains how the ZIP program allows patrons to request books not available locally.

The episode wraps up with updates on upcoming community events in Colusa County, including the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly completed CD Simple Park, a free car show and pancake breakfast, the Colusa County Arts Council’s art walk event, and volunteer opportunities for the Colusa Music Series summer season.

Tune in for an insightful discussion on the importance of literacy and how the Colusa County Free Library is making a difference in the community.

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