April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month, and Taylor City Council recognized those community organizations who fight for children’s safety during its Thursday meeting. Melinda Sentence, a community educator with Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center, received the proclamations for National Child Abuse Awareness Month.
“This proclamation means that we are collectively providing hope, healing and justice to children that are already impacted by abuse and violence in our community. But it also represents raising awareness to prevent child abuse,” Sentence said. “How do we do that? By making sure that we know about the risk. By making sure we provide the ear to listen. But also making sure to recognize what child abuse is.”
Council also presented a proclamation to Break the Silence, a local organization that works to prevent the sexual abuse of children.
The group’s third annual fun run event is April 12. The event is intended to raise awareness of the sexual abuse of children and provide information on where to get help and support.
“Kids shouldn’t have to speak up for themselves. That’s our job. They should be able to go to school, play games and have a normal life. So, we need to be standing in the gap and ensuring that they have their voice,” said Marcus Reese, president of Break the Silence.
Chief Henry Fluck told the community
that kidnapping attempts were on the rise throughout the county, and while none were reported in Taylor at this time, he advised parents to be vigilant.
“If you’re a parent or if you’re any adult, you need to supervise your children and not be on your phone walking around. Basically just be on the alert for any suspicious behavior because we don’t want anything like this happening in Taylor,” Fluck said.
City Council also recognized National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week and National Public Safety Telecommunicators’ Week with proclamations.
Council approved a $98,900 contract with HDR Engineering for design and bidding services and a $19,005 contract with McGray and McGray for survey services to replace water lines on Fifth and Murphy streets. The new water lines will be 8-inch diameter. In addition to being in poor condition, the existing 2-inch water lines do not provide adequate flow for the fire department or for redevelopment of the nearby lots.
The project is being funded through a Community Development Block Grant.
Susan Komandosky, chair of the Moody Museum Advisory Board, presented an update on the Museum to council members. Some of the accomplishments included partnering with the Taylor Garden Club and Samsung interns to refurbish the flowerbeds and raising $23,000 to purchase preservation- quality storm windows for the museum.
While more work needs to be done on the original historic Moody home, the museum foundation is also working on new exhibits highlighting Taylor’s earliest history and some of the founding families that still live here. They are also planning a special event for Taylor’s 150th anniversary.
“The Friends of the Moody Museum are actively fundraising for construction of the Dan Moody statue. The goal is to unveil this statue as a part of Taylor’s Sesquicentennial Celebration in 2026. The life-size bronze will be placed on the east lawn of the museum and surrounded by recognition bricks currently being sold. Among the bricks will be larger stones giving a history of Taylor, the Moody family, the Moody Museum and Gov. Dan Moody,” Komandosky explained in her presentation.
