Columbiana event aims at child support

STAFF REPORT

EAST LIVERPOOL — Improving child support and strengthening families go together like fish and water.

In this case, literally.

The Columbiana County commissioners on Wednesday signed a resolution designating August as “Child Support Awareness Month.”

A list of the 100 support cases with the largest delinquencies will be publicized.

The county collected more than $19 million in support in 2007 and has more than 11,000 active cases.

But Eileen Dray-Bardon, the director of the county’s Department of Job Family Services, said that it is important that divorced parents spend time with their children in addition to paying support.

For years, Beaver Creek State Park has hosted a variety of family-oriented activities. Activities this year will include face painting, nature hikes, bike and swimming safety programs, bird box workshops, and water and fish testing. There also will be free food at some of the events.

Dray-Bardon said all the programs are open to the public. The events will run from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 9.