Heather Bell
RADFORD – The Radford City Council passed proclamations in support of several initiatives at its recent meeting.
October is National Arts and Humanities Month, and the council’s proclamation “calls upon the citizens of Radford to celebrate, explore, and participate in the arts and culture of the City of Radford.”
“The arts and humanities are the embodiment of all things beautiful and entertaining in the world, the enduring record of human achievement,” said council member Dr. Richard Harshberger in reading the proclamation at the council’s Sept. 26 meeting. “The arts and humanities enhance every aspect of life in the City of Radford, improving our economy, enriching our civic life, driving tourism, and exerting a profound positive influence on the education of our children; and arts education research shows that the arts help to foster discipline, creativity, imagination, self-expression, and problem-solving skills while also helping to develop a heightened appreciation of beauty and cross-cultural understanding.”
Fire Prevention Week is the subject of the second proclamation the city council passed. Fire Prevention Week is celebrated nationally from Oct. 9–15, and the local proclamation “urges the community to plan and practice a home fire escape for Fire Prevention Week 2022 and to support the many public safety activities and efforts of Radford’s fire and emergency services.”
“The City of Radford is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and visiting our city,” said council member Jessie Foster in reading the proclamation. “Fire is a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally, and homes are the locations where people are at greatest risk from fire.
“Radford residents should be sure everyone in the home understands the sounds of the alarms and knows how to respond,” she said. “Radford residents who have planned and practiced a home fire escape plan are more prepared and will therefore be more likely to survive a fire.
“City of Radford first responders are dedicated to reducing the occurrence of home fires and home fire injuries through prevention and protection education and the 2022 Fire Prevention Week theme, “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape,” effectively serves to remind us it is important to have a home fire escape plan,” Foster said.
The final proclamation city council passed is in support of Public Power Week, celebrated through this Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. The proclamation “recognizes the Radford Electric Department for its contributions to the community and its efforts to educate customers and employees on the benefits of public power.
“The Radford Electric Department provides our homes, businesses, social service agencies, and local government agencies with reliable, efficient, and cost-effective electricity employing sound business practices designed to ensure the best possible services,” said council member Charley Cosmato in reading the proclamation. “The Radford Electric Department is a valuable community asset that contributes to the well-being of local citizens through energy efficiency, customer service reliability, environmental protection, economic development, and safety awareness, and is a dependable and trustworthy institution whose local operation provides many consumer protections and continues to make our community a better place to live and work by providing reliable power services.”