Joined by the Lake Gaston Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Warrenton, and mural artist Tom Lang, residents and friends from afar celebrated the new Eastern Bluebird Mural with a ribbon-cutting ceremony during the Eastern Bluebird Festival on Saturday, April 26th in downtown Warrenton.

Ahead of last year’s festival, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper proclaimed Warrenton, NC as the National Eastern Bluebird Capital because the town has the highest concentration of them.

In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month 2025, the Warren County Health Department, Department of Social Services, and Child Fatality Team joined forces with Positive Childhood Alliance NC (PCANC) and partners statewide to amplify this year’s theme: “Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention.”

This important campaign highlights a collective vision: every child and family deserves to live a purposeful, joyful life—filled with opportunity and hope for the future. Prevention starts with ensuring families have access to the support, resources, and community connections they need to thrive.

Prioritizing Prevention for Stronger Families

“Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and every family deserves the support to build a strong foundation for their children,” said Dr. Margaret F. Brake, Health Director for Warren County. “It takes all of us—from business leaders to educators to community advocates—to create environments where children can reach their full potential.”

Guest speaker, Jessica Fowler led the Lunch & Learn Session on “Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES)” on April 4, 2025 at the Warren County Memorial Library and hosted by the Warren County Child Fatality Team. / Submitted Photo

Community Events That Brought Awareness to Action

Throughout April, Warren County led a series of events to engage residents and raise awareness about child abuse prevention:

💙 “Go Blue” Day – April 4, 2025
Residents and local government staff wore blue, the official color of Child Abuse Prevention Month, in a show of solidarity. Photos and prevention messages flooded social media as a visible reminder of the community’s commitment to protecting children.

📚 Lunch & Learn: Understanding ACEs
Hosted by the Warren County Child Fatality Team, a Lunch & Learn event was held at Warren County Memorial Library on April 4. Jessica Fowler, a featured guest speaker, presented on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their long-term impacts on health and well-being. Thirty-five attendees participated, learning how ACEs can be addressed through trauma-informed care and community support.

🌱Pinwheel Planting
Pinwheels, a national symbol of childlike joy and safety, were planted at the entrances of the Health Department and Department of Social Services. The display served as a reminder that all children deserve to grow up in safe, nurturing environments where they can flourish.

Building a Brighter Future for Warren County’s Children

Warren County’s observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month is a local part of a larger movement to prevent child maltreatment, promote protective factors, and foster healthy childhoods across North Carolina.

Together, we can help families before a challenge becomes a crisis—because prevention is possible, and hope is powerful.

For more information about prevention efforts or to get involved, visit Positive Childhood Alliance NC (PCANC)

Something special is cooking in Warren County, and it’s not just what’s on the menu.

Starting this May and running through November, the Front Porch Grocery Co-Op will launch the “Sunday Supper Club” series.

Held once a month on Sunday afternoons, this new gathering promises more than just a delicious meal—it’s an invitation to connect with neighbors and build a stronger, more united community.

The Supper Club kicks off on May 18th and will take place at 307 E Macon Street in Warrenton. It includes seating at 3:00pm and 5:00pm. Local caterers and food trucks will prepare meals for up to 200 guests. Diners also have the option to take their meals to go.

Guests can purchase a punch card for $25, which covers five meals, offering an affordable way to dine while supporting local businesses. Punch card holders get priority seating, but if you don’t have one, no worries — $10 standby tickets are available at the door, with seating beginning 30 minutes after the start time (if space allows).

Organized by the Front Porch Grocery Co-Op, it is a community-led initiative working to open a member-owned grocery store in Warren County. Volunteers and board members will be present to answer questions and help guests become members.

The goal is to reach 1,200 members, a milestone to help turn the dream of a local, affordable, community-focused grocery store into a reality.

So whether you are looking to grab a good meal, meet new faces, or join a meaningful cause— the Front Porch Supper Club has a seat waiting for you.

For more information and to reserve your seat: https://warrenist.com/calendar/events/the-front-porch-sunday-supper-club-warrenton-nc-2025.