Senior Citizens Advisory Committee

Hampton Senior Citizens Advisory Committee Hampton Senior Center, 3501 Kecoughtan Road November 6, 2023 Call to Order and Welcome Chair Linda Kindred opened the meeting by welcoming all in attendance and reminded all that the attendance sheet at the back of the room was to be signed upon arrival. She added that if anyone needed to be absent from future meetings to contact her directly at 757-776-2286. She noted that if anyone had questions, to ask them at the end of the meeting. Opening prayer was then offered. Roll Call & Approval of October Minutes Present: Linda H Kindred-Chair, Lewis Dawley III- Vice Chair, Martha L. Clark, Tonya L. Grant, C’Faison Harris, Phyllis Porter, Lynda Burke, Remi Travis Wright Absent: Camilla Doctor, Cassandra Alston-Townsley City/Lead Agency Reps: Mayor Donnie Tuck, Vice Mayor Jimmy Gray, David McCauley (HPRLS), Susan Elswick (HPRLS), Shaeron King (HPRLS), Shantel Hudgins (HPRLS), Phyllis Palin (Hampton Human Services), Ethel Heyward (Social Services), Bill Massey (PAA) Guests: Chief Wideman (Hampton Police Department), Sargent Birdsong (Hampton Police Department), Corey Johnson (Hampton Fire Department), Doris Farmer, Gloria Gross, Velma Davis, Annette Richards, Georgia Scott Shantel Hudgins conducted the roll call; a quorum was present. The opportunity was given to the advisory board to review the October minutes. A motion to accept the October minutes as written was made, seconded, and unanimously approved. Opening Remarks Director McCauley gave some additional opening remarks and proceeded to discuss informative updates on special current and future events that are to occur in the city in the coming weeks/months.  The Hampton Clean City Commission hosted the 45th Anniversary Volunteer Recognition and Celebration Event on November 4th at Blue Bird Gap Farm. SCAC’s board member, Phyllis Porter, was recognized and honored for the KAB Cigarette Litter Prevention Campaign for picking up and properly disposing of cigarette butts. 1   Voting locations for November 7th include the following: Aberdeen Elementary School, Basset Elementary School, Armstrong Elementary School, Bethel High School, Cooper Elementary School, The Main Library, City Hall, Hampton Senior Center, Westhampton Community Center, and YH Thomas Neighborhood Center. The voting hours are from 6am to 7pm.  The Holly Days Market is scheduled for December 8th (5pm-10pm) and December 9th (12pm-5pm) in Downtown Hampton.  The Downtown Block Lighting Party is scheduled for December 8th from 5pm-10pm in Downtown Hampton.  The return of the Holly Days Parade is scheduled for December 9th in Downtown Hampton at 5pm.  The Holiday Wonder Walk is scheduled from December 16th-December 25th (Nightly) from 5pm- 8pm near Hampton Coliseum.  The Darling Stadium project will begin in January 2024.  Air Power Park renovations are to continue in 2024 and a grand re-opening will be set for Spring 2024 (dates may change).  The community center gaming project is complete. The public announcement and grand opening will be made available in December 2023.  The SCAC Annual Award ceremony is scheduled for December 4th at 10am within the Hampton Senior Center. Presentation (Hampton Police Department & Hampton Fire Department) Director McCauley introduced Hampton Chief of Police, Chief Wideman, to present to the board and visitors. Chief Wideman thanked everyone in attendance for inviting him as the guest speaker for today’s SCAC meeting. He shared that HPD’s mission and priorities are community engagement. HPD is returning to their grassroots by establishing behavior by being in the neighborhoods/communities while having open dialogue. Their mission is it to identify what the needs are and how to better serve the community. The HPD has the benefit of having great partnerships with the City’s departments, communities, and special groups. One of the priorities of HPD is crime reduction to improve the quality of life. Chief Wideman stated that HPD achieves this priority through retention by ensuring that the right people are doing the job. HPD are able to be more proactive and do a better job of retention and recruiting by having an outstanding support system in our city government leaders. The city government leaders have helped with the increase in salary for the HPD. They were able to make the salaries available to new officers from surrounding areas to be more enticing. They have not only afforded the benefit of having sustainability for our current workforce but also soliciting others. One of the programs that was newly implemented is the STEP program where if an officer from another law enforcement agency wants to come to the city of Hampton, they can have the benefit of their experience and time rewarded through salary. 2 HPD also provides the benefit of public safety. An example would be the approaching holidays where they have a holiday safety detail of a group of officers that are deployed to different areas/neighborhoods to have an increased presence during the holiday shopping season. It will serve as a deterrent and serve as security/safety to the community. This operation will continue through February 2024. In addition to the Special Response Groups, the areas that are identified as “hot spots” will have more of a presence by officers in the areas that identify as more likely for crimes to occur. HPD wants to address the concerns and quality of life issues such as speeding vehicles, littering, panhandling, and etc. They are hoping to have a reality of safety because the officers will be present within the communities. Chief Wideman open the floor for questions. There was a question regarding the STEP Program. It was clarified by Chief Wideman that an officer would keep their time and grade, but not their rank. Another question was asked in reference to the calculation of crimes that are occurring in Hampton relating to Seniors. Chief Wideman stated that statistically speaking, crimes against Seniors are not increasing in Hampton. Typically, perpetuators and victims tend to be in the age group of 14 to mid-30’s. They are also more likely to be people known to each other, specifically in cases such as violent crimes. An additional question was asked in reference to using pepper spray. Chief Wideman shared that individuals have the right to defend themselves even with pepper spray if it is merited/authorized. He advocated if one can safely retreat and secure oneself to a safe space, then to please call 911. There is a chance that an individual can accidentally pepper spray themselves. He stated that individuals should be alert and plan their trips accordingly. Also, have an exit strategy to stay safe. Chief Wideman explained the 988 hotline number which is a hotline available for individuals who are suffering from a mental health crisis. It will allow for a mental health professional and law enforcement to respond to the complaint. There was an additional question in reference to patrol within shopping centers. Chief Wideman shared that there are detailed units in the business districts such as the Coliseum Central Business Improvement District and the Downtown Business Improvement District. The detailed units are number driven, meaning if a certain area has a lot of phone calls in reference to concerns/issues, then the detailed units will be deployed to that specific area. It gives them an opportunity to be proactive regarding trends. They also do a daily recap after each shift resulting in a report of activities and significant cost of services. Linda thank Chief Wideman for an informative presentation. Director McCauley introduced Corey Johnson who is the Fire & Life Safety Educator with Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue. Corey thanked everyone in attendance for inviting him to speak/present at the meeting. Corey began the presentation by sharing information/reminders to check smoke alarms. The HFD has a free smoke alarm installation program available to Hampton residents. Corey detailed the slip and fall prevention program. The Senior population is more at risk for slip and fall concerns that can cause unintentional injuries and deaths. One out of four Seniors, aged 65 and older, are involved in falls each year and less than half inform their doctors. Falls can be fatal, permanently disabling, and cause a loss of mobility and a loss of independence. Some contributing factors are health and physical condition, impaired vision judgement, balance, medication, blood pressure issues, behaviors (plan out moves/actions), having obstructed views/vision, poor housekeeping, improper cleaning, inattentive behavior/distractions, and not reading/using signs. These factors can be prevented by taking one’s time and not rushing. Additional factors to take into consideration for one’s safety include the following: 3  • Be aware of surroundings and keep your balance. • Improve the lighting in one’s home. • Keep walking areas free of clutter. • Be aware of uneven surfaces. • Use only rubber and non-skid shoes with backing. • Exercise to improve strength and balance. Use any tools to help prevent falls such, as a walking cane. • Medication is also a good tool and preventative factor. Corey expressed the issue of being mindful of the medication that could alter your sense of balance. Also be mindful to keep medications in a safe/secure location to ensure that it is not accessible to children. He also expressed the concern of products that have similar colors/logos that could be misinterpreted as the wrong item, such as cleaning products versus sports drinks. Some basic fires hazards include the following: • Unattended cooking • Using the oven to help with heating one’s home • Space heaters Any heating equipment should be turned off and unplugged after use (including air fryers, curling irons, etc.). Fireplaces should utilize a screen to avoid fire hazards. Electrical malfunctions as well as any open burn material are fire hazards. Smoking is the number one cause of preventable home fire deaths. HFD has a youth fire setting prevention program to help reduce the number of children from starting fires. The average age starts at 8-14 years old where children are curious about fires. The HFD helps to educate both the parents and children on fire safety. The following items listed below are to be considered in reference to fires: • Stovetop grease fires can be put out with salt, flour, baking soda, and fire extinguisher. • Do not use water to put out a grease fire. • Be attentive at all times when cooking and also have air tight lid accessible in case of a fire. • Never put water on an electrical base fire. • Never put water on petroleum gas fire. • Power surges can fail due to the many heat-producing elements. • It is recommended to use outlets within the wall. • Heating pads and electric blankets can cause major fires. • Make sure electrical cords are not frayed or damaged. Fires do not only affect families within/inside the home but it also affects others in surrounding areas. It was encouraged to have an emergency exit plan in case of a fire. It was also encouraged to have a fire safe lock box to protect/preserve important items during a fire. Corey concluded his presentation and opened the floor for questions. Linda thanked both speakers for a very informative presentation regarding safety and well-being. 4  Subcommittee Reports Annual Awards Committee: Linda Kindred shared the following information: • The deadline for the nomination forms for the Awards was November 1st. Senior Residential Housing Committee: Tonya Grant shared the following information: • An update was provided regarding the residents at Sinclair Commons. Approximately eight residents have come together to form a group pertaining to Sinclair Commons. They are planning to officially have their first meeting on November 7. The meetings will be held on the first Tuesday of every month. City/Lead Agency Updates PAA: Bill Massey shared the following information: • It was encouraged for all to exercise their right to vote on November 7. • November 7 is when the current continuing resolution for budget that is keeping the government running is set to expire. Hampton Human Services: Phyllis Palin shared the following information: • The Foster Grandparent Program needs two advisory committee members that can hep with votes to change policies and making sure things are done within the school to help children with literacy. Public Comment Linda gave an opportunity for visitors/guests to speak. Mayor Tuck thanked Lewis Dawley and all of the individuals that were involved in the Mayor’s Town Hall meeting. Vice Mayor Gray shared that he will be in attendance for the SCAC Award event on December 4. One of the visitors, Lynette, expressed her appreciation for today’s informative meeting. Sgt. Birdsong from HPD shared that HPD would be happy to provide information/presentations regarding identity theft, secure homes, etc. Adjournment Linda closed the meeting by asking all to remember to be a ray of sunshine in someone’s cloud, adding that you may be the only person someone sees, and your smile or act of kindness will brighten someone’s day. The meeting adjourned at 11:30am. Minutes submitted by Shantel Hudgins, SCAC Recorder 5