Senior Citizens Advisory Committee

Hampton Senior Citizens Advisory Committee Hampton Senior Center, 3501 Kecoughtan Road January 8, 2024 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 November Minutes Present: Linda H Kindred-Chair, Lewis Dawley III- Vice Chair, Martha L. Clark, C’Faison Harris, Phyllis Porter, Lynda Burke, Remi Travis Wright, Camilla Doctor, Cassandra Alston-Townsley Absent: Tonya L. Grant City/Lead Agency Reps: Mayor Donnie Tuck, Angela King (City Attorney Office), Susan Elswick (HPRLS), Shaeron King (HPRLS), Shantel Hudgins (HPRLS), Ethel Heyward (Social Services), La-Netta Davis (PAA) Guests: Sara Snowden (Emergency Management), Joe Walsh (Emergency Management), Chris Schetting, Henry Diggs, Belinda Chalk, 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 November minutes. A motion to accept the November minutes as written was made, seconded, and unanimously approved. Election of Officers Angela King (Deputy City Attorney) began the nominations/elections for Chair and Vice Chair of the SCAC Board. First, she quickly summarized the duties of the Chair and Vice Chair. The Chair presides over the meetings, represents the committee at various meetings/events, work effectively in partnership with City staff on planning efforts and work of the committee, and other duties as deemed necessary by the committee. The Vice Chair role is to support the Chair and fill in as necessary for the Chair for their 1 absence. The Chair and Vice Chair are both selected by a simple majority vote. They both serve one-year terms. The bylaws do not limit the number of times a member can serve in these positions. When the floor is open for nominations, the nominator does not need to be recognized. A second vote is typically not required for nominations, but it is allowed. Once the nominations are closed, the board will vote for the nominees based on the order of nominations. Angela began with the nominations of the Chair. A motion was made to nominate Linda Kindred as Chair. All was in favor and no opposers. Motion was carried and Linda was elected as Chair. Angela began with the nominations of the Vice Chair. A motion was made to nominate Lewis Dawley III as Vice Chair. All was in favor and no opposers. Motion was carries and Lewis was elected as Vice Chair. Linda and Lewis thanked the board for their support. Presentation (Emergency Management) Linda Kindred introduced Hampton Emergency Management Deputy Coordinator, Sara Snowden, to present to the board and visitors. Sara Snowden thanked everyone in attendance for inviting her as the guest speaker for today’s SCAC meeting. Sara shared that there is no better time than the beginning of the new year to start thinking about being prepared for anything that can occur. She encouraged that preparedness should be done periodically to ensure that if things are changing in our lives that we must be ready/prepared. She opened the floor to get each person’s input on what are some of the biggest threats in the community. Loss of communication and cell phone towers was a response that was given by the board/visitors. Sara expressed how reliant individuals are with cell phones. Transportation was another response that could be considered as a threat to the community. Sara also stated that floods and loss of power are considered to be some of the biggest threats. She expressed awareness for seniors/elders to have a flashlight or lantern nearby in case of loss of power. This will help prevent any slips, falls, or injuries. It is important to have all supplies and any important necessities nearby and easily accessible. It is important for individuals to have enough supplies at home to be self sufficient for 72 hours. Make sure to have non-perishable food, manual can opener, water, medications, and etc. It is important to have back-ups for medications. Sara provided a “Hurricane Evacuation Guide” that included helpful information such as the following: 1) About Hurricanes 2) Hazard Mitigation 3) Flood Insurance 4) Emergency Supplies 5) Plan for your pets 6) Emergency Communications 7) Know Your Zone 8) Watch vs. Warning 9) Disaster Myth Busters 2  10) How to Evacuate 11) Evacuation Routes 12) Return Home Safety 13) Post Hurricane Clean-up 14) Recovery Resources 15) Emergency Information and Resources She shared that individuals may face the decision about whether to stay at home during inclement weather or relocate to a safe location. If anyone needs information about public shelters, please call (757)727-8311. Information would also be available on www.hampton.gov. Not only is it important to have an at-home emergency kit, but it is also important to have a to-go emergency kit. The 311 hotline is a helpful resource to get information during a disaster. Informational alerts can be sent through email and text by signing up at www.hampton.gov. She strongly encourages everyone to look out for one another and continue to be a support system. Sara opened the floor for discussion and any questions. Linda thanked Sara for the very informative presentation. Subcommittee Reports Speaker’s Bureau Committee: C’Faison Harris shared the following information: • The next meeting will be held in March. The committee have speakers scheduled through June. The following speakers have been scheduled:  February- Dr. LaTonya Hughes (Professor at Hampton University)  March- Chief Wideman (Hampton Police Department)  April- Corey Johnson (Hampton Fire Department)  May- Jonathan McBride & Anna Hammond (Neighborhood Commission)  June- Luci Talbot-Cochran (Hampton History Museum) City/Lead Agency Updates PAA: La-Netta Davis shared the following information: • The Senior Advocacy Day at the Capitol is scheduled for February 7, 2024 from 8am-3:30pm. PAA is asking for all interested individuals to please call at 757-249-1911. PAA will provide transportation and lunch for older adults. They will advocate for the right to aging in place and other older adult issues at the Capitol. • PAA will have a fundraiser for Meals on Wheels scheduled for January 24, 2024 from 5pm-8pm. It will be located at the Coastal Fermentory in Newport News, VA. All proceeds will go to Meals on Wheels. • Two positions are currently open at PAA to include an Administrative Assistant of Nutrition and Substitute Position in Nutrition. 3  Public Comment Linda gave an opportunity for visitors/guests to speak. Mayor Tuck encouraged all to make Council aware of any issues/concerns within the community. Seniors make up a large portion of our population within the community. Henry Diggs from SinClair Commons shared his concern for security at the complex. Linda suggested for Mr. Diggs to contact the property manager and discuss the issue/concern. A moment was taken by Chanda Nixon (Hampton Senior Center) to honor and acknowledge Chair Linda Kindred for all of her dedication and support. Linda thanked everyone in attendance for the wonderful surprise and acknowledgement. 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 11:25am. Minutes submitted by Shantel Hudgins, SCAC Recorder 4