Senior Citizens Advisory Committee

Hampton Senior Citizens Advisory Committee Hampton Senior Center, 3501 Kecoughtan Road April 1, 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 March Minutes Present: Linda H Kindred-Chair, Martha L. Clark, Camilla Doctor, Phyllis Porter, Cassandra Alston- Townsley, Tonya L. Grant, Jamie Chapman Absent: Lewis Dawley III- Vice Chair, Remi Travis Wright, Lynda Burke City/Lead Agency Reps: Corey Johnson (HFD), Angela King (CAO), Susan Elswick (HPRLS), Shaeron King (HPRLS), Shantel Hudgins (HPRLS), LaNetta Davis (PAA), Stephanie Taylor (Foster Grandparent Program), Ethel Heyward (Social Services) Guests: Georgia Scott, Doris Farmer, Chris Schetting, Mike Schetting, Audrey Johnson, Ralph Burch, Angela Perry, Connie Buckler, Sandra Luckey, Gloria Jones, Aubrey Green Shantel Hudgins conducted the roll call; a quorum was present. The opportunity was given to the advisory board to review the March minutes. A motion to accept the March minutes as written was made, seconded, and unanimously approved. Presentation-Hampton Fire Department Linda Kindred introduced Corey Johnson as the Fire and Safety Educator/Coordinator with the Hampton Fire Department. Corey thanked everyone in attendance for inviting him to speak at the SCAC meeting. He shared that his role is to not only have discussions about fire but also discuss slip and fall prevention. Slips and falls are some of the leading causes of death from unintentional injury in the home. Thirty percent of people age 65 or older are involved in falls each year. The percentage could be higher due to everyone not reporting a fall has occurred. Some falls are fatal while others may permanently disable 1 causing loss of mobility and independence. Oftentimes with falls that involve a fractured bone can complicate or exacerbate underlying health conditions. Corey shared that some contributing factors include the following: • Health and physical condition such as impaired vision • Judgement and balance behavior (which are those actions where one chooses to control carrying or moving objects) • Poor housekeeping (such as clutter trip hazards and improper cleaning by using incorrect wax/polish on floors) • Distractions (walking distractions, cell phones, daydreaming, and etc.) These contributing factors/flaws can be prevented by taking your time, removing clutter out of pathway, use non-slip mats, install grab bars on the wall, be aware of cleaners that cause slick surfaces, and etc. Corey emphasized that one is never too old to better themselves. All should incorporate exercising which increases balance, helps strength, and improves coordination. He encouraged all to consult with their physician. Meditation is also a powerful tool that has proven positive benefits. Some of the benefits include the following: • Reduce pain • Enhances the body’s immune system • Reduces feelings of depression, anxiety, anger, and confusion • Increases blood flow • Helps reverse heart disease • Increases energy • Reduces stress Corey began a brief discussion in reference to smoke alarms. Homeowners that reside in the city of Hampton can receive free installation of smoke alarms. This is only limited to city of Hampton homeowners because landlords and renters are legally lawfully responsible for furnishing working smoke alarms for rental properties. The tenant is just responsible for furnishing working smoke alarms for rental properties. It was suggested to change the batteries during daylight savings times and replace batteries every 10 years. Information was shared about the “Knox-Box” program which provides Hampton Fire Department quick access to a secured building or area. It also prevents costly repairs caused by forcible entry and allows the building to be re-secured. The “Knox-Box” is secured to the top of the door where the homeowner’s key is placed in the box. For more information, please contact the Fire Prevention Section at (757)727- 1210. Corey opened the floor for discussion and any questions. Linda thanked Corey for the very informative presentation. 2  Department Remarks Angela King provided additional 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 Carousel Reopening ceremony is scheduled on April 6th from 11am-2pm.  The Mosaic Festival will return on April 20th in Downtown Hampton. It will be a combination of Earth Day, International Children Festival, and Hampton History Museum Heritage Festival.  Blackbeard Festival is scheduled for May 31st-June 2nd at Mill Point Park.  Groovin’ by the Bay series will return nightly on Sundays from June 9th-August 26th at Mill Point Park.  Crabtown Seafood Festival is scheduled on August 31st and September 1st at Mill Point Park and Downtown Hampton.  The Bluebird Gap Farm Festival is scheduled on October 26th and October 27th at Bluebird Gap Farm. City/Lead Agency Updates PAA: LaNetta Davis shared the following information: • She thanked everyone who participated in the Forum on Aging. It was a success with 869 attendees, 92 vendors, 10 speakers, and one keynote speaker. Subcommittee Reports Hospitality Committee: Cassandra Townsley shared the following information: • The hospitality committee met on March 5th. • The June 5, 2023 minutes were approved. Linda Kindred shared that Remi Wright will be working with the hospitality committee and Jamie Chapman will be working with the Mayor’s Town Hall. Mayor’s Town Hall: Tonya Grant shared the following information: • The committee met on March 4th at 11am. 3  • There was a recommendation to host the Mayor’s Town Hall on two dates, April 22nd or April 23rd. Topics of consideration include transportation, homelessness among seniors and expansion of senior services. • Additional discussion to hold the meeting at West Hampton Community Center. The Mayor’s Office approved April 22nd as the date of the Mayor’s Town Hall. Senior Residential Committee: Tonya Grant shared the following information: • She shared that Lynda Burke followed up on the SinClair Commons list of information provided from the residents. 75% of the information was out of the scope of the committee and information was passed on to the facility director. Public Comment Linda gave an opportunity for visitors/guests to speak. Visitor, Donna Little, shared that Mary Jackson Neighborhood Center playground recently opened and encouraged everyone to visit the new playground. A visitor also shared that the month of April is “Prevention of Child Abuse”. On April 2nd at noon, there will be a small march to recognize the Prevention of Child Abuse month. Susan Elswick shared that the Senior Center will host a Senior Expo on May 15th from 11am-2pm. 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 11am. Minutes submitted by Shantel Hudgins, SCAC Recorder 4