Hampton Virginia Community Updates and Program Highlights - January 17, 2019

This summary covers a compilation of city-produced informational segments broadcast on January 17, 2019, featuring presentations from city officials and program coordinators on community planning, workforce development, library services, public health, and education opportunities.

Community Plan 2040 Kickoff

• Terry O'Neill, Director of Community Development, introduced the process for updating the Hampton Community Plan for 2040. The last comprehensive update was in 2006 with a smaller review in 2011. The process includes a listening and research phase through winter 2018-2019, followed by drafting and adoption of the strategic plan by fall 2019 and full plan adoption by winter 2020. O'Neill highlighted that Hampton's population has a higher proportion of millennials compared to the U.S. average. Examples of past planning successes include Peninsula Town Center, Buckroe Bayfront redevelopment, the reuse of the National Armory as a microbrewery, Hunter B. Andrews School on Victoria Boulevard, Waterwalk at Central Park, Sandy Bottom Nature Park, the Hampton Roads Convention Center, and the Air and Space Center.

Workforce Development Job Fair

• Robin McCormick (City Communications) interviewed a representative about the upcoming job fair on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, at the Hampton Roads Convention Center from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., with a preparatory workshop at 8:30 a.m. Last year's fair drew 2,300 job seekers and 108 employers. Employers must have current openings; major employers include Huntington Ingalls (shipyard) needing 3,000 workers. Preparation classes offered by Goodwill and the Virginia Career Work Center will cover resume writing, interview skills, and professional presentation. On-site intake services will be available for follow-up assistance.

Library Programs for All Ages

• Olivia Hassan (children's section) and Rita Scriven (adult programs) described upcoming library offerings:
  • Adult Coloring Program: Monthly themed sessions with snacks and movies, designed for relaxation and stress relief.
  • Book to Film Club: Monthly movie screenings based on books, with discussion; the 2019 lineup includes recent releases from 2017-2018.
  • Teen Tuesdays: Second Tuesday of each month featuring puzzles, games, "Life 101" (college and career preparation), and snacks.
  • Story Times: Baby Garden (songs and movement for infants), Toddler, and Preschool (with short films).
  • Paws to Read: Third Saturday of each month; children read to registered therapy dogs to build reading confidence.
  • Lego Club: Fourth Saturday of each month from 1-2:30 p.m., open play with snacks.
• The main library is at 4207 Victoria Boulevard; all branches offer similar programs. Free resources include books, DVDs, audiobooks, e-books, and educational databases.

Seasonal Flu Prevention Guidance

• Nancy Lemus from the Hampton Health Department discussed influenza: it is a respiratory virus with sudden onset of fever, cough, and body aches. High-risk groups include elderly, infants, and those with chronic conditions. The best prevention is the injectable vaccine (nasal mist not recommended for the 2018-2019 season). Vaccine takes two weeks to become effective; it is not 100% effective but reduces hospitalization and death. Common myths debunked: the vaccine does not cause the flu; cold weather does not cause illness. Antiviral medications are available if taken early. General hygiene: cover coughs, stay home when sick, wash hands frequently, and use hand sanitizer. Herd immunity is important to protect vulnerable populations.

Governor's School for Science and Technology

• Vicky Wismer, Director, described the program as one of 19 academic year governor's schools in Virginia, focused on STEM for gifted students from multiple school divisions. Students attend half-day sessions (7:10–10:30 a.m.) and take dual-enrolled college courses at Thomas Nelson Community College. Three strands: Engineering, Biological Science, and Scientific Computer Science. Junior year includes research methodology; senior year involves a year-long mentored research project culminating in local, state, national, and international competitions. Last year two Hampton students competed in Russia. Students often earn 20–40 college credits before graduation.
• Grant Gibson, a senior from Bethel High School and valedictorian, shared his experience. He is in the engineering strand, did a research project using an accelerometer on a football sled (won first place in Tidewater and advanced to state), and is currently working with a NASA mentor on a hybrid wing body aircraft aerodynamic model for flight simulators. He will attend UVA on a full-ride Robinson Scholarship studying mechanical engineering.
• Application process begins in 8th grade; information sessions are held in 9th and 10th grade through school gifted coordinators.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes or decisions were recorded. The segments were informational and promotional:
  • The Community Plan 2040 process is underway with public input opportunities through winter 2019.
  • The City of Hampton encourages attendance at the February 5 job fair and use of preparation resources.
  • Library programs for all ages are free and ongoing; residents are directed to hampton.gov/library for schedules.
  • Health officials urge flu vaccination and adherence to prevention measures throughout the flu season.
  • The Governor's School for Science and Technology continues to accept applications from gifted students; current students like Grant Gibson demonstrate the program's success in preparing students for STEM careers and higher education.