HCCC Things to Know & Do!
Meet HCCC Board Member! Beautiful Y.A.R.D.S Contest Begins! HCCC Volunteer Recognition Event – SAVE THE DATE! Walk Hampton Clean & Clean the Bay Day! HWRP Oyster Gardening! SPIA Environmental Education Opportunity! VCE Summer Camp! American Community Garden Association National Convention!
MEET HCCC BOARD MEMBER, JACKIE CANNAN
Jackie Cannan has been an HCCC Council-appointed board member since February 2020 and an Adopt-A-Spot (AAS) sponsor since October of 2004. You may have seen her in her AAS role along Village Drive and Big Bethel Road time and again as she does her part in “Keeping Hampton Clean & Beautiful!”
Jackie was born in France and began working for the US Air Force after graduation from college where she met her husband. They were stationed at Langley AFB from 1977-1981, and then in Texas, Florida, Germany, and Spain, returning to Hampton when her husband retired after a 29 year military career – thank you!). Sadly, he passed away in 2015. Her last job with the military was as its HQ Air Combat Command Freedom of Information and Privacy Act Officer. She has earned several leadership certificates from the US Air Force and puts her knowledge and expertise to good use with HCCC.
Jackie has one daughter, and four grandchildren: a grandson who is a Princeton graduate and has received his Navy pilot wings; a granddaughter who just graduated with highest honors from William & Mary College; another granddaughter who is starting Princeton in September, and the youngest granddaughter who is a high school sophomore.
Her hobbies are reading and gardening, and her ‘jobbies’ (a cross between jobs & hobbies) are being an HCCC Board Member and AAS sponsor. She lists her pet peeves as “trash in general, cigarette butts, dirty diapers, and pet waste.” She spends a great deal of time speaking with the businesses in the area about the amount of litter accumulating in their lots, and even recommends landscaping and junk removal companies – recommendations that are being used. She states that she and the new owner of the old Shell Station at the corner of Big Bethel and Village are now on a first name basis. J Jackie says folks will wave at her while she’s picking up litter and some will even stop to thank her; she wishes, however, that more would become involved.
We thank you, Jackie, for doing all that you do. You are very much appreciated!
HCCC VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION EVENT 2021 – SAVE THE DATE
HCCC is excitedly planning its 2021 Volunteer Recognition Event – so mark your calendars now for Thursday, October 28, 2021, 5-8pm! The last volunteer recognition event was October 2019 - that seems like eons ago, doesn’t it?
We know how hard it’s been since the pandemic first hit back in March of 2020. It affected all of us in some way. But thankfully, we are gradually returning to some sense of normalcy. Nomination criteria and forms are being revised now for the Excellence, Clean City, and Green Schools awards – so be on the lookout for that information very soon
While so many continued to do some great things during the pandemic, we took note that while cleanups decreased during that time, there were still many of you who continued your efforts to “Keep Hampton Clean and Beautiful,” even through the worst of times. Many of you inquired if your cleanups were still being tallied, and how they would be affected. In light of that, the Litter & Recycling Awareness Committee that oversees the Adopt-A-Spot Program has provided slightly new criteria for awards selections.
The previous awards period ran from October 1 of one year through September 30 of the following year with Adopt-A-Spot categories of
- Golden Litterstick Award, 20+ cleanups
- Extra Mile Award, 10-19 cleanups
- Honorable Mention, 5-9 cleanups
The new timeline will be October 1, 2019 through August 30, 2021! The award criteria, however, will remain the same due to the pandemic putting a damper on how often cleanups could be accomplished safely.
So, if/when you have cleanups to report, please be sure to submit them via the online link found at https://hampton.gov/FormCenter/Hampton-Boards-Commissions--Committees-5/AdoptASpot--Special-Cleanup-Report-Form-51.
We thank you all so much and we look forward to the planned festivities honoring all of our esteemed volunteers!
BEE CITY HAMPTON AT BUCKROE BEACH FARMERS MARKET
The Bee City Hampton committee will be at the Buckroe Beach Farmers Market on June 26 from 9am-1pm. They will have great information on getting started and attracting more pollinators to your yard, and will offer (for a suggested donation of $5) a selection of beautiful native pollinator plants. Bee City Hampton is an affiliate of Bee City USA and would love to have you volunteer with them! https://hampton.gov/FormCenter/Hampton-Boards-Commissions-Committees-5/Hampton-Clean-City-Commission-Volunteer--63
2021 YARDS ARE REALLY DISTINCTIVE SHOWPLACES (YARDS) CONTEST
The HCCC Beautification Committee is preparing for an exciting season of the Yards Are Really Distinctive Showplaces (YARDS) Contest, starting with YARDS Judges Training on Wednesday, Jun e 2. The first judging taking place on Monday, June 7, we’re asking the community to make a serious effort to nominate at least one Hampton yard you think deserves recognition. We know you’re out and about a little more now, so use just a little of that time to take note of what your neighbors – and you, too(!) – are doing to make your yards works of art and heart. Just click on this link: https://bit.ly/3vvK3EP to complete the form and add any comments. You are also welcomed to email your nominations to hccc@hampton.gov or call them in to 757-727-1130. You don’t have to know resident names - just provide the address and we’ll take care of the rest. If you’d like to know more about the YARDS Contest Program, click on this link: https://hampton.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2372&ARC=5000, and check out Hampton Clean City Commission’s Facebook page to hear Councilperson Eleanor Brown talk about this great program. HCCC and the Beautification Committee, along with its 2021 YARDS Judges, thank you for helping make this contest season a success.
WALK HAMPTON CLEAN 2021 & APRIL ADOPT-A-SPOT UPDATES
MILEAGE RECORD in 2021 for Walk Hampton Clean Community Cleanup event! It was a great success! There were 74 recorded cleanups with 446 volunteers. More than 905 hours were dedicated to the event with 319 bags of trash & debris collected, in addition to almost 6,000 cigarette ends picked up!! Participants walked over 126 miles to complete their cleanups! Kudos to each individual who participated! Jackie Cannan, Peninsula Networking Exchange Club, LAFB-Area Defense Counsel, 718 Intelligence Squadron, Foster Family, St. John's Episcopal, Latsch Family, Scout Troop 151, Megan Whispell was a WHC record-breaker with 18 cleanups- walking 17.4 miles!),Craig Brubaker, Fladger Family, HCCC-HWRP & LRAC committees, Wesley United Methodist Church, Smith Family of Baker Farm, Hampton Police Training, Moyer Family, Citizen Police Academy Alumni, Hampton Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Loye Spencer, BSA Troop 10B & G and Pack 27-Langley Christian Church, Buckroe Improvement League, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity-Gamma Omega Chapter, Hampton Mercury Lions Club, Dandy Point Residents, Hampton Roads Networking Exchange Club, SMSS Sixth Grade Science Class, Brent Ausink Family, Dr Aleasa Chapman & Associates, One Love CommUnity Org., Keep Buckroe Beach Clean, St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Phoebus Community Team - Phoebus Clean Sweep, Chi Eta Phi Sorority Inc., Hampton Convention & Visitors Bureau, USAF 633rd EOD Flight, CNU Beach Club, Air Force Sergeants Association, Peninsula Catholic High School Interact Club, Hampton Republican Party, Friends of Grandview Island, Northampton Civic League, Olde Wythe Neighborhood Association, Exchange Club of Hampton, Women of 4D, Scouts BSA -Kecoughtan Order of the Arrow, Spratley Gifted Center, James McCollam, Westview Lakes HOA, and 363d Intelligence Support Squadron! Whew! THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!
In addition to Walk Hampton Clean, April Adopt-A-Spot stats had 92 total cleanup events with 294 volunteers. They donated over 667 hours and collecting more than 298 bags of litter and 6,327 cigarette ends! Way to go Hampton! (AAS Sponsor Darius Swift, 2021; NoSleep Entertainment Sponsor, 2020)
Want to participate in CBF’S- CLEAN THE BAY DAY 2021?
Chesapeake Bay Foundation has extended this event from Monday, May 31 to Saturday, June 5 due to Covid restrictions. There is still opportunity, however, to register for this event! If you would like to participate in Hampton, please notify Cris Ausink at causink@hampton.gov for information required to participate in this event in our city. HCCC equipment is available to use.
HCCC HAMPTON WATERWAYS RESTORATION PROJECT & CBF OYSTER GARDENING
HCCC’s Hampton Waterways Restoration Project is working again with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the oyster gardening project. Committee volunteer Claire Neubert states that Hampton’s oyster gardening roundup will take place on Tuesday, June 22 when oysters that
have grown are returned and new oysters can be picked up. For more information, contact HCCC Staff Cris Ausink at causink@hampton.gov (Claire Neubert & Site Team, 2020)
SCHOOL PRIDE IN ACTION ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY
Many of you know how untypical the past year has been in teaching and being involved with our students on a different level. But, you hung there and adapted to new ways of thinking and doing – and we all are truly appreciative of your efforts. During this interim, we want to let you know that Debbie Blanton, former HCCC Coordinator, and Lauren Chambers of Keep Buckroe Beach Clean have announced they are available for classroom and/or youth group presentations. These presentations will include hands-on demonstrations and a story (All the Way to the Ocean) in a 45-minute program. Reserve your date/time now by contacting Lauren at waverider1987@gmail.com or Debbie at biedron1@cox.net. We thank the community for its efforts in creating ‘positive histories’ for our students during this pandemic.
VIRGINIA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION 4-H CAMP PROGRAM
The VA Cooperative Extension Office announces registration for Camp Loud and Clear for deaf and hard of hearing children and teens. The deadline to register is June 15 and information about the camp may be found at https://www.holidaylake4h.com/camp-loud-clear.html [holidaylake4h.com], or contact Sr. Extension Agent Jennifer Bowen at jebowen1@vt.edu or call 434-738-6191, ext. 4371)
AMERICAN COMMUNITY GARDEN ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE
Hampton has been selected as the site for the ACGA 2021 conference! Gardeners from all over the US and Canada will be coming to Hampton in September and touring much of the city. Are you knowledgeable and passionate about gardening? The Request for EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP PROPOSALS is now open! (link below) Does your church or business have a community garden? Would you like to volunteer? Would your business like to sponsor a local gardener to attend the conference? Email wendy.iles@hampton.gov to learn more about the ACGA: https://www.communitygarden.org/
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Many of you know this gentleman behind the mask, but for those of you who don’t, this is Mr. John Moyer, a former HCCC board member and long-time AAS sponsor. Did you know that as an AAS sponsor, he cleans up around the City Hall Block, the Police Building, along Thomas Street, and Holiday Island? Not only that, he faithfully and graciously has been sanitizing and laundering the AAS vests for more than eight years – at his own expense! And, when he comes by to pick up or drop-off, there’s been many times he’s taken out his leaf blower or the winter salt/sand and cleared our sidewalks!! We are truly grateful for this man who is also a member of the Hampton Police Academy Alumni! Thank you, John!
CONNECT WITH HCCC IN 2021
June HCCC Full Commission & SubCommittee Meetings & Events
(Call 757-727-1130/email hccc@hampton.gov for updated information)
- Jun 3, Litter Awareness & Recycling Committee, 11:30am, Mama Rosa’s Restaurant
- June 5, Clean the Bay Day & LRAC Community Cleanup at War Memorial Stadium, 9am
- June 7, YARDS Judges Training, 10am, HCCC
- June 8, Full Commission, 3:30pm, Hampton History Museum Great Hall
- June 10, Hampton Waterways Restoration Project, 6:30pm, FMCC
- June 12, HCCC w/FEMA & Hurricane Preparedness, 9am, Buckroe Beach Farmers Market
- June 17, Bee City-Hampton, 1pm, HCCC
- June 19, HCCC Public Outreach Display, 9am, Buckroe Beach Farmers Market
- June 26, HCCC Bee City presents Pollinator Gardening, 9am, Buckroe Beach Farmers Market
HCCC’s Facebook page serves as an information source for all things “clean city” – beautification, community environment improvement, litter prevention, recycling, the 3Rs, and general environmental education. We share reputable information about these topics and provide information about our programs, activities, and volunteers. If you want a good overview of what’s happening in Hampton and the larger world of our topics of interest, the Hampton Clean City Commission page is a can’t-miss sign-up! Follow us on Instagram or Twitter, too, to help share information about topics that are important to you. By the way, have you been to the HCCC web page at https://hampton.gov/179/Clean-City-Commission?
CHECK OUT BEE CITY USA – HAMPTON
Check out the information and resources on our new Bee City USA - Hampton web page! We hope you'll find it a useful source of information and support in your efforts to support Hampton's pollinators! https://hampton.gov/3759/Bee-City-USA
Hampton Community Gardens
Check out the Community Gardens web page at https://hampton.gov/2798/Community-Gardens. Community Gardens has a wonderful Facebook page with great information about all things garden related. “Like” it at https://www.facebook.com/HamptonVAcommunitygardens.
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HCCC sponsors two Facebook groups
The Hampton Waterways Restoration Project focuses on efforts to improve Hampton’s waterways through awareness and action projects. Among the posts you’ll see are reports on committee oyster activities, waterway cleanup announcements, information about various impacts on water quality, and volunteer reports on their various HWRP projects.
The Bee City USA – Hampton focuses on building a resilient habitat for bees and other pollinators. You’ll see educational posts about pollinators of various types, the plants they thrive on, how you can support a sustainable pollinator habitat, and occasionally cool educational resources.
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WAYS TO SUPPORT HCCC PROGRAMS
Did you know that HCCC accepts donations that support our programs? They are:
Bee City USA – Hampton: this fund supports Hampton’s Bee City USA program, including planting pollinator gardens and buying supplies for educational programs.
Hampton Waterways Restoration Project: this fund supports waterway education and action projects, like oyster gardens, living shorelines, and educational materials.
Keep Hampton Green: this fund purchases trees and shrubs that are planted on public lands in Hampton. Most recently it paid for plantings at Bluebird Gap Farm and Armistead Pointe.
Hampton Community Gardens: this fund supports general maintenance, beautification and improvements to our community gardens.
To donate to these funds, make your check payable to City of Hampton and put a note naming the fund you wish to support. Charitable contributions to governmental units are tax-deductible under section 170(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code if made for a public purpose.
Did you know that you could do your part in “Keeping Hampton Clean & Beautiful”? How?