Let‘s Talk, Portsmouth!

Community Health Survey Town Hall Meeting

The Portsmouth Health Department recently conducted a community health survey and held a town hall meeting to talk about the results. A community health survey is a tool used to gather information on the behaviors of specific groups of people in a determined area. This kind of data allows health care experts to understand how a community acts toward health. In this episode of Let's Talk Portsmouth, healthcare officials discuss the results of the survey and strategize on how we as a community can move forward to make Portsmouth one of the healthiest cities in the country. 

Preparing for Hurricane Season 2022

Hurricane season begins June 1, for folks living along the eastern Atlantic Coast region of the country. In this issue of Let's Talk Portsmouth, we engage in a great conversation about hurricane preparedness with Shawn Talmadge and Katie Carter from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. This duo of emergency management planners and communication officials talk plainly about the nature of these storms. We learned the difference between a hurricane watch or warning, what the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale means, the expected number of storms, and the hurricane impacts that cause the most devastating damage. Find more information about hurricane preparedness at your local emergency management office, or visit the Virginia Department of Emergency Management at https://www.vaemergency.gov/. Also, if you live in Portsmouth, you can NOW sign up for alerts and notifications from city officials! Sign up today at https://public.alertsense.com/SignUp/?regionid=1635

Raising Awareness About Women’s Health

On this episode of Let's Talk Portsmouth, we speak with Dr. Michelle Pyka, vice president for medical affairs at Bon Secours Mercy Health System. In observance of National Women's Health Month, Dr. Pyka talks about the month-long observance, women's unique health issues, and offers tips for women to obtain optimum health and vitality. Dr. Pyka also stressed the importance of having a good relationship with your healthcare team. Find more information about National Women's Health Month from your healthcare provider or visit https://nationaltoday.com/national-womens-health-week/.  

Festival Season Returns to Portsmouth!

Let's Talk Portsmouth interviews Renee Spratley manager of events for the city of Portsmouth Parks and Recreation Department. After a two-year hiatus, many events are returning to the historic port city including live concerts at the Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion, the 30th Annual Umoja Festival, the Memorial Day Parade, and Sunset Thursdays. We get the low-down on upcoming events and take a quick peek into the summer happenings. If you're looking for fun, family-oriented events and activities, check out Portsmouth. For more information on special events in Portsmouth, visit portsVAevents.com. 

Paradise Creek Nature Park: Restoring the Mighty Elizabeth River

Conservation and climate change are hot topics in the news and on social. In this issue of Let's Talk Portsmouth, we interview Marjorie Jackson, executive director of the Elizabeth River Project, and Larry LaPell, Paradise Creek Nature Park park operations manager. The Elizabeth River Project originated with four volunteers in 1991, and now boasts a staff of 30 -- all working with businesses, government, and individuals to restore the river to its original glory. Learn the importance of wetlands and how you can help keep pollution from entering our waterways. Our guests also talked about programs, services, and special events held at Paradise Creek Nature Park. If you have students or other young people interested in conservation, share this episode of Let's Talk Portsmouth.

Portsmouth Community Concerts Presents Sons of Serendip

Portsmouth Community Concerts brings the Sons of Serendip to Churchland High School Friday, April 22, 2022. In this issue of Let's Talk Portsmouth, we sat down with lead vocalist Micah Christian, and members of the Portsmouth Community Concerts board Ken Woolard and Susan Kalan, for a discussion on the Sons of Serendip's music, upcoming concerts, and more. Sons of Serendip appeared on America's Got Talent and were season 9 finalists. Howie Mandel of America's Got Talent, said of the vocal/instrumental quartet, ". . . most musically talented contestants on the show." Just for our listeners, we've snagged a snippet of the Sons of Serendip's Fields of Gold. Single adult tickets for the concert are $25 each and free for students. Order tickets at www.portsmouthcommunityconcerts.com or call 757-686-5447.

 

Services for Citizens Returning to Society

The Portsmouth Reentry Council, a non-profit organization based in the city's Department of Social Services, works with people who have been released from prison and are trying to reintegrate into society. Its members work with dozens of agencies across the Commonwealth to help returning citizens rejoin the community. In this episode of Let's Talk Portsmouth, we talk with two of those agencies that work with the reentry council to help men and women overcome the challenges of reintegration. Joining us on the podcast are Dr. Tyrone Davis (Fatherhood Mentoring Program), Ms. Liz Odhwani, (Social Security Administration), and Janice Douglass-Ellis (Portsmouth Department of Social Services). Get a pen and paper. You're going to want to jot down notes for this issue of Let's Talk Portsmouth. 

Portsmouth Reentry Council Project

On this issue of Let's Talk Portsmouth, we interview Janice Douglass-Ellis, from the Portsmouth Department of Social Services. Ellis works on a project called the Portsmouth Reentry Council with the goal of easing the transition of formerly incarcerated individuals back into the community. The Reentry Council is voluntarily implemented and does not have an actual office, employees, or funding. The Portsmouth  Reentry Council is an excellent resource for returning citizens to access community resources and learn more about community capabilities. The Council addresses the following: workforce development, education, finance obligations, housing, mental health, substance abuse, community integration, and much more. The needs of the communities will likely dictate the services. The Reentry Council integrates human services, public safety, and community partners. Volunteers and mentors are needed. If you're interested, reach out to Janice Douglass-Ellis at 757-408-1800, EXT. 8725.

Wesley Community Service Center Hosts 1st Major Fundraiser

The Wesley Community Service Center was established in 1937 when a group of Methodist women in Portsmouth joined forces to form a city mission board to get involved in community needs and social issues. In 2022, the Wesley Community Service Center is still operating with the same goal – to assist people and improve the community. On this issue of Let’s Talk Portsmouth, we spoke with Renyatta Banks, executive director of the Wesley Community Service Center, about the center’s work and a major fundraising event coming in May 2022. Check out At Your Service with Dana Woodson on PCTV Channel 48 (COX) and Channel 39 (FiOS) for more info about the Wesley Center's W.E. Worship Concert fundraiser.

Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Means Business

In this episode of Let's Talk Portsmouth, we spoke with Bryan K. Stephens, President and CEO for the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce. There are approximately 7,000 chambers of commerce in the country. The Hampton Roads Chamber, via the creation of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, has been around since 1801. Stephens talks about the upcoming State of the City series, the Chamber’s role in helping businesses succeed, the importance of embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion in business, and a host of other programming designed to connect individuals with businesses and each other.