HCCC 2021 Final Edition

HCCC Reflections & Hope! HCCC VRE Update! Bee City Webinars! 

Hampton Community Garden Workshops! Holiday Sustainability Tips! 

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” 

 Audrey Hepburn

2021 Reflections – 2022 Hope

As 2021 comes to a close, I can’t help but to reflect on what we all may have experienced individually and collectively.  December seems to be the time we try to put things into perspective, all while being in the midst of holiday bliss.  There were moments that left us shaking our heads in sorrow and disbelief, and moments that made us cheer and remember just how blessed we truly are. It’s been one heck of a rollercoaster ride, but we’re still here!   One thing I’d like for us all to take into the new year is making and taking time for ourselves to just be and breathe.  Simply sit and rest.  Focus on the here and now – even if just for a few minutes.   Don’t stress over the future – and, if you think of the past, use it as a tool for positive change rather than focusing on regret for what did or did not happen as you thought it should.  Every new year should bring you new experiences, new achievements, and new insights – all that help see you through any new hardships.  We are all so deserving of living our best lives.  Promise yourself that is what you’ll do FOR YOU in the coming year.  So!  Enjoy to the utmost your family and friends, and remember to be kind to one another.   Happy Holidays and have a Blessed New Year!!

C’Faison Harris

HCCC VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION 

This year’s award and gift bag distribution has ended and we’d like to say to our volunteers and partners just one more time – THANK YOU!   In addition, thank you again to our City Leadership, sponsors, board and staff for your support throughout the years.   If you missed Mayor Tuck’s message, just click on this link https://f.io/ItWkPFjS and be proud!  We sincerely look forward to working with you in the New Year.

BEE CITY USA-HAMPTON WEBINARS!

HCCC’s Bee City USA-Hampton committee wants you to know more about how crucial bees and other pollinators are to our environment and have put together educational webinars to help you on your journey to “BEE-coming” a pollinator enthusiast!

• Jan –Beekeeping
• Feb –  Beginner’s Guide to Solitary Bees
• March – Growing Butterflies
• April – Phoebus Waterfront Park Pollinator Garden
• May – Container Gardening
• June – Pollinators and Beneficial Insects in the Garden
• July –  Pollinator Trees

E-mail wendy.iles@hampton.gov for more information.  You will BEE Amazed!!!

HAMPTON COMMUNITY GARDEN WINTER QUARTER WORKSHOPS

The Hampton Community Garden invites you to attend its learning workshops the first part of the new year.  In January, learn about Healing Herbs with Living Herbalist Jill Davis.   Join us for “Dirt is Dead – Soil Composition & Testing” in February, and in March, take part in “Composting 101”.   To register or for more information, contact HCG Coordinator Wendy Iles at wendy.iles@hampton.gov. , 

IT AIN’T EASY BEING GREEN & TALKING TRASH 

“Bin” thinking about shredded paper lately. Shredded paper needs to be bagged tightly and placed in your Green TRASH Dumpster- Shredded paper is NOT recyclable in Hampton. And - remember to mulch those leaves or put in clear bags for yard waste Knuckleboom pick up! Thanks!!

ENERGY REDUCING TIPS FOR A SUSTAINABLE HOLIDAY 

Replace warped pans with flat-bottomed cookware Y Use glass or ceramic dishes rather than metal in the oven – allows for lower cooking temperatures but the same results Y Only use large burners with large pans/pots; smaller burners for smaller cookware  Y Stop peeking! Each time you open the oven, the temperature drops YUse LED lights YUse real dinnerware & freeze or donate leftovers Y Wrap gifts with alternative materials and send e-cards Y Purchase smaller containerized real Christmas trees Y Give eco-friendly gifts and battery-free toys Y Set family goals to make the coming year one in which you shop locally, grow a garden, and volunteer more in your community Y

https://askhrgreen.org/start-smart-recycle-right-holidays/

CONNECT WITH HCCC IN 2021

January HCCC Full Commission Subcommittee Meetings & Events

(Call 757-727-1130/email hccc@hampton.gov for updated information)

• December 23-24 & 31, Christmas & New Year’s Holiday – HCCC Offices Closed
• January 6, LRAC Meeting, Mama Rosa’s, 11:30am
• January 11, HCCC Full Commission Meeting, HCCC, 3:30-5pm
• January 12, SPIA Meeting, HCCC, 4:15-5:15pm
• January 13, HWRP Meeting, FMCC, 6:30-7:30pm
• January 18, Clean & Green Workplace Meeting, HCCC, 3:30-4:30pm
• January 20, Bee City USA-Hampton Meeting, HCCC, 1-2pm