The Mansfield Chamber of Commerce met on Thursday afternoon, October 1. Seven members and guests were present for the meeting, including Clyde Traylor of the Antique Tractor Club and Angela Solylo with Area Agency on Aging.
“This has been a tough year,” stated Chamber President Sheri Hopkins. Events normally sponsored by the chamber, cancelled due to COVID-19. Looking ahead, the Chamber discussed the annual Tree Lighting ceremony and the Christmas parade.
It was discussed and members felt it was not possible to have a “normal” parade this year. “There is no way to socially distance,” shared Mansfield Mayor Buddy Black. Additionally, with the number of “living” floats it would be “irresponsible.”
After a brief discussion, it was determined that the tree lighting ceremony could go on as in year’s past, with the ability to allow families to spread out and socially distance on the square near the gazebo. The tree lighting ceremony will take place on December 4, 2020 at 6 p.m.
Then, on December 5, the city will host “Parade of Christmas.” Citizens are encouraged to decorate their cars and trucks for a festive cruise around the square. Prizes will be given, $100, $75 and $50 gift cards to first, second and third place. Traditional candy sacks will be handed out during the drive-by. Everyone is asked to stay inside their vehicle for this event.
Traylor concurred that it was difficult for members of the tractor club to adjust to any last minute changes due to COVID-19. The chamber asked Traylor to be a judge for “Parade of Christmas,” and he agreed.
Next Solylo spoke on the increasing number in cases of elderly abuse. Elder abuse can be verbal, physical, emotional, sexual, or financial. It can also include intentional or unintentional neglect. Every year, an estimated one in 10 Americans 60-years-old and older are victims of elder abuse.
Cases are significantly under-reported, in fact, research suggests as few as one in 14 cases of elder abuse come to the attention of authorities. Why? Many elderly victims may be embarrassed or ashamed that they were taken advantage of, they don’t want their family or loved ones to be prosecuted, and/or they are concerned about retaliation and losing their belongings.
Now, elders face contact tracing scams. Those pretending to be health officials ask for social security numbers to help track Coronavirus cases. Elderly people are very trusting, and they want to believe that no one would harm them. Unfortunately, it is just not true.
One of the biggest risk factors for elder abuse is social isolation, which can be especially concerning with physical distancing because of COVID-19. As this pandemic continues, criminals and fraudsters are still hard at work.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a crime? The Elder Victims of Crime program, or EVOC, can help. They offer:
⦁ Emergency shelter
⦁ Emergency transportation
⦁ Emergency clothing and food
⦁ Window and lock replacement
⦁ Legal aid assistance
⦁ One on One support
⦁ Weekly support group meetings
⦁ Weekly educational meetings on strategies to avoid crime and/or safety planning
To qualify, individuals must meet 3 requirements:
⦁ Be at least 50 years old,
⦁ Live in Crawford, Franklin or Sebastian County, and
⦁ Self- identify as a victim of crime.
Qualifying crimes include (but are not limited to) theft, scams, and all violent crimes. The victim is not required to file a police report or even name their offender to be eligible for services.
If requested, an EVOC employee can speak to your organization, group, or church on several targeting topics, e.g. Elder Abuse and Neglect, Fraud, Spotting Scams, and Financial Exploitation. Please contact the EVOC Coordinator at (479) 424-2021 or (800) 320-6667.
With no other items of business to discuss, the meeting of the Mansfield Chamber of Commerce was adjourned. The chamber will meet again Thursday, November 5 at noon, Mansfield City Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend.
