By Kenya Smith

SMITHFIELD

The Isle of Wight SALT Council will host its 20th annual TRIAD Conference on Monday, May 6. SALT, which stands for Seniors and Law Enforcement Together, is a crime-fighting partnership between law enforcement and seniors. Its council comprises usually of 20 representatives from the community agencies that work with or for senior citizens. The event is for Isle of Wight County residents ages 55 and older, as well as their caregivers.

In 1988, AARP, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Sheriff’s Association developed TRIAD. The organization was then introduced to Virginia by Attorney General Jim Gilmore in 1995, and since then, the Commonwealth has over 200 cities, counties and towns with signed TRIAD agreements. Virginia has also been recognized by the National Association of Triads Inc. as having the highest number of active local groups nationwide, and is the only state in the nation with a statewide coordinated office at the executive level of government. TRIAD’s goal is to reduce the fear of crime and victimization among seniors by increasing awareness of scams and frauds targeting them, strengthening communication between the law enforcement and senior communities, and educating seniors on local and state resources that are available in their community.

Regena Joyner, a SALT representative of the Windsor Area AARP Chapter No. 5309, said that there will be a lot to learn and a lot to do at the event.

“Our TRIAD conference consists of over 25 vendors offering hand-outs, information and services that are available to our county’s senior citizens. One favorite is the “Lost money” vendor. Last year, over $30,000 was found for seniors having forgotten accounts, money owed them, etc.,” she said.

The conference will also have entertaining and informative speakers that will provide the latest crime prevention information to reduce chances of senior citizens being victimized, plus information and procedures for safety during storms, tornados, flooding, and safety at home.

Tom Ashmore from Cane Loyalty will be the keynote speaker for the event. He will teach seniors how to use a cane for exercise and self-defense with a program known as “Cane-Fu.”

Seniors will have the opportunity to win door prizes from local business throughout the conference, and a “special” door prize will be raffled before the closing.

Joyner explained the importance of attending the event.

“Seniors should come to this conference so that they can be encouraged and be proactive toward protecting themselves from becoming victims of frauds and scams, to gather information on how to avoid becoming victims of crimes and how to enhance the safety and quality of their lives. Plus, they can win wonderful prizes and take home useful hand-outs.”

The event will take place in The Smithfield Center, 220 N. Church St., Smithfield. Doors will open at 8 a.m. with a continental breakfast and the conference starts at 9 a.m. Lunch will be served at noon.

Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at the Windsor Supply Store, 5 Joyner Ave., Windsor; Home Sweet Home Care, 345 Main St., Smithfield; and AmeriCare Plus, 13478 Carrollton Blvd., Carrollton.

If anyone is interested in becoming a member of the SALT council, they may contact Sheriff James Clark or any TRIAD council member, whose names will be on the program.