THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 22, 1996 TAG: 9603210164
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 20 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: PRIME TIME
SOURCE: Pam Starr
LENGTH: Medium: 84 lines
The elderly are targets of scams - by phone and in person - more than any other age group.
Since many live alone and are lonely, they make easy prey for ruthless con artists. Many who are scammed are so embarrassed when they find out that they refuse to report the crime to police.
But a new group is hoping to put an end to elderly victimization. The SALT Council and Triad of Virginia Beach, which was formed by the sheriff's office, the chief of police and the American Association of Retired Persons last June, is an organization dedicated to fighting crime against older adults. SALT stands for Seniors and Law Enforcement Working Together.
Gordon Morton, district coordinator for the AARP and a member of the Triad executive council, said that the main purpose is to educate the public on schemes, scams and elder abuse. Since the fastest-growing segment of the population is 65 or older, it's also the one most vulnerable to crime.
``We want to teach ways to reduce victimization against the elderly,'' said Morton, who has been involved with the AARP for several years. ``Education is what this is all about.''
Although this group is less than a year old, the Triad is a national effort started in 1988 by the AARP, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Sheriffs Association. The three organizations felt that they could come up with better ways to reduce elderly victimization and exchange information.
Virginia Beach Triad members have visited and will continue to visit different groups and organizations, giving talks on crime prevention. Members are well-known in the senior community: Madeline Nevala, Russell Dyke, Tom Grubbs, Laurmel Buergey, Jim Stancil, Bill Garry and Lanny Hampel, among others.
They and about 50 others work on several committees such as crime prevention, victim assistance, disaster preparedness, training, legislation and communication. Police Sgt. Sam Lewis is ``very much involved,'' said Morton, and serves on the statewide Triad board.
If you have a desire to serve on the Triad, you may want to pop into the Courthouse Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Jury Selection Room. That's the first public meeting of the Triad, and new members are welcome. But only if you're serious about wanting to help, Morton emphasized.
``These 55 people all have an assignment,'' said Morton. ``We can use more people but only if they're willing to work.''
IT HAS TAKEN MORE THAN SIX years and countless bake sales, card parties, raffles and yard sales, but the residents of Russell House finally have their van.
Last September they appealed to the public to help raise $26,000 to replace their 12-year-old clunky vehicle. The odometer had ``hard'' miles on it, the air conditioning didn't work and the side door kept falling off.
The 126 residents of the low-income retirement complex had raised $13,000 in six years but were getting a little discouraged. They were hoping a ``kindhearted'' automobile dealer would donate one, said Alice Healey, chairperson of the van fund committee.
Healey is now excited to report that they are the proud owners of a new, 12-seat, dark blue Ford van complete with air conditioning, heat, radio and no sliding side door. The residents were given money for the van from the Russell House and the McManus Foundation and continued with their fund-raising efforts.
It just goes to show that hard work and keeping the faith really does pay off.
P.S. If you've been thinking about getting a dog or cat, check out the Pets for People program at the SPCA on Holland Road. If you are over 60, all you have to do is choose an adult pet (over 6 months old) and Purina pays the adoption and spaying or neutering fee. Just make sure that the pet is for you and not the grandchildren. MEMO: The Triad meeting will be in the Jury Selection Room (in the basement)
of the Courthouse from 10 a.m. to about noon Saturday. Kathy Parks,
director of consumer affairs at the Commonwealth Attorney's office, and
Diane Gowan, with Smith & Williams Funeral Home, will speak.
ILLUSTRATION: Staff file photo
Gordon Morton, district coordinator for the AARP and a member of the
Triad executive council, has worked with Police Sgt. Sam Lewis in
fighting crime against older adults.
by CNB