Our Town: Fostering Healthy Communities – announces August program – Public Safety Initiatives

Story & Song Bookstore Bistro is hosting a 10-month discussion series, “Our Town: Fostering Healthy Communities,” facilitated by T.R. Richardson. The program is designed to bring together residents of Nassau County to 1) explore the elements of what makes a healthy community, 2) learn and apply the art of civil conversation, and 3) foster greater understanding and connection through face-to-face interaction and learning. The sessions meet on Sunday afternoons once a month.

This month's guest presenters include Undersheriff Jon Hooper, representing the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, and Fernandina Beach Police Department Lieutenant Chad Lee. Undersheriff Hooper, an accomplished law enforcement professional, started his law enforcement career in 1998. His vast experience includes critical incident management and criminal investigations. Before becoming undersheriff, he served as lieutenant over the investigative division, which includes both crimes against people and crimes against property, as well as the narcotics unit, crime scene unit, and the victims advocate program.

Lieutenant Lee began with the Fernandina Beach Police Department as a police officer in the operations bureau. He then served as a detective and was assigned to the special enforcement unit, where he focused on enforcing narcotics laws and tracking crime trends. Currently, he is assigned to the criminal investigations bureau, where he investigates various crimes, including cold case homicides.

Previous topics covered at this series, facilitated by T.R. Richardson, an expert in cross-cultural communication, include growth management, affordable housing, perspectives of young people, voting, and the impact of development. Next in the series will be education, with representatives from the Nassau County School District and School Board, as well as Dr. Johnetta Betsch Cole, former president of Spellman College.

Topics to date have provided healthy interaction and discussion of the focus topic. August’s topic is a critical issue in today’s challenging environment – public safety. This program is free and open to all, thanks to a generous grant from the Theodore and Pauline Cohen Trust. Seating is limited, so please reserve your space at Story & Song or by calling 904-601-2118.

Sunday, August 17 • 2-4 p.m.

Complimentary - Please RSVP