This is the recording of the Fifth Episode of the VI Envision program held on December 9th, 2023. Senator Genevieve Whitaker, along with Guest Host, King Derby, presented an end-of-the-year program covering various pressing issues faced by the community. The program featured discussions on the history of Calypso, with Derby as a guest sharing his expertise from years of training youth.

**Selected Monthly Observances:**

- Art and Architecture Month

- Learn a Foreign Language Month

- Made in America Month

- National Human Rights Month

- Universal Human Rights Month

- Worldwide Food Service Safety Month

**Selected Weekly Observances:**

- Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Week (December 1-7)

- Hanukkah (December 7-15)

- Computer Science Education Week (December 6-12)

- Christmas (December 25)

- Kwanzaa (December 26-January 1)

**Selected Days:**

- December 1: Rosa Parks Day

- December 2: International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

- December 3: International Day of Persons With Disabilities

- December 6: National Day Of Remembrance And Action On Violence Against Women

- December 7: International Civil Aviation Day

- December 9: International Day Of Commemoration And Dignity Of The Victims Of The Crime Of Genocide

- December 10: Human Rights Day

Senator Whitaker shared her support for local artists and promotion of festivals, as well as efforts in energy solutions at the Water and Power Authority. Derby shared his experience in the water field. Senator Whitaker also discussed her recent trip to attend the 2023 Association for Career and Technical Education conference, focusing on CTE reform and addressing maintenance issues within schools. The discussion also touched on local economic development and concerns about outsiders taking advantage of the community.

Additionally, Senator Whitaker mentioned her visit to the youth agriculture project, supporting the youth by stopping by as the children and adults are out there every Saturday from 8 am to 11 am. She expressed gratitude for donations of supplies and acknowledged all those involved in making the program a success.

The program was sponsored by Alma's Natural Products, Parris Tees & Novelties, and team members Randall Rissing and Lumus Baptist.

Tune in for our next episode where we will continue our discussions on important community issues and feature more special guests.