Urban Views Weekly March 8, 2017 by Urban Views Weekly

Mar. 8, 2017

Scholar of the Week - Destiny Fuller

Radio Oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Transformation Expo 10th Anniversary brings out the stars

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As a donor, what do you want in return for your gift? A letter? Public recognition? Opportunities to meet with like-minded people? Access to the organization’s leadership? A plaque? A pen? Your family’s name on a building?

is “I believe in the vision and what you are doing and your impact. That is enough. Spend your money and time on your mission and not on me.”

“Do you offer meaningful recognition to donors at all levels?”

As an organization, what do you offer to your donors as a way of thanking them for supporting your work? Do you have a policy that meets the diverse tangible and intangible needs and wants of your donors and prospective donors? Do you offer meaningful recognition to donors at all levels?

There are many schools of thought on this topic. Some are held by donors, others are organizational policy. Some of these are articulated and well-defined. Some are unconscious, unspoken or unaddressed. Here are two exaggerated examples. One

Letter To The Editor

Another is “I always expect to be acknowledged and thanked for my giving. I want to know that my gift means something to you.” Neither is better. And, there are as many variations on these themes as there are donors.

In the first example, we remind organizations that this request is not an invitation to ignore a donor, neglect to thank him or her, or to not encourage involvement. In the second example, we remind our clients that seeking to raise one’s public profile, honor a family member, or publicize one’s business is not a negative motivation for giving. Like altruism, it is one of many continues to page 11

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Ervin B. Clarke, Publisher publisher@urbanviewsweekly.com

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Black Restaurant Week Kicks Off in Richmond March 6-12 When it comes to owning a small business, it’s no secret that Richmond’s the place to be. In fact, in 2016, CNBC gave Richmond, VA the #11 spot in their list of Top 20 Metro Areas to Start a Business. Regardless of the industry, if you start it, there’s a strong chance it’ll thrive. Why? Well, not only is the city’s cost of living lower than many metro areas, but the quality of life, low unemployment rate, and growing population renders it a healthy environment for those looking to contribute to the already booming economy. In addition, the city of Richmond places special emphasis on extending city-wide support to its local entrepreneurs. At every turn, you’re sure to find a string of events highlighting and celebrating these very businesses that employ our residents. From law firms to clothing boutiques and salons to marketing agencies, there’s a seat at the proverbial table for it all. But there’s one industry in particular that Richmond does exceptionally well in, so much so that the city continues to gain national recognition: food. The restaurant industry is booming indeed, and this week, we’ll all have the opportunity to enjoy the culture and cuisine of our black-owned restaurants.

35 black restaurant owners. As word continued to spread, her goal of ten was quickly extended, and eventually, Black Restaurant Week RVA had 20 confirmed participants across the city with a team of volunteers eager to execute initiatives. “It’s surpassing what we thought we could achieve in just a few months,” says Bowen. “We’ve set economic goals for each business, but also intangible goals, such as improving customer service, building lasting relationships with customers, etc.”

Shemicia & MIMIs organizers (top), volunteer

connecting with her Memphis colleague to coordinate the week-long event in Richmond.

With Black Restaurant Week expanding to Richmond, VA After months of back and forth, Bowen on March 6-12, local residents finally have the opportunity got the green light to coordinate Black Restaurant Week RVA. She admittedly to enjoy the culinary talent of our black restauranteurs. took on the task not aware of how much Boasting 20 black-owned restaurants whose menus range work it entailed, but what she did know from classic “soul food” to small plates and hand-crafted was that this opportunity would prove to be invaluable in a cocktails, Black Restaurant Week provides the opportunity city as full of locally-owned businesses as Richmond. for residents to support small businesses and in turn, those small businesses may build lasting relationships with its “I said yes with no idea of how much work it really was; patrons. I just knew that it was a great opportunity for the city, its residents, All of this is thanks to and our business owners,” she Richmond’s own Shemicia says. “It’s about more than Bowen. One day, while showcasing restaurants that browsing the page of a happen to be black-owned. It’s colleague who founded Black an opportunity to collaborate Restaurant Week Memphis, our economics, as well as she noticed a comment left engage in collective marketing.” by a Richmond reporter. “Why can’t we do something Initially, Bowen set the goal like this in Richmond?” of having ten restaurants the comment said. Bowen participate, not far off from immediately took action. Memphis’ eight. But with the help of the Central Virginia “I replied to his comment African American Chamber of with, ‘We absolutely can’,” Commerce and Urban Views explains Bowen, who Weekly, her prospect list grew to Big Herm’s Kitchen menu sampling immediately got to work www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

By Janna M Hall

Photos submitted by Shemicia Bowen

Already two days into this exciting event, Bowen and her team remain excited for the opportunity to highlight the many options available for residents who frequently dine out. In addition, this week provides patrons with a first-hand look into the value local businesses add to the Richmond community. “Through Black Restaurant Week RVA, we want the citizens of Richmond to become intentional about where they choose to dine,” explains Bowen. “Chains are okay, but small businesses are directly impacting services and people. They’re creating jobs for people you may know, and are hiring people who may be deemed “unhire-able” or “undesirable. Every dollar we spend in the black community has a residual impact, so let’s make it a point to include small business owners, especially black owners and blackowned restaurants.” continues to page 11

Organizers and volunteers planning meeting Urban Views Weekly | March 8, 2017

ViewPoints

By Dr. T

Trust But Verify “Trust but verify” is the translation of a Russian proverb. Former President Ronald Reagan popularized it, in 1984-1987, during the talks with the Soviet Union about the nuclear arms race. It is concerning enough that we need to be ever vigilant in our efforts as we revisit this important tenet of our national security policy concerning nuclear weapons and nonproliferation. However, it is even more ironic that this little proverb finds its origins in Russian culture. It might be but a minor or insignificant coincidence altogether, if not for the major role Russia and Russian espionage is now playing in our national discourse.

Have we actually come to the point where a simple oath can no longer be trusted? It appears so. Because in the current political climate, no matter how many times actual false statements are made and verified as false in the most public and blatant ways possible, false statements continue to be made over and over again. Ultimately, it becomes so tiresome to callout the statements, stories or statistical data as false or factually flawed, that the LIES soon become TRUE and the TRUTH becomes LIES as if we are functioning in an “alternate universe.” Just like “Alice in Wonderland”, the entire world seems topsyturvy. The “truth that you know” becomes the “actual truth” and it is that un-fortunate truth that is based solely on hearsay, fringe and false media, opinion and conjecture, and not vetted through multiple sourcing, research-based analytics and actual science-based knowledge that goes on to live another day as the “new” truth.

Americans are grappling with “truth telling” in the highest corridors of government, in our journalism and free press, and within the halls of justice itself. When one places ones hand on the Bible and swears to tell “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth”, does that actually mean what it says, or is there room for a “do-over”? Does one get to It is upon this backdrop that the current slew of “clarify” the answer when all is said and done? Should one get to come back and adjust evolving truths are gaining traction. Now you can LIE under oath and then once evidence the so-called “truth” as one has already told it, or should one be held accountable to the is found that you have in fact lied by not disclosing, “the whole truth and nothing but “truth” as it was already told? Many would say it depends. It depends on the context. It the truth”, you may now be excused from your original telling of the truth under oath by depends on the situation. It depends on who is asking and who is telling. When one simply saying the following: “I didn’t fully understand the context of the question when swears an oath, should one be trusted completely? Should the promises made in the asked.” Or, you can also simply say, “I don’t recall or didn’t recall.” Any of those responses moment they are promised be trusted, and the one who is making the promise and clearly disposes of any sworn oaths an individual may have taken in the process of telling swearing to an oath on a holy book be held to account for the promises made and the the truth they wanted to tell, instead of the actual truth that should have been told. oath to which they swore? Or, must we always trust, but also verify, for the veracity of the one who is So when actual truth is uncovered and “looks making the promise is not always consistent and can different” and “smells different” than the so-called Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. (given new information) be adjusted with time or truth as it has been told and duly sworn to, “trust Founder and Artistic Director circumstance? Back in the day, that would be called but verify” becomes extremely important indeed, The Conciliation Project and Associate Professor not keeping your word, or not telling the truth, or to because there’s a whole lot of LYING going on these Virginia Commonwealth University be blunt about it, it would be called lying. days!

“Back in the day...to be blunt about it, it would be called lying.”

DrT@Margins2theCenter.com | www.theconciliationproject.org

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Radio One Richmond Celebrates Transf It’s been ten years in the making, with some of the most high profile Gospel artists and inspirational speakers in the world, and now Transformation Expo 2017, Richmond’s largest inspirational event of the year, is set to make history again with one of their best lineups ever! Presented by Praise 104.7FM with 100,000 watts of power, Transformation Expo will be returning to the Greater Richmond Convention Center on Saturday, March 18, 2017 from 12 noon to 6:00 p.m. Over the years, Transformation Expo has featured top names in Yolanda Adams (top), the Gospel industry including & CeCe Winans Bishop T.D. Jakes, Tye Tribbett, Israel Houghton, GI (God’s Image), BeBe & CeCe Winans, Iyanla Vanzant, Troy Sneed, Jonathan Nelson, John P. Kee, Marvin Sapp, Myron Butler, Fred Hammond, Donnie McClurkin, Tasha Cobbs, Erica Campbell, Wess Morgan, Charles Jenkins, and so many others. Now in its 10th year, Transformation Expo will once again deliver a powerful Praise & Worship experience that will certainly transform lives as it welcomes individuals of all faiths, backgrounds, and races with encouraging words, music and fellowship. This year’s lineup includes Gospel recording artist and four time Grammy Award winner and sixteentime winner of the Stellar Awards Yolanda Adams. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Ms. Adams began her career as a teacher and part-time model. Yolanda Adams has sold more than 4.5 million albums 6

Urban Views Weekly | March 8, 2017

in the United States and sold nearly 8 million albums worldwide. Yolanda Adams has an incredible catalogue of music with gospel hits such as “Victory”, “In The Midst Of It All”, “Open My Heart”, and many more. She is the author of Points Of Power – a book for daily living. She shares personal experiences from herself and others to show her readers how they can receive God’s love and grace. CeCe Winans is a ten-time Grammy Award winner and has won seven Stellar Awards. She was born in Detroit, Michigan and is known for singing with her brother BeBe Winans with a string of hits, which include “Addictive Love” and “Heaven”. She has written three books On a Positive Note, Throne Room: Ushered into the Presence of God and a book she co-authored with Claire Cloninger titled Always Sisters: Becoming the Princess You Were Created to Be. CeCe Winans has also made a name for herself as a solo artist with songs like “Pray”, “Count On Me”, and her current radio single “Never Have To Be Alone” from her new album titled Let Them Fall In Love. Bishop Hezekiah Walker is the visionary founder and Senior Pastor at The Love Fellowship Tabernacle in Brooklyn, New York. Bishop Walker’s vision from God was founded on what he called the three P’s: Prayer, Preaching and Praise. He has Earnest Pugh

Tiara Holloway with Rep

released several albums with the Love Fellowship Choir with songs such as “Grateful”, “Faithful Is Our God” and the up-tempo hit “Souled Out”. Earnest Pugh, who has a five octave vocal range, is highly sought after around the country to perform because of his vocal abilities. Earnest Pugh started his own record label in 2006 and released his first album Earnest Pugh Live: A Worshipper’s Perspective. In 2009, he released the number one hit “Rain On Us” and has

Bishop Heze

formation Expo’s Ten-Year Anniversary By Sheilah Belle

arranger and recording engineer. Chris Searcy has collaborated with artists like Deitrick Haddon and Mali Music. His style of music is considered a breath of fresh air. His single “My God” features Canton Jones. Also performing are local and national artists G.I. (God’s Image), who will perform their Stellar Award nominated single “Pray And Don’t Worry”, Maggie Ingram’s Ingramette Singers and Taleshia Chandler.

purposed Picture Frame

ekiah Walker

a number of other hits like “Trade It All” and his current hit single “I Need You To Breathe”. James Fortune, a Houston, TX native who released his highly anticipated debut CD You Survived in 2004, with the lead single by the same name, is a two-time Grammy nominated artist. His musical hits include “You Survived”, “I Trust You” and his latest single “I Forgive Me”. Also performing is Chicago native Chris Searcy who is a producer, songwriter,

There will also be a Seminar “How I Made it Through” and a Relationship Session with Willie Moore Jr. that will center on his new released book, Happily After All. Willie Moore Jr. is also a nationally syndicated radio host for Radio One and can be heard daily on Praise 104.7 FM from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Over the past years, Transformation Expo could always expect no less than 4,000 in attendance and well over 50 national and local exhibitors, and this year is lining up with strong numbers as well.

James Fortune (top), & Chris Searcy

Serving as this year’s special guest speaker will be America’s mom, Phylicia Rashad. Phylicia Rashad was born in Houston, TX and is the sister to dancer, actor and choreographer Debbie Allen. Phylicia Rashad is best known for her role as Claire Huxtable on the NBC sitcom The Cosby Show. She has starred in numerous Broadway plays such as A Raisin In The Sun in which she won a Tony Award. Her other acting credits on Broadway include Cat On A Hot Tin Roof and Jelly’s Last Jam. She’s won an NAACP Award for her role in the television version of “A Raisin In The Sun”. This year’s host is Sheilah Belle “The Belle” who will also be sharing her powerful testimony of overcoming cancer. Sheilah Belle can be heard daily Monday through Friday on Praise 104.7 FM from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Some of this year’s featured sponsors include NBC 12, The CW Richmond, Reaching America, McDonalds, Allen & Allen and Centura College. With such a powerful lineup, featured guests, and sponsors, let it be clear that this day is for everyone! Our prayer is that attendees will leave with a renewing of their mind, soul and spirit, and will be touched by the uplifting words from our encouraging speakers and powerful singers assigned by God to be here. Be sure to get your tickets now at www.praiserichmond. com, Etix.com, St. Paul’s Baptist Church or at the Radio One Studio, 2809 Emerywood Parkway, Richmond, VA 23294. Phylicia Rashad

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Scholar of the Week

By Janeal Downs

From an early age, Destiny Fuller has been interested in sports. She turned this interest into a hobby and lifestyle when she was in the fifth grade. “I just decided to try out for the team and since then I’ve just been playing,” Destiny said about how she got started with sports. Not only is it her favorite and most enjoyable pastime, as a senior in high school, she is a member of her school’s basketball team. Being on a team has taught her how to be more interactive with not only her teammates, but other classmates and people she meets.

Destiny Fuller

of Petersburg High School GPA: 3.76 College(s) of Interest: Pfeiffer University, Eastern Mennonite University and Virginia State University. Major Community Service: SportsBackers/ Anthem Marathon, Chalkley Elementary School’s 5k, etc. Strong Interests: Computer Engineering and Sports Management Favorite Activities: Play basketball and other sports

Because Destiny plans to continue playing basketball, the sport has influenced her choice in college. Some of her top choices for college are Pfeiffer University in North Carolina, Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va. and Virginia State University. While in high school, she has learned the importance of paying attention and getting her work done. These are lessons she will take with her to college. Destiny has an interest in pursuing a degree in computer engineering or sports management. She has always liked working with computers, but recently she has considered pursuing a career as an athletic director.

to participate in the community by volunteering. Some of her volunteer experiences include helping with multiple 5K’s giving away water and even running in some. Some events include SportsBackers/Anthem Marathon, SAVE.org and Chalkley Elementary School’s 5k race. Although she is dedicated to sports and her volunteer work, Destiny has been an A-B Honor Roll student since she started elementary school. “Being that I am a student-athlete, my school work always comes first and I always make sure of that,” Destiny stated in an essay. She currently maintains a 3.76 GPA and a 3.89 weighted GPA. Within her graduating class, she is ranked 14.

Scholar0

Destiny feels that other girls can look up to her as a student and an athlete, because of her “urge to keep everybody on the right track and to bring the enthusiasm.” While she wants to be an influence to other people, someone who encourages Destiny is her mother. “She always pushes me to do better and do what I got to do,” Destiny said. She describes herself as an outgoing, intelligent person who is always there when someone needs her. Hoping to be a role model for others and work towards her goals, Destiny’s main goal in life is to be successful.

ek of the We

While she is in school, Destiny also played volleyball, softball and track and field. With her volleyball coach, she has been able

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Urban Views Weekly | March 8, 2017

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The Deal

By Nathaniel Sillin

Do You Know How to Save on Online Brokerage Fees? If you’ve made it to a point in life where you’re ready to start investing, or at least start thinking about investing, you may consider opening a brokerage account. But you’re not alone if the thought of choosing a brokerage firm is foreign to you.

paper statements or premium research tools that often cost money but are easy to opt in or out of based on your preferences. How much could you save by choosing a low-fee brokerage? Unless you’re an advanced investor, there are likely a variety of brokerages that can fulfill your needs. Review the fees you’re paying at your current brokerage, or at a brokerage you’re considering, and the competition’s offering.

While brokers have helped individual investors buy and sell investments for decades, the relationship and services have changed over time. For instance, rather than calling their brokers, today many investors use a sleek online platform or mobile app to place orders. Fees associated with maintaining a brokerage account and investing have also changed. Whether you’ve been investing for years, or are just diving in, it’s wise to occasionally compare brokerage firms’ offerings and costs, including those listed below, and find the option that’s right for you. Trading-platform fees might not be necessary. A trading platform is downloadable software or an online app that you can use to make trades, view real-time quotes and news, perform analysis and set up your trading strategies. While platform fees can cost hundreds of dollars a month, many high-quality options are completely free. Others are free as long as you meet minimum account balance requirements. Trading fees are common, but prices vary. Brokerage trading fees can vary widely depending on the financial product and broker. Many online brokers charge a flat fee, typically somewhere between $5 to $10 per online trade for stocks or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Some brokers alternatively charge a fee per share, which could be a better option for day traders. Making a trade over the phone or with the help of a broker rather than on your own online could incur an additional fee (sometimes between $20 to $50). Mutual fund transaction fees may be higher than the cost of trading stocks, although some brokers have a list of no-transaction-fee funds. More advanced trading tactics,

such as options, also may have additional fees.

Paying $5 versus $10 per trade might not be significant for every investor. However, that’s the difference between receiving $95 or $90 worth of stock when you invest $100. Everything being equal, spending the extra $5 means you take an immediate 5-percent loss, plus you miss out on potential gains.

Higher trading fees don’t necessarily indicate better service, but the fees could help the brokerage firm invest in its Bottom line: Choosing a brokerage with low fees helps trading platform, customer service and research tools. ensure that your money goes towards your investments Therefore, you’ll want to compare each firm as a whole, rather than overhead expenses. Low-fee brokerages not just the trading fees. aren’t necessarily worse either. Some still offer high-end services, advanced trading platforms and mobile apps that Avoid annual fees. Some brokers charge an annual fee, can satisfy the needs of most beginner or intermediate often around $50 to $75. You might be able to avoid the investors. fee by maintaining a minimum balance in your account, or there are a number of brokerages that don’t charge this fee Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. regardless of your account balance. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www.twitter. com/PracticalMoney Don’t overthink account closure or transfer fees. It’s TanyaFree.com/ Urban Views Weekly Poll common for a brokerage to Attorney General Jeff Sessions reportedly suggested that the Justice charge $50 to $75 to close Department would pursue fewer federal investigations of troubled your account or transfer police departments, adding that too much federal scrutiny on your holdings to a different police departments could cause officers to be less effective in crime fighting, according to recent reports. NAACP President brokerage. However, many Cornell William Brooks says those changes are troubling. He says brokerages will reimburse they “imply a disturbing departure” from the Justice Department’s you when you open a new enforcement of civil rights laws. account with them. What’s Your Take? What effect would less scrutiny of police have on the death rate of Optional services are just Americans in police encounters? that — optional. There Check out the story and respond to this week’s poll at TanyaFree.com and are a few services, such as

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Contributed by Shawn Dugger, Matoaca High School, English Department Chair

Chesterfield Teen Wins Essay Contest The second annual African American History Essay Contest, sponsored through partnership between the Petersburg chapter of The Links, Incorporated and the Petersburg Public Library took place during the opening weeks of February. Middle and high school students from the greater Petersburg area were invited to submit essays of at least 500 words which explored this year’s theme, “The Crisis in Black Education.” After the submission deadline, each essay was blind scored by a panel of judges, and participants were personally notified at their schools by a member of The Links, Incorporated of a reception being held in their honor at the Petersburg Public Library, Tuesday, February 28th.

Left to right: Rose Muse (President, Links, Inc. Petersburg), Wayne Crocker (Petersburg Library Director), 3rd place winner Christine Stewart, 2nd place winner Alexandria Johnson, and 1st place winner Madyson D. Fitzgerald.

The reception, held in the multipurpose room of the library, was attended by many Links, Inc. chapter members, parents, contestants and other guests. After opening remarks from a very excited Links, Inc. member and essay project manager, Mrs. Kimberly W. Nunnally, the top three contestants presented their essays to the crowd’s rapt attention. Petersburg library’s director, Mr. Wayne Crocker, remarked that he was delighted to see

young people committed to engaging in such a necessary and important global discussion as this year’s theme. Following his comments, he presented Christine Stewart, an eighth-grader at Peabody Middle School, a certificate and monetary award for third place, and Alexandria Johnson, a ninth grader from N. B. Clements Junior High School, the same for her second place designation. Madyson Fitzgerald, a sophomore from Matoaca High School, was given the honor of first place for her essay, which explored how the breakdown of family, our country’s financial woes, and perceived white privilege have all played a part in what has led to “The Crisis in Black Education.” Madyson is currently an honors student and has plans to attend college with a major in either law or journalism. When asked what inspired her persuasive and passionate composition, which was only eclipsed by the poise and spirit with which she read it to participants in attendance, she replied, “My mom is a school teacher and encourages me and my sister to ask questions and to have open and honest conversations about the things we see going on around us. I have watched her and some of the struggles I see her go through as an educator, so it was not hard to think of ideas to write about.”

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FUNdraising from page 2

motivations and should be respected. As a donor, what are your expectations? What is important to you? Do you share your expectations with the organizations you give to? For example, with an annual gift do you send an email with your request for anonymity, or your request to visit the organization and learn more about its work? As a major donor, do you let the organization’s representative know that you want to honor your mother with her name on a building and that this is important to your family? Do you ask for a letter detailing the terms related to your gift? As an organization, have you had a conversation about what types of donor recognition are aligned with your mission and vision? Have you talked with a sample of your donors to learn what is important to them? Have you adopted policies? Are they implemented in a consistent and timely way?

PUBLIC NOTICE Regardless of policy, here are a few things to consider as it relates to acknowledgement. Take the time to thank your donors and personally acknowledge their giving and how it affects your ability to serve, educate and advocate. When possible, send a handwritten note. Send it today, not six months later. At the end of the day, donor acknowledgement is about understanding and respecting the diversity of reasons that drive people’s giving and how they want to be recognized. It is an important part of the fundraising process. Copyright 2017 – Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw are authors of four books on fundraising available on Amazon. com. For help growing your fundraising visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

Restaurant from page 3

On the business side, Black Restaurant Week is sparking all kinds of innovation and ingenuity. Restaurants have gotten creative with their marketing tactics, and they’re learning the true power of collaborative economics. In fact, owners are already expressing interest in starting a black restaurant business association, pooling their needs and resources to reduce overhead from supplies, staffing, and food.

“This is a great chance for businesses to realize they aren’t in competition; they all have a niché and a brand,” Bowen says. They all offer the city of Richmond wonderful choices and options.”

Pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 134 and 135; 49 U.S.C 5303 and 5304, the Tri-Cities Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) hereby provides area citizens an opportunity to review and comment on the Transportation Improvement Program. This transportation plan has been developed by local and State agencies represented on the Tri-Cities Area MPO. A copy of this draft document has been made available for public viewing during regular visiting hours at public libraries in the Tri-Cities Area during a 30 day public review period beginning February 19, 2017 and ending March 22, 2017. One public meeting will be scheduled to receive comments on this draft plan on March 22, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Petersburg Multi-Modal Station located 100 W. Washington Street in Petersburg, VA. Persons in need of special accommodations to participate in these public meetings are requested to forward this information either by contacting the Crater Planning District Commission at 804-8611666 or by email using the address listed below one week prior to the meeting date. Persons with a hearing impairment may contact the

All in all, Black Restaurant Week is an opportunity for businesses and community members—of all races—alike, to see the power in numbers. The more we collaborate, the stronger we become.

Put your business in the street! Share your company’s Instagram, Twitter and Facebook post

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Virginia Relay Center at 1-800-8281120 to forward information to the Crater Planning District Commission and Tri-Cities Area MPO. The purpose of the Transportation Improvement Program is to recommend highway and transit improvements for the Tri-Cities Area. A copy of this draft plan and other information related to the Tri-Cities Area MPO has been made available in electronic format located http:// craterpdc.org/transportation/mpo. htm The Crater Planning District Commission and the Tri-Cities Area MPO assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, handicap, sex, age or income status, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent nondiscrimination laws, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of , or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity. Written comments on Transportation Improvement Program should be addressed Crater Planning District Commission, P.O. Box 1808, Petersburg, Virginia 23805 and or sent email dhyder@ craterpdc.org and received within the review period ending March 22, 2017.

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Urban Views Weekly | March 8, 2017