Urban Views Weekly March 22, 2017 by Urban Views Weekly

Mar. 22, 2017

Scholar of the Week - Taya Robinson

Engagement Photoshoot by Nicole Hicks

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Civic Beat FUNdraising Good Times

The pros and cons of engaging political leaders Fundraising is a community endeavor, and our communities include the politicians who are elected to represent us at all levels. Current, former and prospective elected leaders are often involved in fundraising, providing great value. At the same time, there are challenges related to engaging politicians as fundraising volunteers. With this column, we discuss the pros and cons.

Elected leaders bring name recognition to your project. When politicians align themselves with your nonprofit, they can bring attention to your work. People who may not have the time to talk with you will take a call from them. A post on their Facebook page attracts a new audience. Politicians also have lists of donors and volunteers they may be willing to share with you. They can help you attract resources, or help you secure the right new board member(s). They can also provide access to their staff. When your work is in alignment with that of a politician’s vision, it can be a win-win for all parties.

“Depending on their reputation, a politician may overshadow your organization.”

THURSDAY

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When a politician partners with your nonprofit you may find that doors which were previously closed are now open. These leaders know everyone. And they are surrounded by others who know even more people. They know people at the grassroots, in the churches, and in the executive suite. They know artists, While the above benefits are real and true, there are also challenges you may encounter. philanthropists, and strategists. Politicians Depending on their reputation, a politician are connected. And when they believe in may overshadow your organization they can work miracles. continues to page 11

Letter To The Editor

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Urban Views Weekly | March 22, 2017

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Scholar of the Week

By Janeal Downs

At the young age of 4 or 5, Taya Robinson used to play basketball around the house. Then, when she was about 8, she started playing organized basketball in places such as the YMCA. At 13, she began to take it more seriously and joined school teams. This is a story Taya’s parents tell her all the time. Now, as a senior in high school she is looking forward to graduating and continuing her journey with basketball in college. “Basketball for me was and still is a way to clear my mind,” Taya wrote in an essay. “It is something that I love to do.” The crowd, the atmosphere, the sport in general are all components of basketball that excite Taya.

Taya Robinson

of Richmond Community High School GPA: 4.67 College(s) of Interest: Virginia Commonwealth University Major Community Service: Ebenezer Baptist Church and UPS Strong Interests: Business Information systems, marketing and sports Favorite Activities: Playing basketball and spending time with friends

After playing for some years, she wants to use her business degree to start her own business or maybe even become the owner of an NBA or WNBA team. Taya aspires to “stick around and improve the franchise of a sport that I love.” While she is still in school, Taya has been able to participate in community outreach with her basketball team. She has also volunteered with Ebenezer Baptist Church feeding the homeless, and she has volunteered with UPS. Some of her in school organizations include Future Business Leaders of America, Mu Alpha Theta and the National Honor Society. With all the time she puts into basketball and other extracurricular activities, Taya still works hard with her academics and currently has a 4.67 GPA. ™

Scholar0

One lesson the sport has taught her is to not take anything for granted. Last year she suffered from an injury, but she worked through it and learned to remain humble. These are lessons she will take with her to college. Next fall, Taya plans to attend Virginia Commonwealth University. Not only did the kind coaching staff attract her to VCU, but also the fact that her high school coach used to play for the school. “I like their staff, I like their facility and how they do things and it just felt like the best fit for me,” Taya said. At VCU, Taya plans to major in business information systems and minor in marketing. At first she considered studying sports management, but she realized she preferred computers, technology and math much more to science. After graduating, Taya hopes to be able to play for the WNBA.

ek of the We

In regards to basketball, Taya likes watching the Cleveland Cavaliers because Lebron James is her favorite player. To Taya, he carries the team on his back and does it all. Outside of basketball, one of her biggest influences in life is her older brother. “It’s just everything. He’s always there for me,” Taya said “He just always tells me to do what’s best for me.” Taya has been encouraged along the way and hopes to continue progressing. She has learned leadership skills through basketball that she will take to the court in future games and also in future classrooms.

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Urban Views Weekly | March 22, 2017

ViewPoints

By Dr. T

Oh say can you see the “Change?” A representative democracy is supposed to reflect the will of the people it represents. Isn’t it? In a government of the people, by the people and for the people, it would seem that the “people” are supposed to be the most important and central focus of said government, and that most people in America believe this nation is built upon the platitudes of freedom, justice and equality for ALL. And yet… these days government feels more like a Plutocracy, ruled by the wealthy elite, catering to their needs and interests. The President’s Cabinet is made up of a class of billionaires and Wall Street executives. The new budget he has proposed, as well as the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, promises to massively cut domestic and social programs that help the poor, disenfranchised, elderly, marginalized and disabled in order to transfer more wealth and more benefits to the top 2% of the wealthiest Americans. The newest battle cry from the GOP majority in Washington, who seem to be drunk with power and as giddy as a bunch of adolescent teens, and just as misguided and shortsighted, has promised to line the pockets of big business, health insurance executives, and the billionaire cronies and lobbyists lining the halls of Congress and the White House. The Washington power brokers who are inextricably bound together in deconstructing this government from one that helps the common citizen, as would seem to be the role of government, to one that is transformed into an historic corporate welfare model serving only the interests of those now in power, while utterly excluding the people they were elected to serve.

“If the “regular” folks, who voted for the 45th POTUS in November, haven’t yet realized that they’ve been duped...”

The average per capita income in the U.S. is less than $30, 000 per year. Collectively, the wealth of the current President’s Cabinet, thus far, is about five times greater than President Obama’s Cabinet and about 34 times greater than the one George

If the “regular” folks, who voted for the 45th POTUS in November, haven’t yet realized that they’ve been duped, bamboozled and outright lied to, that moment is just over the horizon; they are about to get a spring awakening like never before. If the proposed budget actually gets passed through Congress, if the GOP and the President are successful in repealing the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), the poor, the elderly, women and children – no matter what race, ethnicity or religious affiliation they may be – are going to lose BIG. The disparity in income and quality of life is going to explode exponentially. It’s going to be devastating. The betrayal of ordinary people who trusted in the man who has shown himself to be an uncontrollable liar, and an unapologetic capitalist, Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. for whom money, power and FAME are above all Founder and Artistic Director things and all people, including those to whom he The Conciliation Project and Associate Professor made promises that he never intended to keep, will Virginia Commonwealth University be victimized by the choice they made to just get “Change.” Change is all they will get from the deal. DrT@Margins2theCenter.com | www.theconciliationproject.org Spiritual Music is our Specialty

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Urban Views Weekly | March 22, 2017

W. Bush led at the end of his presidency. The net worth of the Cabinet of (45), to this point, is at least $13.1 billion, or more than the annual gross domestic product of about 70 small countries. And the President still has 4 more positions to fill. This is NOT what the common American thought they were voting for when they voted to “Make America Great Again.” The people gathered at the table of decision-making these days are mostly White, mostly males, and ALL of them are extremely wealthy---Extremely Wealthy. Our President spends most of his weekends at a private golf club, where none of those “common” Americans, who voted for him, could even afford to have a meal let alone play a round of golf. The government that’s installed in the Peoples’ House in no way represents The People.

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The Deal

Mistakes on Your Tax Return Could Lead to an Audit You’re not alone if your heart pounds when you see a letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in your mailbox. While some lucky filers get sent a letter because they’re due a larger refund, most of us fear the worst — an audit. Those fears may be largely unfounded for the average household. Only about one percent of taxpayers get audited, and high-income taxpayers are disproportionately targeted.

wrong number could lead to an examination. • Include information from every form with your return. When an organization sends you a tax form, it also sends a copy to the IRS. The IRS has an automated system that can flag a return when you don’t include information from one of the forms you received.

By Nathaniel Sillin

guarantee you won’t be audited. Similar types of support are sometimes offered with online tax preparation software for a fee. In either case, if you’re required to pay more tax, the bill may get passed on to you. Don’t let fear cost you. Some taxpayers shy away from claiming legitimate credits and deductions because they fear an audit. That could be a costly choice. There’s only a small chance you’ll get audited, and it could be quick and relatively painless — especially if you keep good records.

• Don’t treat a hobby as a business. You might enjoy your hobby and occasionally make some money from it, but If you are audited, it might not be like you imagine. An that doesn’t make it a business. Business and hobby audit could focus on a particular line entry, credit or figure, expenses are treated differently and you can’t claim a loss and you might only need to mail or fax a copy of the from your hobby. If you try, that could be a red flag. relevant paperwork, such as an insurance report or receipt. • Know the home-office rules. Many small business Even so, getting audited isn’t fun. In the best case, you owners and contractors work from home, but that doesn’t have to take the time to dig through your records and automatically mean you can claim the home-office respond. In the worst case, you have to do all that as well deduction. You can’t claim a guest bedroom where you as pay penalties and interest. occasionally work, the room (or part of a room) must be used exclusively and regularly for business. What can you do to help reduce your risk of audit? Audits, or examinations as they’re also referred to, could be the • Only claim the EIC if you have earned income. To qualify result of a random selection, mismatched documents, for the Earned Income Credit (EIC), you need to have deviation from the expected “norms” for similar returns, earned income, such as wages or salary, for the year. or connection to someone who’s being audited. But there Other types of income, including alimony, child support, are a few things you can do to help minimize your chances unemployment benefits and Social Security won’t qualify of being audited. you for the EIC.

Bottom line: While there’s no way to guarantee the IRS won’t ask questions about your tax return, don’t let fear of an audit keep you from using the credits or deductions you can rightfully claim. Filing a complete and accurate return could help minimize your chances of an audit, and if you do receive a notice, you may be able to quickly resolve the issue by following the instructions.

• Enter all your information correctly. Take an extra few minutes to double-check the information you entered when preparing your tax return. A misspelled name or

Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www.twitter. com/PracticalMoney

Working with a professional tax preparer, such as a certified public accountant (CPA) or enrolled agent (EA) could help you avoid making errors, but it doesn’t

Fear also leads thousands of people to fall victim to taxrelated scams. Thieves may impersonate an IRS agent, but the IRS will never call or email you requesting a specific type of payment. The IRS only initiates contact with taxpayers by mail, and you can choose among several methods of payment when you owe money.

SCREEN TO SAVE: Colonoscopy African Americans have a greater risk of colorectal cancer than any other racial group. A colonoscopy can detect cancer early, when it’s most treatable, and even prevent its development by removing precancerous polyps. If you’re between the ages of 50 and 75, you need to be screened. To schedule a colonoscopy call: (804) 827-0045 or learn more at masseycolorectalcancer.com

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Urban Views Weekly | March 22, 2017

From Splurge to Investment—A Richmon Creating and sticking to I learned that the average press a budgeting plan is key to kit cost about $1,000 on average. financial success. You’re able I thought, ‘Should I spend over to set measurable goals, put a $5,000 paying other photographers little extra money away after to produce my content, or should bills, and then factor in the right I just invest $3,000 now and learn amount of “play” after financial how to do it myself?’” obligations are handled. There’s no arguing that being fiscally Hicks decided that teaching conservative has its perks, mainly herself how to be as great a serving as a solid foundation photographer as the ones she for long-term financial stability, wanted to hire would outweigh but sometimes, we’ve got to any upfront costs of camera loosen the purse strings a bit. equipment. She purchased a Conversely, loosening the strings camera that could produce too much results in impulse both quality photo and video shopping and frivolous spending. content, and immediately began Instead, strike a healthy balance practicing, first with mock video of splurging and saving. In the shoots and then with capturing midst of focusing on financial photos from the very videos Nicole Hicks & the late Mr. Earl Pappy, goals such as family planning, she shot. former George Wythe Principal vacations, and education, remember the importance of living in the now, splurging “I found myself looking back at footage and wondering what on items and unique experiences that truly enhance a photo captured from the video would look like,” she says. your life. “I fell in love with the ability to freeze time and see genuine emotions in the moment. It gave me the opportunity to Years ago, Richmond native Nicole Hicks splurged on relive them, and provided even more motivation to create an item that not only enhanced her life, but completely more moments like the ones I was seeing right there on changed her career path. In 2011, when faced with the my camera.” reality that it’d cost thousands to book photographers and videographers to help launch Soon, mock video shoots turned into her music career, she took matters real life photoshoots. Before she knew into her own hands. Despite having it, her skills as a photographer were no prior experience in professional developing as clearly and as boldly as photography, she took the leap, the images she produced. What was dropped the cash, and splurged on a once a $3,000 splurge was turning into digital camera of her own. Though an investment in herself and a new quite the investment, honing her career, a career she never saw coming. photography skills has not only saved Hicks tens of thousands of dollars “I wanted to become the photographer over the years, but she’s also been able that nobody else wanted to be,” Hicks to capture beautiful moments and says. “I wanted to be the one who create priceless experiences for herself takes the time to get to know their and others. subject before taking their picture, the one who loves to see a moment “Getting into photography was an captured before it’s interrupted by accident—or maybe it was fate,” someone else yelling, ‘SMILE!’. I love explains Hicks. “When doing research, Mr. Waller of Waller & Co Jewelers hearing a client say, ‘Wow, I didn’t 6

Urban Views Weekly | March 22, 2017

Nicole’s Great Cousin Julie Keel, cele

even know you were there during this moment,’ or ‘Wow, I wasn’t expecting the [candid] photo to look this great.’” Though she’s pleased with how far she’s come in the past six years, Hicks is constantly challenging herself to grow her skill set and expand her portfolio. She’s recently shifted her focus to street photography and environmental portraits, welcoming the challenge to think fast and execute quality images while getting to know her subject in a short amount of time. Her most recent challenge, one that was rather career defining, was a birth session.

Emotional fathe daughter a

nd Photographer’s Journey to Greatness By Jana M. Hall

bring along for vacations, should all else fail. Instead, it turned out to be a real investment that not only benefits her, but also her subjects who choose to invest in a photographer to capture their most memorable moments.

Award-winning photographer Chase Jarvis once said, “The best camera is the one you have with you.” Whether it’s a standard camera phone or a $5,000 camera, nothing beats the ability to freeze moments in time, especially the moments you want to remember forever. Where splurging on actual cameras may not be an option, Richmond offers countless studios that give classes on how to make the most of the camera right there on your cell phone. You’ll learn proper angles, what type of lighting works best for the subject you’re shooting, and various camera settings and features you never knew existed. Best of all, they’re affordable, and make the financial sacrifice much more worthwhile than anything you buy from the impulse rack.

This is exactly why Hicks encourages others to splurge when possible in support of a local photographer. The results are incredible, and they’re able to produce images that supersede the images you capture with a camera phone and untrained eye.

ebrates her 96th Birthday in Blackwell

“There isn’t a moment in a birth session where you can say, ‘Wait, put that baby back in there so I can get this shot,’” Hicks jokes. “The emotions and moments are literally gone within a split second. One moment, the mom is screaming, and the next, the entire room is quiet while everyone gazes tearfully at the new life boasting his or her healthy lungs.”

er embraces his at wedding

Taking on such a challenge as environmental portraits helps keep her creative eye sharp and quick. With each new shoot, she tests the bounds of her abilities and amazes herself with how far she’s come. At the very least, she thought her camera would be a nice tool to

“With camera phones, people are naturally more comfortable; there’s less pressure, and people are able to be themselves,” says Hicks. “The downside, though, is that people place more focus on getting the right angle and the right lighting, and they end up missing the moment completely. It all becomes a hassle, which then turns into an epic photo fail. That’s where the professional comes in.”

Street Photography RVA

Whether buying a professional camera, booking a photographer for special life events, or signing up for classes at your local photography studio, make that investment. Splurge on yourself and loosen the purse strings so that you may capture moments that last forever.

Not only have photographers “If you ever doubt the splurged on value of photography, or equipment, but think investing in your they’ve made skills or a professional is investments of time and too expensive, think about Maternity Shoot (left), Henry Mack of money into perfecting their the things you splurge Veterans Helping Veterans NOW craft. They’ve attended on now and how long they expensive seminars; they’ve actually last,” Hicks says. “If you’re learned how to properly edit photos after the shoots. buying a $6 latte every day, you end up spending over Ultimately, they’ve put their all into creating a one-of-a$2,000 in one year. That cup only lasts a few minutes. A kind experience for each client. Offering your support not picture? A picture lasts a lifetime.” only benefits the photographer, but also you, the subject. Photos: Nicole Hicks

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How to Guide

How to Choose an Interior Decorator Is your home due for an update? Are you tired of the outdated appearance? Or perhaps, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve recently built a beautiful new home and need someone with a good eye to help you complete the project?

of interior decorators in your area. Check with your family and friends as well. In particular, if you know someone whose home you adore, ask who did the work.

Interior design is a great way to showcase your personality, style and uniqueness. Your home and office say a lot about your personality and character. An interior decorator can help you find a whole new look for your home. Selecting the right interior decorator will help save you time and money.

Choose three interior decorators to interview. Typically, these meetings occur in their offices, but sometimes a prospective interior decorator will want to meet in your home. He or she might want to see the house in order to provide specific details. Other decorators prefer to hold interviews in their offices so you can see their previous work and look at samples.

Know Your Personal Taste Before hiring a decorator, think about your personal tastes. Leaf through magazines and clip out designs that appeal to you to get an idea of what is available. You could also look on the Internet and print out specific looks you like. Put them in a three-ringed binder or file folder with a comment about why it attracts you. Seeing your preferences will help the decorator understand how to fulfill your needs.

The first is by-the-hour. The interior designer will ask that you pay for a minimum number of hours. Once those hours are gone, you may choose to purchase more time in bulk or they may opt to work on an hourly basis.

It is also a good idea to learn some interior design terminology so you can speak the same language as the designer. Do you know the difference between a club chair, armoire and highboy? Studying the words they use will help you avoid disappointment later.

The second payment option is cost-plus. When interior decorators purchase items for your home, they simply add a percentage to the cost. If the decorator uses this method, be sure to discuss your overall budget with them. They will welcome your honesty.

Urban Views Weekly | March 22, 2017

Cost of an Interior Decorator Ask about how bills are handled. Usually there are three methods of payment.

Locate Interior Decorators Research the names and contact information of interior decorators. The National Kitchen and Bath Association and the American Society of Interior Design have a list

Continues to Page 9

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Tip of the Week from page 8

The third choice is a combination of by-the-hour and cost-plus. Certification and Training Currently, 26 states require interior decorators to be certified. The National Kitchen and Bath Association and the American Society of Interior Design oversee these certifications. These professional organizations have their own requirements. By their rules, decorators must have at least an associate’s degree, serve an apprenticeship, and then pass an exam to become certified. Once a decorator has passed an initial exam, professionals can continue their education to prove mastery in specialized skills. Style The best interior decorators have strong personal design philosophies. You will see it in their portfolios and when you speak to them. The ideal professional will have

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an ability to understand and reflect your style. After all, you are the person who will live in your home. They should fit in with your style, not the other way around. Find someone who is flexible and communicative. If the person doesn’t take criticism well, that is not a person you want to work with. Once you have interviewed three interior decorators, choose one you have a connection with. Continue discussing time frames, costs and other details about the project. Do not make payments until you have a contract. Finding an interior decorator might seem like an overwhelming task. Through research, communication and staying true to your own style, you can find a decorator who will transform your house into a true home.

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TanyaFree.com/ Urban Views Weekly Poll The criticism of vaccines voiced by the President and other vaccine skeptics is at odds with the attitudes of most Americans, according to a recent poll, who overwhelmingly support requiring public school children to be vaccinated for measles, mumps and rubella.

What’s Your Take? Do you support mandated student vaccinations for measles, mumps and rubella? Check out the story and respond to this week’s poll at TanyaFree.com and the Urban Views Weekly FACEBOOK Page. Listen to the Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show Wednesdays @ 2pm on WCLM1450AM streaming LIVE @ TanyaFree.com and BlackTalkRadioNetwork.com. You can now watch us LIVE at TanyaFree.com and ustream.tv

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Urban Views Weekly | March 22, 2017

SAVOR

Family Features Courtesy of Goodnessknows

A Smooth Way to Start Your Day A wealth of research shows that starting each morning with a nutritious breakfast delivers benefits throughout the day. If you’re pressed for time or simply need to mix up your morning routine, put a fresh spin on a time-saving favorite by making a smoothie bowl. Smoothie bowls typically have a thicker consistency than traditional smoothies, and according to a recent study in the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,” the thicker the smoothie, the more full you will feel. “I love smoothie bowls because they are a satisfying and satiating way to get a ton of nutrition in first thing in the morning,” said Carolyn Brown, a registered dietitian and nutritionist at www.foodtrainers.com.

Foodtrainers in New York City. “You can add in healthy ingredients that you might not be able to eat on a daily basis like spinach, basil, mint, cinnamon, nut butters or avocado.” Brown points out that in her experience with clients, people love to eat with a spoon and find it more mentally and physically satisfying. The same goes for adding texture, such as a crunchy topping like goodnessknows snack squares. These satisfying, gluten-free snacks are crafted with the goodness of whole nuts, real fruits and toasted oats, with no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners. Divided into four snackable squares per serving and nestled in a layer made with dark chocolate, one individual, two-bite square contains only about 40 calories.

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Oatmeal Banana Smoothie Bowl

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Recipe courtesy of Alison Ray of www.sochiclife.com

Smoothie 1/2 cup Greek yogurt 1 frozen banana 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 1/4 cup raw oats 1/2 cup milk (or unsweetened almond or coconut milk) 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon vanilla honey, to taste (optional) Toppings Diced apples Shaved almonds Cinnamon Apple almond & peanut dark chocolate snack squares In blender, mix all smoothie ingredients until smooth. Add honey to increase sweetness, if desired. Add toppings before serving. Follow us!

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In small bowl, mix together oats, coconut milk, chia seeds, vanilla and pinch of salt. Cover and place in refrigerator at least 30 minutes or overnight to help flavors soak in. In blender or food processor, combine oat mixture with remaining milk and half of the banana (or applesauce). Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour creamy oats into bowl, and top with snack squares, coconut and slices of remaining banana half.

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Urban Views Weekly | March 22, 2017

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FUNdraising from page 2

Classifieds

PUBLIC NOTICE

your organization. People may come to an event where a politician is speaking, but they may not be coming to support your organization – they may be coming to press their cause with the politician. You also have to remember that with any political leader half the people love that person, and half don’t. That can put your nonprofit in a bind, especially when you serve and advocate for all people regardless of their political beliefs. It’s also important to remember that politicians are always raising money for themselves and others in their party. While you may want them to serve in a leadership role for your fundraising campaign, they may not be able to give the time required, nor the resources to make a leadership level gift. Other things to consider include flexibility, dependability, and accessibility. Local, state and/or federal regulations related to ethics

and conflict of interest can impact the extent of their involvement. The reality of their position means that when big issues break they have to drop everything and focus on the issue at hand. This can mean they have to cancel or reschedule important meetings. Here’s our bottom line: Engage all members of your community, including politicians. Just remember that a politician may or not be the right person to lead your fundraising. Consider the real or perceived conflicts when making your decision. An ideal role is that of trusted advisor. 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.

Expand your network and Grow your business.

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

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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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