Urban Views Weekly May 3, 2017 by Urban Views Weekly

May 3, 2017

Scholar of the Week - Ajhani Oxendine

Mildred Thomas is a stroke survivor with a testimony

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Civic Beat To our Readers

As we enter the tenth year of publishing, we hold fast to our mission of showcasing the African American community in a positive light. It has always been our fundamental belief that there needs to be a counterbalance to the images and depictions so often shown of African Americans in the mainstream media. Now, as we go into our tenth year we will enhance your “views” by providing color to our entire publication. Going forward, when we show you, we will show you in “living color.” Not just black and white, but every color in the rainbow. We live in a time where almost everyone is carrying a camera and color images are at everyone’s fingertips; we felt that color should be in your fingertips as you read our pages. To those who submit photographs that accompany a news release, your pictures will look the best if you send larger files. The small files that will work on social media get distorted when we try to print them large enough to be impactful. Make sure your files are at least 1MB. To our advertisers, an article in Scientific American stated “researchers learned that subjects were more likely to recall the color version of an image than the same scene in black and white.” Your color ad is going to work harder for you than a black and white ad. As we celebrate 10 years, we are giving you the color for free. We trust you will enjoy the upgrade. We thank you for your continued support. *Source Genesis 9:12-17

FUNdraising Good Times

Choosing and using a donor management system - Part Two The complaints associated perspective. Here’s an with using technology alternative: consider the to support fundraising following guidance from are many and varied. Ashley Harper. We asked Unfortunately the “human her a few questions that factor” plays a large role can help you improve your in how well a specific “human factor.” database or tool performs. Saad&Shaw: What are We touched on a few of the dos and don’ts when these in part one of this series. These include taking it comes to managing a donor management the time to evaluate your system? organization’s technology needs, evaluating how a Harper: As with any system integrates with important institutional existing hardware; data knowledge, more than one security; support costs; person should understand and correctly estimating how to use the system, start-up, conversion, and processes should be maintenance, training and standardized, documented, staff-related costs. and adopted by all who use the system. One It is easier to blame development professional technology than to assess told me that his boss human capacity. As used to say, “If you don’t with many aspects of document a conversation infrastructure, the wish with a donor in the system, is for the challenge to it didn’t happen. ” If a donor be addressed quickly, management system has inexpensively, and “once been and for all.” But that is not always a good long-term continues to page 11 Ervin B. Clarke, Publisher publisher@urbanviewsweekly.com Flora C. Clarke, Administrative Assistant flora@urbanviewsweekly.com

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Urban Views Weekly | May 3, 2017

Cover photo courtesy of Mildred Thomas

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When a

stroke strikes

seconds count. When a stroke strikes, seconds count. Without blood and oxygen, brain cells can become damaged and may die in just minutes. If you or a loved one is ever stricken, remember that Bon Secours St. Mary’s is a Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Center. Recognized for the highest level of care for the most complex stroke cases.

“...the “human factor” plays a role how Inlarge addition, everyin Bon Secours hospital in Richmond is a wellCommission a specific Joint Primary Stroke Care Center, database orrecognized tool for excellence and outcomes. performs.” When a stroke strikes, believe in Bon Secours.

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Urban Views Weekly | May 3, 2017

ViewPoints

By Dr. T

It’s THAT time of year Alcohol is the most widely used substance among America’s teens and young adults. Although great strides have been made over the last decades regarding alcohol and substance abuse programs, education and awareness, underage drinking and substance abuse continues to pose substantial health and safety risks. The average age for a first drink is 14, as unbelievable as that may seem. As we approach the end of the academic year with all of its traditional celebratory events such as graduations, proms and end of the year parties, the danger posed by underage drinking and/or substance abuse by teenagers and young adults increases substantially.

The truth remains that alcohol and substance abuse continue to be serious problems within our culture. This is especially true among our teens and young adults. It is at this time of year when we become acutely aware of the problem because of the horrible consequences that poor choices and poor decisionmaking cause when young people get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol. The dreaded phone call or knock on the door when law enforcement officers or medical staff have to deliver the information no one ever wants to hear. In the silent moment of disbelief and unspeakable pain, there are those who are left to mourn and pick up the scattered pieces of their lives; forever changed by a series of events that could have been different, if only alcohol hadn’t impaired the judgment of those young people involved in celebrating their big accomplishment and rite of passage.

Every year, 4,358 young people die in alcohol-related deaths as a result of underage drinking. Alcoholrelated deaths include alcohol poisoning, falls, burns, drowning; homicides and suicides, but the most common cause of death for teens at this time of year are car crashes. The tragic loss of life and the grief that There are many reasons why young people drink, easy overwhelms family and friends is always exacerbated access to alcohol, socialization, peer pressure, family by not only the age of these young victims, but history, depression, coping, other emotional problems, also because of this particular time of year when anxiety and many more. Many young people are milestones are being reached and accomplishments engaged in these dangerous behaviors prior to the celebrated. These young people have made plans for party season or end-of-year celebrations, but there college, designated career paths, and new directions are some who use the momentous occasion of prom for their lives. Their futures are looking bright and their families and friends have been or graduation to over indulge. Whatever the reasons, it is a dangerous end-of-year ritual bragging on their accomplishments, exchanging pictures and tweets by the millions, and in which far too many young people engage. It is highly risky behavior with the possibility then it is all cut short by the unimaginable horror of devastating and life-altering consequences. Open of the loss of a life so full of promise and hope. The and honest discussion with your children is required. abrupt change of planning a funeral or memorial Knowing who is driving the car and what kind of Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. service rather than a graduation party is so tragically adult supervision is happening at the celebratory Founder and Artistic Director painful; it is something we really hate to even think events is essential to preventing a tragic outcome The Conciliation Project and Associate Professor about. Far too many parents, relatives and friends will when what we want to do, especially at this time of Virginia Commonwealth University find themselves in the center of this unfortunate set of year, is offer congratulations, applause and tears of DrT@Margins2theCenter.com | www.theconciliationproject.org circumstances this year in just a few days and weeks. joy…not the other kind of tears.

“Although great strides have been made over the last decades... underage drinking and substance abuse continues to pose substantial health and safety risks.”

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Health News

sponsored by VCU Health

ACT FAST - Stroke Awareness & Prevention Stroke, also known as a “brain attack,” is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Every 40 seconds someone has a stroke.

• High cholesterol

How does a stroke occur?

• Diabetes

• Blood gives the brain the oxygen and nutrients it needs to survive

• Poor circulation

• Arteries are the blood vessels that provide this blood to the brain

• Obesity

• Smoking

• Not being active

• When an artery is blocked or bursts, an area of the brain may not get enough blood • This can cause brain cells to die and lead to brain damage If you see any sign of stroke, consider it an emergency. According to the National Stroke Association, “African Americans are more impacted by stroke than any other racial groups within the American population. African Americans are twice as likely to die from stroke as Caucasians and their rate of first strokes is almost double that of Caucasians.” What are the risk factors of stroke? Risk factors you can’t control • Age: 1 out of 4 people who have a stroke are under 65, but your chance of stroke increases as you get older

If someone looks like this, it could be a stroke.

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J. Chevonte’ Alexander

• Race: African Americans and Hispanics have a higher risk of stroke than people of other races • Gender: Stroke is more common in men, but more women die from stroke each year • Family history: You are at greater risk if a family member has had a stroke Risk factors that can be managed • High blood pressure: The number one risk factor for stroke, and 1 in 3 African Americans suffer from high blood pressure. They are also less likely to have it under control than their non-Hispanic Caucasian counterparts. • Atrial fibrillation (A-fib)

Warren L. Felton, M.D., professor of neurology at VCU School of Medicine and medical director at the VCU Comprehensive Stroke Center suggests the following to prevent a stroke, “Find out if you have a medical condition that can lead to stroke. Treat the condition if it is diagnosed. Regular check-ups with a doctor or nurse are important. Remember, these conditions may affect younger people too, and later lead to stroke. The most important treatable factors are hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, and smoking, in addition to maintaining a healthy weight, exercise and sleep.” Know the Signs Act FAST FAST is an easy way to remember and identify the most common symptoms of a stroke. Recognition of stroke and calling 9-1-1 will determine how quickly someone will receive help and treatment. continues to page 9

Know all of stroke’s warning signs and be ready to act F.A.S.T.

F – Face drooping A – Arm weakness S – Speech difficulty T – Time to call 9-1-1

vcu-stroke.com

Urban Views Weekly | May 3, 2017

American Stroke Month:

When it comes to healthy living, far too many believe truly a warning from God, because on September 5, while we’re exempt from the facts and statistics. We disregard sitting in the Gateway lobby of VCU, I had a stroke.” sobering data that serves as reminders that these very temples we use The signs began as difficulty to daily could face lifeform sentences as she placed threatening illness and her order for lunch. Then, disease at a moment’s she struggled to pick up her notice. The fact is that belongings and return to her 795,000 Americans friend’s bedside. She’d pick up suffer a stroke each year. her purse, then watch it fall The fact also that every back to the floor, and repeat forty seconds, someone the cycle again and again. It in the U.S. has a stroke, didn’t register that this was and every four minutes, the moment her friend’s someone dies from words would manifest until one. Even still, we must two medical professionals ran understand that facts to assist her. Not even five and data are not destiny. minutes after realizing she Preventing, treating, was having a stroke, Thomas and overcoming stroke was rushed to the emergency is more than just a department and then to the Mildred Thomas possibility, but a reality. operating room for a procedure to remove the clot from the In September 2016, Mildred Thomas learned the left side of her brain. In a moment’s notice, life came importance of keeping health a priority in order to full-circle. maintain her status as an overcomer. After experiencing a spiral dissection, an unusual heart attack for an otherwise “We’re going to do everything we can,” the doctor assured healthy adult, Thomas developed a close relationship with her during the procedure. And indeed, they did. The very her cardiologist, whom she saw semi-annually. Sixteen next day, she was downgraded from ICU to a normal years later, before her cardiologist retired, he ran tests to recovery room, and the following day, she was home. gauge her progress. As far as the “Because I was in the right place grading scale goes, at the right time, they got in and she’d aced them all, removed the clot right away. That’s and was healthier at the key to preventing residual 59 than when she’d effects from stroke: recognize the suffered the attack signs and get treated immediately.” at 43. Naturally, Thomas also recognizes the impact this clean bill of health was the green light she needed to this experience had on her faith, which was strong before, wean herself off all medicine and return to business as but even stronger today. usual. But as life would have it, she found herself back in the emergency room with a harrowing reminder of how “It was all a miracle; I was blessed to have everything fall imperative it is to be in-tune with your body at every turn, into place the way it did,” she says. “In tough times, The regardless of how healthy you feel. Lord always leads me to Jeremiah 29:11.”

“The fact is that 795,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year.”

“One of my best friends had a major stroke at the end of August 2016, and as I spent time with her at the hospital, I could feel my body wearing down,” Thomas recalls. “She told me, ‘Mildred, you’re going to have a stroke.’ It was 6

Urban Views Weekly | May 3, 2017

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) states, “‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Thomas believes that with both the heart attack and the stroke,

Mildred with daughter

God is unstoppable, and His plan for her life cannot and will not be foiled. Today, Thomas’ message is clear: our body is a temple, and we must treat it as such. Her testimony is heard far and wide as she encourages women everywhere to know their body and monitor their health closely in order to recognize signs of disease immediately. Locally sponsored by:

SPOT A STRO

StrokeAssociation.org/Warnin

An Overcomer’s Journey

Above all, Thomas believes in living fearlessly, unafraid of the data or even her own experiences. She’s begun managing her diet, keeps her cholesterol numbers in the normal range, has incorporated light exercise into her weekly routine, and remains committed to living life as an overcomer.

r Mila and son Sheldon

“I try to inform women to be aware of their bodies because heart attack symptoms for women are very different than men. What’s been publicized in the past are typically symptoms for men, so I encourage women to know the difference. I also teach them the importance of recognizing when there’s real cause for concern and when it’s just gas passing through the body.”

OKE F.A.S.T.

ngSigns | 1-888-4-STROKE

By Janna M. Hall

staff stress the importance of following doctor’s orders, as failing to take medicine severely increases the chances of having another stroke. If finances are a concern, the center works with patients to keep them on track. It truly takes a village to keep survivors healthy, and the VCU Stroke Center prides itself on being that village.

Mildred Thomas’ story is not an anomaly. She and Part of providing the solid thousands of stroke survivors support system needed in Richmond and beyond to recover from stroke is have worn their status as managing expectations “overcomer” as a badge of about what recovery and honor, thanks to the VCU progress truly looks like. The day Mildred was visiting her friend at VCU Comprehensive Stroke There’s no set timeline for Medical Center, Joya Sanyal (left), a VCU employee, the healing process; every Center. Equipped with recognized that Mildred was displaying the signs of milestone reached is an emergency physicians and stroke and got her medical attention immediately. accomplishment, and it nurses, vascular neurologists and neurosurgeons who takes the collaboration of are present around the clock, the Stroke Center has the physical and occupational therapy, social work, and speech staff, technology, and resources that not only allow them pathologists to bring patients back to optimal health. to handle complex stroke cases efficiently, but also allows Everyone’s journey is different, but it helps to choose a them to treat more stroke patients than any stroke center reliable tribe to stay with you every step of the way. in Central Virginia. “When it comes to choosing a stroke center, the most “We have a wonderful inpatient rehab in the hospital,” important thing to remember is that not all are created explains Kristina Gooch, RN, VCU Comprehensive equal,” advises Stacie Stevens, PhD, NP, RN, VCU Stroke Center Clinical Stroke Center Program Nurse. “Transition is very Coordinator. “We all simple. Our main focus is operate within the preventing another stroke guidelines of stroke from happening, so we treatment, but some are follow-up with patients, more experienced than paying special attention others.” to their mental state and how they’re adjusting. We also provide resources for Her advice? Do your research. See which centers are transitioning back into their community and adapting to more assertive, research their outcomes, and gain an the new normal, and I do follow-up calls with complex understanding of how fast they are at identifying and stroke patients to make sure they’re doing okay with their treating strokes. medication.” As common as they are, strokes have the ability to alter Unfortunately, a common thread amongst stroke survivors your entire life’s trajectory. However, data is not destiny; is the tendency to stop taking medication. Like Thomas, success stories like Mildred Thomas and others’ serve as many feel they’re well enough to wean themselves off examples of how the proper treatment, the right mindset, the medicine, and in other cases, they run out and fail to and a team of dedicated professionals allows you to not refill their prescription. Whatever the case, the nurses and only survive, but thrive.

“...Thomas’ message is clear: our body is a temple, and we must treat it as such.”

Photos courtesy of Mildred Thomas

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The Deal

Make Sure Your Property’s Assessed Value is Correct Some homeowners can’t wait to see the assessed value of their home drop. In fact, they’ll tell you the bigger the drop, the better. Why? Your property taxes depend on your tax rate and your property’s current market value, which is determined by a local assessor. You can’t dispute the tax rate, but you may be able to show why the assessed value is too high.

Make a list of comparable properties. Try to get a list of four to six similar properties in your area and their market value. You could use real estate websites that list recent or estimated sales prices, ask your neighbors or look through public databases to find official assessed values. If you find the homes’ sales prices or assessed values are lower than yours, or similar but your home is in worse condition, you may have a strong argument.

An appeal that results in a lower value could save you money for years to come. Find out when you can file an appeal. Start the process by determining when you can appeal your home’s value assessment. You may be able to find the deadline on your local assessor’s website, which might also have instructions on how to file an appeal. Some areas have a several-month window each year for appeals, often following the annual mailing of assessment value notices. In addition, you might be able to dispute your property’s assessment following a renovation or if you just bought the home. Check your current assessment for errors. Every year, you should receive an official letter stating the assessed value of your home. If you think your property value is lower than the stated value, start collecting proof to demonstrate your reasoning. One of the first things to look for is a mistake on your

By Nathaniel Sillin

Estimate the cost of repairs. A leaky roof, cracked driveway or another issue could lower your property’s value. Make a list of the faults, estimate cost for repairs and take pictures as proof. property’s description, which may be on the letter you received or on your property card — available at the assessor’s office or online. It’s not unheard of for a property card to list an extra bathroom or incorrect square footage. Assessors aren’t always able to look inside a home during an inspection, and they might not know about renovations to a home. Make a note of errors and try to estimate the value of each. You’ll be able to use these as a basis for your appeal. Gather more evidence. To strengthen your appeal, you may want to find additional evidence.

Make a note of changes in your neighborhood. A property’s value depends on more than just the home. If nearby houses were recently foreclosed on or the schools’ rankings dropped, your property could be worth less than it was before. Get a professional assessment. You could hire a statecertified appraiser to estimate your property’s current value. However, the assessment might cost $300 to $500, and this might only be a good idea if your research already looks fruitful. In some areas, you may need an official assessment to file an appeal. Once you organize your evidence, it’s time to file an appeal. Continues to Page 11

Urban Views Weekly | May 3, 2017

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Health News from page 5

Getting to a hospital rapidly will more likely lead to a better recovery. Use FAST To Remember The Warning Signs Of A Stroke “We emphasize FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) for stroke symptoms, because it is easy to remember and effective.” comments Dr. Felton. • Facial drooping: A section of the face, usually only on one side, that is drooping and hard to move. This can be recognized by a crooked smile. • Arm weakness: The inability to raise one’s arm fully • Speech difficulties: An inability or difficulty to understand or produce speech • Time: If any of the symptoms above are showing, time is of the essence; call the emergency services or go to the hospital. The sooner you notice the signs of stroke and call 911, the better the chance of recovery. Take a minute to learn how to act FAST. It’s an easy way to remember the signs of stroke. “Have the person lie down, or sit down if they are not able to lie down. Call 9-1-1. Stay with the person until help arrives.” says Dr. Felton. Other warning signs Stroke can affect people in different ways. Here are other warning signs you should know: • Trouble seeing in one or both eyes • Difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance and coordination • Severe headache with no known cause Strokes can be very traumatic on the person and their family. It is imperative that we understand the symptoms to reduce our possibility of having a stroke. We also need to recognize the signs. ACT FAST!

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Urban Views Weekly | May 3, 2017

Scholar of the Week

By Janeal Downs

Ajhani Oxendine

of Richmond Community High School GPA: 3.66 College(s) of Interest: Sweet Briar College Major Community Service: Boys and Girls Club of Metro Richmond and F.R.I.E.N.D.S Strong Interests: Biology, animals and the veterinarian field Favorite Activities: Working with the Boys and Girls Club and Jazz Band

Old Buckingham Road (Route 13) Bridge Replacement Powhatan County Willingness to Hold a Public Hearing Section 4(f) De Minimis Public Notice Find out about the proposed Old Buckingham Road (Route 13) bridge replacement project over Sallee Creek. The project will replace the 97 year old structure. The road will be temporarily closed and a detour will be in place for approximately four months during construction. Review the project information and National Environmental Policy Act documentation at VDOT’s Richmond District Office located at 2430 Pine Forest Drive in Colonial Heights, 23834-9002 804-524-6000, 1-800-3677623,TTY/TDD 711. Please call ahead to ensure the availability of appropriate personnel to answer your questions.

At just 2 years old, Ajhani Oxendine walked her from high school to college is learning how up to her mother and said that she wanted to to outline and finding her best study practice. be a veterinarian when she grew up. At such a She credits attending Richmond Community young age, Ajhani didn’t remember saying this, High School with helping her learn better ways but even in elementary school, she continued to to study while also pushing herself to do more If your concerns cannot be satisfied, VDOT is willing to hold a public want to be a veterinarian. Whether they want to work. hearing. You may request that a public hearing be held by sending a written request to Winston Phillips, Project Manager, Virginia be princesses or famous While she is still in school, Department of Transportation, 2430 Pine Forest Drive, Colonial Heights, singers, many children Ajhani works to maintain her VA 23834-9002 or by email to Winston.Phillips@VDOT.Virginia.gov on change their aspirations 3.66 GPA. She is a member or prior to May 10, 2017. If a request for a public hearing is received, as they grow older, but notice of date, time and place of the hearing will be posted. of the Environmental Club, Ajhani didn’t. From getting the Music Honor Society, her degree to having to Pursuant to 23 CFR 774, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Mu Alpha Theta and FBLA. put down animals, Ajhani k™ intends to make a Section 4(f) de minimis finding related to the proposed of the Wee Outside of school, Ajhani’s knows she will endure a lot right of way impacts on the Powhatan Wildlife Management Area that favorite thing to do is work as a veterinarian. However, total approximately 0.06 acre. Information relating to this finding is with the Boys and Girls her strong love for animals available by contacting Winston Phillips at the previously stated address. Club. “I love watching the kids. I love helping motivates her. “I feel as if I can help somebody Public comment is invited related to this Section 4(f) de minimis finding. with their homework and just being a part of else by helping their pet,” Ajhani said. “I loved Comments must be received in writing to Winston Phillips by May 10, the activities that they have,” she said. With 2017. all of the dogs or pets that I’ve had in my entire the organization, Ajhani said it is a place to life and I know what it feels like for them to be keep her out of trouble, focused and a location VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs sick and I’m scared.” Ajhani wants to learn how and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights to treat these animals so she can take away their where she feels protected, all while helping Act of 1964. If you have questions or concerns about your civil rights in younger children succeed. Another of her pain and even their owners’ fears. regards to this project or special assistance for persons with disabilities favorite activities is to perform with her school’s or limited English proficiency, contact the project manager listed above. After high school, she will pursue her dreams by jazz band. Along with all of these activities, first obtaining a degree in biology from Sweet Ajhani also works with the Richmond Police State Project: 0013-072-593, P101, R201, C501, B607 Briar College. “I stayed there for a weekend visit Department and is a part of their Richmond Federal Project: BR-072-4(020) and I kind of fell in love. I love the campus, I Police Athletic League. She even helps with their UPC: 105108 love the environment,” Ajhani said. Sweet Briar summer and weekend camps. College is an all-girl’s school which Ajhani In 2015, Ajhani was awarded first place in said will eliminate distractions as she pursues her mother went back to school while also want to be better and do better for future me Emerging Business Issues and also second her degree. Also, the school’s lacrosse coach working both a full time and part time job. and future her too.” Now, Ajhani is working place in a public speaking competition. With has asked her to attend the school and join “She was putting in a lot of work and that really to make her mother proud and herself as plans to continue succeeding and reaching her their team. Ajhani looks forward to being in a motivated me, ” Ajhani said. “Going through she works hard to accomplish her long-time goals, one of Ajhani’s biggest inspirations is her different environment trying new things such as really hard situations with her just made me dream of becoming a veterinarian. mother. While Ajhani was in elementary school, horseback riding. One lesson she will take with

Scholar0

Urban Views Weekly | May 3, 2017

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FUNdraising from page 2

working well, think twice about letting a new staff person talk you into converting to a system they prefer or are familiar with. However, an investment in proper training for staff will almost always be worth the cost. Saad&Shaw: What do you consider the “average life” of a donor management system to be? (time period of usefulness before needing to upgrade or buy a new one) Harper: On average nonprofits are assessing their database systems every two to three years, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are making a change that often. Unless there are significant needs that the current system cannot meet or vendor support issues, there is no reason to go through a database conversion. Saad&Shaw: Who are the people within a nonprofit who should have input into the decision of which system to purchase? Harper: Ideally, everyone that interacts with the database will have some say in the decision. The buy-in this creates will help when it comes to staff training and use of

the new product. Ideally, a team should be assembled with one person leading the team and being the main liaison with the consultant and/or vendor. The team could include one representative from each department that will use the system, with the director of development being the team leader. The complexity and depth of the system will indicate the members needed. For example, if volunteers will be included in the system along with donors, staff members who enter volunteer data should be represented on the team. Learn more from Harper: abbharper@ icloud.com. Resources: Websites that can assist in the process include Idealware.org, TechSoup. org, and NTEN.org. Visit bit.ly/FGTBlog for additional resources. 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.

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The Deal from page 8

TanyaFree.com/ Urban Views Weekly Poll Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have joined the critics of former President Obama’s reported plan to receive $400,000 to speak at a September Wall Street Health Conference. Senator Sanders described the speaking fee as “distasteful” and Senator Warren stated that the former President’s decision “troubled” her.

What’s your take? Do you have a problem with former President Obama accepting $400,000 to speak at a Wall Street sponsored conference? 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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Sales Representative Needed

Present your findings. The appeal process varies depending on where you live. If you have a simple scenario, such as a mistake on your property card, you might be able to make your appeal over the phone. But some counties require you to submit the appeal online or by mail, or you may have to schedule an in-person review at the assessor’s office. It could take several weeks to months to hear back. If the decision doesn’t come back in your favor, you could file another appeal with an independent review board.

Bottom line: After gathering evidence, you can make a showing for why your home’s assessed value is too high and potentially lower your property taxes. But think twice if you’re considering selling your home soon. A lower assessed value might affect how much someone is willing to pay for the home. Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ PracticalMoney

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