Urban Views Weekly July 5, 2017 by Urban Views Weekly

July 5, 2017

Scholar of the Week - Jordon Crichlow

Teach our children to swim

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Let’s talk about growing your business. Ask us how: (804) 441-6255 TanyaFree.com/ Urban Views Weekly Poll Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is reportedly considering a run for president. Holder has not made an announcement, but according to reporting, he has stated that his history of being behind the scenes is “about to change.” “I have a certain status as the former Attorney General. A certain familiarity as the first African American Attorney General. There’s a justified perception that I’m close to President Obama. So I want to use whatever skills I have, whatever notoriety I have, to be effective in opposing things that are, at the end of the day, just bad for the country.”

What’s your take? Do you think Eric Holder would be a good presidential candidate for 2020? 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

Urban Views Weekly | July 5, 2017

Civic Beat FUNdraising Good Times

Are you intimidated by your nonprofit peers? It’s a funny thing how we credit others with super powers and become intimidated based on what we think we know. Here’s our advice: don’t be intimidated. Learn what contributes to success and get to work, dayby-day, building a culture of success.

making organizational excellence a priority. The following is a long list of the types of things that peer organizations may have achieved and that may intimidate you: • longer tenure in the community • bigger budget • more volunteers • more attention from media • more funding from stakeholders • status as the “in thing” • reduced turnover of staff and volunteers • well performing data management program • total buy-in for what they are selling in the marketplace.

“Don’t compare yourself to others: compare yourself to the standards of nonprofit excellence.”

We understand the reality that for most organizations there is always a nonprofit, college or hospital that is more successful or more well known. There are organizations that are bigger, more established, more nimble, or with a larger budget. Sometimes when we begin work with a client one of the first things we learn is all the reasons why they can’t be successful. We listen, but at the same time we believe And here’s more of that long list: staff is each organization can rise to the occasion, qualified and experienced; service niche become an equal, or surpass their peers. is well defined; excellent stewardship program; coordinated communication We suggest focusing on your organization and reporting throughout the and your uniqueness. Don’t compare organization; well run annual campaign; yourself to others: compare yourself to donor recognition and acknowledgement the standards of nonprofit excellence. is unique and meaningful; well trained You can improve your position in the volunteers; engaged board; and a philanthropic market; the first step is donor base that continues to page 11

Ervin B. Clarke, Publisher publisher@urbanviewsweekly.com

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Health News

sponsored by VCU Health J. Chevonte’ Alexander

Understanding Hepatitis Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver. Your liver is the largest organ inside your body. It helps your body digest food, store energy and remove poisons.

particularly dangerous in pregnant women. Hepatitis A Hepatitis A is caused by an infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). This type of hepatitis is most commonly transmitted by consuming food or water contaminated by feces from a person infected with hepatitis A.

Viruses are a common cause of hepatitis. The type of hepatitis is named for the virus that causes it; for example, hepatitis A, hepatitis B or hepatitis C. “Hepatitis C is common cause of liver disease that occurs in 5 million individuals, and is common in baby boomers. Studies have shown that ⅔ of the total population of Americans with chronic hepatitis C were born between 1945 and 1965.” says Dr. Richard Sterling, professor of internal medicine and chief of liver disease at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Medicine. Drug or alcohol use can also cause hepatitis. In other cases, your body mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the liver. Some people who have hepatitis have no symptoms. Others may have: • • • • • •

Loss of appetite Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Dark-colored urine and pale bowel movements Stomach pain Jaundice, yellowing of skin and eyes

Some forms of hepatitis are mild, and others can be serious. Some can lead to scarring, called cirrhosis, or

to liver cancer. Sometimes hepatitis goes away by itself. If it does not, it can be treated with drugs. Sometimes hepatitis lasts a lifetime. Vaccines can help prevent some viral forms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.4 million Americans are currently living with chronic hepatitis B and C. Many more people don’t even know that they have hepatitis. 5 types of viral hepatitis Viral infections of the liver that are classified as hepatitis include hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. A different virus is responsible for each type of virally transmitted hepatitis. Hepatitis A is always an acute, short-term disease, while hepatitis B, C, and D are most likely to become ongoing and chronic. Hepatitis E is usually acute but can be

Hepatitis B Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood, vaginal secretions, or semen, containing the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Injection drug use, having sex with an infected partner, or sharing razors with an infected person increase your risk of getting hepatitis B. It’s estimated by the CDC that 1.2 million people in the United States and 350 million people worldwide live with this chronic disease. Hepatitis C Hepatitis C comes from the hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV is among the most common blood borne viral infections in the United States. Approximately 2.7 to 3.9 million Americans are currently living with a chronic form of this infection. Hepatitis D Also called delta hepatitis, hepatitis D is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). HDV is contracted through direct contact with infected blood. Hepatitis D is a rare form of continues to page 5

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Urban Views Weekly | July 5, 2017

ViewPoints

By Dr. T

Have you even read the Constitution? “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

wellness initiatives that overshadow the claim that all citizens are covered by the promises promoted within the U.S. Constitution.

“We the People…promote the general Welfare and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity…” A lack of engagement in the political process by those of us most keenly affected by When Dr. Khizr Khan, father of fallen Army Capt. it allows the powerful and elite to continue to Humayun S. M. Khan, and his wife, Ghazala, spoke amass more and more power, while the separation out during the final day of the Democratic National between those who “have” and those who “do Convention in Philadelphia in July 2016, he posed not have” increases exponentially. The resulting the question, “Have you even read the United States consequences are a lack of representation within Constitution?” to the GOP Presidential candidate a democratic process that is supposed to be at the time. He then pulled a pocket-sized copy of representative of the People. When, in fact, it the document out of his jacket and offered it as is not representing us at all. The circus that is a gift. That moment should have been a wake-up the “healthcare debate” currently proceeding in call for ALL Americans to recognize the awesome the U.S. Senate is a case in point. The powerful “We the People…promote the general responsibility we have as citizens to be able to and privileged few have decided to clandestinely respond to that question, “Have you even read the Welfare and secure the Blessings of Liberty collude with one another to dismantle the nation’s U.S. Constitution?” affirmatively. If we do not know healthcare system and reorganize it in a way that the rights, protections and privileges we have as is most beneficial to them and others like them, to ourselves and our Posterity…” citizens, then we are unable to hold our government, while adversely affecting millions upon millions our leaders and our institutions accountable to us, of American citizens, leaving most of the People “We the People…” The words written in our Constitution speak to our inalienable and they represent AND the colleagues with whom they serve out of the deliberations entirely. sacred rights, and the privileges we hold as citizens that are indisputable. This is a crisis and a call to respond to the question posed by a true American patriot, “Have you even read the U.S. Constitution?” The truth is that all politics are local. The consequences of who is included and who is not when considering the question of “rights” remains As we bask in the glow of another Independence Day, problematic and often difficult to reconcile. We and as a nation collectively celebrate the freedoms continue to witness an assault on those so-called we hold so dear, we need to make a commitment Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. rights within our own communities as we look at to STAND on the promises made by the U.S. Founder and Artistic Director our school systems and the school-to-prison pipeline, Constitution. Get off the sidelines and get into the The Conciliation Project and Associate Professor our criminal justice system, the persistent economic process that is our Democracy. The fight for our Virginia Commonwealth University disparities experienced by communities of color, freedom, our liberty, and our health and welfare is in DrT@Margins2theCenter.com | www.theconciliationproject.org and the lack of access to adequate healthcare and the hands and active participation of “We the People!”

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Urban Views Weekly | July 5, 2017

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Virginia State University Fulbright-Hays Group to Travel to Senegal The U.S. Department of Education’s FulbrightHays Group Projects Abroad program has awarded Virginia State University (VSU) an $83,115 grant to conduct an international professional development seminar in Senegal during the summer of 2017. The four-week cultural immersion program, Gender, Tradition, and Transformation in Contemporary Senegal, will bring together a group of Virginia K-12 teachers and VSU faculty to explore cultural and historical contexts for understanding the complexities of contemporary Senegal and its position in West Africa today.

Faculty from VSU are Dr. Joyce Edwards, chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice and Project Director; Dr. Sandra Evans, director of Strategic Learning; Dr. Deborah Goodwyn, associate professor of English; Dr. Patricia Lynch, associate professor and director of the Dietetics Program; Dr. Osayimwense Osa, professor of English; Dr. Maxine Sample, professor of English and director of International Education; and Dr. Badiyyah Waajid, associate professor of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Through lectures, interactions with Senegalese educators and community groups, intensive In collaboration with Boston University’s language study of the indigenous language, Virginia State University President Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D. (center) met with the educators West African Research Association and in and travel to historical and cultural sites, who will participate in the four-week cultural immersion program in Senegal. partnership with two rural Virginia school the program participants will gain a greater The group of Virginia educators will include the following: districts—Southampton County Public awareness of the culture and the region’s Ms. Asia Gray, family and consumer science teacher at Schools and Sussex County Public Schools—VSU significance in the global community. The Group Projects Highland Springs High School in Henrico County; Mr. will provide participating educators with resources to Abroad program is part of the larger Fulbright-Hays Joseph Elliott, art teacher at Sussex Central Middle School; Program, which dates back to 1961, when the late U.S. globalize the curriculum and teach students in culturally responsive ways. The program will include a predeparture Ms. Geralyn Drayton, English teacher at Sussex Central Sen. J. William Fulbright sponsored legislation for several High School; Ms. Katie O’Kennon, history teacher at orientation, a four-week study tour in Senegal, and programs that aim to increase mutual understanding Sussex Central High School; Ms. Tasha Ricks, primary follow-up activities for resource sharing. Upon return, between the United States and the rest of the world. The teacher at Meherrin Elementary School, Southampton participants will draw upon their experience to create goal of these grants is to deepen knowledge of areas of the County; and Dr. Gwendolyn Shannon, Division student-centered learning modules that enhance students’ world not generally included in U.S. educational programs Superintendent of Southampton County Public Schools. cross-cultural understanding and global awareness. and to build participants’ global expertise.

Health News from page 3

hepatitis that only occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B infection. The hepatitis D virus cannot multiply without the presence of hepatitis B. It’s very uncommon in the United States. Hepatitis E Hepatitis E is a waterborne disease caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Hepatitis E is mainly found in areas with poor sanitation and typically results from ingesting fecal matter that contaminates the water supply. This disease is uncommon in the United States. However, cases of hepatitis E have been reported in the Middle East, Asia, Central America, and Africa, according to the CDC. As stated before, Hepatitis C is the most common among

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all of them. Hepatitis C leads to cirrhosis or liver cancer in a quarter of individuals diagnosed. So, how can you contract Hepatitis C?

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Hepatitis C is transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids, typically through injection drug use and sexual contact. Once you are diagnosed with hepatitis, the next step is for the physician to determine how bad it has damaged the liver.

www.CVAACC.org

“Assessment of liver damage and treatments for hepatitis C have advanced tremendously in the last few years, and the process of finding out what’s going on in your body should not be a barrier of moving forward with treatment.” comments Dr. Sterling.

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Urban Views Weekly | July 5, 2017

My mom is a retired swim instructor and each summer she would have my cousins and me participate in her swim lessons backyard in our pool. As much as we griped and frowned that our pool time was being consumed by organized lessons, years later knowing how to swim has been a true blessing and a life-saver. Little did I know then...that swimming is a lifelong lesson. So, go get swimming lessons and learn how to swim - because summer is here and safety is always important! Warm weather is here, which means many families will be heading to beaches, pools, lakes and waterparks. During this time of the year, it is important that parents and adults are prepared and they know how beneficial knowing how to swim can be. The Center on Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in 2015 that every day, about ten people die from unintentional drowning. This is heartbreaking because drowning is preventable with proper lessons and following simple safety tips. Learning to swim is the number one way to reduce accidental injuryrelated deaths. We live in the “River City” and millions of families take trips and vacations to beaches, rivers, lakes, ponds and all different bodies of water. However, 50% of the entire population does not know how to 6

Urban Views Weekly | July 5, 2017

Learning to Swim C

swim. Ten people drown every single day. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental injury-related deaths in children under the age of 4. Imagine if everyone knew how to swim…

Two of those deaths are children under the age of 14. The CDC reports that one of the main factors for children at risk is that they simply do not know how to swim. The most important reason children should learn to swim is safety. Swimming is a life skill. It’s something your child will retain for their entire life. It’s an ability they will have even as an elderly person and it’s the one sport that has the potential to be a true lifesaver. “Learning to swim means much more than learning strokes though; it is learning water survival skills, practicing water safety, and developing comfort in the water.” says Scott Bennett, SwimRVA Director of Communications. SwimRVA along with the YMCA, as part of the Drownproof Initiative, provide cost-free swim lessons through the LearnTo Swim Program. Since SwimRVA has opened its doors in 2012, it has provided over 30,000 free swim lessons to second graders in the region. Currently, around 57 schools in Greater Richmond are participating in the program. The hope is to have all 120 elementary schools involved in the program by 2020. In this program, SwimRVA pays for the transportation, instruction, and safety. It is done during the school day and students are bused over as part of their daily

“Swimming is a life ski child will retain fo curriculum once a week for seven weeks. “The skills and confidence they are developing are extending well beyond the pool and spilling over into the classroom!” says Bennett. “To see a child go from deathly afraid of getting in the pool to jumping in, swimming freestyle and posting a smile that extends from ear to ear is truly gratifying. “ The statistics are startling: 68.9 percent of African American children had “low or no swim ability,” according to a 2010 study commissioned by USA Swimming and conducted by the University of Memphis. For Hispanic children, the number was 57.9 percent. For Caucasians, it was 41.8 percent. Despite all the “black people can’t swim” comments we

Can Be a Lifesaver

By: J. Chevonte’ Alexander

swim lessons for all ages starting as early as 6 months. It is never too early to start learning how to swim. As an infant, it is most important to develop a comfort in water, understand buoyancy and get a good feel for how your body reacts in the water.

“It is also important to understand that it is never too late to learn how to swim as well.” comments Bennett.

ill. It’s something your or their entire life.” hear, these are dangerous facts. Some studies show that the drowning rate for black people ages 5-19 are five times more likely to drown when compared to white children. This disparity was greatest at ages 11–12 years; at these ages, blacks drown in swimming pools at 10 times the rate of whites. One of the causes for this is the segregation and the privatization of pools in the 1950’s. This continued to develop generationally where parents who did not know how to swim did not teach their children. Each summer, the Greater Richmond area sees its fair share of injuries or deaths related to drownings. Most of these are in “recreation” swim areas or in people’s back yards where no lifeguard is present. There are an abundance of organizations that provide

Swimming also has many other health factors. Learning how to swim not only gives you the skills to be water safe, it also provides you with the tools that you can use to stay active, healthy and fit. Swimming takes gravity out of the picture so it becomes a sport or activity that you can continue to do your entire life. It is also good to show your friends, neighbors, family and kids that you understand the risks and believe that every person should know how to swim! Here are some bits of information that is good for everyone to know surrounding the safety of swimming. It is extremely important to do these few things to stay water safe:

know how to swim, please use a flotation device. Using a U.S. Coast Guard approved life vest is recommended. • Always follow the rules of the pool. • If you are swimming in an open body of water, never jump in if you do not know how deep the water is and never dive in head first. • Watch kids when they are in or around water, without being distracted. Keep young children within arm’s reach of an adult. • Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool. They need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather. • Make sure kids learn how to swim and develop these five water survival skills: - step or jump into water over their heads and return to the surface; - float or tread water for one minute;

• Drowning is not like the movies. It is usually quick and quiet.

- turn around in a full circle and find an exit;

• Always swim with a partner.

- swim 25 yards to exit the water; and

• Never swim alone. • Always try to swim where a lifeguard is present. If you do not have a lifeguard, please make sure you or someone with you is certified in CPR, First Aid, AED and Oxygen administration. • If you are swimming with a young child who does not

- exit the water. If in a pool, be able to exit without using the ladder. Drowning is a silent killer that can be avoided when children and parents are taught water safety and basic swim skills. “We are literally changing these children’s lives forever. “says Bennett.

Photos submitted by SwimRVA

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Scholar of the Week

By Janeal Downs

One thing about Jordon Crichlow is that he puts other people first and believes in the importance of looking out for family and friends. “Growing up I’ve always looked out for my friends, if a friend needed my last dollar, they would get it,” Jordon stated in an essay. His desire to help others grew and even helped him in the long run.

Jordon Crichlow of Richmond Community High School

GPA: 3.7 College of Interest: Hampton University Major Community Service: Boys and Girls Club, Club Alkulana and the Environmental Club Strong Interests: Electrical engineering Favorite Activities: Playing with the Jazz Band, Marching Band

Urban Views Weekly | July 5, 2017

Jordon enjoys being able to give back to the community in a variety of ways. For example, he worked as a Youth Counselor at Camp Alkulana. “Helping people helps you see yourself in different ways and it helps you really just be confident,” Jordon said. As he worked as a counselor serving the youth, he enjoyed the feeling of making a difference. His experience as a counselor helped open his eyes to some of Richmond’s problems and ways they could be fixed. He also volunteered with the Environmental Club and the Boys and Girls Club.

in the Mayor’s Youth Academy “Future Leaders Youth Council.” Ever since his band teacher recommended for him to play in the band, Jordon has played at different performances, concerts and events. He plans to continue being a part of a band in college and may consider joining a marching band. In high school, Jordon was also in Tri M National Music Honor Society and had an internship with the VCU Biomedical Engineering Lab. With all of his extracurricular work, Jordon still worked to maintain a 3.7 GPA.

Scholar0 ek of the We

™

This fall, Jordon will attend Hampton University to study electrical engineering. He chose this major because of his desire to create something innovative and see the results of his work. Jordon chose Hampton over other universities because of the financial package he was offered and the school’s beautiful setting. One lesson he learned from high school and will take to college is to “always be prepared for anything. Be prepared for the worst case scenario.”

His enjoyment of giving back even helped him as the junior class vice president when he led the most successful fundraiser of the year. The class decided to have a car show at While Jordon hopes to inspire others Richmond Community. Along with helping with the organization, in the future, one of his own motivations has been his mother. Jordon was able to help attract people to the event. His father, “Her working hard inspires me. She took on two jobs not too long who is in a motorcycle club, brought other motorcycle friends ago so she works tirelessly,” he said. “I work so she won’t have to and different car clubs came. Along with these funds, the event work.” With experiences like with the Mayor’s Youth Academy, he sold food and provided music. Overall, they were able to raise is prepared to become a leader and continue helping others while about $1000. following his goals. “While this may seem cliché, I really believe if everyone truly helped at least one person, we could create a When he wasn’t volunteering or in school, Jordon enjoyed better and safer world,” Jordon stated. playing jazz music with different jazz bands and participating

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SAVOR

Family Features Courtesy ALDI

Healthy Summer Treats Make for Happy Kids Parents know raising healthy and successful children means more than encouraging learning and praising positive behavior. It also means instilling smart habits from the earliest years to create lifelong practices that promote overall health and good nutrition.

Icy sweet treats. Make your own frozen pops using ingredients like fresh fruit, yogurt or milk. Use storebought molds or substitute small paper cups covered with plastic wrap. Just poke sticks through the plastic to hold them in place until the mixture freezes.

If getting your kids on board seems like a daunting challenge, try these tips from the fresh produce experts at ALDI for bringing more fruit, veggies and other healthy foods to your family’s table without busting your budget:

Hands-on helpers. Getting kids in on the action is a great way to encourage healthier eating habits. After all, if they helped make it, it has to be good. Once all the ingredients have been sliced and diced, a recipe like these Grilled Balsamic Vegetable Pops is easy for kids to assemble. Just ask them to thread the skewers in their favorite color and flavor combinations.

One smart cookie. For “cookies” you can feel good about giving your kids, cut an apple to create round slices then slather the slices with their favorite nut butter (peanut, almond or cashew) and top with raisins, yogurt bites or chocolate chips.

It takes a village. Learning about the benefits of healthy eating can be fun, especially when you take advantage of programs in your community, such as those offered by libraries, community centers and schools. Through partnerships like the one ALDI has with Action for Healthy Kids, families and schools have increased access to nutrition education and physical activity tools that make living and eating healthy fun.

Fresh and fruity. Swap sugary drinks for fresh, fruitinfused water. Let kids pick their favorite flavor combinations each evening and refrigerate water to infuse overnight so it’s ready to enjoy the following day.

Recipe

Grilled Balsamic Vegetable Pops Recipe courtesy of Chef Alyssa, ALDI Test Kitchen

4 1 1 4 4 1 2 1 1 2

wooden skewers zucchini, cut into rounds yellow pepper, chopped mushrooms, halved cherry tomatoes ear sweet corn, cut into rounds tablespoons Carlini Pure Olive Oil teaspoon Stonemill Iodized Salt teaspoon Stonemill Ground Black Pepper tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes before grilling. Heat grill to medium-high (400-425 degrees F.) Pierce vegetables with skewers and drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and place on hot grill. Turn frequently to prevent burning. Vegetables should be golden and tender after 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.

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How to Choose a Swim School Swimming is a fantastic way to exercise and have fun at the same time. It promotes a healthy lifestyle and gives bodies an all-around, low-impact workout. Even if your child isn’t a strong swimmer, consider sending him to a swim school where he will have fun while learning how to swim and be safe around water. These classes will help him learn critical swimming and survival skills. Even toddlers can benefit from swimming lessons, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The right school and instructor will help your child develop a healthy respect for water. Obviously, it is important to find a great facility that puts safety first. Visiting swimming schools will help you determine which one is appropriate for your family. When choosing a swim school, here are a few things to keep in mind. Safety and Hygiene The swimming pool and locker rooms should be safe, clean and hygienic. A dirty facility is a breeding ground for injuries and bacteria, which can cause troublesome infections. An unclean facility will also tell you about the quality of the management. Other questions to consider: Are safety rules enforced consistently? Is there a qualified lifeguard on duty at all times? Does the facility allow non-potty-trained babies and toddlers in the swimming pool? What procedure is followed if a baby or toddler defecates in the swimming pool? The answers to these questions will help you determine if the facility is safe for you and your family. Type of Classes and Times Swim schools often focus solely on adults or children. You might, however, find a school that offers a selection of courses for both groups. For your child, try to find a class that matches their age group, comfort level and swimming ability. Class size is another aspect to consider. Nervous or shy children may benefit from private classes, while others do well in class sizes of 5-7 students. Some private instructors will allow you to accompany your child in the pool. Additionally, some classes focus on learning specific swim strokes while others concentrate on games and fun. The best lessons will incorporate safety procedures and drowning prevention techniques into their activities. Check available class times. Morning classes may be best for toddlers who tire easily. School-age children may need late afternoon or early evening instruction. continues to page 11 Urban Views Weekly | July 5, 2017

The Deal

By Nathaniel Sillin

How to Purposefully and Successfully Transition to a Single Income Many parents face the same difficult question when raising a child. Should one of you stay at home while the other works? It’s not a question to take lightly. The decision can have emotional and financial consequences and may have a long-term impact on the stay-athome parent’s career opportunities. It’s also a question that doesn’t have a single correct answer.

want). Try to get an approximate sense of your household’s cash flow and the non-essential expenses you could cut if need be. The good news is that saving on daycare (over $25,000 annually in some states according to Childcare Aware of America) and work-related expenses, such as transportation and meals, can help offset the lost income.

Your upbringing, personality, career and the However, you’ll also need to budget for family’s financial situation can all play into new child-related expenses. Some families your decision. Your opinion could also differ downsize their home, sell a vehicle or eat out from your partner’s and may change over time. less often to make their one-income vision a Perhaps you both worked after having your reality. first child and now that there will be two or more children it makes more sense for one of Take baby steps before the baby arrives. For you to stay at home. those who are just thinking about starting a family or are currently pregnant, acting as if Whatever your impetus, if you decide to you only have one income while both of you switch from two incomes to one it will continue to work can help give you a leg up. undoubtedly be challenging. Purposefully approaching and planning for the change For example, the second income could go could help you succeed. towards an emergency fund that can help you weather a setback after making the transition. Get a general sense of the numbers. You can also use the money to pay down highUnderstandably, you’re likely juggling a lot interest debt, which can free up some cash of priorities at the moment. However, now flow by lowering your interest payments. more than ever, having a clear picture of your family’s finances can be important. Discuss your new family roles. Having a Thinking about both short-term and longstay-at-home parent can be as much of an term scenarios will help you understand the emotional decision as it is a financial one. If effect of moving to one income and give you you haven’t already, set aside time to discuss numbers to back up your assumptions. how you view each other’s roles in the family. There may be new expectations for For this task, you don’t need to track every responsibilities inside and outside the home. single penny or dollar you make and spend (although detailed tracking helps manage Bringing finances back into the picture, your finances and budgeting software and discuss how you’ll apps can make it relatively easy to do so if you divide the family Continues to Page 11 10

Urban Views Weekly | July 5, 2017

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FUNdraising from page 2

continues to grow combined with low donor attrition. They have done their research and conducted a feasibility study; they have a successful track record of implementing their mission and exceeding their goals; and participation in fundraising is expected of everyone associated with them. Most distressing: They are a household name across the community and everyone wants to partner with them. You may feel intimidated because your peers have done a good job at making sure these things are part of their culture. Here’s the truth: the things listed above are at the core of effective nonprofits. We are highlighting these so you and your board can create a game plan for how to increase your organization’s competitiveness. Don’t spend your time focused on the “advantages” that others have over you. Don’t be envious: follow their lead.

Develop a game plan, implement it, stay with it, and allow it to bear fruit. Here’s one more thing to remember: none of us are “all that.” Every organization has its challenges and areas that need improvement. Our bottom line: Focus on becoming the best nonprofit you can be. Read Prerequisites for Fundraising Success, our book with specific suggestions on how to grow your nonprofit and increase your fundraising. 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.

The Deal from page 10

budget. Will every purchase be a mutual decision? Or, perhaps you’ll both have a personal allowance that you can spend how you please and there’ll be a household account for shared expenses. Plan for the future. Now may also be a good time to discuss your expectations for the future. When and if a stay-at-home parent plans to return to the workplace for example. And if it makes sense for them to work or go back to school part-time while also taking care of the home. Much like the big decision, there isn’t a single correct answer to questions about family roles or the future and no one can answer these questions for you. Talk over the options together and realize that you need to try out several ideas before you find the arrangement that works best for your relationship and growing family.

Bottom line: Take a deep breath and embrace the upcoming changes. Switching to a single income can be challenging, but so is having two incomes and a newborn. Planning ahead and working together towards a common goal and vision for your family can help ensure a successful transition. Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ PracticalMoney This article is intended to provide general information and should not be considered health, legal, tax or financial advice. It’s always a good idea to consult a tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to your situation and about your individual financial situation.

The Tri-Cities Area Metropolitan Planning FY 2018 Unified Transportation Planning Work Program is ready for review; written comments on the Transportation Improvement Program should be addressed to Crater Planning District Commission, P.O. Box 1808, Petersburg, Virginia 23805 or by email at dhyder@ craterpdc.org and should be received within the review period ending June 25, 2017. PUBLIC NOTICE 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 May 28, 2017 and ending June 25, 2017. One public meeting will be scheduled to receive comments on this draft plan on June 22, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m (During the MPO Policy Committee Meeting) 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 804-861-1666 or by email using the address listed below one week prior to the meeting date. Persons with a hearing impairment may contact the Virginia Relay Center at 1-800-828-1120 to forward information to the Crater Planning District Commission and Tri-Cities Area MPO. 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 June 25, 2017.

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How to from pg 9

Instructor Qualifications As you tour the facilities, ask the teachers or administrators about their qualifications. The staff should have CPR certification and swim instruction qualification. They should also be fully up-to-date on first aid techniques. You should also inquire about the history of the facility and find out if there have been any incidents that should concern you. You can also ask how much experience your child’s potential swim teacher has and with what age groups. Recommendations Recommendations provide an excellent starting point for finding the best swim school for your family. Check with family, friends and neighbors to see if they can recommend a school or instructor. Your child’s learning institution might also have suggestions. Your town’s park and recreation department may provide swimming classes or recommendations. Location Going to and from lessons should not be a chore. Look for a facility near your home or child’s school. You can integrate the lessons into your child’s school day if the facility is located in a convenient spot. Trust your instincts, as well as those of your child. If your son or daughter does not like the school, trust that feeling. Also, take the time to research your options thoroughly. When your child learns in a safe and comfortable environment from trained professionals, they will see that swimming can be fun.

Urban Views Weekly | July 5, 2017