Urban Views Weekly August 30, 2017 by Urban Views Weekly

Aug. 30, 2017

UVW - Showcasing the Positive Side of Life in the Urban Community

Beating the Odds A story of resilience Author and social worker, Ronnie Sidney II, shares his story through writing

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inside

Page 2 Salute the Blue

Page 4 Profound & Prophetic Voices

Page 6 Overcomer Beating the Odds

Page 9 A Better Lunchbox

Page 3 Scholar of the Week

Page 5 Bon Secours Plans to Build

Page 8 Views from Around Town

Page 10 Selecting Indoor Lighting

Salute the Blue

Everyday People Too By Freida Ann McNeil

Farrhard A. El-Amin Farrhard A. El-Amin is one of the newest members of the Community Care Unit of the Richmond Police Department. El-Amin was reared in a Black Muslim home in Henrico County by a very strong and Farrhard A. El-Amin religious father, a teacher mom with an older sister who became a “cop.” He loved sports and went to college to pursue sports commentating. As a young adult, Farrhard was a husband and a father. He boldly professes to have God deeply ingrained in his spirit. El-Amin had little time for police until he met his sister’s police friends, out of uniform. He found them to be regular people “just like him.” After two layoffs in his mid-thirties, Farrhard decided to try the police force as a career. He failed at his first attempt, due to a torn ACL, but persevered, “suffered” through and was ushered into the job at age 36.

El-Amin struggled to find his way in his new position but was inspired to use his many talents in his new job setting. He asked permission to DJ at community events and as soon as he began, felt the barrier between him and the youth he encountered melt away. “Our mutual love of music bridged our acceptance of each other.” “One afternoon I was DJing in my uniform. A young boy approached and asked if I was a cop. I said yes and he stood in wonder as I mixed some songs and didn’t hide my enjoyment of what I was doing. After about three songs he tapped me on the leg and said…‘I have new shoes.’ This small breakthrough moved me to tears. I knew I had been offered a most valuable gift of his trust and friendship. Moments like this are why I love this job.”

“I saw in the position description a chance to work on all that I loved about my downtime on duty and most of what I desired to achieve as a police officer.”

Officer El-Amin found great joy in the variety of experiences offered by police service. He used his downtime on duty to play basketball and football with youth on his beat and quickly found a niche. He discovered the ad for his current position quite by accident. “I saw in the position description a chance to work on all that I loved about my downtime on duty and most of what I desired to achieve as a police officer.”

El-Amin has assumed the persona of “12” in the world of the youth he works with on assignments. He has been called on to articulate the needs of “his” youth and has made collaborative inroads that represent real change for the children. Farrhard rarely talks to his youth; rather he talks “with” them, seeks the light within them, and works diligently to turn it up. His wish is to release them to embrace their freedom, competence, knowledge, self-worth, and to celebrate their victories.

Say Hello to the “REAL” Farrhard El-Amin… happy newlywed, full of gratitude, and applying lessons he learned as a youth to lessons he shares with youth. He’s Living His Life Like It’s Golden; full of energy, proud of his assignment, consulting with his God, busily fishin’ for Kings and Queens in a dark pool, and, lovin’ it! Photos submitted by Farrhard El-Amin Ervin B. Clarke, Publisher publisher@urbanviewsweekly.com

VOL. 10, ISSUE 35 Urban Views Weekly, LLC 6802 Paragon Place, Suite 410 Richmond, VA 23230 Office: (804) 441-6255 Fax: (888) 439-2534

Urban Views Weekly | August 30, 2017

Cover Photo: Ronnie Sidney

Flora C. Clarke, Administrative Assistant flora@urbanviewsweekly.com Shelia O. Spurlock-Shaw, Advertising shelia@urbanviewsweekly.com Paulette Singleton, Photographer Nickkol Lewis, Art Director Visual Appeal, LLC | visualappealstudio.com

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Scholar of the Week

By Janeal Downs

When she was younger, Xariah Godfrey enjoyed listening to her mother and grandfather debate about politics. Though they had different opinions, they always shared their points of view with a passion that influenced Xariah’s interest in politics. “I don’t just want to help my family but other families that are struggling,” she stated in an essay. This passion to help not only other Americans, but people world-wide, has influenced her to major in political science.

Xariah Godfrey of Richmond Community High School

GPA: 3.4 College of Interest: Longwood University Major Community Service: Environmental Club and feeding the homeless Strong Interests: Broadcast, politics, international studies Favorite Activities: Writing, reading, theatre and editing videos

high school teachers tried their best to prepare their students. She also learned to not take her friends for granted. “Make sure you keep them with you always because they’re going to be the ones that are by your side and helping you along,” Xariah said. “And your friends are the ones who push you up and forward instead of the ones that try to drag you down.” While she is in college, Xariah plans to join multiple clubs. In high school, she was in the theatre program, Environmental Club, Honor Council, Japanese Club, Dance Club, and helped set up for other organizations’ events. One of her favorite ™ clubs was the Environmental Club. Being a member allowed for her to do a lot of community service. “It’s nice to know that there are people in the world that care enough about the environment that they’re willing to give up time out of their day to help others,” she said. Because of her environmental teacher’s excitement and passion for cleaning up the community and recruiting new members, Xariah named her as one of her inspirations in school.

Scholar0

Not only does Xariah have an interest in politics and international studies, she also loves creative work. Some of her favorite things to do in her spare time include writing, reading, editing videos and theatre. When she discovered her passion for theatre and television, Xariah decided to combine it with her interest in politics. This encouraged her to focus on broadcasting. She is currently a freshman at Longwood University where she is majoring in political science with focuses in broadcast and political analysis. The opportunities and the small campus attracted her to choose Longwood over other universities. Not only is it easier to get to know professors, but Xariah also noticed how helpful everyone has been.

ek of the We

One lesson Xariah learned in high school was just how helpful her teachers were. “Don’t take your teachers for granted because it is accurate that your teachers here are a lot different,” she said. Though college professors are different, she appreciated how her

Now that she is in college pursuing her degree, Xariah plans to be just as passionate in her future career. “My dream job would either be behind the camera or in front of the camera bringing out news to people and helping people feel better or entertained,” Xariah said. Her main goal is to bring a smile to someone’s face through the power of television or broadcasting.

Recruiting High School Males, Grades 9-12 The Commonwealth Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and the Beta Gamma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity are recruiting males who aspire to pursue higher education after graduation. We are seeking males who attend local and surrounding schools in the Richmond-Metropolitan area to participate in a mentoring, cultural and educational enrichment program, as well as fun activities. It is free to the selected participants. All interested males are encouraged to apply, especially underserved males. www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Call 804 795-2421 or 804 262-0381 to receive an application or email mrasbooker@aol.com; or mayocynthia@ymail.com. Return the application, via email or mail, no later than August 30, 2017. Applications will be accepted until the 20 slots are filled. Return to: mrasbooker@aol. com; or mayocynthia@ymail.com or mail to: Young Achievers, 6106 Phelps Street, Glen Allen, VA 23060.

Urban Views Weekly | August 30, 2017

I’m Just Saying

By Dr. T

Profound and Prophetic Voices Actions will always speak louder than words! This week the National Action Network called on Faith Leaders to participate in the Ministers Marching for Justice in Washington, DC. It has become apparent to those involved that Dr. King’s Dream of economic and social justice is being undermined by systemic erosion and ongoing rollbacks of policies and procedures. These ministers and faith leaders are marching to reaffirm and recommit to being at the forefront of social justice and civil rights just as Dr. King was. Together they acknowledge that we have been losing ground in the struggle for justice, rather than advancing it. Dr. King marched over 54 years ago, and we must continue to march today for voting rights, healthcare, criminal justice reform and economic justice.

“It is time that leaders of faith stand up and LEAD.”

painfully clear that we have become increasingly divided and alienated by our national discourse over systems, institutions, policies and symbols that represent our historic legacy, national character and moral authority. The symbolic gathering clouds of confusion, discontentment and despair are fraught with concerns that things may indeed get worse before they get better.

It is time that leaders of faith stand up and LEAD. Voices of protest that have filled American streets nationwide testify to the need for some courageous and moral leadership in the face of an urgent call to speak truth to power and help to build bridges of conciliation between communities. We must find a way to come together and unite, because our collective survival depends on our ability to do so. Are we one nation under One might say that the monster hurricane that struck God? Do we share common American principles of Texas over the weekend and remains an ongoing fairness and E pluribus Unum, Out of many one? Or are catastrophic threat to life and property all along these merely empty platitudes and unfilled dreams? What southeastern Texas, the Gulf Coast and beyond is we DO as a nation over the next days, weeks and months symbolic of the gathering storm clouds engulfing our will speak volumes to the citizens of this nation and the nation. The growing world. Are we who racial, ethnic, we say we are? Are we Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. economic and about the business of political divide that rolling up our sleeves Associate Professor/Theatre VCU each day presents and working together Artistic Director and Founder some new revelation, to become who we The Conciliation Project recognition and were always destined (O) 804-477-6453 • info@theconciliationproject.org acknowledgement to be? Action people! www.theconciliationproject.org has made it ACTION!

Expand your network and Grow your business. www.CVAACC.org

Join Today! Central Virginia African American Chamber of Commerce

AFFORDABLE

Apartment Rentals

1 and 2 Bedroom Units Starting at

FOR

REN

$425 per Month

No Application fee!

See and share our FREE E–Edition! Go to:

We work with credit issues! “Ask about FREE MONTHS RENT”

and click E-Edition

Please call 329-6249 or 271-1220

UrbanViewsWeekly.com 4

ASK FOR “URBAN VIEWS” DISCOUNT H CALL 271-1220

Urban Views Weekly | August 30, 2017

Zacharias Brothers Realty

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Bon Secours Announces New Plan for Westhampton School Property Bon Secours has announced that it has found a way to build a free-standing Medical Office Building (MOB) on the Westhampton School property at Patterson and Libbie Avenues and leave the Westhampton School and its footprint intact for a joint development project. The new plan allows for a three-story, 55,000 square foot MOB to be constructed along Libbie Avenue between the Bon Secours Evelyn D. Reinhart Guest House and the Westhampton School. The Westhampton School buildings, which face Patterson Avenue, will not be affected or razed to accommodate the new MOB.

and honor our commitment to the city of Richmond and the St. Mary’s Hospital neighborhood.” Bon Secours announced on Dec. 15, 2016 its decision to terminate plans to build the Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing on the property and return to the original Performance Agreement with the city, which called for an MOB. Cost estimates indicated the school buildings would have to be removed. Since that announcement, Bon Secours worked with a variety of community stakeholders to develop this new plan. Bon Secours remains committed to its rental agreement with the city of Richmond and will continue with its financial obligation to Richmond Public Schools. To date, $400,000 has been paid as part of the health system’s $100,000 per year for 10 years agreement that will ultimately total $1 million. Bon Secours will continue maintenance and upkeep of the Westhampton School property throughout the planning and building process for the new MOB and the joint development of the school buildings.

Bon Secours also announced it is welcoming proposals from the private sector to jointly develop the Westhampton School footprint. They plan to give priority to any partner who can endeavor to save at least the most historically significant portion of the Westhampton School, that part which stands at the corner of Libbie and Patterson Avenues and was constructed in 1917. Any future development and its tenants must be consistent with Bon Secours’ faith-based values and must complement the health care provided on the St. Mary’s Hospital campus. “Our team has pooled its resources at every level of the organization while working with the city of Richmond, city councilman Andreas Addison, and architectural firm Baskervill and Associates, to develop this innovative solution,” said Toni R. Ardabell, CEO, Bon Secours Virginia Health System. “Everyone’s hope is that this solution will bring the highest and best use to the Westhampton School property, meet the health care needs of the community

“We appreciate the support we have had from Councilman Andreas Addison, Mayor Levar Stoney, local merchants, and most importantly, the neighborhood associations surrounding St. Mary’s,” continued Ardabell. “We look forward to seeking input from and working collaboratively with our community on this project.” According to Ardabell, Bon Secours has received all internal approvals to build the 55,000 square foot MOB on Libbie Avenue. Bon Secours also plans to meet the Economic Development Authority’s desire for it to commence construction on the MOB no later than March 1, 2019, and complete construction before March 1, 2022.

out b a k l a t ’s t Le ess. n i s u b r u o growing y

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Ask us how: (804) 441-6255

Urban Views Weekly | August 30, 2017

Author, Social Worker, Overcomer: Ronn From being taught in Special Education classes, to becoming an author and social worker, Ronnie Sidney II’s academic challenges encouraged him to share his story through writing. His first published book, “Nelson Beats the Odds” features a young boy who overcomes his learning disability and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). His second book, “Tameka’s New Dress” is about a young girl overcoming bullying and trauma. The next book, “Rest in Peace RaShawn,” also discusses trauma as well as police brutality. These heavy topics are all too real for many children, which is why Ronnie’s books speak to so many people. He shares his story of resilience and his constant mission to inspire others. IN THE BEGINNING Ronnie Sidney II was born in Richmond, VA and raised in Essex County, VA where he attended Essex County Public Schools. His mother was a nurse and his father was a minister and a state policeman. When he was younger, Ronnie was diagnosed with Dysgraphia and ADHD. He was recommended for special education in the third grade, where he remained until the ninth grade. He graduated with a 1.8 GPA and went on to J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. There, he made the Dean’s List and met the requirements to transfer to Old Dominion University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services.

Urban Views Weekly | August 30, 2017

Ronnie credits ODU with helping him grow culturally by interacting with people of different cultures. There he expanded on his knowledge of African and African American history. He also discovered a passion for working with children. After graduating, he went on to work with children as a behavior specialist and counselor. WORKING IN A PRISON Wanting to expand on his education, he applied and was accepted into the VCU School of Social Work. Graduating with his Masters in 2014 was a tough journey. During this time, he took a full time job at a prison, something he never envisioned but credits as one of his greatest professional experiences. When he was working in the prison, he started a creative writing group called “Creative Medicine: Healing Words” which later became the name of his business. “Writing has always been therapeutic for me so I wanted to be able to create somewhere where the offenders could use writing, use poetry and short stories as a way to talk about some of their experiences, and also talk about their resilience,” Ronnie said. HOW “NELSON BEATS THE ODDS” WAS BORN His next career venture came after Ronnie went to thank some of the teachers who helped him along his educational journey. During this process, he reunited with his former Special Education teacher who encouraged him to share his story. This led to

“My work is almost like a Ronnie presenting at the Richmond Association of Black Social Workers. The presentation, “Beating the Odds: How I survived Special Education” is what Ronnie described as the catalyst for “Nelson Beats the Odds.” “I went to tell my story and also use it as a way to encourage and inspire struggling students to beat the odds,” Ronnie said. His book helped not only students and parents, but also helped teachers see how some ways they engaged with students with disabilities could do more harm than good. Seeing how the book took off and influenced others, he went on to continue his series. “I wanted to have books for young adults and children that

nie Sidney II Discusses Beating the Odds By Janeal Downs

services he needed. “The book gave them that courage to make that decision and not feel judged or feel blamed,” Ronnie said.

During speaking engagements, Ronnie often advises children to make their struggle their strength and using their pain as a tool for growth. He also discusses bullying and other topics.

HIS OWN INSPIRATION “I had people who believed in me and people who saw the best in me,” Ronnie said. “And now I want to be that person to other people.” From his experience working with children from disadvantaged situations, and seeing their potential, Ronnie wants to inspire them with his stories.

UPCOMING WORK

He also wants to encourage literacy in the Black community and Central Virginia as a whole. “I think we have a long ways to go in the Central Virginia area in terms of creating a culture around reading and really encouraging our kids to read,” Ronnie said. This mission includes filling the books with characters that look and act like the children in the community.

a mission, like a ministry...“ touched on issues that were common in the media, and also issues that really spoke to what was going on in communities of color,” Ronnie said. Along with these books, he developed a “Nelson Beats the Odds Comic Creator” as a self-esteem app for children. HOW HE HAS INSPIRED While many people have shared how Ronnie’s books have inspired them, one of his fondest memories is of a New Jersey family. After one mother read his book, she kept in touch and told him how she and her husband were encouraged to go to their son’s school to get him the

Ronnie is currently working on his next book, a story centering on a grandmother’s relationship with her granddaughter. As the grandmother battles cancer, the story will deal with the illness in a way that children can understand. “I wanted to base it off of the experience with my mom and just losing her to cancer. I had a hard time sort of explaining cancer to my five-year-old,” Ronnie said. “It’s a really big challenge so I really wanted to create a book that talks about it and hope that it talks about it in a way that kids can relate to.” He said it also served as a therapeutic way to process his mother’s death and keep her spirit alive. Ronnie is also collaborating with a Richmond-based group that works with children who have been sextrafficked. Together, they are working on a graphic novel that will be published through Ronnie’s company. While it is in a different style than his current series, Ronnie looks forward to touching on the serious issue and educating others as well. WHERE CAN YOU LEARN MORE Ronnie is available for speaking engagements, assemblies, book readings and book talks. He enjoys speaking with children, community groups and churches. “My work is almost like a mission, like a ministry,” he said. To learn more about Ronnie and his books, visit www. creative-medicine.com or www.nelsonbeatstheodds. wordpress.com. His books can be purchased at Amazon. com.

Photos submitted by Ronnie Sidney www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Around Town

Paulette Singleton Photography

Food Truck-A-Palooza, Anthem Moonlight Ride and Community activities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Stop the Violence and Heart Healing Fest

Left: Abdul Abbasi; Above and right: students enjoying the event; Left: freshmen Darian Orage and Carson Nunally playing Jenga during Food Truck-A-Palooza; Below: (l to r) Eric White, Chris Wall, Oneka Wall, and Christopher Clark, Anthem Moonlight Ride; Right: Regina Fenner, #1464, participated in the Moonlight Ride for seven years.

Community activities: Middle: Pastor and First Lady of Cedar Street - Richmond, Stop the Violence; Above: Yoga instructor at Heart Healing Fest. 8

Urban Views Weekly | August 30, 2017

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Savor

Family Features Courtesy Hidden Valley

Ways to Build a Better Lunchbox Coming up with fresh ideas every day to keep kids’ lunches exciting is no small task. When the goal is an empty lunchbox and a full, happy tummy, the winning combination is a blend of nutrition and flavor.

cucumber and other lunchbox staples. It is perfect for encouraging kids to eat the veggies you pack. Choose classic ranch or for a special twist, try flavors such as cucumber basil or chili lime.

Step up your game this school year with these ideas for a better lunchbox:

Rely on the familiar. Refueling during the day is important to keep kids focused and able to mentally and physically tackle the rest of the school day. Avoid trying out new foods at lunchtime and save experimenting with new flavors for meals at home.

Get creative. Foods that look good can taste good, too. Transform sandwiches into fun shapes using cookie cutters or make tiny heart- or star-shaped, bitesize pieces of cheese for a fun finger food. Another fun idea: thread sliced and bite-sized vegetables on a wooden stick for a no-cook kabob. For a sweet variation, use fruit instead and sprinkle with coconut for extra flavor. Skip the packaging. Little fingers can struggle to open pre-packaged foods, so instead opt for fresh ingredients that fit into a bento-style box. Not only can kids see what tasty treats await and dig straight into their meals, less packaging means less processing, which is good for their health and the environment. Keep it simple. Opt for delicious, flavorful foods that deliver nutrients kids need and the taste they want without any extras. An option like ranch dressing makes for a rich and creamy complement to carrot sticks,

Go for variety. Representing multiple foods groups isn’t only a good way to deliver good nutrition, the variety in colors and textures can make the meal more interesting and encourage kids to eat more. Include savory meats, crunchy crackers, veggies and sweet fruits. Add a treat. Whether it’s a favorite fruit or yogurt, a single piece of candy or even a simple note that says “I love you and I’m proud of you,” find a way to add something sweet to every lunch and bring a smile to your child’s daily routine. Look for more kid-friendly meals at hiddenvalley.com. Photo courtesy of Mick Jones

Portable Veggie Kabobs with Tangy Veggie Dip Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Total time: 15 minutes Servings: 6-8

1 1 2 8 6-8

cucumber, sliced cup broccoli florets carrots, sliced cherry tomatoes wooden skewers Hidden Valley Simply Ranch

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Gently thread cucumber slices, broccoli, carrot slices and cherry tomatoes on skewers, placing 2-3 pieces of each veggie on each skewer to make a rainbow of colors. Serve ranch dressing with veggies for dipping. Tip: Add cheese cubes for protein on kabobs, if desired.

$75 August Only

Two hour consultation special with owner Tiara. Consultation includes an E-Design if you hire Vivacious Interior By Tiara for painting or full services. Vivacious Interior By Tiara your full service Interior Designer, Painter, Full remodel for homes or business.

804.937.7786

or email TRHolloway413@gmail.com Central Virginia African American Chamber of Commerce

Join Today!

www.CVAACC.org TanyaFree.com/ Urban Views Weekly Poll The NAACP has called for a meeting with the NFL to discuss the fate of Quarterback Colin Kaepernick, whose protest of racial injustice appears to have hampered his chances of playing this season. Many feel he is being blackballed for kneeling during the national anthem in protest of police brutality against African Americans.

What’s Your Take? How do you feel about, and would you support, a boycott of the NFL if Kaepernick remains unsigned? 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 | August 30, 2017

How to Guide

How to Select Indoor Lighting Lighting is important for seeing, but it can also provide your home or office the perfect ambiance and atmosphere.

right choices, along with a wide selection of styles, materials, technologies and price ranges from which to pick.

The right lighting is a cost-effective strategy for significantly transforming the look and feel of any indoor space. Your lighting design can have a positive impact on the style, mood, functionality and personality of a room. The right kind of lighting can make drab spaces look spectacular. Installed incorrectly, lighting can also make expensive or tasteful decor look ordinary or drab.

A lighting store with an extensive website can be a plus, as well, because it will let you browse the products, get ideas and see what’s on the market before visiting their showroom in person.

There are several different routes you can take to create your ideal lighting design, and a good lighting company should be able to help you navigate any of them depending on your needs.

DECORATOR For many people, the best route for choosing lighting is with the advice of a professional decorator. By employing a good interior designer, you’re not only going to have the advantage of seeing your project through the decorator’s trained,

Here are some things to consider when selecting indoor lighting. DO IT YOURSELF If you’re trying to save money, the do-it-yourself route can be a good way to create a high-impact lighting statement on a budget. If you decide to take this path, the most important things to look for are advice, service, quality and selection from your lighting retailer. The best stores will have an in-house designer who can help you use lighting to create the style or feel you want for your home or business — adding the professional design polish that many do-it-yourselfers lack. You should look for a store with a knowledgeable staff that offers outstanding, personalized service to help you make the

Urban Views Weekly | August 30, 2017

experienced eyes — perhaps opening up possibilities you couldn’t have imagined on your own — but you’ll also have someone who can do all the legwork for you and make sure your whole design project runs smoothly. The best lighting retailers will be able to recommend decorators who have experience with creating gorgeous indoor lighting designs. Or, if you already have your own decorator, work closely with them to provide the best lighting options for your project. HOMEBUILDER OR CONTRACTOR

If you’re having a home built or remodeled, a third route is to go through your builder or contractor to select the right lighting. The good news is that when you’re building or doing renovations, you start with a blank slate. Your lighting design is only limited by your imagination and your budget, letting you create the right combination of lighting fixtures, controls and locations in the new space to make your dreams come true. There are some downsides to watch out for, too. Some builders will choose the cheapest, mass-produced “builder’s grade” lighting that they can find. This is rarely a good idea for people who like good quality and distinctive design. You can get drastically better quality and appearance by spending a little more money up front. The other challenge is choosing your lighting before you know exactly what a room is going to look like. Trying to choose lighting based on what you see in your imagination may not be a good idea, because it could look very different in reality. That’s where the experience and advice of the best decorators and lighting stores is most valuable. KNOW YOUR GOALS You should keep in mind how important lighting is to your day-to-day life. While you might not think about it all the time, good lighting really can make your life better. Investing in a good, well-designed lighting system will not only make your space more beautiful and stylish, but it can also help you meet your goals.

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Civic Beat

PUBLIC NOTICE

FUNdraising Good Times

Old school fundraising Online giving, viral campaigns, large grants from foundations, funding from government agencies. These are some of the popular revenue streams for nonprofits. Those with earned revenue also secure funds from tuition, fees, sales, leases, rentals, licenses and other sources. All sources provide the money needed to make the missions of nonprofits come to life. There is also another important revenue source: “old school fundraising” or “passing the hat.”

Think about the scholarship funds you are asked to give to by co-workers and friends. And don’t forget the power of passing the hat at church – a time-tested method for launching and sustaining important community work. Variations on old school fundraising include giving circles. This is where a group of people get together and each person agrees to give a specific amount over the course of the year. The money gets put in a “pot” and, at the end of the year, the group decides which organization(s) to give the money to. If you have a lot of people participating,you can set up a donor advised fund at your community foundation to serve as the “pot” during the year. Just call and ask – they will be happy to help you.

“...old school fundraising is one way you can make a difference. Many small gifts go a long way.”

Old school fundraising is all about reaching into your pocket – and into your community – to collect money to give to a nonprofit you believe in. It is the process of rubbing nickels together to make magic. It means looking to your neighbors and friends and asking, asking, asking. Not for $1 million but for $10 and $20. Depending on your circle, maybe people will give $100. It’s about “regular people” stepping to the plate and making a difference. Old school fundraising includes car washes, bake sales, yard sales, door-to-door solicitation, tee-shirt sales, home or office parties, and raffles. Passing the hat is a well-known form of old school fundraising. You let people know what you need to raise and you ask them to give what they can – right then and there.

Officials from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) want to hear your thoughts and suggestions on regional transportation planning in the Richmond metropolitan area. This hearing is part of the federal certification review of the Tri-Cities Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (TCAMPO), the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) responsible for transportation planning in the Tri-Cities region. At the hearing, members of two TCAMPO committees will participate in a meeting moderated by the federal certification review team. The public is invited to participate in this process and provide comments. Question or Comments: Any 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.

Title VI Notice to the Public: 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 La Comisión del Distrito de Planificación del Cráter y la MPO del Área de las Tres Ciudades aseguran que ninguna persona, por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, discapacidad, sexo, edad o estado de ingresos, según lo dispuesto en el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 Y las subsiguientes leyes de no discriminación, sean excluidos de la participación en, se les nieguen los beneficios de, o sean objeto de discriminación en cualquier programa o actividad. Comentarios escritos sobre el Programa de Mejoramiento del Transporte deben ser dirigidos Crater Planning District Commission, P.O. Box 1808, Petersburg, Virginia 23805 y / o enviado correo electrónico dhyder@ craterpdc.org

Women’s giving circles are popular. Some emerge from book clubs and church groups. Others are facilitated by women’s foundations. You can start one with your women friends, or you can seek out your local women’s foundation to learn about their giving circle opportunities.

Expand your network and Grow your business.

This is your reminder: old school fundraising is one way you can make a difference. Many small gifts go a long way.

www.CVAACC.org

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

When: Tuesday, September 19, 2017, 5:00-7:00 PM Where: 100 W. Washington St, Petersburg VA (Petersburg Area Transit Conference Room 2nd Floor)

Classifieds

PLACE YOUR AD TODAY

804.649.6868

Office: (

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM

Residential for Rent Apartment Referral Services Policy Apartment referral service companies sell lists of available apartments for rent in your area. Please read contracts thoroughly to ensure that you understand and agree to all the terms and the cancellation policy of the contract.

APARTMENTS UNFURN. MAISONETTE APARTMENTS 6745 Jefferson Davis Highway 1 bdrm., A/C, util. incl., $190/wk. 804-275-7355. www.richmondmaisonettes.com

Sell it fast and easy with a low-cost classiﬁed ad. Call

649.6868

It’s yard sale time! Advertise yours!

Call 649.6868

Join Today! Central Virginia African American Chamber of Commerce

Join our network of successful people.

Urban Views Weekly | August 30, 2017

Online consumers want you to respond.

Online Reviews and Rankings Increase Revenue!

★★★★★

Businesses that respond to over 50% of their reviews grow 2x the rate of those who ignore reviews. 12

Urban Views Weekly | August 30, 2017

4.53

/day*

804.441.6255 or visit us at

www.WeRSmartads.com Reviews@WeRSmartads.com

What a hoot! *INTRODUCTORY OFFER.