What are you doing for others? by Urban Views Weekly

Jan. 14, 2015

Scholar of the Week - Erica Pierce

What are you doing for others? Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Deal

Five Things Families with College Bound Students Should Consider

THURSDAY Mid-Town Richmond

Transitioning to college life can be difficult on both students and families. From new expenses to a new lifestyle, being prepared for what lies ahead can help you avoid common bumps in the road. Here are five things families with collegebound students should consider: • Getting involved: Being away from home and making new friends can seem daunting. Encourage your student to get involved in school activities and events. From joining the campus paper to running for student government, there are a range of extracurricular opportunities that can lead to new friendships, help students maintain an active calendar, and round out one’s classroom education.

January 29, 2015 6pm-8pm Oyster’s Pearl

• Health and wellness: Late nights spent studying instead of sleeping, as well as crowded dorm rooms, can be a prescription for colds and flu. Check out on-campus and local health care

Letter To The Editor

Urban Views Weekly | January 14, 2015

• Financing College: College may be one of your family’s biggest investments to date. Whether that describes your family or not, there’s no doubt about it, higher education comes with a big price tag. It’s never too late in the process to seek out new financing options, even if your child is already away at school. From filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, to exploring private loans, free online resources can help guide you through the process. Check out resources designed continues on page 5 for college-bound

Ervin B. Clarke, Publisher publisher@urbanviewsweekly.com VOL. 8, ISSUE 2

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options before your student gets sick. No one wants to scramble to research medical options when he or she isn’t feeling well. Many campuses offer student insurance. See what makes the most sense for your family. Locate a nearby pharmacist before visiting the doctor so you can provide that information at your appointment.

If you would like to respond to Viewpoints, your submission should contain your name, a full valid address and a daytime phone number. We cannot acknowledge submitted letters. We reserve the right to edit for accuracy, clarity, legality and taste. E-mail (without attachments) to editor@urbanviewsweekly. com. Mail letters to Editor Urban Views Weekly.

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Scholar of the Week

By Janeal Downs

As she approaches graduation and grows close to going to college, Erica Pierce questioned how her life is going to change. “What am I going to do without seeing the same people five days a week? How am I going to feel when I have to start all over, not only with my education; but the opportunity to live a different lifestyle?” Erica wrote in an essay. Though she is unsure of what college life will bring, Erica is positive that her efforts throughout high school have helped her and made her life more purposeful. She wants to make sure all of her hard work will pay off.

Erica Pierce

of Varina High School

GPA: 3.7

College of Interest: Christopher Newport University Major Community Service: National Beta Club, National Honor Society, Key Club Strong Interests: Biology and law Favorite Activities: Spending time with family, cheerleading, school

has all shaped me into the motivated senior I am today,” Erica said. Along with cheerleading, she also loves to spend time with her family, enjoys her school work, and she also loves to work. Currently she works at Fairfield Middle School as an office assistant. With different events, she is also able to participate in community service with organizations such as the National Beta Club, the National Honor Society, and the Key Club.

Erica said her mother influences her to succeed the most in life. “She raised me and my sisters as a single mother and she had to drop out of Though she has not decided on college to do so,” Erica said. “She her major yet, Erica has multiple encouraged me to live a better life different interests. Some options and she’ll support me in whatever I ™ she has considered studying include do, so I always know that she’s going ek of the We gaining education as a veterinarian, to be there no matter what.” She zoologist, lab technician, or in the said while being the second child area of biology, even possibly law. to attend college can be “expectant” Her top college choice is Christopher Newport University to some, Erica said with her amazing family, her eyes have in Newport News, Va. “It’s not too far from home but I can been opened to the fact that there is so much more to life. still get the college experience which is what I really want to Erica said growing up in a small town encouraged her to do,” Erica said. With their wide range of classes, the fact that want to broaden her horizons by leaving and going to school she can bring her car and its close proximity to her house, away from her home. “I have served my time here and I’m Christopher Newport is very appealing to Erica. going to go share where I’m from and show people that if While she is still in high school, Erica remains active at her you live here you can go anywhere you want, no matter school. “All the sideline football games I froze at cheering where you come from,” she said. “Now the time has come my class on, homecoming parades I was a part of as a blue for me to pack up and begin a ‘deserved’ life in a different devil cheerleader, homecoming princess a few years back environment.”

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Urban Views Weekly | January 14, 2015

ViewPoints

By Dr. T

Let Freedom Ring…

In an interview with Rolling Stone Magazine, Ava DuVernay, the Learning the truth of history and allowing Black people to determine director of the critically acclaimed film SELMA spoke about the who our heroes are and to control the narrative as we recount dissent her film is receiving in “certain circles” when it comes to the their stories through our own lens is what is so exacerbating to portrayal of former President Lyndon B. Johnson. DuVernay says, the LBJ hero worshippers. Instead of being forced to deal with “Every filmmaker imbues a movie with their own point of view. the glorification of all these white heroes throughout history who The script was the LBJ/King thing, but originally, it was much more had their “boots” on our necks while smiling in our faces through slanted to Johnson. I wasn’t interested in making a white-savior clinched teeth, moving as if there was no extreme urgency at all movie; I was interested in making a movie centered on the people when they knew that every moment of delay meant another life lost; of Selma. You have to bring in some context for what it was like to instead of claiming LBJ as the hero of the movement, “we” define the live in the racial terrorism that was going on in the Deep South at heroes in SELMA. The Emancipation of Black folks happened mainly that time.” Terrorism is a word that is most commonly associated because Black folks demanded that it be so. Black folks pricked the with the 9/11 narrative and the WAR on Terror articulated by the conscience of a President and a nation and refused to take NO for an George W. Bush administration that completely transformed how answer. Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. we approach air travel in this country, redefined who our enemies Founder and Artistic Director are supposed to be and what they are supposed to “look like” just to All the hyped up outrage over the portrayal of LBJ in the movie The Conciliation Project and reflect on a few post 9/11 cultural shifts. But terrorism is not a word SELMA once again calls out that white privilege demands its own that has historically been associated with the racial legacy and history Associate Professor attention and that its perspective be the ONE that we ALL herald Virginia Commonwealth University of the United States. However, it is a FACT that Black people were as absolutely TRUE. NO! Rep. John Lewis touted SELMA as, “… DrT@Margins2theCenter.com terrorized, traumatized and indiscriminately murdered and harassed a beautiful movie, real and necessary.” There were many people www.theconciliationproject.org for generations in the United States of America and the escalation responsible for the accomplishments of the Civil Rights Movement. of violence and terror against Black men, women and children is We are not interested in giving LBJ an academy award. Yes he (LBJ) well documented around the struggle for Civil Rights and the right to vote in the early played a role, but he is NOT the same hero to some of US as he is to others of us. And 1960s. This campaign of terror was sanctioned by the state and often perpetrated by law THAT is our prerogative! enforcement. Ava DuVernay went further to say, “Johnson has been hailed as a hero of that time, and he was, but we’re talking about a reluctant hero.” And that perspective has Up Next Week: The Struggle Continues… the mainstream media, especially the liberal media in a complete and utter meltdown. Let’s not even think about what it must be doing to the conservative media memes.

TanyaFree.com/ Urban Views Weekly Poll

Henrico County Recrea�on and Parks presents

Evolution of a Black Girl From the Slave House to the White House

Many of us started the year with the goal of eating healthier foods and losing weight. Some in the food world have found the path of least resistance through cutting out meat and, in some cases, dairy and fish.

Sun, Jan 18, 2015 3:00 pm Henrico Theatre, 305 E. Nine Mile Road Highland Springs, VA Tickets: $10

What’s Your Take? Have you considered a vegetarian lifestyle?

Morgan McCoy portrays 12 diﬀerent characters. Her unforge�able performance of these women takes the audience on a journey from Africa during the 1700s to present day in America. This journey incorporates rich history, stories of love, and moments of joy and sorrow. Stories of women such as Harriet Tubman, Maggie Walker, and Rosa Parks are crea�vely told throughout this show.

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.

Tickets can be purchased in person at Henrico Theatre, Deep Run Recrea�on Center, and the Recrea�on � Parks Administra�ve Oﬃce. Program Informa�on: (804) 225‐2056 or sne02@henrico.us

www.evolu�onofablackgirl.com

Urban Views Weekly | January 14, 2015

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Civic Beat

Actress and Historical Interpreter Morgan Avery McCoy presents Evolution of a Black Girl:

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Morgan Avery McCoy, author, keynote speaker, historical interpreter, and award winning actress, will be presenting her riveting one woman show “Evolution of a Black Girl: From the Slave House to the White House” Sunday, January 18, 2015, 3:00 p.m., at the Henrico Theatre in Richmond, VA. Although Morgan can be seen in national commercials, films, and is starring in a new TV show, her passion is “edutainment”. Her one woman show, “Evolution of a Black Girl…” takes the audience on a journey through 12 women’s lives from the 1400’s in Africa to present day in America’s White House. Women such as Rosa Parks, Maggie Walker, Madam CJ Walker, Coretta King, and Michelle Obama are showcased throughout this powerful production. “This show is great for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The universal theme of hope inspires all who see it”, states Morgan. “In this show, the voices of the past inspire those in the present to build a better future.” This production will have you laughing, crying, and learning all at the same time. McCoy will perform her show, host a Q/A talk back with the audience, and share a portion of her dream catcher workshop in tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A few of the women portrayed in the show were directly affected by Dr. King and mention their encounters with this great visionary. “Studying the lives of these phenomenal women and touring this production for the past two years has made me strive to get better every day. On January 18th as the audience is touched by the testimonies of the women I portray, my prayer is that they too will be inspired to do the same.” Henrico Parks and Recs are the sponsors for this particular event and have tickets available for $10. Tickets can be purchased at the Henrico Theatre, Belmont Recreational Center, or Deep Run Recreation Center. To reserve your ticket, call Henrico Theatre 804-328-4491. To date, Morgan McCoy has performed “Evolution of a Black Girl…” at over 50 venues and is gearing up for her national college tour where she will be performing at more than 30 colleges between February 2015 and March 2015 “edutaining” college students all over America. www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

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From Five Things page 2

students and their families, such as Wells Fargo’s “5 Steps to Financial Aid” video series, which offers helpful advice on finding a scholarship, applying for loans, and more from “Mr. Fellows, your wiser college advisor,” at www. WellsFargo.com/fivesteps. • Staying in touch: You’re busy. Your kid is busy. But regular checkins with your student can help you know that everything is going well. Set up a weekly appointment to chat by phone and get the scoop -- just make sure your student’s phone plan allows for sufficient texting and calling.

• Money management: For many students, college is the first time they will gain some financial independence. Set your kids up for success by teaching them how to establish a workable budget. A checking and savings account designed for college students can help them stay on track. You can review money-management tools for college students at www. WellsFargo.com. Don’t let the transition to college catch your family off guard. Parents can make the transition easier for students by striking the right balance of “letting go” and staying involved.

Urban Views Weekly | January 14, 2015

A Day On, N

Living the Dream of Dr.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. These words, spoken by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are a reflection of his lifelong dedication to perpetuate justice, hope and peace for everyone. Monday, January 19, 2015, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday is a National Day of Service, and a time to re-commit to serving each other and our communities. The most recent proclamation by current President Barack Obama states that Monday, January 19, 2015 will be MLK Day. The proclamation states “I encourage all Americans to observe this day with appropriate civic, community, and service projects in honor of Dr. King and to visit MLKDay.gov to find Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service projects across our country.”

inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. “Remember, Celebrate, Act”, serves as a reminder that the Dr. King holiday is a day for community and humanitarian service programs. Dr. King’s legacy extends far beyond the Civil Rights Movement. In fact, his legacy encompasses his entire life, including his selfless character and tireless service to others. In fulfilling life’s purpose, he exemplified what it means to give, volunteer and be a commanding force of positive change. On MLK Day, Americans across the country will honor Dr. King by helping their neighbors and communities. This Day of Service is a way to transform Dr. King’s life and teachings into community service that helps solve problems.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”

It is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service and calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to solve our most pressing national problems, the Corporation for National & Community Service has said.

The official MLK Day website states: “Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. a vital figure of the modern era and a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement. His lectures and HandsOn Greater Richmond invites Richmonders to take part dialogues stirred the concern and sparked the conscience of a in service projects taking place at nonprofit agencies and schools generation. His charismatic leadership inspired men and women, across the region that will focus on education, social issues, and young and old, in this nation and around the world.” strengthening the community. Search their online database for the volunteer opportunity that’s just right for you. You can also Martin Luther King, Jr., was an American pastor, activist, join the national conversation on Twitter by using #MLKDay humanitarian, and leader in the or Facebook to share your volunteer African-American Civil Rights experiences, perspectives, and insights. Movement. He is best known for his role in the advancement of civil rights “The MLK Day of Service is the only using nonviolent civil disobedience federal holiday observed as a national based on his Christian beliefs. day of service – a ‘day on, not a day off,’” comments Erin Osiol, Program Manager It is a day to remember the slain civil for HandsOn Greater Richmond. “It’s rights activist and humanitarian and a way to transform Dr. King’s life and to celebrate the things for which he teachings into community action that stood. It is a day to once again demand helps solve social problems and unite payment on that check he talked about, ourselves in volunteer service and the note that represented a “promise answer a call to action to do what we, as that all men would be guaranteed the Americans, do best – lend a hand, help 6

Urban Views Weekly | January 14, 2015

our neighbors – and build better communities. HandsOn Greater Richmond is honored to play a role in mobilizing volunteers on this important day.” Find out about events going on in your area by visiting your local library, or visiting: http://www.handsonrva.org/mlkday. Watch a short film, participate in discussion, and hear from experts from the Moton Museum in Farmville, VA. Moton, a former high school and now a National Historic Landmark and museum, produced threefourths of the plaintiffs in Brown v. Board of Education (1954), the landmark Supreme Court decision desegregating U.S. schools. Moderated by the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. Science Museum of Virginia Thalhimer Theater 2500 W. Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220 Public domain photos of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - See more at:

Not a Day Off

. Martin Luther King, Jr. beginning of the 2015 MLK Week with a keynote speaker. Tickets required for all. Please contact Ms. Niya Flemmings at flemmingsna@vcu.edu.

Friday, January 16, 2015

By J. Chevont’e Alexander

Leigh Street, Richmond, VA

Monday, January 19, 2015 Living the Dream, Richmond’s annual commemoration of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., will hold its 2015 Citywide Mass Meeting at 10 a.m. at Cedar Street Baptist Church, 2301 Cedar St, Richmond, VA 23223. The program will feature guest speaker Rev. Peter Wherry, Pastor of the Mayfield Memorial Baptist Church, Charlotte, N.C. The Mass Meeting is free and open to the public.

Virginia & the Civil Right Movement: Panel Discussion Noon - Virginia Commonwealth University – Commons Theater, University Student Commons, Common Ground This featured panel of historians and trailblazers will discuss the Civil Rights Movement in Richmond and across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Featured panelists include: The annual Community Leaders’ Henry L. Marsh, III Breakfast will be held at the Claude G. Commissioner, Virginia Department Perkins Living and Learning Center of Alcoholic Beverage Control and on the campus of Virginia Union the First African American Mayor of University on Friday, January 16, 2015 Richmond at 7:30 a.m. This program will feature The Richmond community has several Carmen F. Foster, Ed.D. George Keith Martin, Esq., Managing events going on to commemorate Dr. King. Educational Consultant and Adjunct Partner of McGuire Woods LLP and Faculty, Federal Executive Institute Rector of the UVA Board of Visitors. Plan to attend one or a few of the events listed. Jody L. Allen, Ph.D. For ticket information, contact Lisa Visiting Assistant Professor, Lemon Wynn at 342-3938 Project Co-Chair and Managing Director, The College of William and Mary “Dr. King devoted his life to advancing equality, social justice, Moderated by: John Kneebone, Ph.D., Chair, VCU History and economic opportunity for all. He challenged us to build a Department. more perfect union and taught us that everyone has a role to play. Five decades later, we still have work to do to realize Dr. King’s Fine Art Benefit & Sale Presented by dream,” the website of the corporation MEGA Mentors, 7 p.m. that oversees volunteer programs says. Location: Hippodrome Theater “The MLK National Day of Service is 528 N 2nd St, Richmond, VA an opportunity to re-commit ourselves as citizens by volunteering in service to one another. … Working together, Sunday, January 18, 2015 we will create economic opportunities Doors Open 4 p.m. by improving education, strengthening Freedom of Expression Expose´ health care services, and improving 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m. financial literacy.” Drumline Competition at 5 p.m.

What are you doing for others?

Monday, January 19, 2015, 3:30 p.m. FREE. Space is limited, so be sure to arrive early As we reflect back on Dr. King’s life and legacy this upcoming MLK Day, let his words of purpose, action and introspection motivate us all to deflect the attention away from our own individualistic desires to our responsibility to society and mankind. There is still work to be done. What are you doing for others? The Richmond community has several events going on to commemorate Dr. King. Plan to attend one or a few of the events listed.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015 MLK Kickoff with David Banner Doors open at 6 p.m. – Event begins at 7 p.m. Virginia Commonwealth University, University Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballrooms Join the VCU community in celebrating the http://www.mlkonline.net/images.html#sthash.RkmFmiEJ.dpuf

Virginia Union University vs. Virginia State University Basketball Game at 7 p.m. Location: Richmond Coliseum, 601 E

It is considered “a day on, not a day off.”

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Funding FUNdraising Good Times

Recommit to fundraising Is fundraising at the top of your to-do list for 2015? Are you ready to recommit to help ensure the vitality of your nonprofit or college? Will you sign your fundraising commitment form again? What?!? Your organization doesn’t use one? Now is the time to change that. Here are three suggestions for how you can make a difference in your organization’s fundraising.

If you are a fundraising or development professional: Review

the commitment forms that board members completed last year. Set up a time to meet with each member to review and plan for 2015. Meeting in person is ideal, but a phone or video meeting could work well too. Ask each to rate their fundraising participation for the prior year. Ask what worked well, and what didn’t. Inquire about training that could help increase their involvement. Let each know you are available to partner and support their efforts. Ask each to recommit for 2015. If your board doesn’t use a fundraising commitment form, now is the time to introduce this. Most likely there will be resistance. That is a good thing: you want to grow into a board where members are proud to give and fundraise. Introducing a formal commitment form can start a catalytic conversation.

If you are the chair of the board development committee: Meet with members to assess your commitment as a committee, and to assess the board’s commitment to fundraising. What is working? What strategies or activities were most successful? Are there problem areas that impede fundraising? What needs to be addressed in the new year for the board to take on a larger role in fundraising? Is there a specific project or fundraising priority the board can take on? If the board is not yet a “fundraising board” what activity can be introduced in 2015 to move in that direction? Don’t be afraid to set a specific amount as a goal. A defined goal (with a timeframe) allows you to measure progress. Be sure to measure!

If you are the CEO of a nonprofit or the president of a college: Commit to your role as the chief fundraising officer. You may have a

development director or even an advancement department, but at the end of the day you are the person responsible for the organization’s or institution’s bottom line. Review your calendar and make time for cultivation and solicitation activities with potential major donors and supporters. Schedule time to meet with your top fundraising/development person. Ask “what do you need to be successful,” listen to the response, and work together towards success. Set your own fundraising goal: determine how much you will personally raise in the coming year and secure the involvement of those who can help you reach that goal. Your commitment will show up on the bottom line! Copyright 2015– Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your fundraising, visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

Urban Views Weekly | January 14, 2015

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Essay

Contest

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was a galvanizing force in the Civil Rights Movement.This“drummajorforjustice”usednon-violencetohelpbring aboutfreedomandequalitynotjustforAfricanAmericans,butforeveryone. To celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day,UrbanViewsEducationDigest is sponsoring an essay contest that is open to public school students in Richmond and Petersburg. Students are invited to write a 250-500 word essay answering the following question:

What do you think Martin Luther King, Jr. would say to encourage Black youth if he were alive today? Please provide your: Name Age School Grade Parent’s phone number Parent’s email address (if parent has email).

Parent’s Signature

Send Essays to: Monica Haynes, Urban Views Education Digest,6802ParagonPlace, Suite 410, Richmond, VA 23230oremailtomonica@ UrbanViewsWeekly.com Attn: MLK Essay Contest

Deadline to submit: February 6, 2015. Winners will have their essay printed in Urban ViewsEducationDigestand receive dinner for a family of four at a local restaurant.

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In Memoriam

By Janeal Downs

Remembering the “Father of Modern Gospel” Andraé Crouch, the seven-time Grammy winning Gospel singer and songwriter, died Jan. 8 due to complications caused by a heart attack. He was 72. After being hospitalized because of a heart attack on Jan. 3, Crouch died at Northridge Hospital Medical Center in California. Involved in the church from an early age, Crouch was born July 1, 1942 and grew up in Los Angeles with his twin sister Pastor Sandra Crouch. Sometimes known as “The Father of Modern Gospel”, he gifted his music and talent to the world for more than 50 years. “Today my twin brother, womb-mate and best friend went home to be with the Lord,” Crouch’s sister Pastor Sandra Crouch said in an official family statement posted on Crouch’s public Facebook page. “Please keep me, my family and our church family in your prayers. I tried to keep him here but God loved him best.” Along with his seven Grammy’s, Crouch and others, including Quincy Jones, was nominated for an Oscar for his music featured in “The Color Purple.” Crouch also worked as a conductor on the Disney movie “The Lion King.” Other accomplishments include his 1998 acceptance into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004. Crouch was a member of the musical group The Church of God in Christ Singers and

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the choir he founded called the Disciples. With the Disciples, Crouch sang on the song “Like a Prayer” by Madonna. Crouch also assisted in the making of Michael Jackson’s song “Man in the Mirror.” Crouch also worked with other artists including Marvin Winans, Shelia E., Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, and many others. “I give people a beautiful message, but I do it with pop, rock, funk, jazz or disco or anything that will make it appealing,” Crouch said in a 1982 interview with The Los Angeles Times. He said his songs took people through the Scriptures and reinforced the word of God. Crouch is known for songs such as “Soon and Very Soon,” “My Tribute,” “Through it All,” and released nine solo albums. His last album “The Journey” was released in 2011. “As a leading pioneer of contemporary gospel music, the soulful classics that Pastor Crouch created over the years have uplifted the hearts and minds of several generations,” President Barack Obama said in a statement. “His timeless influence continues to be felt in not only gospel but a variety of music genres.” A celebration of Andraé Crouch’s life will take place on Tuesday, January 20th and Wednesday, January 21st at West Angeles Church of God In Christ, located at 3045 Crenshaw Blvd in Los Angeles, California. Both services will be open to the public.

Urban Views Weekly | January 14, 2015

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Call Alan “A.C.” Curtis A “20” Year Car Salesman If you have Good Credit or Bad Credit, “A.C.” can help you with your next vehicle purchase.

Call “A.C.” today at (804) 398-1131

Sheehy Nissan of Mechanicsville

January 23 Robinson Theater

Secret Keeper Girl is an interdenominational event.

Need A Car?

6:30 PM

Free Tickets available from Community Partners

Ques?ons? 804.288.3431 or info@FirstThingsRichmond.org

6564 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Urban Views Weekly | January 14, 2015

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How to Guide

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How to Choose a Travel Agent

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Are you craving an escape to an exotic location? Or are you searching for an exciting adventure? Then it is time to find a travel agency.

relationship with the agency. Of course, a travel agency should have emergency contact information that is good 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The agency should also have a toll-free phone number. If you plan on traveling internationally, choose an agency that allows you to contact them for free if problems arise.

Travel agents are trained in finding the best deals on the market. These professionals can also help you navigate your way out of a tight jam. One family discovered the importance of a travel agent during their vacation. They parked their car in a motel parking lot, locked the doors and went inside for a good nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rest. But they left their plane tickets in their car so they could be prepared for their early morning flight. Arising early the next morning, the family returned to the parking lot only to discover that the car and their tickets were gone. A quick phone call to the airline confirmed that the family could not get on the plane without their tickets. In a panic, they called the travel agency. The agent luckily left her cell phone number on the outgoing message at the office. After one more hasty call, the agent obtained the numbers the airline needed so the family could still make the flight. The moral of the story? Travel agents arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just for booking tickets.

What to Know When Hiring a Travel Agent Eleven states require travel agents to be state-licensed. Many of these states only require the agency to have a license and pay a fee. These stipulations offer no real protection for travelers. There are some other ways you can discover if a travel agent is competent, knowledgeable and honest. First of all, find out if the agency is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents or the Association of Retail Travel Agents. Then, ask if the agent is a member of a travel consortium. Members of a consortium have strong negotiating power and will often have access to better travel deals. Then ask for references from clients and wholesale suppliers. When you contact these suppliers, talk to the sales manager. That person should be happy to answer questions about their www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM

It is usually best to work with only one agent. That person should have a phone extension and email. Reputable agencies have specialized email addresses. Do not trust agencies that have emails from free services, such as Yahoo, Hotmail, AOL or Gmail.

Specialized Travel Anyone traveling overseas should have up-to-the-minute information about political conditions. Good agents provide their clients with such information. Since September 11, 2011, regulations for entry into other countries have become increasingly complex. This is where a travel agent can be a blessing. High-rise and specialized vacations require specific knowledge and reputable vendors. Good travel agents will provide plenty of options. They will also have information about travel warnings from the U.S. State Department. Cruise passengers can also receive great deals when using a travel agent. Members of the Cruise Line Society of Travel Agents can offer substantial savings or deals. But no matter what kind of travel you are doing, a skilled travel agent will have access to information about safety standards and industry reputations. They can help you steer clear of fraudulent vendors and scams. Whether you are planning a relaxing vacation or adventurous escape, your time away can be an amazing experience. Talented travel agents can provide needed guidance and support. They will take care of the details so you can kick back and enjoy your time away. Urban Views Weekly | January 14, 2015

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Urban Views Weekly | January 14, 2015