Urban Views Weekly February 22, 2017

Feb. 22, 2017

Scholar of the Week - Sherlyn Velasquez

Turning your online network into real life contacts can be a boost for business

Get updates throughout the week

Civic Beat FUNdraising Good Times

What is capacity and infrastructure?

Knowing your mission, vision and proposed impact is critical to your success as an organization. Equally important is the process of building your fundraising capacity and infrastructure. But what exactly are these things?

Here are three things you need to know.

1. These refer to tangible and intangibles such as people, skills, relationships, technology, processes, and more.

2. These aren’t built overnight: they are developed over time.

3. These require conscious effort and investments of time.

February 23, 2017 6:30pm-8:30pm

Speakeasy Grill @ The Hippodrome

1. An organization’s experience with fundraising, especially that of staff and board members

Letter To The Editor

3. The number of staff and volunteer leaders who are trained and experienced in fundraising

“Fundraising capacity and infrastructure are at the heart of an organization’s ability to deliver on its mission...”

Here’s what we mean by fundraising capacity:

THURSDAY

2. A board of directors that is committed to fundraising

4. The number of volunteers (trained as well as untrained but willing) available to assist with fundraising 5. The type and quality marketing materials available – especially the case for support

6. The extent of positive awareness amongst the general public, and amongst people who can either make or influence major gifts

7. An ongoing annual fundraising program 8. A pool of prospective donors that includes individuals, continues to page 11

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.

526 North 2nd Street | Richmond, VA 23219

RSVP online at www.CVAACC.org Event Calendar Non-Members $20.00 – Online RSVP Only Central Virginia African American Chamber of Commerce Email: Info@CVAACC.org • Phone: 804-823-7745 Join the chamber by going online to www.CVAACC.org 2

Urban Views Weekly | February 22, 2017

Ervin B. Clarke, Publisher publisher@urbanviewsweekly.com

VOL. 10, ISSUE 8 Urban Views Weekly, LLC 6802 Paragon Place, Suite 410 Richmond, VA 23230 Office: (804) 441-6255 Fax: (888) 439-2534 Cover photo Melissachanel.com

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

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Let’s Celebrate the First Birthday of every Petersburg Baby

Are you Pregnant? We Can Help.

Petersburg Healthy Start - Loving Steps “One Step at a Time” The Healthy Start Loving Steps Home Visiting Program provides support, advice and education before, during and after your baby is born. Our focus is on strengthening family resilience by engaging mothers and fathers in accountability for healthy birth outcomes along with the support of our CAN.

Community Action Network (CAN) The Community Action Network (CAN) of the Healthy Start Loving Steps Program promotes collective impact by supporting the coordination of services, referrals and collaborations among health and social service providers, business leaders, educators, philanthropic groups, the faith community, consumers of services and the community. Our mission is to help every baby in Petersburg VA celebrate their first birthday, “take their first step, say their first word and celebrate day 366”. The CAN is recruiting members now! For more information, call 804-863-1652 ext. 8974 or visit our Facebook Page: Petersburg Healthy-Start-Loving-Steps

For more information, call 804-863-1652 ext. 8975 or visit our Facebook Page: Petersburg Healthy-Start-Loving-Steps

HOLD THE DATE! March 23, 2017 from 5:30 to 7:30 the CAN will host a special 2-hour Networking Reception to assist the development of leads, referrals and collaborations. Location: The Cameron Foundation, 228 S. Sycamore Street, Petersburg VA. Bring your business cards and brochures. www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Urban Views Weekly | February 22, 2017

3

ViewPoints

By Dr. T

TRUTH BE TOLD… A little over a month after our 45th President was sworn into office, the country is still reeling from the consequences of one of the most significant elections in our history. The pundits and polls were patently wrong in predicting the outcome, and just fewer than 60% of eligible voters actually cast their ballots in the 2016 presidential election. That means 40% of eligible voters did NOT vote, at all, and now we find ourselves even more deeply divided than we were before. The truth has become suspect and elusive in our nation’s capital. In fact, truth is routinely traded for absolute falsehood and alternative facts, and then used to promote accusatory television sound bytes, 140-character twitter wars, and ever-changing policy positions that are dependent on what time of day it is, as much as what kind of media attention can be generated from its pronouncement.

“...we must stay awake and engaged or, in time, the reflections that we see in this nation may not be the type of reflections that we want to look at.”

Critics and political commentators are outdone by what the current administration does on a daily basis, and just how “all the president’s men” (mostly white men and mostly old men connected to money or the military industrial complex) conduct themselves in the “People’s House” doing the “People’s business.”

The word unprecedented needs to be retired from the vocabulary of political terminology and descriptors used to interrogate the current administration; and what its ultimate agenda means for the citizens and people who are outside of the dominant culture’s experience because it is used so often, that it has lost its impact.

Now the people have begun to recognize what the last election actually means in real-life terms. What it means to the middle class, the immigrant, the inner-city poor, to black and brown people of all ethnicities, to gay and transgendered people, to women’s reproductive rights and equal pay for

H

H

Resistance, rallies, marches and protests have been organized nonstop since election night. Truth be told…the outcome of the election has activated a people’s movement; a potent and powerful ground swell that has finally engaged the populous, albeit, AFTER the Fact. Although I know the opposing candidate received the majority of the popular vote by almost 3,000,000 votes, we live in a Republic and elect our president through an antiquated process called an Electoral College instead of the democratic process of oneTawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. person, one-vote. Given all of that, we must find a Founder and Artistic Director way to make sure our voices are heard. And, Truth be told…we must stay awake and engaged or, in The Conciliation Project and Associate Professor time, the reflections that we see in this nation may Virginia Commonwealth University not be the type of reflections that we want to look at.

DrT@Margins2theCenter.com | www.theconciliationproject.org Spiritual Music is our Specialty

Barky’s Spiritual Stores 18 East Broad Street | Richmond, VA 23219

Do All The Good You Can...

For All The People You Can...

ASK FOR “URBAN VIEWS” DISCOUNT

4

H

CALL 271-1220

Urban Views Weekly | February 22, 2017

equal work, and to environmental protection and public education, and, ultimately, what it means to the unending struggle for equal justice under the law. Yes, elections have consequences and the position we now find ourselves in as a nation has a direct correlation to whom we have elected as our president and leader of the free world. What we have to look forward to is daunting, whether good, bad or ugly. There is a dis-ease and distrust as people take to the streets in protest of a government that seems to have turned so extremely to the right (ALT right) that even the global community has joined in protesting what is happening here in the USA. The basic character and moral high ground with which the USA has enjoyed a long and enduring leadership role in the global community is now being scrutinized and undermined by a scattered and unfocused white house that appears to be playing patriot games with a Russian dictator and government bent upon inserting itself into the U.S. political power structure.

CDs, DVDs, Clergy Shirts, Sheet Music, Hymnals, Etc.

804-643-1987 | barkysorders@yahoo.com

AFFORDABLE

Apartment Rentals

1 and 2 Bedroom Units Starting at

FOR

T

REN

$425 per Month

No Application fee!

We work with credit issues!

“Ask about FREE MONTHS RENT” Zacharias Brothers Realty

Please call 329-6249 or 271-1220 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

The Deal

By Nathaniel Sillin

Having Trouble Paying Your Heating Bill? LIHEAP Could Help The chill of winter can be offset with the pleasure of curling up inside a warm home. Turning on the heat and settling into your favorite chair to open a new book or watch a movie feels even better when snow falls or rain patters against the windows. Unfortunately, some families have to choose between paying high winter utility bills and buying groceries or gas for their cars.

The necessity of food and transportation often wins.

territories have some control over the services, qualifications, aid limits and application process for the LIHEAP program in their area.

You can review each state’s income eligibility for the fiscal year 2017. The state or local organizations that distribute funds also consider applicants’ utility costs, family size and location. Renters and homeowners could be eligible for LIHEAP assistance, but you might not qualify if you have subsidized housing.

Fortunately, there are assistance programs. One such program, the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), helps low-income households with heating or cooling costs during an energy-related crisis (such as a shutoff notice from your utility) and with weatherization improvements.

If you, a parent or a friend are struggling to make ends meet this winter, LIHEAP and similar programs might be able to help keep your home warm.

Apply as soon as you can if you think you’ll need assistance.

The federal government provides the funding for LIHEAP, but the programs are run at the state level. The money gets distributed on a first-come-first-served basis and states give priority to households with children, elderly or disabled members. Often the largest benefits are awarded to the homes with the most need.

States open their winter applications at different times, and you should apply for LIHEAP right away if you think you’ll have trouble paying for heating.

Being qualified doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get assistance. Each state receives a set amount of funds for the year, and, on average, only 20 percent of qualified households receive benefits.

LIHEAP won’t cover your entire utility bill, but it can help keep your home warm. LIHEAP’s heating benefit is only intended to help you pay to heat your home. For example, if your heating unit runs on gas, the program will contribute towards your gas bill, but not your electricity bill.

How to apply for LIHEAP. Often you’ll apply for LIHEAP at a Community Action Agency (CAA), local non-profit organizations that help administer federal, state and local grant programs. Some states let you complete the application online, otherwise you may need to mail, fax or hand in an application.

You might only be able to receive a benefit once every 12 months, but it can make a big difference for your finances.

For the fiscal year 2014, the most recent data available, over 5.7 million households received heating assistance and it offset an average 45.9 percent of recipients’ annual heating costs.

The Office of Community Service’s website has contact information for each state and territory, including a link to a website where you’ll find state-specific eligibility guidelines and program information.

Qualifying for LIHEAP assistance. States, tribes and

As part of the application process, you may need to share identifying and financial information, including: Continues to Page 9

There’s a beauty

to the rhythm of life.

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Urban Views Weekly | February 22, 2017

5

Step Outside the Box–It’s Wh It is often said that life begins at the end of your comfort zone. Whether with recreational activities or in the professional realm, there forever lies the necessity to break out of the norm in order to gain new life experiences that spark true personal growth. While comfort zones often serve as a safe haven for many, they are our greatest barriers to living out our full potential. We become increasingly fearful of the unknown, comfortable never actually exploring what lies beyond the box in which we’ve placed ourselves.

com, knows first-hand the importance of foregoing the comfort of social media and making real life connections in order to advance her career.

Getting her start in Charlotte, North Carolina and expanding to New York, much of Melissa’s success can be attributed to the online brand she’s built for herself. She, like many, enjoyed the comfort of digital interactions—both her online responses and brand image were strategically crafted. Eventually, she saw the value in face-toface interactions, especially Melissa Cantey (left) and Nicole Ari Parker as it pertained to building For some, that box is made up of her business. She eventually putting off an active lifestyle that will improve our overall partnered with another local blogger, Janae Raquel of health. For others, it consists of the avoidance of social JanaeRaquel.com, to host events that forced her to develop settings where networking and career progression takes interpersonal skills. place. In the quest to make our lives great, we’ve already taken a deep dive into the options that exist for those “It’s rare that strangers have an opportunity to connect ready to become healthier and happier, placing a focus with one another, so Janae and I created ‘The Best on physical health. It’s Picnic Ever’ to give the mind, however, young professionals an that remains the most opportunity to meet difficult to conquer, without the pressure of especially when gaining the professional setting,” the confidence to step Cantey explains. “We got out of those comfort to finally meet many of zones. the faces we interacted with online, and in a For those looking to much more comfortable, expand their personal casual environment.” and professional networks, it’s simply The picnic expanded impossible to grow to the Richmond and without the willingness Hampton regions, thanks to do what’s never been to dozens of social media Melissa Cantey (left) Hosting done. Stepping out from followers requesting behind the computer and meet-ups in their area. becoming intentional about face-to-face interactions is the Though Cantey initially developed it as a social event, it first step, and one that isn’t always easy. became a great networking and business development tool.

Eventually, she became a National Brand Ambassador for Melissa Cantey, lifestyle blogger behind MelissaChanel.

Cantu Beauty. Once again, she was catapulted into the 6

Urban Views Weekly | February 22, 2017

Melissa Cantey Attends a Fitne

“Stepping out from beh becoming intentional abou is the first step, and one world of face-to-face interactions, honing her social skills both here in Richmond and beyond.

“Attending events continues to help me grow in my field,” she explains. “With Cantu—and with any event you attend—you’re constantly meeting new people. You have the opportunity to increase your social skills and even your education as you meet people whose career path differs from yours. You never know who you’ll meet that can help you achieve your goals.”

Cantey holds firm to the belief that stepping out from behind the screen and attending networking events and

here Your Future Success Lies!

By Janna M. Hall

connections with local professionals.

Stepping outside of the box takes practice. Attending at least one event per month provides the opportunity to exercise your public speaking muscles and helps you develop an elevator pitch to use when meeting new people. Not sure where to find monthly events?

Richmond has no shortage of organizations and institutes that cater to the small business owner, blogger, or young professional looking to build their network.

ess Course with Local Bloggers

hind the computer and ut face-to-face interactions e that isn’t always easy.” seminars may be intimidating, but it’s essential to growth.

Her advice? Preparation.

“Before you go to any networking event, get business cards,” she advises. “Sit with a family member or friend and rehearse scenarios you’ll most likely encounter, such as in-person introductions, icebreakers, and various conversation topics.”

One in particular is the Bonnie Newman Davis Institute for Media and Culture. Founded in 2016 by Bonnie Newman Davis, a journalist, journalism educator, and media consultant here in Richmond, the Institute provides programs, services, and training dedicated to educating and engaging diverse audiences about contemporary news media and its impact on African American life and culture.

Davis is also a contributing writer for Urban Views Weekly.

While Davis’ Institute connects people to Richmond’s rich African American culture and history through universities, museums, and schools, she’s also built in a component that connects people to one another. She’s hosted events throughout the city, from the “So You Want to be a Writer” program in Libbie Mill Library last November to a gathering of local African American journalists at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center.

Clement S. Britt

More than half of the 150 people who reserved a spot showed up on a Saturday morning at Virginia Union University, eager to hear the inspiring journey of two women who revolutionized the hair care industry.

Not only that, but Miko’s story ignited a spark in the entrepreneurs in the room, and the event soon became the ultimate networking opportunity. Tickets were free, and the experience was truly invaluable. It offered the opportunity for local women to step outside of their comfort zone and invest in their own personal growth.

Dozens of small business owners built lasting connections and bridged the gaps between each of their industries, from photography and writing to marketing and event planning. continues on page 8

Her most recent event, the Master Class on Entrepreneurship with Miss Jessie’s Founder Miko Branch, provided an incredible opportunity Clement S. Britt

She also suggests taking a friend along as a buffer if you don’t yet thrive in social situations. Above all, let your personality shine. Your online persona is often contrived; in-person interactions help you develop meaningful

Bonnie Newman Davis

for entrepreneurs and the entrepreneurial-at-heart to get an inside peek into building a successful business.

“I decided that it would be a great way to introduce the BND Institute of Media and Culture to Richmond while bringing in Miko, who has created an excellent brand and following,” Davis says.

“Instinctively, I knew that Richmond would be receptive to her visit, and I was correct.”

NBC’s Karla Redditte conducts interview with Miko Branch Photos courtesy of Melissachanel.com

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

7

TanyaFree.com/ Urban Views Weekly Poll Pastor Donnie McClurkin reportedly stated that Christians should not be protesting against Donald Trump. “We need to know what our vote really means and how to utilize it.

But I don’t want us to get caught up in this protest. The protests do nothing but rile [people] up. It causes people’s anger to rise up and it gives us a false sense of involvement.”

What’s your take? Agree or Disagree?

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

Outside the Box from page 7

Davis prepares to build upon the successes her Institute has experienced in such a short amount of time, and looks forward to exploring new ways to impact the creatives and professionals in Richmond.

“I became used to being the only African American in the room and sometimes I’m the only woman,” she explains.

“Whenever possible, I use my position to bring other women and minorities to the table.”

8

Urban Views Weekly | February 22, 2017

Most of all, Davis sees the inherent value in stepping out of your comfort zone and from behind the computer screen to enjoy face-to-face interactions. “…It can be intellectually rewarding, stimulating, and even fun to gather in person to discuss our life stories and journeys rather than through social media,” says Davis.

“People still crave the personal experience. I plan to use social media to further nudge them out of their comfort

zones into open, public spaces where they are challenged to think differently and explore the seemingly impossible.”

The BND Institute of Media and Culture welcomes donations to cover administrative, marketing, speaker honorariums and printing costs. To learn more, visit www. bndimc.org.

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

The Deal from page 5

• Recent utility bills.

• Recent pay stubs, or a profit-and-loss statement if you’re self-employed.

• Documentation for other income, such as Social Security benefits.

• A lease or property tax bill as proof of your address.

• Your Social Security number.

Davis prepares to build upon the successes her Institute has experienced in such a short amount of time, and looks forward to exploring new ways to impact the creatives and professionals in Richmond.

• A list of people living in your home, their relation to you, dates of birth and incomes.

“I became used to being the only African American in the room and sometimes I’m the only woman,” she explains. “Whenever possible, I use my position to bring other women and minorities to the table.”

Most of all, Davis sees the inherent value in stepping out of your comfort zone and from behind the computer screen to enjoy face-toface interactions.

If you’re having trouble with your state’s website, or want to help someone who isn’t computer savvy, you can call the LIHEAP Clearinghouse’s National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) at 1-866-674-6327 (TTY: 1-866-367-6228).

“…It can be intellectually rewarding, stimulating, and even fun to gather in person to discuss our life stories and journeys rather than through social media,” says Davis.

“People still crave the personal experience. I plan to use social media to further nudge them out of their comfort zones into open, public spaces where they are challenged to think differently and explore the seemingly impossible.”

The BND Institute of Media and Culture welcomes donations to cover administrative, marketing, speaker honorariums and printing costs. To learn more, visit www. bndimc.org.

• A copy of a utility termination notice, if you received one.

Your energy provider’s information.

Bottom line: When the temperature drops, heating costs can quickly rise. You shouldn’t have to suffer, and LIHEAP could help provide much-needed financial aid. You can look for additional assistance programs using the Benefits.gov search tool. Also look into state-based programs and payment plans or assistance from your local utility.

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

Expand your network and Grow your business.

Join Today! www.CVAACC.org Central Virginia African American Chamber of Commerce

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Urban Views Weekly | February 22, 2017

9

Scholar of the Week

By Janeal Downs

When she was in about the fourth grade, because of life experiences Sherlyn Velasquez had an opportunity to speak with a counselor. With everything she went through, she really saw the positive effects of speaking to someone as she got older. “It had changed me tremendously and now I can contribute to my community and make a difference in someone else’s life because they may not have anyone to talk to,” Sherlyn said. She plans to make a change in her community through volunteer work and by also pursuing a career in social work.

Sherlyn Velasquez of John Marshall High School

GPA: 4.1 College(s) of Interest: North Carolina Central University, Howard University and Morgan State University Major Community Service: Southside Child Development Center and Second Chances Youth Services Strong Interests: Social work, working with children and the legal system Favorite Activities: Shopping and volunteering

While she is excited and nervous for life after college, Sherlyn knows college is where she wants to be. “I love helping people and I feel like I can make a difference in someone’s life and help people with everyday issues,” she said. She particularly wants to work in the court systems with situations such as child custody, separations, divorce, neglect, termination of parental rights, corrections and other issues.

She wants to be there for children who may not know how to cope with situations like these. Some of her top college choices include North Carolina Central University, Howard University and Morgan State University. She is attracted to these schools because of their great social work programs and the school environments.

Sherlyn’s passion for wanting to give back transcends into not only her career goals but also her motivation to give back to the community. She currently volunteers with Second Chances

Youth Services and Southside Child Development Center. With both, she is able to build relationships with different children and give back to her community. “It helped me see things from a different perspective like there are some kids living in poverty and it just humbles me,” Sherlyn said. Outside of volunteering, Sherlyn participates in the National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, serves as class treasurer, participates in Virginia Union University’s Upward Bound program and is a flag girl in her school’s band. Even with all of these extracurricular activities, Sherlyn currently maintains a 4.1 GPA. With ambitions to become a social worker and give back, Sherlyn gets constant advice from her grandmother and cousin who always remind her to keep her head up and that “your struggle is your motivation, don’t let that stop you from being successful and being who you want to be in life.” Not only do these family members encourage her, but her Aunt Evelyn also. After having children at a young age and experiencing bad situations, Sherlyn’s aunt worked her way up to receiving a master’s degree in billing and coding. Now she works for a big company in New York. Sherlyn’s pride for her aunt also inspires her to succeed in her own life. “I truly just want to be an inspiration to others,” Sherlyn said. “We all have our struggles and I don’t want them to feel like it’s always going to be a dark hole ahead. It’s some type of light at the end of the tunnel and you just keep going and you pray.”

$100 Scholarships Awarded Every Week

Encourage your scholar to apply!

10

Urban Views Weekly | February 22, 2017

Do you know a High School Senior who can meet the following criteria?

1. Have a 3.0 grade point average or better 2. Participates in extracurricular community service activities 3. Attends public school in Central Virginia Go to UrbanViewsWeekly.com for application and details.

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

FUNdraising from page 2

businesses, and foundations The term “infrastructure” is used to refer to systems and people that support fundraising activities. This includes things such as: 1. A fundraising plan 2. Staff whose formal job responsibilities include fundraising 3. Policies and procedures for processing and acknowledging gifts 4. A development committee of the board of directors 5. A fund development taskforce comprised of board members and other volunteers 6. Clearly defined roles and responsibilities in the area of fundraising for staff and board members 7. Donor relationship management software that is consistently used to track and report on all elements of fundraising activities.

8. An adequate budget for fund development and fundraising activities Review these two lists and use them as a tool for evaluating your organization’s fundraising capacity and infrastructure.

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Discuss whether or not you really have the capacity and infrastructure you need. Ask probing questions. For example, is your capacity and infrastructure on paper and in action? How do you bring what’s on paper to life? Do the things you have on paper produce the desired outcomes? Do you need to do things differently? Trying to use your capacity and infrastructure will let you know whether or not these really exist.

This will also reveal what you may need to do to strengthen these. You want to be accountable to your community and funders regarding the investments they make in your organization. You need to demonstrate you have the capacity and infrastructure to manage valuable resources.

Fundraising capacity and infrastructure are at the heart of an organization’s ability to deliver on its mission and secure funding.

Take the time to invest in these: they can help carry you through the good times and the hard times.

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.

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 opportunitytoreviewandcomment ontheTransportationImprovement 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 periodbeginningFebruary19,2017 and ending March 22, 2017. One public meeting will be scheduled to receive comments on this draft plan on March 22, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Petersburg Multi-Modal Station located 100W. Washington Street in Petersburg, VA. Persons in need of special accommodations to participate in thesepublicmeetingsarerequested to forward this information either by contacting the Crater Planning District Commission at 804-8611666 or by email using the address listed below one week prior to the meeting date. Persons with a hearingimpairmentmaycontactthe

Virginia Relay Center at 1-800-8281120 to forward information to the CraterPlanningDistrictCommission and Tri-Cities Area MPO. The purpose of the Transportation Improvement Program is to recommend highway and transit improvementsfortheTri-CitiesArea.

A copy of this draft plan and other information related to theTri-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, nationalorigin,handicap,sex,ageor income status, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 andsubsequentnondiscrimination laws,beexcludedfromparticipation in, be denied the benefits of , or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity. Written comments on Transportation Improvement ProgramshouldbeaddressedCrater Planning District Commission, P.O. Box 1808, Petersburg, Virginia 23805 and or sent email dhyder@ craterpdc.org and received within the review period ending March 22, 2017.

Classifieds

PLACE YOUR AD TODAY

804.649.6868

Office: (

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM

Let’s talk about growing your business.

Ask us how: (804) 441-6255

Urban Views Weekly | February 22, 2017

11

®

! w e n TWISTED

E T A L O C O H C ONS

EATI R C D E INSPIR

TRY THEM ALL

BEFORE THEY’RE GONE ONLY AT

12

Urban Views Weekly | February 22, 2017

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com