Urban Views Weekly March 1, 2017

Mar. 1, 2017

Scholar of the Week - Amaris Christmas

A home interior shake-up may be just what’s needed to calm things down

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Civic Beat FUNdraising Good Times

Secrets to passionate leadership Leadership is more than a job. It’s an expression of your commitment to an organization, a cause, or an institution. People know when they meet you whether you are going through the motions, or living the mission and vision of the nonprofit you represent.

Some leaders have charisma, that ability to engage others. They reach out and touch your heart and soul. Others are quiet with a passion that reveals itself more slowly but is equally compelling. These leaders know what they are talking about, and they know how to connect with people. They are not promoting themselves, they are promoting a vision they believe in. They are promoting a vision that is made manifest through an organization. The leader brings you in. He or she draws you into a vision and paints a picture that includes you. You are important.

You make the difference.

creates the magic you need to attract and sustain volunteers, advocates, and investors.

You also need a compelling case for support.

We write about this often as the case is the heart of all communications and fundraising. But remember this: a case is like a script for a play or movie. The script is critical. But without actors it doesn’t come to life. It’s a document or a brochure. But that actor - the visionary leader takes the case and brings it to life through words and actions. The visionary leader engages others: there are roles for people to play and the script (case for support) comes to life through people and their talents and resources.

“...leaders have the intangible quality that’s at the heart of success for businesses and nonprofits.”

Danny Thomas had this quality. When he walked into a room he had you. Even when St. Jude Children’s Hospital was just launching, Memphis was spellbound by his vision and wanted to get involved. Jerry Lewis drew in the crowds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Lou Rawls did it for the United Negro College Fund. These were two different types of leaders, but both grabbed you and brought you in. Today John Hope Bryant of Operation HOPE and Beverly Robertson, former executive director of the National Civil Rights Museum are examples of leaders who grab your attention with their commitment. They go out into the community and talk to people. They share their vision and encourage others to advance a shared mission.

These leaders have the intangible quality that’s at the heart of success for businesses and nonprofits. It’s a quality that draws people in. Every organization needs engaging leadership, but if it’s all you have, you’re in trouble.

Remember, when you bring people in you need the systems and infrastructure to support their involvement.

In many organizations, that’s the work of the COO - the leader who is focused on business and programmatic operations. Partnering a visionary with a tactician

Letter To The Editor

Think about your organization, leadership and how you engage your community. Know inside your heart that you need others to bring your vision to life. Talk to everyone and invite them to participate in a shared vision.

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.

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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www.CVAACC.org Central Virginia African American Chamber of Commerce

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Urban Views Weekly | March 1, 2017

Ervin B. Clarke, Publisher publisher@urbanviewsweekly.com

VOL. 10, ISSUE 9 Urban Views Weekly, LLC 6802 Paragon Place, Suite 410 Richmond, VA 23230 Office: (804) 441-6255 Fax: (888) 439-2534 Cover photo: Janna M. Hall

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

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Health News

sponsored by VCU Health J. Chevonte’ Alexander

The Silent Epidemic Did you know that African Americans are 3 times more likely than Caucasians to experience kidney failure? This happens due to high rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and unique genetic variations specific to African ancestry.

by controlling the underlying cause. Chronic kidney disease can progress to end-stage kidney failure. Those who progress to end-stage kidney disease need to go on dialysis or have a kidney transplant.

Chronic kidney disease is the gradual loss of kidney function. Your kidneys filter wastes and excess fluids from your blood, which are then excreted in your urine.

When chronic kidney disease reaches an advanced stage, dangerous levels of fluid, salts and wastes can build up in your body. In the early stages of chronic kidney disease, you may have few signs or symptoms.

“Dialysis is a life-changing experience,” comments Dr. Vinnikova. One has to go to a center for four hours, three times a week to get treatments. If one does dialysis at home, one has to hook up to a kidney machine every night. Many people are hesitant to start dialysis because some of their friends or family members have died on dialysis. They come to blame dialysis, which is really a lifesaving measure. Kidney transplant patients have a much better quality of life and life expectancy, but success is conditional on adherence to multiple medications and frequent medical check-ups.

“The impact is huge. Even patients in the early stages of chronic kidney disease suffer many more heart attacks and strokes than the general population.” says Dr. Anna Vinnikova, an Associate Professor at VCU School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology.

High blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure among African Americans. Recent groundbreaking studies published in Nature have revealed genetic variations specific to African ancestry that are present in 1 in 8 African Americans and make kidneys extra sensitive to damage from high blood pressure. Read more about this Wake Forest Baptist Health study at www.wakehealth. edu/Nephrology/APOL1-Gene-Discovery.htm.

Among people diagnosed with kidney disease and high blood pressure, African American men are least likely to

have their blood pressure under control, putting them at risk of life-threatening complications, according to a study published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases. Given the staggering rates of kidney disease in the African American community, African Americans need to pay particular attention to their kidney health.

Kidney disease often has no symptoms until it is very advanced, so it can go unnoticed.

Kidney Disease - Check out this video to learn more! https://youtu.be/NGNuj2H8S5A Treatment for chronic kidney disease focuses on slowing the progression of the kidney damage, usually

To decrease the risk of kidney disease, African Americans need to be aware of their risk of kidney disease if they have diabetes, hypertension, other chronic medical problems and especially a family history of kidney disease.

They need to visit their doctor or clinic regularly to check their blood sugar, blood pressure, urine protein and kidney function.

“Screening is the key,” says Dr. Vinnikova. Kidney disease in African Americans often goes undetected. If kidney disease is caught early, it can usually be treated or slowed down. Even if it is discovered late, effective treatments may be available. continues to page 11

Know your risks for kidney disease.

African-Americans are three times more likely to experience kidney failure than other ethnic groups.

Protect yourself. Know your risk factors: Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease Family History, Smoking, Obesity.

To assess your risk of kidney disease, consult a physician.

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Urban Views Weekly | March 1, 2017

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ViewPoints

By Dr. T

THIS IS A JOURNEY… NOT A DESTINATION “A journey is called such, because you do not know what you will find on the journey, or what you will do with what you find, or what you find will do to you.”

This is not a direct quote, but rather a paraphrase of comments made by James Baldwin, renowned African American author, activist and social critic in the recent documentary film, I Am Not Your Negro. The struggle for equality, justice and freedom has been the struggle of African people from the beginning of our encounter with this “American” soil. It has been a struggle for our very humanity at its inception, in the face of one of the most inculcated demonstrations of barbarity and evil that has systemically and institutionally been perpetuated on other human beings in our history. European countries participated in chattel slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade for well over 300 years. They forced Africans onto slave ships and transported them across the Atlantic Ocean.

was in town at the invitation of the 2nd Annual Afrikana Independent Film Festival. Ms. Davis spoke to a capacity crowd gathered at the VMFA on Friday evening, after the screening of “FREE ANGELA DAVIS AND ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS”, an award winning documentary film by Shola Lynch.

The documentary chronicles the life of the young college professor Angela Davis, and how her social activism implicated her in a botched kidnapping attempt that ended with an infamous shootout at the Marin County Courthouse, four people dead (including the Judge), and turned her into a notorious fugitive with her name on the FBI’s 10 most wanted list. The evening was billed as an “Evening With An Icon: ANGELA DAVIS”. The evening was electric. It was a gathering of the community and it was a call to activism. Through the moderator, Dr. Tressie McMillan Cottom, a sociology professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, we had the opportunity to talk about the social justice movement, Black Lives Matter and the Critical Resistance, a national organization dedicated to dismantling of the prison industrial complex. Dr. Davis spoke to her concerns that more resources and attention have been devoted to the prison system than to educational institutions.

“...the struggle for freedom for African peoples in America has been a long struggle that continues to this day.”

The first European nation to engage in the Transatlantic Slave Trade was Portugal in the midto-late 1400s. Portugal continued in the “business” of trading in human flesh for nearly fifty years after the Transatlantic Slave Trade was “officially” ended in the United States of America in 1808. It should be noted, however, that the institution of slavery itself, was not abolished in the U.S. until after the Civil War in 1863. So then, the struggle for freedom for African peoples Speaking to the disillusionment and the overwhelming sense of loss felt by many, given in America has been a long struggle that continues to this day. Our struggle has grown to the current political climate and outcome of our most recent presidential election, Angela include the struggles of Indigenous Peoples, immigrant populations, the struggle for gender Davis reminded us of the “journey” we MUST agree to engage in, and The Struggle as a way equality and against gender violence, LGBTQI rights, of life. “We MUST see ourselves in the future,” she religious freedom and the struggle of all oppressed admonished us. Just as we call upon the icons of the Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. people. It has indeed been a journey. past, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Fannie Founder and Artistic Director Lou Hamer, Nat Turner… we must ALSO endeavor RVA had the opportunity to have an audience with to engage in the #Resistance, as we too, will be called The Conciliation Project and Associate Professor one of our iconic She-roes of the struggle for justice, upon for the inspiration of the future.

Virginia Commonwealth University freedom and equality, last week. Dr. Angela Y. Davis DrT@Margins2theCenter.com | www.theconciliationproject.org

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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.

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Urban Views Weekly | March 1, 2017

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Home Makeovers Made Easy & A

Spring cleaning is an exciting time, not just because we get to purge our rooms, closets, and shelves of junk we’ve accumulated during our winter hibernation, but Designer because we get the chance Tiara Holloway to walk into a new season (top), Elegant clutter-free. With a clear Dining Room living space comes a clear mind, and with spring approaching, the clear space also serves as a blank canvas for fresh, new decor and home improvement projects.

As with any new undertaking—whether spring cleaning or redecorating—major planning is needed. What do you want to take into the new season, and what should you toss? What old items can be repurposed, and what’s a lost cause?

Developing a solid plan allows you to approach the project with a clear vision of what you have, and what you want the end result to be. And sometimes, especially with home makeovers, the best plan of attack is stepping back and hiring a professional.

Richmond’s own Tiara Holloway is one of those professionals who make revolutionizing your space an enjoyable and seamless transition. The owner of Vivacious Interior by Tiara, Holloway has spent her entire life traveling and gathering inspiration for home makeover projects, and the past three years specifically working with clients in the Richmond area. Her clientele is those who desire a change in their bedroom, living area, or the entire home and aren’t sure of where to start. With an eye for colors, textures, and thrifted items that can be repurposed, Holloway’s an expert at transforming a space on a budget.

From complete home projects to toddlers’ bedrooms and 6

Urban Views Weekly | March 1, 2017

even a virtual client in Texas, Holloway places emphasis on the planning period, advising her clients to gather inspiration from various sources before making any purchases.

Jennifer Henry

With so much change and turmoil going on around us, this may be a perfect time to take control of some of the things in our lives. Kick out with the old, and bring in the new!

“I always tell a new client to pull inspiration from everywhere before we have a consultation,” she says. “I have them pull from Pinterest, Instagram, Google—wherever— to get a complete vision, from color combinations to textures and furniture.”

From there, Holloway shares her own vision and ideas for the space. Her ideas are typically inspired by her travels, where she’s exposed to various cultures, art types, and textures. She pays careful attention to new designs and color schemes and finds creative ways to combine them with classic pieces for an all-new look.

While some clients have a specific idea of what they want for their room or home, most sign on the dotted line, provide a budget, and trust her to transform the space like only she can.

The first order of business is usually the paint. While many believe that white is the only color that truly opens up a room, Holloway’s best-kept-secret is gray.

“If you use bright colors, it will definitely make a room look bigger,” she explains. “My biggest secret, though, is using different shades of gray instead of your typical white.

It’ll make a room look ten times bigger than what it is.

Even with dark colors, as long as the room is a 20’x20’ or 20’x18’, with enough natural lighting, even black on the walls will make the room look larger and more open.”

Another paint trick she suggests, particularly in the

Tiara Holloway with Rep

“With a clear living spac kitchen, is chalkboard paint in place of backsplash or on an empty wall. Not only is it ideal for writing recipes and/or grocery lists with chalk above the stove, but because the paint is magnetic, you can attach your children’s artwork, take-out menus, or any notes to family on the wall. Best of all, parents of small children can finally let them write on the wall and simply wipe it clean afterwards.

Affordable with Vivacious Interiors

By Janna M. Hall

can change the hardware and paint color. Changing the knobs makes a huge difference. Adding mirrors is a really big thing now, too.

I’m also known as the Spray Paint Queen; I spray paint bannisters, picture and bed frames—you name it, I can make it look brand new.

In addition to painting and changing hardware, Holloway also does light reupholstering.

In fact, she once transformed Pink & Owl Themed a dining room table and Bedroom (top) & chair set a client owned, a set Simple Entry Way passed down from her great grandmother. While she didn’t want to get rid of the family heirloom, she wanted a fresh new look in her home, so Holloway found a nice fabric, reupholstered the set, and purchased a shoe rack that she also reupholstered and repurposed.

“Always look for ways to keep a little money in your pocket,” she advises. “Whether with old items or headboards, reupholstering goes a long way.”

purposed Picture Frame

ce comes a clear mind...”

After choosing the paint, Holloway gets down to the furniture, first deciding which items can be repurposed before making any purchases.

“Dressers, nightstands, and cabinets are the biggest items that can be repurposed,” she explains. “Before going out and buying an entire new piece of furniture, I see if I Elegant Bathroom Redesign

Holloway’s professional Instagram account showcases her incredible work, and has even caught the attention of HGTV, who reached out to make her an official buyer of luxury furniture brands across the nation. Every April and October, she travels to High Point, North Carolina to meet with various furniture designers. Even still, she remains committed to teaching clients to save thousands of dollars during home makeover projects, advising them that they don’t have to break the bank with expensive items.

“Take your time with purchases, and shop around,” she advises. “It’s tempting to want to buy everything at once, but I go to HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, Burlington, Goodwill, Salvation Army, and even yard sales to find pieces that transform a room.”

You’ll be surprised how many websites and stores offer items that complement one another; you really don’t have

to buy everything from the same place. Recently, when redesigning a young girl’s bedroom, Holloway managed to score bedding, wall fixtures, dresser accessories, and even a rug from various websites and stores. Though purchased separately, it all perfectly tied together for the all-thingspink, all-things-owl theme. She added the extra touch of pink glitter paint for the walls, and made the young girl’s dream bedroom a reality.

“I don’t have an eye for any of this, so when I hired her to give my daughter’s room a makeover, I signed on the dotted line and trusted her to work her magic,” says Korita Jones, who hired Holloway to redecorate her daughter’s room.

“I’ll never forget the look on her face when she saw it.

Holloway has a gift; she can take anything and make it amazing.”

And this is exactly why Holloway does what she does.

The look on her clients’ face when they see their new space is priceless, and each time is just as gratifying as the last. Whether renovating or redecorating on a large or small scale, she truly loves working with the Vivacious Interior team to save clients money, time, and keep them stress-free.

“Everyone deserves a space that reflects who they are and what they love, with a touch of creativity added,” says Holloway. “Whether you own your house or are in a rental property, you can always make it a home.”

Photos: Janna M. Hall

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New Program Provides Academic-Based Urban Agriculture Certification To Want-To-Be Urban Farmers or Educators Urban agriculture is hot: And for good reason. It can help alleviate urban food deserts, make our food as “local” and fresh as possible and decrease the “food miles” associated with long-distance transportation. From rooftop gardens and aquaponics centers in converted warehouses, to growing crops on abandoned properties, urban agriculture provides a wide range of community benefits, including closer neighborhood ties, reduced crime, education and job training opportunities, and healthy food access for low-income residents.

“That’s why,” says Dr. Leonard Githinji, Virginia State University’s Urban Agriculture Extension Specialist, “It’s no wonder we’re seeing a huge increase in the number of urban farms from Brooklyn to Boise and everywhere in between.”

But training hasn’t kept up with demand for these urban cowboys. As Githinji explains, a lot of non-profits, churches, businesses and municipalities are putting a great deal of resources into getting urban farms up and running. So much so that last year the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published an Urban Agriculture Toolkit to provide informational resources to these group leaders, many of whom have never farmed before or know a nematode from a horned toad. (For the record, a nematode is a parasitic worm that often causes damage to garden crops like tomatoes and peppers. A horned toad is actually a desert lizard.)

But there’s a lot to learn, he explains, from business planning, legal issues and market development to soil quality, pest management and plant health. And while an online tool kit is a great resource, we need more science-based, boots-on-theground training for these urban pioneers.

To help meet the demand for academically trained urban agriculture professionals, Virginia State University’s College of Agriculture is offering an Urban Agriculture Certificate Program this spring. Designed for anyone charged with starting or managing an urban farm or who wants to increase their marketability to do so, the course provides a curriculum rich in the science-based knowledge needed to successfully and safely grow produce in an urban environment. Courses include: plant propagation and nursery management, plant disease and pest management, sustainable soil management, greenhouse production (hydroponic and aquaponic), animal husbandry (chickens and rabbits), and more. All courses will be taught by Virginia State University (VSU) and Virginia Tech professors.

Each of the 10 sessions includes classroom work, plus handson lab and field work at VSU’s Randolph Farm. Small class sizes allow for personalized attention for each student to master the foundational principles to plan, manage and profit from an urban farm business.

The course is suitable even for those who have had gardening

training before, such as Master Gardeners, as it will contribute to their continuing education credits.

The 10-week course begins March 11 and ends May 13.

Classes will be conducted Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on VSU’s Randolph Farm located at 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA. Instruction will consist of morning lectures and afternoon hands-on outdoor and lab activities.

Each student must also complete, by the end of July, 80 hours of volunteer work at an approved urban farm in order to successfully graduate from the program with full certification.

Applicants are required to pay a $190 one-time fee that will cover registration, instructional materials and lunch. Registration and a limited number of full and partial scholarships are available on a first-come, firstserved basis. Registration is limited and closes March 3. To apply for a scholarship or to register, visit www.ext.vsu.edu/ urban-agriculture-certificate-program.

If you need further information or are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Mollie Klein at mklein@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-6960/TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations no later than five days prior to the event.

TanyaFree.com/ Urban Views Weekly Poll The Commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services in Maine wants to ban the use of food stamps for the purchase of soda and candy. Reportedly, “Too many tax dollars are being wasted on candy and soda instead of nutritional foods” which some argue is a contributing factor to obesity.

What’s your take? Should Food Stamp recipients be prohibited from buying soda and candy?

Check out the story and respond to this week’s poll at TanyaFree.com and the Urban Views Weekly FACEBOOK Page. Listen to the Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show Wednesdays @ 2pm on WCLM1450AM streaming LIVE @ TanyaFree.com and BlackTalkRadioNetwork.com. You can now watch us LIVE at TanyaFree.com and ustream.tv

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Urban Views Weekly | March 1, 2017

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Scholar of the Week

Amaris Christmas

of Richmond Community High School GPA: 4.66 College(s) of Interest: University of Pittsburgh, Howard University Major Community Service: Children’s Home Society, Richmond Community High School ambassador, etc.

Strong Interests: Mental health, nursing Favorite Activities: Read, write, work

By Janeal Downs

Reading and writing: Two things that have always comforted leaning toward University of Pittsburgh because of their highand invigorated Amaris Christmas. From classic books like ranked nursing program and the fact that she has always wanted “Pride and Prejudice” and “War and Peace” to books like the go to school in the North. one she is currently reading, “Love Lasts Three Years,” Amaris One lesson Amaris will take with her to college from high school enjoys reading anything. “Being able to immerse myself into the is the importance of time management and handling stress. “I characters and environments in my books gives me a feeling of hate the feeling of not having an assignment turned in on time serene control which I doubt I could find so easily anywhere and I’m really big on that,” Amaris said. “Not only with school, else,” Amaris stated in an essay. With writing, she enjoys writing but going to work, being at events, picking up my friends. Just about philosophical thoughts, theories, world phenomenon and being on time for anything.” She also thinks sometimes students more. Her interest in philosophical and analytical written pieces stress themselves out and she hopes to keep her stress under increased after taking AP English control in college. She already works on Language and Composition during the both of these things as an active member in last school year. With a teacher who her school and community. Amaris works gave space to express herself, Amaris part time, volunteers and is the student enjoyed the platform to have debates ambassador at her school where she helps and intelligent conversations. She plans pick and interview new applicants. She to continue exploring writing and volunteers at the Children’s Home Society, an reading when she goes to college by ™ adoption service helping find children homes. k e e W joining organizations with other likeof the She also is the treasurer of her chapter FBLA, minded people. the regional treasurer of FBLA, the president Although Amaris considered becoming of her school’s Book Club, the president of a literature or English professor, her top choice in a career is the school math society, a member of the National Honor Society working in the nursing field. As a freshman, Amaris participated and in the school drama club. With all these extracurricular in the VCU Health Sciences Academy. She was able to visit a activities, she maintains a 4.66 GPA. nursing lab, which helped push her toward majoring in the Amaris has found success in high school and plans to continue field. “I always wanted to go into some type of health whether working hard in college and in her career. She has been it was mental health or medical health,” Amaris said. Wanting encouraged along the way by her parents, especially her mother to combine psychological and mental health with nursing, she who has always been a strong figure in her life. “She inspires me decided to study to become a psychiatric mental health nurse to be a bigger and stronger woman,” Amaris said. ”Like an image practitioner. While she has applied to many colleges, Amaris’ top of being able to support yourself and being able to go above and choices include University of Pittsburgh and Howard University, beyond.” both of which have offered her full ride scholarships. She is

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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.

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Health News from page 3

When kidney disease is detected, patients need to be seen by a kidney doctor. A kidney doctor will arrange appropriate evaluation and come up with a treatment plan. From then on, the kidney specialist and primary care doctor can work together.

Communication among providers and patient-centered care are essential. Patientcentered care means patients and their families are active decision makers on the medical team, and the health care provider looks for ways to help patients accomplish their health goals. Patient-centered care makes visits to the doctor worthwhile and productive.

Lifestyle changes can make a big difference in reducing one’s risk for developing kidney disease and early testing and treatment can slow or prevent the progression of kidney disease and its complications.

Here are three steps that you can take to prevent kidney disease or to detect it early in order to slow the progression to kidney failure: 1. Ask your family for information.

Family history is one of the most important

PUBLIC NOTICE risk factors for kidney disease.

2. Get tested. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, a family history of kidney failure or are over age 60, you should be tested.

3. Adopt a healthy lifestyle. If you have risk factors for kidney disease or are living with kidney disease, you can protect your kidneys and preserve your kidney health by following a healthy lifestyle. Adopt a low salt diet and try to maintain a healthy body weight. Increase your physical activity to incorporate an extra 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Don’t smoke.

Avoid alcohol to excess and steer clear of street drugs.

No matter what your skin color, race or ethnicity, kidney disease is a growing public health concern and Urban Views Weekly urges you to pass along this information. Let’s bring this epidemic to everyone’s attention and act together as a community that transcends color lines in order to protect the health of our African American families.

Pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 134 and 135; 49 U.S.C 5303 and 5304, the Tri-Cities Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) hereby provides area citizens an opportunity to review and comment on the Transportation Improvement Program. This transportation plan has been developed by local and State agencies represented on the Tri-Cities Area MPO. A copy of this draft document has been made available for public viewing during regular visiting hours at public libraries in the Tri-Cities Area during a 30 day public review period beginning February 19, 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 100 W. Washington Street in Petersburg, VA. Persons in need of special accommodations to participate in these public meetings are requested to forward this information either by contacting the Crater Planning District Commission at 804-8611666 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 1-800-8281120 to forward information to the Crater Planning District Commission and Tri-Cities Area MPO. The purpose of the Transportation Improvement Program is to recommend highway and transit improvements for the Tri-Cities Area.

A copy of this draft plan and other information related to the Tri-Cities Area MPO has been made available in electronic format located http:// craterpdc.org/transportation/mpo. htm The Crater Planning District Commission and the Tri-Cities Area MPO assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, handicap, sex, age or income status, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent nondiscrimination laws, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of , or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity. Written comments on Transportation Improvement Program should be addressed Crater Planning District Commission, P.O. Box 1808, Petersburg, Virginia 23805 and or sent email dhyder@ craterpdc.org and received within the review period ending March 22, 2017.

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