Urban Views Weekly March 30, 2016

Mar. 30, 2016

Scholar of the Week - Keaja Jefferson

Children’s healthcare is more convenient thanks to

VCU’s New Hospital

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Wearing many hats is not bad “We wear a lot of hats around here.” This is a common refrain at many small and medium-sized nonprofits. It’s even true amongst larger nonprofits that are under-resourced.

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Scholar of the Week

Keaja Jefferson of Richmond Community

High School

GPA: 4.7 College of Interest: Virginia Military Institute Major Community Service: Head of NHS canned food drive, study buddy Strong Interests: U.S. Military and civil engineering Favorite Activities: Softball, volleyball and going to the gym

By Janeal Downs

Softball, volleyball and going to the gym are Keaja Jefferson’s favorite things to do in her free time. Not only does she love being a part of a sports team, but staying active is also important for her to accomplish dreams. During the Vietnam War, Keaja’s grandfather served as an E-4 in the United States Army. Learning about his commitment to the country is one of the main reasons why she plans to serve within the military. “I always liked the idea of just being a part of something for the greater good,” Keaja said. “The military is one of the places to do that.”

Keaja has held many leadership positions at her high school. One of her main roles is as the president of her senior class. “From this experience alone, I’ve realized that being a leader of such a great venue is in no way an easy task,” she stated in an essay. She is responsible for taking charge of class meetings, organizing the budget, planning the homecoming and also planning the prom.

To Keaja, how well one leads is more important than how often someone is in a leadership role. She is also a member of the National, Mu Alpha Theta, and German Honor societies.

Currently a senior at Richmond Community High School, Keaja has a 4.7 GPA. Before going to the military, she plans to continue her education at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Va. She mostly expects to see, and obtain, a lot of discipline at VMI. “It will definitely be a challenge,” Keaja said. “If I can get through it, I can honestly feel pretty good about myself.” She plans on getting her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering because she loves to be handson while working. Although her school does not have ROTC, she feels mentally prepared for VMI.

In her own life, a leader and role model is her grandmother, who raises her and her siblings because “she’s always been there.” Her grandmother has taught them discipline, respecting their elders and to always do the best they can. Keaja’s number one goal is to get through college, get into the Navy and make something of herself so her grandmother does not have to worry.

While at Community High School, her classes prepared her for the rigor at VMI and she has built her confidence in public speaking.

These are things she will take with her to college. After getting her degree, Keaja plans to join the United States Navy. She wants to do work that always keeps her busy, keeps her mind going and challenges her. While she is also interested in other jobs, she sees herself being the commander of a ship.

She wants to be successful for herself and her family so they won’t ever have to struggle. “All in all, attending VMI and being commissioned into the U.S. Navy, will grant me the satisfaction that I lived through my grandfather’s legacy, and became the best I could be,” Keaja stated in an essay. “I will be able to show myself the physical barriers and limits that I once had, I surpassed, and show my family, community, and country, that I am willing to do whatever it takes to guarantee the safety of all Americans.”

Watch for our Scholar of the Week segment, Wednesdays at 6:30 PM on 

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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.

Urban Views Weekly | March 30, 2016

3

ViewPoints

By Dr. T

The FEAR of things to Come FEAR is an extreme emotion that triggers all types of responses, many of them irrational and absurd. Decisions that are made based upon fear often create a climate that promotes and glorifies the basest human behaviors pushing beyond the boundaries of common decency, courtesy or rational thought. The expectation of civility and orderliness give way to emotionally charged rhetoric that builds into the frenzy of hot-tempered generalizations and baseless claims.

Soon, these assertions ignite bitter resentments and age-old divisions of race, class and ethnicity. The culmination of these ingredients devolves into a mob-like mentality with the predictable outcome of escalation and violence. We have certainly arrived at such a time in this current political season.

that single out people for the color of their skin, the religion they practice, who they love or the expression of their identity as markers for inclusion or exclusion are the standards by which people “qualify” to be represented in the political process or marginalized. The diverse cultural landscape that intrinsically defines the very nature of what and who has made America the “Great Nation” that it has become, now seems to be under attack.

The demand to “take their country back” and “Make America Great Again” has been a clarion call to the disgruntled and disenfranchised working class (mostly) white electorate. There are stunning comparisons and an eerily familiar pattern of scapegoating and targeting racial and religious groups right now to a time decades ago when the struggle for justice, equality and civil rights was tearing this nation apart. Given our political discourse today, what we should fear are the things we know will surely come to pass if we do not stop this bus from going over the cliff. What we should fear is the complete failure of the great American experiment where we are better simply because we are many people from diverse backgrounds. We are a greater nation together than we are apart. The idea of who the United States of America is as a nation is completely dependent upon our ability to navigate the cultural pluralism that defines us.

“These days it seems that the party platform has redefined what it means to be an American in the most narrow and restrictive ways possible.”

The two-party system is the mainstay of the American political tradition, and its connection to race, class and gender identity has historic consequences. At times, the lines have been solidly drawn between the parties and at other times blurred beyond definition or distinction. In 1888, Frederick Douglass famously said, “I recognize the Republican party as the sheet anchor of the colored man’s political hopes and the ark of his safety.” While in 2005, after Hurricane Katrina, Kayne West said bluntly, “George Bush doesn’t care about black people.” Both men were speaking about the politics of the Republican Party in relation to race. Clearly, the party of Lincoln has transformed over the decades and is no longer the “anchor of the colored man’s hopes and ark of his safety.”

These days it seems that the party platform has redefined what it means to be an American in the most narrow and restrictive ways possible. Building walls and barriers to keep people out, rather than inviting them to participate in the democracy we flaunt as the greatest in the world receives rousing applause at political rallies and results in high approval ratings. Constructing policies and practices

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TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll Nurse practitioners are registered nurses, and most complete graduate school and earn a master’s degree that allows them to provide physical examinations, diagnose and treat many common acute and chronic problems under the care of a physician. Nurse Practitioners in Oklahoma have asked the legislature to amend the Oklahoma Nurse Practice Act to free them from doctor supervision.

HEROES WELCOME

What’s your take? Should nurse practitioners be allowed to treat patients without doctor supervision?

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.

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And fairies. And ninjas. Here, kids can still be kids.

With specialists in every care category, the new outpatient Children’s Pavilion is equipped to do what it takes to keep kids out of the hospital. With extensive amenities and ample parking, parents will have a truly remarkable experience as well. Take a virtual tour of the Children’s Pavilion at chrichmond.org/pavilion

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Urban Views Weekly | March 30, 2016

5

The Doors are Open at VCU The Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University has expanded. Its new hightech multistory pavilion made nearly all of its pediatric outpatient services into an all-in-one facility. For inner city youth, this could mean less complication getting from one doctor to the next.

below-average transit services. Nearly twenty percent of African American households, fourteen percent of Latino households, and thirteen percent of Asian households live without a car. With access to transportation already an obstacle for some families, VCU pediatric services promises a commitment to reliability for all.

“Everything is in one location. All of her doctors can communicate,” said one patient’s mother, Nicole Houser.

“VCU’s $200 million investment in the new outpatient Children’s Pavilion is an important contribution to the health of Virginia’s families,” said Gov. Terry McAuliffe.

“The connection between healthy children, a healthy workforce and a healthy economy cannot be overstated.

As we work to build a new Virginia economy, it is essential that we make the strategic investments necessary to ensure that all of our citizens have access to high-quality medical services.”

The nearly two-hundred-million-dollar project took five years of planning. The Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU is part of a network of facilities located throughout Richmond. The Children’s Pavilion is now the largest, most advanced outpatient facility dedicated to children in the region. The pavilion, located on Broad Street between 10th and 11th streets, will provide diagnostic and treatment services for children. Its 640,000 square foot building will dedicate pediatric care to departments like radiology, same-day surgery, lab testing, dialysis, and infusions.

“With 90 percent of pediatric care offering on an outpatient basis, ease of access is not just convenience, it’s critical.

Children can see doctors, nurses, and any others who will care for them more quickly, comfortably, and safely. And that’s an important part of the care we provide” stated VCU’s President, Dr. Rao. According to civilrights. org, low- and moderateincome households spend 42% of their total annual income on transportation.

Two-thirds of all residents in small towns and rural communities have few if any transportation options. Forty-one percent have no access to transit and another twenty-five percent have 6

Urban Views Weekly | March 30, 2016

Mission:

The Virginia Commonwealth University Health System is an urban, comprehensive academic medical center in central Virginia established to preserve and restore health for all people, to seek the cause and cure of diseases through innovative research, and to educate those who serve humanity.

Vision:

The Virginia Commonwealth University Health System is committed to excellence in patient care and education

as the preeminent academic medical center in the midAtlantic region. Quality and safety drive our vision, which is propelled by the best people dedicated to: Demonstrating superior value to patients, employers and payers; Securing our position as a national leader in integrated delivery systems; Fostering the contributions of all members of the healthcare team in the care of patients; Educating the next generation of health professionals using leading edge techniques and innovation; Applying novel research in the clinical and basic sciences, and translating new discoveries to patient care; Ensuring sufficient assets to support our mission and vision through disciplined stewardship of financial activities.

In addition to convenience, the new pavilion offers cutting-edge technology and services. Organization is by floor. On level one, in addition to the sky lobby/ registration area are the ASK Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Clinic and a place where parents can leave

U’s New Children’s Hospital

By Janice Millan

Children’s Pavilion will allow Brianna to have all of her routine testing, infusions and appointments in one central location. It will change our lives.”

Accessibility was kept in mind for families during the pavilions construction, too. Curb-free drop off areas ideal for strollers and wheelchairs were made for better navigation. To combat tricky city parking, a 600-space garage is nearby with valet and self-parking options. The transit system is just footsteps away for inner city youth who might not have reliable transportation. So if a young patient doesn’t have reliable transportation, they can rely on the GRTC Transit system which can be found right in front of the facility at 11th and Broad.

the patient’s siblings during the appointment visit. Level two includes operational, procedural, pre-op and postop rooms, and diagnostics. Levels three and four are the main clinics’ floors. Exam rooms are arranged in clinical pods to optimize a multidisciplinary care model. Each pod includes twelve exam rooms, a treatment room, support space, and a centralized clinical team hub. There are two procedure rooms and four operating rooms. The operating rooms are suited for immediate use and future expansion. A pediatric-only radiology suite and lab testing was also added. And, because education is a fundamental part of the university’s health system, a research space is also included in the fifteen-story spread. The Pavilion’s additions were made to tailor to the needs of the unique healthcare of pediatric patients.

“I know that Brianna’s medical conditions are complex and not textbook, but her team’s collaborative efforts show that they are dedicated to her,” Houser said. “This new

The Children’s Pavilion design was created to be an oasis for pediatric patients. The James River theme incorporates elements of nature with light and green space through interactive displays and a sky terrace. That theme carries into the interior, with color schemes, flooring, layout and photos. The elevators that go to the parking areas are a can’t-miss glossy bright yellow. Floors are marked with giant wall numbers. Signs are in English and Spanish. Brianna Burke, 10, was one of the first patients to experience the kid-accustomed theme. “When I have to get my infusion, they have this little room with a curtain and you have your own TV. And the chairs look comfortable, you can tell just by looking at them!” she exclaimed.

2014 National Healthcare Design Award (AIA Academy of Architecture for Health); 2015 Future Healthy Built Environment Award (Design & Health International); and 2015 Concrete Excellence Award (American Concrete Institute Virginia Chapter). HKS Inc. was the architect of the James River-themed project, with construction by Skanska USA Building Inc. and project management by JLL. “The overall design concept for the building is derived from nature to include water, forest and sky,” said Leslie Hanson, principal architect on the project designed by HKS Inc. For the future of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond, VCU continues planning for new facilities on the medical campus, including development of a hospital for inpatient children’s care, according to VCU spokeswoman Pamela D. Lepley. But, with transportation still a concern for some inner city youth, convenience might be the solution for many.

“The pavilion provides opportunities for VCU to have an even stronger impact in the community and to make a difference in the lives of so many children and families who need our help.” said Rao.

Before doors even opened for the new Children’s Pavilion, it was recognized for its architecture and design. Recent awards include the 2013 Honor Award of Excellence in Architecture (AIA Richmond Chapter); Photos: Ervin B. Clarke www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

7

The Deal

By Nathaniel Sillin

Is a Budget-Billing Plan from Your Utility Company a Good Idea?

During a particularly cold winter or hot summer, you open your utility bill with a sense of dread. Is it time to consider your utility company’s budget-billing plan?

Maybe so, but do your homework first.

Here’s how a utility company’s budget-billing plan generally works. Your chosen utility company considers your energy usage patterns over a given period, adds in projections for their wholesale energy costs and your region’s future weather patterns. Based on those calculations, your utility company comes up with an average monthly payment that allows a customer to even out monthly utility payments over a specific time period, usually a year.

It may sound good, and for many customers, it adds some stability to their monthly bill payments. However, here’s where a budget-billing plan can go wrong. If you see that fixed monthly payment and think you don’t have to watch your energy usage at all, think again. After all, your utility is still reading your meter and you might be in for a rude awakening when your budget-billing period ends. You might owe extra money.

Here are some questions to ask before you sign up for any budget-billing plan: How well do you understand your current bill? Every utility company designs its bills somewhat differently based on state regulations and the type of energy product being sold. Depending on the community, a variety of utility companies might be competing for your business.

Still, many of us rip open our gas, electric or other energy bills without understanding the basics of what we’re being charged and why. But it’s important to try. It makes sense to study your local utilities company’s charging practices in general – including those specific to competing providers. Also, if there are qualified energy advocacy

can your budget-billing payment. See how well your utility can explain how they would set your bill.

If my budget bill and actual utility cost are getting seriously out of whack, do you let me know, or is there a way I can check that? If your budget-billing payment is actually putting you in the red due to a cold or heat snap or some other factor, it’s best to know that before the end of your term.

Are you building any weather forecasting into my budget-billing estimate? Are you projecting any weather extremes in the coming year?

Say I manage to come in under your monthly budgetbilling estimate. Do I get my money back?

groups in your state or community, see whether they offer any specific advice on local utility company practices and how to keep your cost of service low.

Evaluate the budget-billing plan closely. Ask the following questions: What happens if my actual utility costs exceed the amount I’m paying each month on my billing plan? As mentioned, your utility company will continue to measure your usage on its metering system. If your usage exceeds that budget estimate for any reason, you could face what amounts to a balloon payment covering what you still owe at yearend. If so, your budget-billing plan could put you in debt.

Are there monthly or annual fees in connection with this plan? What are they and what do they cover? Paying anywhere from $5 to $10 a month to be on a “budget” plan should give you pause. Understand any and all fees before you pay them.

What factors go into setting my monthly average? How many years of payments go into that calculation, and what other factors apply to set the amount you want me to pay?

In the way many normal utility bills can be a mystery, so

Consider an alternative – your own budget plan.

Locate your bills for the last year or two and average your payments, plugging them into your monthly household budget. On the months where your costs come in below your average, deposit the difference into a savings or money market account to cover future months where there could be overages. It’s clearly an experiment – after all, no one knows whether the years ahead will bring mild or ferocious weather or how world events might affect wholesale energy prices. But you’ll be in control of every dime and potentially earning a little interest on anything you don’t spend. Your utility’s budget plan probably won’t do that for you.

Bottom line: Utility budget-billing plans might be a good idea for homeowners and renters who want a little more predictability in their monthly payments. But before you sign, you really need to understand how your utility company’s plan works.

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

bad thing, especially during times of staff transition in the area of fundraising. If your team has been contributing to the development and fundraising work of the organization, there may be someone who can fill in while you search for your new development person.

coaching, books, periodicals and blogs. Related to this, you, and members of the board (especially the chair of the development committee), should have a general knowledge of fund development in order to effectively manage the fundraising function.

FUNdraising from page 2

skills that can enhance your development and fundraising activities, beyond their primary responsibilities. In some cases, you will have to rely on people from the outside to supplement the skill sets that you need. Before asking for help, know your needs. Your fundraising plan should reveal the types of people and skills you need, whether from staff or volunteers.

Second, remember that wearing many hats is not a 8

Urban Views Weekly | March 30, 2016

Third, as a CEO or board member, you should constantly seek out professional development opportunities for your staff and volunteers. These can include workshops and conferences, webinars,

Copyright 2016 - Mel and Pearl Shaw For help growing your fundraising visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901)522-8727.

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

How to Guide

Choosing the Best Pediatrician for Your Child A medical professional could have a huge impact on how your child views health-related matters for the rest of their life.

Many children are scared of going to the doctor, so it’s important to find someone your child will like and who will make your child feel comfortable. That’s why choosing a good pediatrician for your child is very important.

A friendly physician will help your child develop a positive attitude toward health and wellness. Keep these factors in mind to help make your search more efficient and successful.

Parents who follow a wellness philosophy might have to look harder to find a doctor who is open-minded about alternative medicine. If you are interested in alternative vaccine schedules, be sure to find out if your doctor is receptive to this idea.

The Visit

Recommendations

Ask family, friends and acquaintances for recommendations. Parents will be happy to share about their experiences at the pediatrician’s office.

You can also check with your family doctor or OB/ GYN who delivered your baby. They will have informed recommendations to help you select the best doctor.

Don’t just collect one or two names. Ideally, you should have a list of at least three professionals. It will help you compare and make the right selection.

Insurance

Next, look at your insurance policy. Find out if any of the people on the list are part of your network plan. Remember that children visit the doctor more frequently than adults because they catch a lot of viruses while building up their immune systems. Doctors not covered by your insurance should be crossed off your list. You might also reconsider your insurance policy.

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Narrowing the List

It is time to arrange a meeting with each physician so you can find out who will work best with your child.

Look at their office locations. They should be in a convenient location, not far from your home. You will probably visit this doctor quite often, so convenience is a big factor.

When you meet with the doctor, focus on their philosophy.

Some physicians prefer to run lots of tests. Others have a more relaxed and homespun approach.

Bring your child along for this meeting. It will help you gauge their interaction. The doctor should make your child feel at ease and should be patient, tolerant and friendly.

You must feel comfortable with this medical professional as well. The doctor should take the time to answer your questions thoughtfully.

Inquire about their emergency policy. Does the office accept walk-ins? If your child gets sick in the middle of the night, can you call the pediatrician or nurse? Find out about office hours and when you need to visit the hospital instead.

Is the office decorated with children in mind? Is it a safe, inviting atmosphere? Does the practice use modern equipment? Are exam rooms clean?

Many pediatricians now offer separate waiting rooms for children who are not sick. These “well child” waiting areas help stop the spread of viruses. If your child is there for a checkup, it is a bad idea to have them sit next to another child who has the flu.

With this strategy, you should have an easier time selecting a pediatrician. Choosing well now will save you time and trouble in the future.

Urban Views Weekly | March 30, 2016

9

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Submitted by Dena Reynolds, RVA Communications

Save the Date: Kindergarten Registration Day is April 14 Thursday, April 14th marks the sixth annual Regional Kindergarten Registration Campaign, coordinated by Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond. This campaign establishes one common registration day for 15 school divisions – that’s 152 elementary schools – in the Richmond region.

• Stick to a regular bedtime and wakeup time

Children who are five years old by September 30th can start kindergarten in the fall, but first they need to be registered. Thursday, April 14th is the day for on-time registration for children in the following school divisions: the cities of Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Petersburg, and Richmond, as well as the counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, King William, New Kent, Powhatan, Prince George and Sussex.

• Show respect and use good manners

There is quite a bit of paperwork needed to register a child for kindergarten, and pulling everything together takes time. Parents and caregivers are still encouraged to attend registration even if they do not have all the documents because exceptions could apply.

These are the documents needed for registration: •

Child’s official, certified birth certificate

•

Two proofs of address

•

School Entrance Health Form (This can be turned in any time before the first day of school)

•

Photo ID for parent or legal guardian

While registration rates improved, more than 4,000 children were not registered on time in

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• Practice counting real objects — like cereal or crayons • Talk about their feelings and what kindergarten will be like • Meet and play with other children their age • Find and name letters of the alphabet everywhere you go • Visit and explore libraries, parks and museums the spring last year -- enough to fill about eight elementary schools.

• Use scissors to practice cutting and crayons to draw

“Our goal is to help more parents understand what it means for their child to be ready for kindergarten, and how they can help them at home,” said Rich Schultz, Executive Director of Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond.

There are advantages for parents, children and schools when children are registered on time on April 14th: •

In the Richmond region, 1 in 8 children enter kindergarten already behind in language and literacy skills. This preparation needs to begin long before a child reaches kindergarten.

“Children start learning as soon as they are born.

Every day, there are teachable moments that parents can use to prepare their child to be ready for school,” added Schultz.

Parents can get important information that they might otherwise miss;

•

Schools can adequately prepare for space, staff and materials; and

•

Teachers can prepare for the child in the classroom.

Smart Beginnings recommends these activities to help children build the skills and confidence they will need to be ready for kindergarten: •

Read and look at books every day

For more information about kindergarten registration and what to bring on April 14th, parents can visit www.SmartBeginningsRVA. org or dial the phone number “2-1-1” and find information specific to their school division.

2-1-1 connects to trained professionals who provide free information on available health and human services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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