Urban Views Weekly May 25, 2016

May 25, 2016

Scholar of the Week - Robert Allen IV

Calvin Jones, Jr.

Local company committed to providing healthy, clean and safe water

Civic Beat FUNdraising Good Times

Fundraising matchmaking: solicitors and prospects Part one of a two-part series Personal solicitation is the backbone of nonprofit fundraising. It is also an area that many organizations and institutions shy away from. Learn how to improve revenue from personal solicitation.

The Hippodrome 528 North 2nd Street

11

12

1

2

10 9 8

WEDNESDAY

7

6

5

May 25, 2016 6:30pm-8:30pm

Speakeasy in The Hippodrome

Allow at least a one-year window for the solicitation cycle. This gives each solicitor the time they need to determine the right occasion and place for each solicitation.

Several cultivation activities may be required for some prospective donors. For others, a one-time meeting is ideal. It all depends on the relationship between the solicitor and the prospective donor, and the relationship between the nonprofit and the donor.

Because it is impossible to personally solicit every current or prospective donor, personal solicitation is “...what’s most reserved for individuals Before matching major who can make a major important is the care gift prospects with gift. While the definition board members, staff or and planning that fundraising of a major gift will vary volunteers, by organization, what’s goes into soliciting first carefully consider most important is the care the relationship between these gifts..” and planning that goes the solicitor and the into soliciting these gifts. donor. Don’t make Here are some suggestions blanket “assignments”: followed by things to avoid. that’s unfair to your volunteers and your donors. Volunteers should be matched with The fundraising chair or development staff donors based on the relationship between person should meet individually with each the two, and the willingness of the solicitor. fundraising volunteer to learn who they The matches between a solicitor and donor are comfortable soliciting, and the size of are not always obvious. Invest time in the gift they want to ask for. During this making the right match. confidential meeting you can share names of current major donors and/or prospective major donors. The purpose is to learn who the volunteer may have a relationship with, and who they want to solicit. You can also ask if they know who would be the ideal solicitor for other prospective donors.

When contemplating an ask amount, don’t assume that a donor who gave at a certain level to a similar organization will want to give at the same level to yours. Don’t confuse people you continues to page 11

528 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 | May 25, 2016

Ervin B. Clarke, Publisher publisher@urbanviewsweekly.com VOL. 9, ISSUE 21 Urban Views Weekly, LLC 6802 Paragon Place, Suite 410 Richmond, VA 23230 Office: (804) 441-6255 Fax: (888) 439-2534

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

Scholar of the Week

Robert Allen IV

of Thomas Jefferson High School GPA: 3.25 College of Interest: Morgan State University or Christopher Newport University Major Community Service: Home Again Homeless Shelter Strong Interests: Music education, music therapy and ministry Favorite Activities: Community service, singing with Zion’s Boys Gospel Choir

By Janeal Downs

With a mother who used to sing backup for visiting artists at the Richmond Coliseum; growing up in a musical church; an elementary school teacher who played the saxophone; and, a mentor with a musical family, growing up Robert Allen IV had numerous sources of influences and connections to the musical world. “Music has been a rock in my life that has saved me from a detrimental path that the environment I grew up in entices,” Robert stated in an essay.

He plans to embrace his passion and gifts to spread joy in others’ lives. Not only does Robert sing tenor, but he has also played the saxophone for nine years and the electric bass for seven years.

been through things, especially children, is very dear to my heart,” Robert said. He is also a part of the Richmond youth group Zion’s Boys gospel choir and the Gospel Music Workshop of America’s Richmond chapter. The Gospel Music Workshop encouraged his individuality and has taught him that “music is more than just an art style, it’s more than just a job people have to do, it is a life and it is a story just as painting, acting or even just telling people.”

While he wants to give back through music education and therapy in the future, Robert already serves the community, which is one of his favorite activities. He does community service at the HomeAgain Homeless Shelter and as a volunteer at Bethlehem Baptist Church where he helps feed the homeless every fourth Saturday. “I’ve been through a lot in my life and being able to help other people who have

One thing Robert wants to share with the community is that “regardless of the things that you’ve been through, it is up to you for you to decide what your future has for yourself.” Robert said that the goals he has set for himself are so he can be inspired to one day give back to the youth of the future. He wants to show them that he did it, and it is just as possible for them, as well.

This year, he played for his school’s football team and he is a member of Richmond Public School’s Jazz Band.

Among other extracurricular activities, Robert is the Commander of his school’s JROTC. With a love for music, Robert will expand While he is not sure if he will join the military, on his knowledge by going to college and he does plan to stay connected through ROTC pursuing a degree in music education. He in college. He took four dual-enrollment looks forward to not only getting the chance courses at J. Sergeant Reynolds Community ™ to practice with the other performance majors, College, has been a member of the Mayor’s k e of the We but also become certified as a teacher. “Music Youth Academy for five years and was the vice is a dying art form in schools that I want president of the Future Leader’s Council for to help revive,” Robert stated in an essay. “I two years. believe that I am destined to pursue music; it is my passion.” His top two choices for college are Morgan State University in Baltimore and One of the most inspirational people in Robert’s life is his grandfather who died from cancer last year. “He was the person Christopher Newport University in Newport News. After receiving who bought me my first instrument, he was the one that was always his bachelor’s degree, Robert plans to pursue a master’s degree in on me about practicing,” Robert said. Because His grandfather, the music therapy, because it “emphasizes everything that I believe is son of a sharecropper, started his own photography business in the possible through music.” Not only has he felt a calling to music but past, Robert was able to appreciate both his hard work and constant also through ministry; and, because of this, Robert has plans to support of Robert’s talents. pursue a Masters of Divinity sometime in the future.

Scholar0

E X Q U I S I T E R E N TA L S LUXURY YOU DESERVE Reserve for your Wedding, Anniversary, Birthday, Weekend Getaway or Special Occasion Today!

WWW.EXQUISITEVA.COM | 3200 W MOORE ST | 804-213-3070 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Enjoy luxury without spending a fortune.

Get 35% off the regular one day rate. Call for complete details.

Urban Views Weekly | May 25, 2016

3

ViewPoints

By Dr. T

Be A Designated Driver!

In 1980, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) was founded by Candace Lightner, a mother whose 13-yearold daughter Cari was killed by a drunk driver. Over the past 35 years, the nonprofit organization has grown into a national movement and political force influencing broad based legislation, as well as social behaviors. It is no longer a socially acceptable norm to drink and drive.

Although we know that alcohol-related fatalities are still a public health concern, MADD has effectively raised the level of consciousness and awareness of the dangerous and tragic effects that alcohol related accidents have on victims and families. The organization increased the level of public discourse around the legal age for alcohol consumption, which has gone up and down over the decades but is now established at 21 nationwide. The influence of MADD has caused businesses and community groups to advocate ride sharing and “free” transportation for patrons who have had too much to drink. Friends have begun to plan ahead for their night-out affairs or celebratory events and chosen a “designated driver.” The designated driver is the one person within the group who pledges not to drink for the entire evening and to remain sober so that they can be responsible for the safety and transportation of their friends and for the public safety.

The impact MADD has had on public perception, education and advocacy cannot be understated. It is precisely at this time of year when young people are celebrating the end of the school year with proms, parties and graduation celebrations that we should all take a moment and remind our family and friends to STOP and consider the serious consequences of consuming alcohol and/or drugs and then getting

behind the wheel of an automobile impaired. There are many options other than driving after consuming alcohol including calling a friend to pick you up. Taking responsibility for our actions and reminding our loved ones to do the same is what an informed and enlightened society does. We are responsible for one another, particularly, when we recognize that lives are at stake.

“Friends do not let friends drive drunk” was an excellent and potent ad campaign, and most people remember it even if they never actually saw or heard the commercial on television or the radio.

What if we could mobilize a movement like MADD to address bullying in schools or racial prejudice, sexual discrimination and homophobia? What if we could take the model of MADD that educated, engaged and activated a nation to take control of an epidemic that was killing people by the thousands and causing irreparable damage and harm to families and communities nationwide, and create an organization that raised consciousness and mobilized communities to advocate for the disenfranchised, oppressed and discriminated against? What if we stopped excusing ourselves by saying “there’s nothing I can do?” No, MADD did not completely eradicate drunk driving, but the effect the organization has had on the level of awareness, concern and knowledge of the problem has been undeniable. The collective advocacy and national attention it has created is incredible and certainly underscores the impact that one individual Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. can have when they are driven to take action. Why not Founder and Artistic Director BE the designated driver? It may save someone’s life.

The Conciliation Project and Associate Professor

Virginia Commonwealth University

DrT@Margins2theCenter.com | www.theconciliationproject.org

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll The Obama administration told educators around the country that they should allow transgender students to use the bathroom and locker facilities of their chosen gender, saying federal law bars discrimination against such students. Education Secretary John King said no student “should ever have to go through the experience of feeling unwelcome at school or on a college campus.’’

Up Next Week: What is the “New Normal” in political discourse?

Birthdays • Anniversaries • Weddings • Funerals

Flowers & Gifts for All Occasions Place your next florist order with Bland’s

618 East Washington Street Petersburg, VA 23805 (804) 732-5319 • (800) 426-4314

What’s Your Take?

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

Florist!

Celebrating 50 Years in Business www.BlandsFlorist.com Sign up for FREE Urban Views

Weekly news updates.

4

Urban Views Weekly | May 25, 2016

Follow us!

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

The Deal

By Nathaniel Sillin

Joining Your Friend’s Wedding Party Without Going Broke If a close friend or family member is getting married, it’s an honor to be asked to join the wedding party. However, if your budget is tight because you’re saving up for a financial goal, paying off bills or have had a recent financial reversal like the loss of a job, you might need to do some thinking before you say yes.

The average spend by bridesmaids and groomsmen can exceed $1,000 for clothing, wedding and shower gifts, bachelorette or bachelor party expenses and other incidentals.

Add any number of factors – more expensive dresses, a purchased tuxedo, an upscale gift registry, a destination wedding – and suddenly, the cost of standing up for a friend’s wedding can rival a rent payment, or beyond.

It can be tough to refuse a friend who wants you to be in his or her wedding – planning, saving and bargaining can help you avoid having to turn them down. Here are some

to get at least four wearings out of a tux, you may want to forego buying one.) However, for women, the landscape can get trickier – you’ll probably never wear that dress again.

So maybe it’s time for negotiation with the couple. If the dresses or suits don’t have to be identical, you can consider second-hand shops and online resale sites that can save significant money. Second-hand can be a big winner as well.

ideas to potentially lower the wedding party’s costs on the key items: Clothing. Men luck out a bit in the tuxedo rental department because group discounts are often available for wedding parties. (Note to guys: If you’re not going

Gifts. With more pre-wedding events going co-ed, men and women in wedding parties may be buying both shower and wedding gifts for the couple. How can you cut that cost?

The attendants can split a bigger gift at a lower cost per person. If you’re already investing a significant amount of money in the wedding, consider a more sentimental gift that won’t cost as much but will still be meaningful. If you want an alternative option Continued to pg 10

If someone looks like this, it could be a stroke.

When one side of someone’s face droops, they could be exhibiting signs of a stroke.

Don’t hesitate. Call 911 and get them to the nearest hospital immediately. About a third of stroke patients at VCU Medical Center have been transferred from other hospitals.

Our Stroke Alert team ensures the fastest diagnosis and initiation of treatment, giving you the best chance for the best outcome following a stroke. Our interdisciplinary Stroke Program has the only Hybrid Suite in the region and can provide care for the most complex stroke cases, including pediatric stroke patients.

VCU-Stroke.com www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Know all of stroke’s warning signs and be ready to act F.A.S.T.

F — Face drooping A — Arm weakness S — Speech difficulty T — Time to call 9-1-1 Urban Views Weekly | May 25, 2016

5

Going Green is Richmond Native’s Clean Water S In April 2014, the city of Flint, Michigan changed its water source from the treated water of the Detroit Water and Sewage Department to untreated water from the Flint River.

Because officials failed to apply corrosion inhibitors, this new supply of contaminated water made its way through aging pipes, exposing families in Flint to elevated levels of lead. The ultimate result? The Flint Water Crisis.

Over 10,000 children to date have been exposed to the contaminated water supply, and now suffer from a host of health issues ranging from Legionnaires’ disease to learning disabilities.

It wasn’t until nearly two years later, on January 5, 2016, that Michigan Governor Rick Snyder declared a state of emergency in Flint, and two weeks later, President Barack Obama declared a federal state of emergency, authorizing help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security. But the damage had already been done. Families spent months struggling to survive, bathe, and cook using bottled water, and thousands of children had already felt the irreversible damage caused by lead poisoning.

On May 4, 2016, President Barack Obama made a much anticipated visit to the city of Flint, his response to the letter written

by Little Miss Flint, 8-year-old Amariyanna Copeny. In the face of tough criticism, President Obama shared an important message to the city’s residents: “…leaders, at every level of government, will not rest until every drop of water that flows to [residents’] homes is safe to drink, safe to cook with, and safe to bathe in.”

This has been Crystal Pure H2O Systems’

6

Urban Views Weekly | May 25, 2016

own mission since 1986. Originally known as Durastill, Richmond’s own Calvin Jones, Jr. took over his father’s company and dedicated his life to making sure every family has healthy, clean, and safe drinking water.

Those three words in the company’s mission is what sets Crystal Pure H2O Systems apart from other water systems, specifically the system currently affecting Flint, Michigan.

“Safe drinking water,” Calvin Jones, Jr. explains, “does not equal clean water.

Safe drinking water doesn’t necessarily mean healthy water, either. Safe water means that at the bare minimum, it’s OK to consume.” Calvin Jones’ filtration system provides water that offers true health benefits to every family.

So how does he do it? For families unsure of their water’s cleanliness, Jones’ company takes a trip to the home, tests the current condition of the water, and makes recommendations based on what they find running through their pipes. They test for a wide range of potential contaminations and make suggestions for the water filtration system that best meets the family’s need. The most vital part is the contamination testing. Jones reveals that many residents, especially in the Prince George and Hopewell areas, have the impression that they’re on city water so they’re safe. What they don’t know is that the city only tests for a few contaminants of the thousands found in unsafe drinking water. And that’s where his company comes in. He’s found and successfully eliminated many potential threats, especially in the more rural areas where residents use well water.

Building Crystal Pure H2O Systems into the powerhouse it is today wasn’t easy, but

nothing worthwhile usually is. His father, Calvin Jones, Sr. laid the solid foundation, but when he became ill, his son struggled to fully commit to carrying the torch. Calvin Jr. owned a successful insurance agency, was doing well, and had a vision of his own. His father’s business, while an important part of the Jones’ legacy, wasn’t a priority for Calvin Jr., so he considered closing its doors to focus on his own endeavors and build a legacy of his own. It wasn’t until a candid conversation with his pastor that he realized keeping Durastill’s doors open was important— not just for the family legacy, but for the African American legacy as well.

“My pastor reminded me that my father wasn’t just a business owner, but a black business owner during a time when Blacks weren’t commonly their own boss. He dedicated his life and put lots of hard work into building Durastill and expanding it from Richmond all the way to New

s Going Clean: System Builds Safer Communities

By Janna M. Hall

“We simply cannot function without water. Our bodies are 70% water. Our blood is 83% water. Our brain is 75% water. Our kidneys are 79% water. People can survive without food, but without water, you’ll die. So to not be able to use the water in your own home is completely devastating.” He also notes that this tragedy affects not only the people in Flint, but the city as a whole. “No one wants to vacation there, no one can sell their home. It’s affecting the city’s economy.

People [in leadership] have to take responsibility for what they’ve caused.”

the rest of us. The water system is the most unsuspected source of government terrorism. You can’t avoid using your water.”

Jones points out that a common misconception is that households with severely affected water can simply use store-bought filters like Brita and similar brands.

Unfortunately, it’s not that simple, and most importantly, isn’t costeffective. “Those types of filters aren’t built to handle the magnitude of the problems in the water,” Jones says, “And you’d have to replace them every three months.” Crystal Pure H2O Systems offers long-term solutions and ensures the families they service reap the benefits of going green with their effective water distillation system.

“We simply cannot function without water.

Our bodies are 70% water.”

Jersey.” His pastor insisted that he couldn’t get rid of the business and let his legacy fade away. He assured Jones that if he hung in there, people would step in and help expand the business. There was no way he could get rid of it. And sure enough, shortly after becoming the new President/CEO of Durastill and changing the name to Crystal Pure H2O Systems, LLC, the help his pastor spoke of showed up. James Pierce, a member of his church and an engineer with over 30 years of experience in the water industry, came on board and is now an official partner.

The business has grown in ways unimaginable, and now services families in Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, Florida, and stretches as far west as California.

It comes as no surprise that watching the tragedy in Flint unfold has affected Jones both personally and professionally. “Water is to our bodies what gas and oil are to a car,” Jones says.

Jones recalls many instances where he’s visited the homes of families who lacked clean water, but has never seen contamination the way he’s seen it in Flint. In his 30 years in the water distillation industry, he’s never seen so many people affected, and has certainly never seen any case receive national attention. So the national conversation around the government and EPA’s responsibility, or lack thereof, for poisoning a city is critical. Not only are the residents of Flint permanently affected, but the paranoia has spread from county to county. “[Since Flint], we’ve gotten calls to come and do more water tests. People continue to call and make sure everything is working properly within their water system. And even though we’re confident in our product and services, we come out and check their equipment.”

Their fear is justified, Jones says. “To see American citizens unable to use the water in their own home is a wake-up call for

Since the state of emergency declaration, Crystal Pure H2O Systems has had their manufacturers donate filters to Flint. The filters—which use the carbon filtration system—will remove lead, which is most important, but they’ll also remove often overlooked contaminants. Calvin Jones, Jr.’s commitment to providing healthier, cleaner, and safer drinking water starts at his home in Richmond, Virginia, but his mission and impact is felt nationwide.

For more information on how to test the quality of water in your home, call 804-275-3500.

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

7

SAVOR

Family Features

Transported by Taste Ripe vegetables, fresh herbs and fragrant spices all lend vibrant, bold flavors to mouthwatering meals that are worth lingering over with friends. This is what Mediterranean cooking is all about.

Add some Mediterranean inspiration to your everyday meals with this recipe using olive oils to help you turn an ordinary meal into a memorable one.

Courtesy Crisco

Use extra virgin olive oil to add a fullbodied flavor to salads, vegetables and meats. Pure olive oil offers a mild, subtle olive flavor with a hint of fruit to sautés and stir-fries. Light tasting olive oil is ideal as an all-purpose cooking oil that can be used for sautéing, roasting vegetables or in baked goods like muffins, cakes and brownies.

AFFORDABLE

Apartment Rentals

1 and 2 Bedroom Units Starting at

FOR

T

REN

$425 per Month

No Application fee!

Let’s talk about growing your business.

We work with credit issues!

“Ask about FREE MONTHS RENT” Zacharias Brothers Realty

Please call 329-6249 or 271-1220

Roasted Lemon-Garlic Chicken Serves: 4

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Chicken:

Olive Oil No-Stick Cooking Spray 1 tablespoon pure olive oil or light tasting olive oil 1/2 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 (4 to 5 pound) whole chicken, rinsed with neck and giblets removed

Salt and pepper Gravy: 1/2 cup cold water 1/4 cup milk 1 (0.87 to 1.2 ounces) package chicken gravy mix 1/2 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1. Heat oven to 400°F. Spray a shallow of thigh is pricked. Transfer chicken to roasting pan with rack with no-stick carving board; tent with aluminum foil. cooking spray.

Allow to rest 10 minutes.

2. Mix oil, oregano and garlic. Brush 4. Skim grease from the pan drippings. mixture over entire chicken. Season Place 1/4 cup skimmed pan drippings chicken liberally with salt and pepper. into small saucepan. Add water, milk, Place in prepared pan, breast side down; gravy mix, oregano, garlic and lemon let stand 30 minutes. Turn chicken juice to pan. Cook, stirring constantly breast side up. until gravy thickens.

3. Roast 65 to 70 minutes, basting 5. Carve chicken. Place on serving occasionally. Chicken is done when platter. Serve with warm lemon-garlic meat thermometer registers 170°F or gravy. when juices run clear when thickest part 8

Urban Views Weekly | May 25, 2016

Ask us how: (804) 441-6255

䘀漀甀爀 匀攀愀猀漀渀 刀攀挀礀挀氀椀渀最 䌀攀渀琀攀爀

圀攀 䈀唀夀㨀

䌀䄀刀䐀䈀伀䄀刀䐀 ␀㌀⸀㔀 ⼀㄀ 氀戀猀 伀䘀䘀䤀䌀䔀 倀䄀倀䔀刀 ␀㌀⸀ ⼀㄀ 氀戀猀 一䔀圀匀倀䄀倀䔀刀匀 ␀㈀⸀㔀 ⼀㄀ 氀戀猀 䴀䄀䜀䄀娀䤀一䔀匀 ␀㈀⸀㔀 ⼀㄀ 氀戀猀 䄀䰀唀䴀䤀一唀䴀 䌀䄀一匀 ␀ ⸀㌀㠀⼀氀戀

䴀漀渀搀愀礀ጠ䘀爀椀搀愀礀Ⰰ 㠀㨀 愀洀ጠ㐀㨀㌀ 瀀洀 ㄀㌀㈀ 嘀愀氀氀攀礀 刀漀愀搀Ⰰ 刀椀挀栀洀漀渀搀Ⰰ 嘀䄀 ㈀㌀㈀㈀㈀ 䤀渀 匀栀漀挀欀漀攀 嘀愀氀氀攀礀 漀昀昀 䤀ⴀ㤀㔀 䔀砀椀琀 㜀㔀

㠀 㐀ⴀ㔀㔀 ⴀ㌀㐀㘀 眀眀眀⸀昀漀甀爀猀攀愀猀漀渀爀攀挀礀挀氀椀渀最⸀挀漀洀 䜀攀琀 䴀漀爀攀 ␀␀ 一漀眀℀ 䰀漀挀愀氀氀礀 ☀ 圀漀洀愀渀 伀眀渀攀搀 刀嘀䄀ᤠ猀 䰀漀挀愀氀 刀攀挀礀挀氀攀爀

䌀愀爀搀戀漀愀爀搀 ␀㌀⸀㜀㔀⼀㄀ 氀戀猀 伀昀昀椀挀攀 瀀愀瀀攀爀 ␀㌀⸀㔀 ⼀㄀ 氀戀猀 䄀氀甀洀椀渀甀洀 䌀愀渀猀 ␀ ⸀㐀 ⼀氀戀猀 䌀漀甀瀀漀渀 䔀砀瀀椀爀攀猀 䨀甀渀攀 ㌀ Ⰰ ㈀ ㄀㘀

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

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

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Urban Views Weekly | May 25, 2016

9

BUILDING THE DREAM BASKETBALL GAMES Friday, June 3rd Henrico High School gym

Tickets only $5

Senior boys vs. Junior boys 5:00pm Henrico HS alumni vs.

John Marshall alumni 6:00pm

Concessions Available 50/50 Raffle Proceeds support the “Building the Dream” scholarship, in memory of Mr. Sheridan Fuller, awarded to select graduating Henrico HS seniors!

10

Urban Views Weekly | May 25, 2016

The Deal from page 5

to the typical registry gift, think about contributing to the couple’s honeymoon fund.

Travel. Start searching for discounts the minute you’re asked to participate, particularly on air and hotel – waiting will likely impact your budget. If the wedding is out of town or if overnight stays become a necessity, driving or rooming with other attendants can be a good option. Food costs can be cut by packing food for the drive. If friends live nearby the wedding destination, ask if you can stay with them.

Stay close to the proceedings – after all, cabs and onsite rental car costs add up, so it’s wise to minimize travel distances. One last tip – check all your travel options one last time before you head to the wedding.

Check to see if there are any special deals, price changes or upgrades to your travel or accommodations that you can take advantage of.

Pre-wedding celebrations. Bachelor and bachelorette parties are notorious for being over-the-top, but that doesn’t mean you have to empty your savings to show the couple a good time. For safety and savings, consider locations with plenty of restaurants and bars close together so you can walk from place to place. Home-based parties can be a fun option, too.

After considering all these options, what if you still need to say no? Don’t wait. Be early and be honest with your friend. And offer to help in any way you can.

Bottom line: Before you say “yes” to the dress, the tuxedo or the other list of expenses common to the wedding party, do some thinking about alternatives the couple might go for. The right amount of finesse and creativity can preserve your friendship and your budget.

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

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Classifieds

How to Guide

PLACE YOUR AD TODAY

How to Choose a Health Mobility Company As everyone knows, loss of mobility is dramatically life-altering. You will no longer be able to get around on your own, and that is frightening. But here’s what you need to know: it’s not the end of the world. And there’s no need to feel limited. The best mobility equipment can help meet your needs. Finding the right health mobility company will go a long way towards helping you get your life back on track.

First, consult with your doctor. He or she will tell you about your current and future needs.

You may also require a prescription for medical equipment. Ask your physician about health mobility companies. You should leave with a list of possible retailers and/or manufacturers.

Contact your insurance company to inquire about the equipment covered under your plan.

They may also provide you with a list of local companies that will accept your insurance.

Consider your budget. You might qualify for special financing, if you need to make a large purchase. Research whether your equipment might be covered by Medicare or Medicaid.

Being aware of your money situation will let you know if you can afford to do business with a company or if you need to look elsewhere.

When you know which equipment you need, what your insurance covers, and your budget, then you can start looking at particular companies.

As you talk with each company, pay close attention to how the safety features work. Try

H

ASK FOR “URBAN VIEWS” DISCOUNT

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

H

H

804.649.6868

Office: (

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM

The Better Business Bureau will have a record of complaints against the company and how those problems were resolved.

Verify that the company has financing. They may even have plans to help you afford the equipment you need.

the equipment and see which product is most comfortable. Remember you will be using it for many hours, so it needs to be convenient and comfortable.

When you are finished, go back to your physician. Tell them about the equipment you are considering. They will be able to affirm that it is the right choice for you. It is always best when the health care company, doctor and patient work together.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. They are in the business of making sure you are informed and satisfied.

Learn what you can adjust on the mobility equipment. If the company is doing the adjusting, Acknowledging that you need mobility assistance they should listen to all your needs and concerns. isn’t easy. The best company will help you make the transition as smooth as possible.

FUNdraising from page 2

Once you understand what equipment is right for you, study the company. Do they have a long track record? Have they been in business for several years? If so, chances are they will be around for years to come.

Because your equipment is essential for your daily life, great customer service is a must. If the equipment malfunctions, you need to know the company will respond promptly. What is the procedure for maintenance or repair? Where do they service equipment -- in their shop or at your home? Inquire if they have loaners available if the equipment cannot be fixed right away.

CALL 271-1220

Request references from the company.

If possible, contact former customers and find out if they are satisfied with the product and service. If your friends or neighbors have mobility issues, you can ask about their experiences. They may suggest trying other companies.

“suspect” may have the interest and financial capacity to make a major gift with those you know have the interest and capacity. Don’t expect to receive major gifts within a 90-day period (or less!). It’s nice if that happens, but don’t plan on it.

We talked with one volunteer solicitor who proudly shared with us that he is a major donor and a major gift solicitor for an organization he believes in. Each year he asks 10 people for $10,000 each. He has been soliciting many of these individuals for years, but each year there are a few new prospective donors. He sets an appointment with each, asking “I would like to take you to lunch to share updates on our organization, and to ask for your support.”

These luncheons are looked forward to, and provide the donor with a consistent personal contact and source of information.

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

APARTMENTS UNFURN. FREE MONTH RENT CHAMBERLAYNE AVE. Spacious efficiency, 1 & 2 bdrm apts.

Come join our established apt. community. Busline. Newly redecorated.

C/A. Parking, laundry facilities. Quiet area. No application fee. Work w/ problem credit. Starting at $425 for 1 bdrm/ $550 for 2 bdrm. ASK about 1 MONTH RENT FREE. 804-329-6249 or 271-1220 ZACHARIAS BROS. OIL. MAISONETTE APARTMENTS 6745 Jefferson Davis Highway 1 bdrm., A/C, util. incl., $190/wk.

804-275-7355. www.richmondmaisonettes.com

Join our network of successful people.

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

Call

649.6868

Next week: More ways to grow your personal solicitation program.

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

Follow us!

Urban Views Weekly | May 25, 2016

11

CUSTOMIZE YOUR GRADUATION CELEBRATION

VEGGIES & DIP TRAYS

SHRIMP TRAYS

CAKES & CUPCAKES

THREE WAYS TO ORDER: ONLINE at MartinsFoods.com IN-STORE at any fresh department PHONE by calling 888-793-3663 12

Urban Views Weekly | May 25, 2016

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com