Urban Views Weekly July 1, 2015

July 1, 2015

Scholar of the Week – Brianna White

Gwen Hurt’s

Shoe Crazy Wine takes global strides

THURSDAY MORNING MIXER Network with other African American business owners, managers, and professionals. This is an opportunity for you to introduce yourself and your business to “family” members who did not know that you existed.

Make connections that can grow your business.

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July 9, 2015 7:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.

Bon Secours Heart Institute at Reynolds Crossing 7001 Forest Ave. Richmond, VA 23230 Forest Ave. & Glenside Dr.

Doors open 7:30 a.m. We start PROMPTLY at 8:00 a.m.

Civic Beat FUNdraising Good Times

Customer Service How do you measure customer service? Can a nonprofit organization, college or university use the same processes that a retail business would use?

Nonprofits are increasingly asked to focus on the people they serve. This is not news. So many employees, volunteers, board members and executives at nonprofits are all about the people they serve.

They are passionate, compassionate, committed, and resourceful.

But how do people who are “served” actually feel about the “service” they receive? That’s something that donors and funders often want to know.

“Customer service” is also critical to management and board leadership: they want to know how well the organization is delivering on its mission and vision, and where improvements are needed.

And, let’s be clear – customer service is of critical importance to people who are “served” by nonprofits.

Many times organizations do the best they can with the resources available to them. But what if that’s not good enough? And who decides?

To learn more we talked with Lewis Rambo, PhD. “Typical customer service propositions for firms like Target, Walmart, Macy’s, Amazon, and countless other “brick and mortar,” and Internet-based merchandisers are fairly straightforward. But many nonprofits – including colleges and universities – have missions that are complex and often underfunded.” That’s how he began our conversation.

Rambo should know; his experience includes years of helping organizations with the challenges of reframing their visions and changing their cultures.

“Higher education – for example – is increasingly asked to improve its customer service. However, a college or university is not a retail outlet. Because

Free Admission for CVAACC members • Non-members $20.00 Please RSVP via the www.CVAACC.org Event Calendar We want to have your cup of coffee or juice ready for you.

Central Virginia African American Chamber of Commerce Email: Info@CVAACC.org • Phone: 804-823-7745 Sponsored by: A.W. Smith Financial Small Business Solutions www.AWSmithFinancial.com

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Urban Views Weekly | July 1, 2015

of this, it is important that higher education host strategic conversations among their many stakeholders in order to arrive at a common understanding of exactly what ‘customer service’ really means for students, administrators, faculty, staff, parents, and the countless other members of the broader community of stakeholders who have both realistic and unrealistic expectations of the institution.”

He continued, with this example, “The missions of educational institutions are often dauntingly complex.

They often pit admission requirements, mandated programs of study, required courses, examinations, and the legally determined responsibility as ‘In loco parentis,’ to name just a few; against launching a set of ‘one size fits all’ initiatives to try to ‘super please’ its many different ‘customers.’”

Rambo encourages institutions to “discuss the undiscussable.” That means encouraging the many constituents of an organization to express their ideas, concerns, fears, biases, and experiences prior to launching a customer service program. This can help the process of defining customer service benchmarks.

Without this you may end up measuring the “wrong” benchmarks, or trying to satisfy a constituency whose satisfaction can only be measured in the long term.

Our perspective: engage your constituents. Take the time to create a process that will work. It can be challenging, but it’s worth it.

Learn more at bit.ly/1IcF3cp Copyright 2015– Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your fundraising, visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

Ervin B. Clarke, Publisher publisher@urbanviewsweekly.com VOL. 8, ISSUE 26 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

By Janeal Downs After a fifth grade science teacher influenced her with her passion for science, Brianna White has held an interest in the subject. “In eighth grade, that’s when I finally realized that I wanted to be a forensic scientist,” Brianna said. With a love for experiments, investigate situations and solve problems, Brianna said she has been interested in math and science since grade school.

Brianna White of

Petersburg High School

GPA: 3.7 College of Interest: Radford University Major Community Service: Kiwanis Club Yard Sale, Golden Living Center, work with the Key Club Strong Interests: Science, math, babysitting, Key club Favorite Activity: Spending time with friends

In order to reach her goals, Brianna’s top college of choice is Radford University where she wants to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. She also intends to study criminology and later receive a Master of Science degree in biology. “Knowing about deoxyribonucleic acid and genetics in a case excites me,” Brianna wrote in an essay. She said though she may only need a bachelor’s degree she wants to increase her chances of getting a job by going for her master’s. “I believe my future career holds a lot for me, and I have a strong desire to get there,” Brianna said.

Other community service projects Brianna has participated in include a Kiwanis Club Yard Sale, work with the Golden Living Center, and she assisted with working election polls.

Along with community service, Brianna participates in numerous different extracurricular activities such as serving as the secretary of the Science Club, playing with the Girls Community Basketball, and recreational basketball. She is also a member of Future Business Leaders of America and the National Technical Honor Society. Brianna’s achievements include being an honor roll student, having perfect attendance and getting awarded the Best CTE Student of the Year.

Brianna has been a participant in A-STEM Nanotechnology Summer Program, Central Virginia ™ Undergraduate Mathematics Week Summer Program, and Disease Detective Math Science Innovation Center.

Scholar0 of the

Brianna said she enjoys babysitting and her work with the Key Club. Recently, she participated in “Christmas in a Shoe Box” where the students stuff shoe boxes with toys for other countries. She said she has also participated in 5k runs. “I definitely love helping the community, and I plan to dramatically increase my hours of service work,” Brianna said.

When asked who influenced her the most in life to succeed, Brianna said her father. “He’s a hardworking dedicated man; he teaches me my life lessons and just pushes me to keep on moving,” Brianna said. In her essay, she said her stepmother is one of her motivations to continue with her education. She said her father and stepmother are the ones who give her extra motivation to keep moving. “I am ready for college, I am ready for the real world, just come on,” Brianna said.

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

$100 Scholarships Awarded Every Week

Encourage your scholar to apply! www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

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 | July 1, 2015

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ViewPoints

By Dr. T

The Confederate Flag: A House Divided A house divided against itself cannot stand. “I believe this government cannot endure, permanently, half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union be dissolved — I do not expect the house to fall — but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other. Either the opponents of slavery will arrest the further spread of it, and place it where the public mind shall rest in the belief that it is in the course of ultimate extinction; or its advocates will push it forward, till it shall become lawful in all the States, old as well as new — North as well as South.” -- President Abraham Lincoln I am not from the south by birth, but as a person of African descent, I have roots deeply imbedded in its soil. The words spoken by Lincoln continue to resonate as a prophetic proclamation to the citizens of the United States of America, to this day. For those who continue to cling to the ideology that frames the defense of the confederate flag in “heritage not hate,” there is a denial and distance that must be maintained. In light of where we stand now, those individuals must reject an inclusive history of the United States of America and embrace a dogma that glorifies a supremacist doctrine. In order to continue to stand in defense of that flag they cannot bring themselves, to truly interrogate, the historic continuum, on which that flag stands. There “seems” to be certain fragility in the sense of southern identity that reduces ones understanding of southern pride to this singular emblem.

As a way of life in the south, the institution of chattel slavery was the cause for which the south rose up in defiance and seceded from the Union of states.

They (the southern states) were proclaiming the “rights” of the states over the unified declaration of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness on which the United States of America was founded and to the Constitution to which they had previously sworn allegiance. They were traitors. They betrayed the allegiances they had previously sworn because, “they” were protecting their “way of life” and their right to pursue an economy built on the backs of Black bodies. That was what the Civil War was fought over. That is why countless lives were destroyed.

A deep divide and fragile state of relationship continues between Black & White to this day, and it is the legacy we have inherited because of how the nation was founded and the enslaved labor that built its wealth, strength and power. The profound costs continue to reverberate today, imbedded in the inequality and inequity that exists in the criminal justice system, and entrenched in economic, educational and political institutions and institutional policy.

Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D.

Founder and Artistic Director The Conciliation Project and Associate Professor Virginia Commonwealth University DrT@Margins2theCenter.com www.theconciliationproject.org

#TheConfederateFlag --- When did being southern require that we bow down to the confederacy or to the confederate cause without the purview of historical context? Is there a requirement to hold up the “cause” and deify all those it includes, as long as those deified heroes are whiteskinned? ---- At a time, when more than half of the population of the south were enslaved, brutalized and used as human chattel to build and sustain the economy and lifestyle of that same south, how can it be so?

TanyaFree.com/ Urban Views Weekly Poll When was the last time you had a pay increase? Chances are your employer won’t give you one if you don’t ask. Believe it or not, nearly 90% of Americans think they are entitled to one, but only 54% are courageous enough to ask for one according to a survey. The survey also suggested that fear of rejection leaves many intimidated to ask for a pay bump, and others fear the possible backlash of asking for a raise, including punitive measures by the boss.

How about you? Do you think you are entitled to a raise? If so, are you courageous enough to ask for it?

talk about why.

It boggles the mind that in 2015, people cannot acknowledge “the cause” for which they fought was, simply, wrong. It was immoral. Over 400 years of history, and we still cannot concile the historic legacy that divides us. The Confederates and the #ConfederateFlag symbolize a deep festering wound in our national consciousness. Take down the confederate flag and then we can

Up Next Week: The Streets to the Sanctuary: Michael Brown to Rev. Pinckney

Chamber Membership could increase your bottom line.

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NAACP Opinions

Supreme Court Decision in King v. Burwell The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act, which represents our most significant achievement in health reform in nearly 50 years. The Affordable Care Act is a critical step toward redressing disparities in health that persist along racial/ethnic, geographic and other lines. Since 2013, the uninsured rate has declined 9.2 percentage points for African Americans, resulting in 2.3 million adults gaining coverage and 12.3 percentage points for Latinos, resulting in 4.2 million adults gaining coverage. Since 2013, the uninsured rate among women declined 7.7 percentage points, resulting in 7.7 million women gaining coverage. An estimated 55 million women are also benefiting from preventive services coverage with no out-of-pocket costs. And health insurers can no longer discriminate based on gender, so being a woman is no longer a preexisting condition.

“The NAACP applauds the nation’s highest court in recognizing the intent of the law: That all persons who obtain coverage through state- or federally-run health insurance exchanges and qualify for tax-credit subsidies to defray the cost of premiums can receive the subsidies.

Especially with the ongoing economic challenges facing low and middle-income Americans, subsidies are often needed to open the door to health care and mitigate the high cost of not having health insurance. The NAACP will continue to educate Americans about the Affordable Care Act and encourage them to get covered and get healthy. We will also ask them to push locally for greater access to comprehensive health care coverage and quality, timely health care services. And certainly, we will continue to partner with organizations throughout our country toward the common goal of bringing about health equity for all.”

From Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman of the NAACP Board of Directors:

#BlackLivesMatter Activist Took Down SC Confederate Battle Flag On June 27, 2015 #BlackLivesMatter activist, Brittany “Bree” Newsome, wearing rappelling gear, climbed the flagpole atop Columbia, South Carolina’s Capitol dome and removed the Confederate Battle Flag, in an act of civil disobedience. South Carolina Department of Public Safety arrested Bree, 30, along with her companion, James Tyson, also 30. Both were charged with a misdemeanor--defacing a monument. A new flag went up within an hour. Subsequently, the NAACP has issued the following statement: “For 15 years, the NAACP has called for the removal of the Confederate battle flag and has maintained economic sanctions against the state of South Carolina. The NAACP, Governor Nikki Haley, a bipartisan coalition of policymakers, an expanding number of American businesses, and a courageous young woman named Bree Newsome are all united in opposition to the Confederate flag. Ms. Newsome temporarily removed the flag flying in front of South Carolina’s state house. As well as supporting the permanent removal of the flag legislatively, we commend the courage and moral impulse of Ms. Newsome as she stands for justice like many NAACP activists, including Henry David Thoreau, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and numerous Americans who have engaged in civil disobedience. The NAACP calls on state prosecutors to consider the moral inspiration behind the civil disobedience of this young practitioner of democracy. Prosecutors should treat Ms. Newsome with the same large-hearted measure of justice that inspired her actions. The NAACP stands with our youth and behind the multigenerational band of activists fighting the substance and symbols of bigotry, hatred and intolerance.”

From Cornell William Brooks, NAACP President and CEO. www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Urban Views Weekly | July 1, 2015

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Experience Something Spe

~A Wine Company that Leaves i

Shoe Crazy – Wine Redefined

Looking for the perfect gift? Slip on those heels and take a bottle to the party. Kick off your shoes and enjoy a glass of wine with a movie or book.

SCW’s Mission: To deliver the ultimate wine drinking experience by never forgetting what quality is and that our customers are everything.

SCW’s Vision: To grow into a wine company that leaves its shoe-print across the globe and creates new wine lovers everywhere.

In 2006, Gwen Hurt, CEO of Shoe Crazy Wine received a wine making kit for Christmas. She fell in love with the art of making wine and bottled 120 bottles of Chianti. While trying to decide what to name her creation, her daughter told her to name it something you love. Gwen’s love for shoes and now wine evolved into “Shoe Crazy Wine”, and her company was born.

Hurt became an entrepreneur due to two key events in her life, involving a car accident that took nearly a year of recovery and being downsized by the company in which she had spent more than 15 years. During her physical therapy and rehabilitation, Hurt made the decision not to succumb to depression. She instead started a company based on her passion of wine.

Shoe Crazy Wine, LLC launched in late 2013 as an online direct to consumer business.

UVW: How were you introduced to this business?

GH: I did not start drinking wine until my late 30’s. I was introduced to higher end wines, and I became totally fascinated with the whole wine drinking experience. When I made wine I really enjoyed experimenting with the oak and the yeast, watching it transform juice from grapes into wine. It was a process that really intrigued me.

Urban Views Weekly | July 1, 2015

Shoe Crazy Wine is currently a private label company, sourcing wine domestically and internationally. Shoe Crazy Wine works with vineyards in the North Coast of California and France. She has opened business in the United States and Singapore, beginning

UVW: Did you see yourself in this business?

GH: Not in my early career. However, after making wine in my kitchen, I realized this was something I really loved. I had thoughts of one day owning a vineyard, but because owning a vineyard would require a huge financial investment, I chose a different path to enter this business. Becoming a private label vintner has allowed me to travel and taste a lot of wine. I fell in love with the exploration of wine and even its health benefits.

UVW: What is your favorite wine?

GH: I love my Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc because it’s very close in taste and bouquet to a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. I also love our Red Blend; it is low in tannins fruit forward and mild on the palate.

Even though only 18 months old, Shoe Crazy Wine has really made a name for itself in a short time. Hurt attributes the success to launching Shoe Crazy Wine in two countries simultaneously. Her Gwen Hurt daughter utilized social media to help build brand awareness. Hurt also believes start-up entrepreneurs should not be afraid to ”stop, assess and change” as needed to move the business along.

Prior to launching Shoe Crazy Wine, Hurt had extensive experience She says it became apparent quite quickly that an online business in the IT industry specifically focused on operational excellence, was not sustainable for a small company. She reassessed her business business model optimization, and business process transformation model and became a licensed “distributor” of her own brand in the and change management.

United States and Singapore. This allows Shoe Crazy Wine to be able to sell wholesale to retail stores, restaurants and hotels.

Urban Views Weekly had the opportunity to talk with Shoe Crazy Wine, LLC Founder, Gwen Hurt about her journey to creating this “You have to believe in your product and your brand, but you also business. have to be willing to change and be humble enough to do something 6

different, and do it quickly if something is not going right.” explains Hurt.

the global journey of putting her wine on shelves to be sold across the U.S., Asia and ultimately the world. Lofty goals they know, but believe they are up to the challenge.

UVW: What would you tell a beginning entrepreneur about starting a business?

GH: Do not use all your own money! Find alternative ways to help fund your business. Also, believe in yourself, your brand, the product,

ecial With Shoe Crazy Wine

its Shoe Print Across the Globe~ the mission and the vision. Invest in your supply chain. We spent a good deal of time and cost ensuring that we have an infrastructure to deliver our wine, even before we had a customer.

UVW: Where do you see Shoe Crazy Wine in five years?

GH: I would like for Shoe Crazy Wine to continue its reach globally.

We have a brand strategy to market and sell wine to women in Asia

feed their passion through entrepreneurial pursuits.

Hurt is a member of Rotary International, The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), SHE (Sharing Her Experience), The Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT), The African American Chamber of Commerce Richmond, and ORATE.

Shoe Crazy Wine Upcoming Events

Shoe Crazy Wine will be launching its first crowd-funding campaign in July 2015. They will launch via the platform IndieGoGo. The goal is to raise $50K to replenish their product, cover the cost of exporting and further distribution into Asia.

Health Benefits

According to the American Heart Association, having one to two four-ounce glasses a day does the following for your health:

and I really believe this can translate to other countries where wine is typically a male-oriented purchase.

Hurt also believes in giving back. She believes everyone can be a philanthropist no matter how much or how little one has. A portion of proceeds from Shoe Crazy Wine is donated to charity. She also believes in mentoring, and encourages and inspires other women to

The Benefit: Promotes Longevity The Evidence: Wine drinkers have a 34 percent lower mortality rate than beer or spirits drinkers. Source: a Finnish study of 2,468 men over a 29-year period, published in the Journals of Gerontology, 2007.

The Benefit: Reduces HeartAttack Risk The Evidence: Moderate drinkers suffering from high blood pressure are 30 percent less likely to have a heart attack than nondrinkers.

Source: a 16-year Harvard School of Public Health study of 11,711 men, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, 2007.

The Benefit: Lowers Risk of Heart Disease The Evidence: Red-wine tannins contain procyanidins, which protect against heart disease. Wines from Sardinia and southwest France have more procyanidins than other wines. Source: a study at Queen Mary University in London, published in Nature, 2006.

The Benefit: Reduces Risk of Type 2 Diabetes The Evidence: Moderate drinkers have 30 percent less risk than nondrinkers of developing type 2 diabetes. Source: research on 369,862 individuals studied over an average of 12 years each, at

Amsterdam’s VU University Medical Center, published in Diabetes Care, 2005.

The Benefit: Lowers Risk of Stroke The Evidence: The possibility of suffering a blood clot related stroke drops by about 50 percent in people who consume moderate amounts of alcohol. Source: a Columbia University study of 3,176 individuals over an eight-year period, published in Stroke, 2006.

The Benefit: Cuts Risk of Cataracts The Evidence: Moderate drinkers are 32 percent less likely to get cataracts than nondrinkers; those who consume wine are 43 percent less likely to develop cataracts than those drinking mainly beer.

Source: a study of 1,379 individuals in Iceland, published in Nature, 2003.

The Benefit: Cuts Risk of Colon Cancer The Evidence: Moderate consumption of wine (especially red) cuts the risk of colon cancer by 45 percent. Source: a Stony Brook University study of 2,291 individuals over a four-year period, published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2005.

The Benefit: Slows Brain Decline The Evidence: Brain function declines at a markedly faster rate in nondrinkers than in moderate drinkers. Source: a Columbia University study of 1,416 people, published in Neuroepidemiology, 2006.

Shoe Crazy wine can be purchased and or enjoyed at these participating stores and restaurants locally: The Urban Farmhouse Market & CafĂŠ all four Richmond locations, The Eclectic Cottage on MacArthur Ave, online at The Vine Wine Club, The UGK (The Underground Kitchen), Girlees Restaurant, The Craddock Terry Hotel In Lynchburg, Virginia, and coming soon to more locations as we grow with the help of our distribution partner company, International Cellars.

In Singapore: Big Box Hypermarket, Cold Storage Hypermarket, The Marketplace Supermarket and Wine Mansion Restaurants and Bars.

For more information on Shoe Crazy Wine or to even order online, please visit: http://www.shoecrazywine.com

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

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Urban Views Weekly | July 1, 2015

By Jason Alderman

Due to recent economic realities, multi-generational living has been on the rise for many families.

A 2014 Pew Research Center analysis (http://www. pewsocialtrends.org/2014/07/17/in-post-recessionera-young-adults-drive-continuing-rise-in-multigenerational-living/) showed that a record 57 million Americans, equal to a little over 18 percent of the U.S. population, lived in multi-generational family households in 2012 – double the number in 1980. The major driver was young adults aged 25-34. According to Pew, nearly 24 percent of these older millennials lived in multi-generational households, increased from nearly 19 percent in 2007 and 11 percent in 1980.

It’s possible the “boomerang” family trend will remain in place for some time to come.

For homeowner parents who may also be juggling the “sandwich” responsibilities of caring for older relatives, paying attention to the financial and behavioral details of taking in family is critical. Here are some suggestions to consider:

rent, know there are potential tax issues (http://www. irs.gov/taxtopics/tc415.html) based on the structure, timeframe and expenses related to such an agreement.

Legal paperwork may be required, but there also may be rental expenses you can deduct.

Establish timelines. In the real world, financial arrangements are rarely open-ended. Depending on the financial, tax and legal advice you receive as well as local tenant law and personal preferences, you may be signing an official lease for your family member’s stay with a specific timeline of months or years.

Whatever the requirements, make sure you have an effective framework that sets specific financial and behavioral rules you want met.

Start with a family meeting.

Before moving trucks arrive, family members should meet for a discussion about the impending move. Start by letting your child or family member talk through why they want to move in, whether they have financial goals tied to the living arrangement and how long they plan to stay. Share the structure you envision, including the payment details you would consider. No matter how the agreement is struck, it should begin with a full discussion of needs, preferences, financial terms, and most of all, ways to make the arrangement successful and smooth. Once the move happens, regular conversations should continue about the living arrangement. After all, “boomerang” families have unique, ongoing financial issues that will require discussion.

Opening your home to returning family members is a real financial commitment.

Your finances come first. Operating a full house means higher utility and food costs and additional wear and tear on the property. Taking in family also shouldn’t derail a parent’s career goals or retirement planning, nor should it diminish other necessary financial objectives like maximizing savings or eliminating debt. That’s why dual- or single-parent households might begin with a complete financial assessment before welcoming kids or elders back home. A discussion with qualified financial and tax advisors might be worthwhile to determine how much expense you can take on. For arrangements that go beyond free lodging to direct cash support of family members, gift tax issues should be explored.

Make a real agreement. A home is stability and therefore something of significant value. That is why it is appropriate to consider rent or request in-kind services in exchange for room and board.

Young adults – particularly those who were fully under parental support in college – need to learn this important lesson even if they are moving home to save money to pay off loans, to buy a car or put a down payment on a home. Ask trusted advisors about what makes sense in your situation. If you decide to accept

Prepare to track expenses. Once agreed, retrofit your household budget to keep track of higher food, utility and related expenses for cost-sharing and potential tax purposes. Having people you love living with you will hopefully have many rewards that go beyond simple dollars, but always know what the arrangement is costing you.

Bottom line: Opening your home to returning family members is a real financial commitment. Think through money, tax and household issues before you say yes.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney. www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

By Car, Plane or Train, Orlando is a Favorite Destination for many Traveling with the family? The most common challenge these days is finding a destination that makes everyone happy -- and then striking a balance between activities for the kids, and fun for adults. But there are now plenty of destinations designed to make family travel easy. For example, Orlando, Florida, which unsurprisingly takes the title as number one “hot spot” for domestic travel, according to a new survey by Priceline, has become more than just a classic vacation for families. An explosion of new offerings has made it an ideal destination for all ages.

Dining The entire vacation doesn’t have to revolve around the kids menu! Foodie parents on vacation need some time to explore and indulge in local cuisines. And it’s no surprise that the top family travel destinations have been expanding their dining offerings.

If you’re headed to Orlando, check out sophisticated dining options from James Beard nominated chefs at restaurants like Ravenous Pig, Victoria & Albert’s or Rusty Spoon. For dinner with a view, Capa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando provides guests with breath-taking views of local theme park’s fireworks. Craving food, cocktails and entertainment?

Combine your evening activities at a single venue like The Whiskey, welcoming lovers of gourmet burgers, craft cocktails and rock ‘n roll, with over 100 brands of whiskey.

To juggle your family member’s competing interests, check out these travel tips:

New Attractions You may have some favorite destinations you’ve traveled to repeatedly. Be sure to keep things new and exciting by tossing out your outdated guidebook. Your vacation this year should include some fresh attractions. For example, those who’ve traveled to Orlando in the past are unlikely to have visited the brand new I-Drive 360, an entertainment complex. At its heart lies the Orlando Eye, a 400-foot-tall observation wheel providing breathtaking Central Florida views.

Between taking snapshots with Mickey and traveling the world at Epcot, check out the big changes happening at Orlando theme parks, including Walt Disney World Resort, which is transforming Downtown Disney into Disney Springs, doubling the number of shops and other venues.

Plan and Buy Ahead Consider buying tickets to attractions in advance. By buying online, you can avoid standing in line and wearing out young legs before you even get through the gate. Oftentimes, you can find great discounts on entry prices if you plan ahead and bundle together various local sites.

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

StatePoint

The Great Indoors Long days in the sun can take their toll, particularly on younger children. If you’re heading somewhere sunny, stay safe with sunscreen and by drinking plenty of water. Plus, don’t forget to mix it up with some indoor culture as well. From performing arts centers to indoor theme parks to museums, there are plenty of ways to see the town from the inside out.

Go Mobile New apps can make navigating your destination easier. From theme park and restaurant guides to a parking finder, let technology help you save time and money. And be sure to visit your destination’s official tourism website for trip-planning resources and to download free apps. For instance, the VisitOrlando.com site aggregates some of the best new offers and has the latest information on new attractions.

With the right destination and smart advance planning, family travel can be stress-free and fun for kids and their adult chaperones.

Urban Views Weekly | July 1, 2015

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The Central Virginia African American Chamber of Commerce

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Urban Views Weekly | July 1, 2015

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How to Guide

How to Choose Healthy Foods

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You only get one body. It’s important to feed it the proper fuel to keep it running smoothly.

Never underestimate the importance of eating a healthy, balanced diet. It is the foundation for living a long life.

the country generates carbon emissions. You will pay more for the food because fuel and other costs must be included in the price.

It also means that produce must be picked before it has properly ripened.

Many Americans enjoy the convenience of fast food and instant meals. They are slowly figuring out that these processed foods have little nutritional value.

Worse, these foods often leave them craving even more unhealthy snacks.

Grocery stores who stock locallygrown food are proud of this fact.

They are actively supporting their communities.

Natural Organic foods are a popular commodity. People want foods that are grown without harsh chemicals and pesticides. Studies have found that organic foods are a good choice for health-conscious consumers.

Home-cooked meals are good for your body and pocketbook. They are cheaper and more satisfying to your taste buds. Whether you are preparing vegetables, roasts or an appetizing main course, find a local grocer who stocks only the best products.

Chemical fertilizers and pesticides dull the flavor of produce. Organic foods simply taste better. Some people think that organic foods are more expensive, but smart shoppers know that you can find organic foods that are affordable and convenient.

Freshness Depending on where the food has been grown, produce may be refrigerated and stored for a long period of time before it even arrives at a store. This delay can impact the texture and taste. That’s why it is always best to purchase fruits and vegetables that are harvested before they ripen.

People who want to find healthier options for meat should find grocers who sell beef and other fare without unnatural hormones.

Expert Advice

Look for foods that are naturally in season, such as apples in the fall or tomatoes in the summer.

When buying other items, such as meat, find a store that offers the quickest path from the farm to your dinner table. Beef, poultry and seafood are best when they are fresh.

Local It is best to purchase food grown near your home. Buying local will help your city’s economy, and it is better for the environment. Food shipped across

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Look for trustworthy information. There is no shortage of advice, but information is only as reliable as its source. The finest grocery stores have registered nutritionists and other experts on staff. These professionals will help you make wise eating choices. You can also find reliable diet advice and the most up-to-date tips.

You may also ask produce managers for their personal recommendations.

Quality stores will gladly extend a hand to help you find the best deals. For many shoppers, service with a smile is more important than anything they can find on the shelves.

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Urban Views Weekly | July 1, 2015

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Urban Views Weekly | July 1, 2015

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