Urban Views Weekly July 26, 2017

July 26, 2017

Scholar of the Week - Taiya Cleveland

“Tiger Tom� Mitchell A man of good character and integrity

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Civic Beat FUNdraising Good Times

Board summer refreshers Calling all board members: get ready for the flurry of fall activities that are a part of life within the nonprofit sector. Consider the following as you sip an iced tea, or bury your feet in the sand. Contemplate these “board refreshers” as you enjoy – or hide from – the hot summer sun. Grab your board binder, put on your nonprofit sun visor, and let’s talk board engagement.

Let’s start by pulling out the bylaws for the nonprofit you serve. If you can’t find your copy, or never received one, request a copy from the board chair or executive director. Read them.

Mark them up. What do you understand?

What doesn’t make sense? Do they appear to be up-to-date or out-of-date? Here are a few basic things you want to know: are there term limits for members? What is the maximum size of the board? What constitutes a quorum? Reach out to the board chair with your questions. Ask for

Letter To The Editor

For more information, email info@cvaacc.org or call 804-823-7745.

2

Urban Views Weekly | July 26, 2017

Think about the board meetings themselves. What

continues to page 11

If you would like to respond to Viewpoints, your submission should contain your name, a full valid address and a daytime phone number. We cannot acknowledge submitted letters. We reserve the right to edit for accuracy, clarity, legality and taste. E-mail (without attachments) to editor@urbanviewsweekly. com. Mail letters to Editor Urban Views Weekly.

Ervin B. Clarke, Publisher publisher@urbanviewsweekly.com

The directory is the best way to find Black businesses in your local area and around the globe!

To have a business listed in the directory, go to CVAACC.org, look for Black Business Directory, and click Sign Up.

Next up for review is the budget. Study it closely. What information is clear and what raises questions? How does the current fiscal year compare to the prior year? Is the budget increasing without an increase in fundraising or grant revenue? Have there been transfers from endowment to the operating budget?

Were the prior year’s revenue goals met?

If your organization is audited, review the audit. Do you know what is being communicated and what you should look out for when providing oversight?

Look closely at the fundraising goals and what was actually raised. And look at your own checkbook: did you make a gift? Participate in fundraising with fellow board members?

“Effective boards... need committed and engaged members.”

Use the directory to support Black-owned businesses today and everyday!

Share the directory with everyone you know.

answers. Chances are that if you have questions, so do others.

VOL. 10, ISSUE 30 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

Cover Photos Courtesy of Photos by Carl, and Brad Johnston (ELBRAVADOR FILMWORKS)

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VSU’s President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah named HBCU Male President of the Year and VSU wins Best Business Program

Opening Hydrants to Keep Kids Cool With recent high temperatures soaring into the nineties, the Richmond Police Department has come up with a plan to help children in the city stay cool.

During the heat wave, RPD officers will be opening water hydrants on hot summer afternoons in several city neighborhoods.

RPD Chief Alfred Durham recruited other city agencies, the Department of Public Utilities and the Department of Public Works, to make the process possible.

In center holding plaque, VSU President Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D. (Photo submitted by VSU)

On Friday, July 14, Virginia State University (VSU) was presented two 2017 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Awards during the 2017 HBCU Awards ceremony presented by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

The ceremony ended the two-day HBCU Executive Media Training Institute hosted

by HBCU Digest in Washington, D.C. VSU President Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D. was named the 2017 HBCU Male President of the Year.

Also, the University’s Reginald F. Lewis College of Business was named the HBCU Best Business Program.

The Trojans were well-represented at the awards ceremony. President Abdullah along with administrators, faculty, staff, students and alumni were in attendance displaying their love and support of their beloved alma mater.

During his acceptance of the award, Abdullah shared with the audience his gratitude and love for VSU. “I would like to thank VSU Board of Visitors, faculty, staff, students and alumni for all that they do for Virginia State www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

University,” said President Abdullah, who has served as VSU President for a year and a half. “I am very excited to be at Virginia State and I love Virginia State University. I would like to also thank HBCU Digest for their work in sharing the great stories of our universities.”

The Reginald F. Lewis College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The accreditation distinguishes the College as part of an elite class, because only 5 percent of the world’s business schools share this exclusive accreditation.

The College is named after alumnus Reginald F. Lewis, who was a lawyer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and America’s first black billionaire businessman.

VSU was named as a finalist in seven categories. The other five categories were: Best Student Government Association, Best Choir, Alumna of the Year, Male Coach of the Year and HBCU of the Year. Winners were selected by a panel of previous HBCU Award winners, presidents and chancellors, and members of the media, which cover HBCUs.

“I remember as a child when they would open the hydrant in my neighborhood so we could play in the cool water,” said Chief Durham.

“We looked forward to it so much.

I’d like to thank DPU and DPW for working with us to make it happen.”

The hydrants will be opened for two hours at a time on a rotating schedule until temperatures moderate in these Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority communities: · Creighton · Fairfield · Gilpin · Hillside · Mosby · Whitcomb RPD officers will open and close the hydrants and will monitor each location for safety issues.

Kids enjoy cool water play on a hot summer day (Photos: Ervin Clarke) Urban Views Weekly | July 26, 2017

3

ViewPoints

By Dr. T

Old School “Discipline” not Always Correct “Do as I say…not as I do!?” “Because I said so that’s why!” “I brought you into this world and I’ll take you out!” “Fix your face or I’ll give you something to cry for!”

How many of us were raised by those words and the corresponding actions attached to them? There is something to be said about good old-fashioned discipline. I certainly appreciate, of course in retrospect, my upbringing back in the days when you literally had no privacy. Everybody was in your business! Not only your parents, but also Miss Mabel down the street!

Your aunties, uncles and family friends could call you out on your childhood foolishness and then expect your parents to follow-up on exacting consequences to match the corresponding bad behavior of which you were accused. There was no questioning or “fair trial.”

You were guilty if Miss Mary said you were!

cable television industry, Netflix, computer and video games, and social media; including texting on their individual cellphones that apparently almost every young person has access to no matter their socioeconomic status.

“...we cannot remain back in yesterday while our children are living in today.”

Back in the day there was no social media or hash tag.

There was no cable television or Instagram. Video games and cellphones did not occupy the majority of your time. Social interaction was about playing outside, at the community center, or on somebody’s baseball field, basketball court or football field. We rode bikes and had to navigate social interaction with our peers and the other kids in the neighborhood. Sometimes there were day camps, vacation bible school or the occasional family vacation, but back in the day, the long hot days of summer were sometimes treacherous as we attempted to stay out of trouble. Or just outside the gaze of the adults within our community sphere that had our parent’s permission to keep us in check.

Times have indeed changed and the children these days have less and less social interaction with the members of the communities in which they live for a myriad of reasons, not the least of which is the proliferation of electronic and social media to which young people have easy access today. The 24-hour

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Urban Views Weekly | July 26, 2017

This new generation is more “worldly” than we were back in the day. The fact is, due to the times in which they live they are exposed to more, whether good or bad. This exposure causes an increased level of maturity, if only due to what they have seen and experienced. Because they have the “answers” to whatever questions they want to ask through the worldwide web, it is increasingly difficult to “treat them like children.” They ask more complex and sophisticated questions because they are exposed to more complex information. Adults can no longer expect the children “to be seen and not heard” and, in fact, are creating a dangerous gulf of disconnection and distance from young people by continuing to allow the television sets, computer games, and social media outlets to raise our children without input or context.

The random slap across the face as a method of discipline can no longer go unchecked or uninterrupted in the age of Twitter and “Selfies.” Now parents, and/or guardians, can be reported to CPS or brought up on assault charges. Publicly shaming a child or young person in front of their peers or community can become a media firestorm in an instant and blow up into an event from which that young person may never recover due to Facebook and Snap Chat. Or, it can potentially fracture the trust once taken for granted between the youth and the adult. Trust, once broken, is difficult Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. to restore and the negative consequences for our Founder and Artistic Director young people can be enormous. We need to wake up The Conciliation Project and Associate Professor and recognize the world has changed and we cannot remain back in yesterday while our children are living Virginia Commonwealth University in today.

We still have a responsibility to raise them.

DrT@Margins2theCenter.com | www.theconciliationproject.org

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Scholar of the Week

By Janeal Downs

Taiya Cleveland

of Richmond Community High School

GPA: 3.96 College of Interest: Virginia State University Major Community Service: A local elementary school, her church, the Richmond SPCA, etc.

Strong Interests: Dance and business Favorite Activities: Dancing From the young age of three, Taiya Cleveland was a dancer. One day when her mother saw her in the kitchen dancing and tapping her feet, she knew her daughter liked to dance, and enrolled her in classes. “From there, that was my way to express myself,” Taiya said. “When I can’t really express myself to my parents like I want to, I use my dance to express myself or I write poetry.” Dancing became Taiya’s stress relief and passion. Her enthusiasm for dancing inspired her to further her education, and one day open her own dance studio.

favorite dance styles are Hip Hop and Jazz. She also volunteers with other organizations. For example, she often volunteers with her church, she volunteered at an elementary school, and also at a local SPCA. “One thing I learned from giving back to the community is that it’s really appreciated, and it makes you feel good as well,” Taiya said. The different volunteer experiences taught her just how much she enjoyed helping others and making them smile.

Not only did she dance and volunteer outside of school, but she also was a member of multiple clubs such as Just like dancing was a safe Sisters with an Intuition, the haven for her, Taiya believes Environmental Club and the she can create a place for ™ k ee Key Club. of the W other dancers. “Everyone should have a place to go Two dancers at one of her where they can say what they dance organizations inspire feel without being judged or ridiculed,” Taiya Taiya because they always push and motivate stated in an essay. She wants her studio to be her. Other inspirations are her little sisters. a mentoring program and a place where her Though they aren’t her biological sisters, students can vent to her. In order to prepare Taiya said that without them, she wouldn’t be for owning a studio, Taiya plans to major in pushing so hard to do better. She wants to be management and minor in dance at Virginia a positive example for them so they can follow State University. Not only did VSU offer her a her footsteps and be better as well. full ride, but she liked how close it was to home. With so many inspirations, Taiya hopes to

Scholar0

Although she will wait to open her own studio for after college, Taiya is already active in the local dance community. She started the dance club at her high school, is in the City Dance Troupe of Richmond, danced for the Thomas Jefferson High School Dance Team, danced at Virginia Union University, coaches a majorette team and also coached at a band camp. Her www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

one day inspire her own students at her dance studio. “My students will be the children that wake up in the morning ecstatic to go to school because they know that afterwards they will be going to dance practice,” Taiya stated.

“They will know that they are in a place where they can freely express themselves and gain confidence.”

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5

Honoring the Life and Legacy of J On July 10, 2017, the city of Richmond, VA mourned the loss of the great John Thomas “Tiger Tom” Mitchell, who passed away at the age of 100. He was a man whose dedication to broadcast journalism was felt in communities across this city, and whose voice and impact spanned generations.

friends regularly consulted with him on everything from world history to dissertations.

“I call him Google before there was Google,” remembers Cary Mitchell, Thomas Mitchell’s son.

“There was not a time that we couldn’t go to our father with a question and he’d give us a little extra insight. Especially But, who was “Tiger Tom” with history; he was a history Mitchell? buff, so naturally, we all have a nose for history, too.”

Sure, he’s remembered as

the Richmond native who In fact, Mitchell’s began investing in the Black curiosity was what community at the ripe age initially led him to Mitchell Brothers, Navy Hill (1926) of twelve, working at Maggie a career in journalism; L. Walker’s newspaper, the St. Luke Herald. For some, he’s he remained curious and conscious of what recognized as the voice of Friday night football games at was happening in the world, and he carried that City Stadium. For most, though, he’s heralded as the voice curiosity with him up into his final days. His that dominated the wealth of knowledge not only helped airwaves on WANTpropel his career as a journalist, but he 990 AM radio. also used his smarts to assist friends and

students with papers and assignments.

But those are merely To everyone, he was a friend, willing Mr. Mitchell’s to extend a hand, engage in meaningful professional discourse, and build relationships with accomplishments. His those around him. impact on broadcast journalism will forever It’s those relationships that served as examples remain etched in the for his children, and is what they’re most proud minds of all who follow of when it comes to his legacy. him, especially local disc jockeys seeking “[My father] to carry on the torch showed what it he carried for decades. was like to be When speaking of who a friend,” says “Tiger Tom” Mitchell “Tiger Tom” Mitchell Cary Mitchell. was and the legacy he leaves, what’s most important to “He was a good remember is his character. After all, it’s his character that husband to my allowed him to lead such a remarkable career, a career mother, Elizabeth governed by his personal ideals of curiosity, camaraderie, Mitchell, a good patience, peace, and the truth. father, and a good brother. He’d get Mitchell was a true student of the world, always curious into debates with and eager to learn. As a result, his children and even lots of friends; one 6

Urban Views Weekly | July 26, 2017

Wife Elizabeth and

specifically was an activist by the name of August Moon. They had a 20-year age difference and didn’t agree on a lot, but he valued that friendship and showed us that you can have friends who don’t carry your exact beliefs.”

Mitchell explains that his father’s example was so crucial because so often, people don’t listen to others, especially those whose beliefs don’t align with theirs.

But Thomas Mitchell was a shining example of how to be a good citizen

Sons Cary and John, “Tiger Tom,” Elizabeth,

John Thomas “Tiger Tom” Mitchell As a result, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell taught their children that it takes two people to have an argument. Contention need not be met with contention; you can make the choice not to engage and maintain your inner peace.

“My father was a problemsolver,” says Cary Mitchell. “You can argue all you want, but my father focused on solutions. How are you going to solve the problem?”

d “Tiger Tom”

and friend who’s open to seeing all angles and respecting differing opinions.

With such tolerance for diversity in thought also comes patience, which is arguably the most notable value he instilled in his family every day. “Cool, calm, and collected” was his mantra, and he made a valiant effort to not only speak it, but live it out for all to see.

, daughters Sheryl Mitchell-Thomas and Ida

“He had the patience of Job,” says Elizabeth Mitchell, Tom’s wife of over 50 years. “He didn’t know what it was to get angry.”

tensions were at an all-time high. Not only was there a need for peace within the local communities, but there was also a tremendous need for inner peace in order to focus on what he believed was most important—the truth.

“Tiger Tom” Mitchell’s entire career—and livelihood, really—was built upon identifying and communicating the truth.

Neighbor Otis Robinson and “Tiger Tom”

This level of patience only comes when you’ve reached and maintained an unshakeable level of inner peace, and that’s exactly what Mr. Mitchell strived for.

“He used the word ‘peace’ a lot,” remembers his family. “If you didn’t know that he was born in 1916, you’d think he was talking about ‘peace’ in the hippie sense. But he was talking about peace long before Woodstock,” laughs Cary Mitchell.

It’s no surprise Mr. Mitchell placed much importance on the concepts of patience and peace; his career took off during the height of the Civil Rights era, when racial

By Janna M. Hall

“He was all about getting the black community’s story out the way it truly was, and the way we really see it,” says Cary Mitchell.

“He served as the conduit between the masses and what was happening within the community.”

He also used the truth to dissolve conflict amongst our own people, specifically during the Civil Rights Movement when there were frequent debates about which movement to follow.

Whether you agreed with MLK, Malcolm X, or the Confederacy, Mr. Mitchell always began the discussion by identifying the “Tiger Tom” truth.

Above all, he valued clarity and Elizabeth’s wedding photo and made an effort to correct misinformation. To him, only messages founded in truth had any place on the air.

This ideology stuck with Mr. Mitchell throughout his career and into his final days. As a respected journalist he understood the importance of sticking to the foundational rules of journalism, a value he believed was lost as corporate radio became more prevalent. His reputation of possessing the eloquence and tactfulness to say exactly what needed to be said without starting a riot made his particular style of broadcasting so remarkable. For the past 20 years, however, he felt the integrity of journalism suffered.

Photos Courtesy of Photos by Carl, and Brad Johnston (ELBRAVADOR FILMWORKS)

Continues to Page 9 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

7

The Deal

By Nathaniel Sillin

Could a Gap Year After High School Make Financial Sense?

Funding your gap year. There are gap year options for students from all socio-economic backgrounds. The AGA maintains a list of financial aid opportunities that can help you fund a gap year. The mix of merit- and needbased scholarships could cover the cost of a program or offset the cost of traveling or volunteering.

If you have a particular program, ask the organization for recommendations.

In some parts of the world, a gap year — a year-long break between high school and college — is the norm.

It’s starting to catch on in the U.S. as well. It’s a chance for recent high school graduates to earn money, challenge themselves, explore the world and build their resume while experimenting with different career paths.

Those who take full advantage of the opportunity often find the experience to be rewarding and beneficial. And colleges report that students who start school after a gap year tend to earn higher grades, are more involved with campus life and graduate within four years at a higher rate than their non-gap-year peers.

Lessons you could learn along the way. Many people spend at least part of the year traveling, working or volunteering away from home. During the year, they may discover that what they originally wanted to study isn’t a good fit, or may come away with a newfound passion.

Entering college with this knowledge can help them focus on a major, plan their classes and graduate early. Or, at least avoid changing majors and extending their schooling. In either case, they can save tens of thousands of dollars.

Also, inquire with your university to see if it recommends or runs any programs. Some schools offer scholarships to admitted students who take a gap year, and a few will give you college credit for completing certain programs.

Many choose service-oriented work. The federally backed AmeriCorps programs place volunteers throughout the U.S. to help communities in need. Once you complete a fulltime, 10- to 11-month commitment, you may be eligible for a scholarship worth up to $5,815 (in fiscal year 2017).

Some colleges and universities will also match a portion of the award.

During a gap year, young adults also often take a more direct role in their day-to-day finances. They can develop a greater appreciation for earning, and spending, money.

In turn, this can give them a framework when taking out student loans and an extra push to apply for scholarships.

Working for a local business could be another great option.

You can earn money, see if you truly enjoy the work, network and may be able to line up work during school or for future summer jobs. The industry connections and mentorship you receive can also be valuable for your postgraduation job search.

Finding structure for your gap year. To avoid squandering the year, you can look into formal programs that can help you achieve or define your personal, academic or career goals. According to the American Gap Association (AGA), a nonprofit based in Portland, Oregon, over 80 percent of gap year students say the skills they acquired helped them be successful in their career after school.

Another resource for finding a program is the USA Gap Year Fairs, which profiles a broad range of gap year experiences. Privately run programs may not offer compensation, but sometimes you can work in exchange for room and board. The experience can also serve as a foundation for cover letters when you apply for jobs or college admissions essays.

bout a k l a t ’s t e s.

L s e n i s u b r ou growing y 8

Urban Views Weekly | July 26, 2017

Once you start your college education, you can try to capitalize on your year off. There are many scholarships available to continuing college students and your experience could be a good jumping-off point for an essay.

Bottom line: Taking a gap year between high school and college is increasingly popular, although still not as common as it is in some other parts of the world. While jumping right into college and getting a degree is the traditional path towards employment, some parents and students see the benefit of taking a year off to better define one’s goals and gain real-world experience before going to college.

Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs.

To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www.twitter. com/PracticalMoney This article is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal, tax or financial advice. It’s always a good idea to consult a legal, tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to you and about your individual financial situation.

Ask us how: (804) 441-6255

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Easy Eating

Family Features Courtesy Uncle Bens’

Quick, Flavorful Meal Ideas It’s not always easy to make healthy food choices. When time is of the essence, look for delicious recipe ingredients that are convenient and easy to prepare while also offering great taste and health benefits.

In fact, 40 percent of American consumers said shorter cooking times are especially important when buying grocery items such as rice, grains and pasta, according to research from Statista, and 83 percent said taste is an important factor when purchasing food.

Ready in 10 minutes with flavor infused in every grain, Uncle Ben’s Flavor Infusions rice is ideal for those looking for quick and healthy meal options. With its one-step cooking process, it makes it easy for families to cook with their kids and quickly get dinner on the table.

The re-sealable pouches ensure freshness for multiple uses, and any of the five flavors can be combined with fresh vegetables, proteins and herbs for a simple meal that’s ready in less than 20 minutes.

Easy Thai Chicken Satay and Rice Salad

Coconut Shrimp on Garlic-Butter Rice

Servings: 4-6

Servings: 4-6

Dressing: 1/4 cup canned, unsweetened coconut milk 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar 1 tablespoon soy sauce 2 teaspoons red curry paste 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 1-2 tablespoons hot water Salad: 1 1 1/2 1 1 1 1 4-6 2 2

cup roasted chicken rice cups shredded rotisserie chicken cup shredded carrots cup sliced pea pods cup sliced red pepper avocado, pitted and sliced red radishes, thinly sliced tablespoons chopped peanuts tablespoons chopped green onions

To make dressing: In small glass bowl, stir together coconut milk, peanut butter, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, red curry paste, cayenne pepper and hot water; set aside.

1 1 1-2 1 1 1 1

Cook rice according to package instructions. Makes about 3 1/2 cups.

In 10-inch skillet, stir together coconut milk, chicken broth, chili paste, coriander and paprika.

In center of individual plates, place about 1 cup rice.

Arrange chicken, carrots, pea pods, red pepper, avocado, radishes, peanuts and green onions around rice then drizzle with dressing. www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

“Tiger Tom” from page 7

“He’d ask, is this a news story, or the National Enquirer?” laughs his son, Cary. “He was curious about how journalists determined the truth, and when he spoke to them, he’d always give pointers on how to properly share information.”

Nowadays, however, disc jockeys must toe the line of communicating honestly with the public without upsetting sponsors and station owners.

Though there are many DJs today whose beliefs align with Mitchell’s, they don’t have the same freedom as he did during his time on air. As a result, he believed they had a personal responsibility to get creative in order to deliver the truth.

Through every accomplishment, John Thomas “Tiger Tom” Mitchell remained a man rooted in love and light. The man and message he presented on the airwaves was consistent with the man and message present in both his household and in every personal interaction. He was a living, breathing example of the makings of an incredible husband, father, friend, and human being who taught us all the importance of being an outstanding citizen and student of the world.

His ideals of curiosity, camaraderie, patience, peace, and truth have lived long beyond his time on the air, and thanks to his good work, will continue to live long beyond his time on this earth. May we all continue on his great legacy.

can (13.6 ounces) unsweetened coconut milk cup chicken broth tablespoons red chili paste, to taste teaspoon ground coriander teaspoon sweet paprika cup garlic and butter flavored rice pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

Add rice and bring to boil; cover, reduce heat to low and cook 10 minutes. Stir in shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes, or until shrimp just turn pink.

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Urban Views Weekly | July 26, 2017

9

How to Guide

How to Enjoy a Recreational Vehicle Lifestyle A recreational vehicle, or RV, is an emblem of freedom. An RV allows you to ride freely around the country and to choose how and where you want to spend your time.

For many people, owning an RV is the ultimate dream. But each person has their own vision of the RV lifestyle. For some, the ideal is camping in the wilderness; for others, it is driving around the country visiting family.

sizes. You can purchase a tiny model based on minivans to a full-size commercial vehicle as big as some houses.

You should also consider fuel efficiency and reliability.

Those two factors will also play a big part in how you enjoy your RV-centered life.

What do you want to do in your RV? Destination Before purchasing a new RV, think of your goals. There are all the destinations you want to see: national parks, lakes, and maybe even big cities. But you should also consider your mental and emotional destination.

How do you want to wake up each day? Do you want to build relationships with family, friends and old acquaintances? Having a clear idea of what you want to do in your life will help you during the purchasing process. It will make the decisions much easier.

Find the Right Vehicle While RV stands for “recreational vehicle,” it might as well stand for “right vehicle.”

Everyone’s definition of right vehicle will be different, of course. It’s a good thing that RVs come in all shapes and

10

Urban Views Weekly | July 26, 2017

Visit RV shows and local dealerships to understand the market and your price range.

decide to become full-time RVers, which means moving out of their permanent home and spending their lives on the road.

The more time you spend in your RV, the more carefully you need to consider your purchase. For full-timers, it will feel like you are buying real estate. After all, your home is an important investment in your future.

Some people appreciate having a regular home, a permanent plot of land where you can return, even if only for a few weeks or months each year. Others desire the freedom that comes with life on the road. Selling your home and eliminating property tax, utilities and worries that go with all of that can be a relief for some people. It’s your decision.

Aside from the functional aspects of the RV, also think about the operational costs. Every vehicle needs routine maintenance. Find out what costs will be covered under your warranty or maintenance plan. It will help you plan your purchase.

Accessories and Supplies RVs come with accessories and supplies that will make your trips enjoyable. You may want a satellite TV, Internet access and upscale furnishings to complete your RV. Other people want a simple vehicle. They prefer to minimize their equipment and gear to keep themselves happy while on the road. It all depends on your budget and preferences.

Full- or Part-Time?

Will you be a full- or part-time RVer. Most owners begin their new lifestyle part-time. They may take their vehicle on the road for family vacations or fishing trips. Many people

Your RV lifestyle can be everything you want it to be.

Whether you want a basic motorhome in the woods or an upscale land yacht, owning an RV is all about making your hopes and dreams come true.

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Classifieds

PUBLIC NOTICE

FUNdraising from page 2

happened during the meetings you attended? How many did you make?

If attendance was a challenge for you, look at the reason why. Was the issue scheduling, or could it be you’re just not that interested? If scheduling is at the heart of the matter, speak with your board chair to get the issue resolved. If your interest or commitment has waned, that’s fine. Again, speak with your chair and coordinate the how and when of resigning. There is no stigma to leaving a board if your heart isn’t in it. Effective boards – and by extension effective nonprofits – need committed and engaged members.

When reflecting on the past years’ board meetings, think about what was accomplished by the board and how the time in board meetings was actually spent.

What were your feelings at meetings:

were you bored, engaged, energized, confused? Take a moment to write up your suggestions for how to increase the level of board engagement. Share these with the board chair at the appropriate time.

Finally, look to the future. What do you want to accomplish as a board member in the coming year? Is there one thing that you want to take responsibility for?

How will you work with your fellow board members to accomplish your goal?

Copyright 2017 – Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw are authors of four books on fundraising available on Amazon. com. For help growing your fundraising visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

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The Tri-Cities Area Metropolitan 2040 Long Rang Transportation Plan is ready for review; written comments on the Transportation Improvement Program should be addressed to Crater Planning District Commission, P.O. Box 1808, Petersburg, Virginia 23805 or by email at dhyder@craterpdc.org and should be received within the review period ending August 10, 2017.

PUBLIC NOTICE Pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 134 and 135; 49 U.S.C 5303 and 5304, the Tri-Cities Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) hereby provides area citizens an opportunity to review and comment on the Transportation Improvement Program.

This transportation plan has been developed by local and State agencies represented on the Tri-Cities Area MPO. A copy of the draft document is available for public viewing during regular visiting hours at public libraries in the Tri-Cities Area during a 30 day public review period beginning July 9, 2017 and ending August 10, 2017.

One public meeting will be scheduled on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 from 3:00PM- 5:00PM at Petersburg Multi-Modal Station first floor lobby located 100 W. Washington Street in Petersburg, VA. The MPO will hold a public hearing at its regular scheduled MPO Policy Committee Meeting on Thursday August 10, 2017 from 4:00

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p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Any persons in need of special accommodations to participate in these public meetings are requested to forward this information either by contacting the Crater Planning District Commission at 804-861-1666 or by email using the address listed below one week prior to the meeting date.

Persons with a hearing impairment may contact the Virginia Relay Center at 1-800-828-1120 to forward information to the Crater Planning District Commission and Tri-Cities Area MPO. A copy of the draft plan and other information related to the Tri-Cities Area MPO is available in electronic format located http://craterpdc.org/ transportation/mpo.htm The Crater Planning District Commission and the Tri-Cities Area MPO assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, handicap, sex, age or income status, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent nondiscrimination laws, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of , or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity. Written comments on Transportation Improvement Program should be addressed Crater Planning District Commission, P.O. Box 1808, Petersburg, Virginia 23805 and or sent email dhyder@craterpdc.org and received within the review period ending August 10, 2017.

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TanyaFree.com/ Urban Views Weekly Poll An upcoming alternate Sell history it fastdrama and TV series is in the works set in a easy withwona timeline where the Confederacy the Civil War and thelow-cost southern states have successfully seceded from thead. classified Union, giving rise to a nation in which slavery remains legal. Call

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