Urban Views Weekly September 21, 2016

Sept. 21, 2016

It’s Campus Safety Month Let’s all be vigilant

Get updates throughout the week

Civic Beat FUNdraising Good Times

I didn’t give because you didn’t ask

Fear, ego, time and misinformation can keep you from asking for the gifts your organization needs. Don’t make these four mistakes.

We are entering the giving season. Many readers will focus on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza and the New Year. Here at FUNdraising Good Times we are focused on giving to nonprofits. Like children who dream of a pile of gifts under the tree, many nonprofits are praying – or hoping and crossing their fingers – that the money they need will come their way. A lot of money will be given to nonprofits over the next few months. Many families make their charitable gifts at the end of the year.

Still others make gifts to honor their friends, family and loved ones. Will they give to your organization? Here’s our question: will you ask them to give? Have you already asked?

Over the years we have learned there are many things that keep people from asking for gifts for the nonprofits they

believe in. The four “excuses” below can get in your way and keep you from successful fundraising.

“A lot of money will be given to nonprofits over the next few months.”

Fear. Fear of rejection. Fear of success. Fear of what others will think of you. You may not know you are afraid, but you keep procrastinating, feeling that you are “one down” by asking. When you do try to ask, your heart isn’t in it because you are so afraid of rejection. You can’t believe you are asking, and after a one-on-one meeting you realize that in fact you didn’t actually ask. You talked all about your organization but you didn’t ask.

Imagine The Difference You Can Make

DONATE YOUR CAR 1-800-607-6170 FREE TOWING TAX DEDUCTIBLE

Ego. Another form of fear, your ego can keep you from asking your peers or those in a higher (or lower) economic bracket.

You don’t want to be seen “begging,” or you don’t want others to think your organization is “in need.”

You forget that asking

others to give is an honor; and that being asked to give is an honor. You are not asking others to give to you, you are asking them to support an organization you believe in.

Time. Develop your schedule so you can be nimble and react when the time is right to ask a donor to make a meaningful gift. If you don’t have time, you won’t have money.

Misinformation. When you don’t know your donors, and don’t know the people who surround and support your organization you don’t really know who can give what.

Don’t be surprised if a board member makes a large gift to another organization. Think about it: how well do you know her? Have you personally asked her – in a one-onone conversation – for a gift? Don’t make assumptions about giving capacity, and don’t overlook those closest to you.

The above “excuses” aren’t always obvious. You might not see what is keeping you from your success. Take a look at your fears and motivations. Set aside time on your calendar.

And talk to those who know your donors to learn if you are asking for people to give to their capacity.

Copyright 2016 – Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw are authors of the new book FUNdraising Good Times Classics Vol. 1 now available on Amazon.com. For help growing your fundraising visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

Let’s talk about growing your business.

Ask us how: (804) 441-6255 Ervin B. Clarke, Publisher publisher@urbanviewsweekly.com

Help Prevent Blindness Get A Vision Screening Annually Ask About A FREE 3 Day Vacation Voucher To Over 20 Destinations!!!

2

Urban Views Weekly | September 21, 2016

VOL. 9, ISSUE 38 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 Photo: Ervin B. Clarke, Virginia Commonwealth University campus

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Health News

sponsored by VCU Health

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

“The physical and emotional health of an entire generation and the economic health and security of our nation is at stake.” - First Lady Michelle Obama

To combat this growing epidemic and to make a lifestyle change in our children’s lives, it is time for everyone to make a change! Wickham suggests the following things to begin changing this paradigm:

It is scary! The percentage of overweight children in the United States is growing at an alarming rate, with 1 out of 3 kids now considered overweight or obese. Many kids are spending less time exercising and more time in front of the TV, computer, or playing video games.

With this growing rate of America’s children being overweight or obese, threatening an entire generation with serious chronic illnesses and shortened life spans, it is apparent that childhood obesity isn’t limited to one state or town. It’s a worldwide concern. Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years.

“Although individual eating and physical activity patterns certainly contribute, the causes of the obesity epidemic are much more complex, ranging from genetic factors to numerous changes in our environment such as food policies and marketing, limited access to safe places to exercise, and advances in technology” says Edmond P. Wickham III, MD MPH, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University. “Given this complexity and the substantial impact of obesity on health, many scientific organizations now regard obesity as a disease.”

Over the years, obesity rates in the United States have soared among all age groups. This rise in obesity rates has affected our youth in alarming fashion. Childhood obesity has increased more than fourfold among those ages 6 to 11. More than 23 million children and teenagers in the United States ages 2 to 19 are obese or overweight, a statistic that health and medical experts consider an epidemic.

And this epidemic puts nearly one third of America’s

Don’t guess.

Know.

VCU3053_D2_Prostate_9_89x2_4C.indd 1

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

J. Chevonte’ Alexander

children at early risk for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and even stroke – conditions usually associated with adulthood. Even greater disparities exist among African Americans and Hispanics.

A child’s total diet and activity level play an important role in determining a child’s weight. Today, many children spend a lot of time being inactive. For example, the average child spends approximately four hours each day watching television. As computers and video games become increasingly popular, the number of hours of inactivity may increase. Research also shows that gym class at school is being shortened or is nonexistent. Levels of physical activity have also reduced over the past 3 decades. The CDC states that last year, only 29% of high school students participated in the recommended 60 minutes of exercise a day.

“Important health habits that are associated with reduced risks of many health conditions, including obesity, are often established during childhood and adolescence”, says Wickham.

Breastfeeding and ensuring kids and teens get enough sleep (generally 9 hours a night) are also associated with reduced rates of obesity (and like diet and exercise have many other important health benefits too). As parents, families, and communities, we can provide and promote opportunities (and policies) that encourage these behaviors, insure access to nutritious foods, and make healthy options the default choice. Children (and even teens) frequently model their eating and exercise choices on what they observe important adults around them doing.

As parents, grandparents, neighbors, teachers, mentors, pastors, or healthcare providers, we can also make a difference by focusing on the health choices we make ourselves and invite those in our lives (often even silently) to do the same.

Just sixty minutes of active movement each day makes a world of difference to a child’s health. Besides helping kids feel good about themselves, exercise and fitness: • Reduce stress • Promote strong bones, joints and muscles • Help children get a good night’s sleep • Refocus attention and change mood • Heighten capacity for learning

Here are some ways to combat childhood obesity.

• Encourage healthy eating habits. Small changes

can lead to a recipe for success!

-- Provide plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole-

grain products

Continues to Page 11

VCU Health’s Advanced Prostate Imaging and Imaging Guided Targeted Biopsy Finding a tumor in a gland no larger than a walnut isn’t always easy. If you have an elevated PSA, and your health care provider recommends further evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging and a targeted biopsy at VCU Health can confirm and pinpoint the tumor so treatment can begin.

To learn more, call (804) 628-9810 or visit knowingnotguessing.com

Urban Views Weekly | September 21, 2016

5/26/16 12:24 PM

3

ViewPoints

By Dr. T

Deplorable is what it is!

Often when we find ourselves disagreeing, the cliché that is thrown out to cut the argument short is “We will just have to agree to disagree!” For some disagreements, that may be a perfectly acceptable response or remedy to the impasse or barrier that cannot be overcome. However, there may be some things that are so deplorable, so objectionable that there is no room for that cliché. In fact to acquiesce and concede, in that case, would make you complicit to, and even responsible for the very thing you found so objectionable in the first place.

Which then reduces your opposition to just another “difference of opinion” without consequence. There are some things that are just too deplorable for that, and the consequences are just too serious.

The historic legacy of enslavement, ethnic prejudice, oppression of women, religious persecution and institutionalized injustice upon which the United States of America was founded continues to be the legacy we consistently bump up against as we struggle to realize the promise that America’s declaration makes. As a nation, we have never really openly faced the inequality and the “two” Americas that persist and continue to undermine the hopes and dreams of the country we truly want to be. We MUST look in a mirror and face ourselves as a nation.

We need to see ourselves as who we are NOW and continually challenge ourselves to work towards who we want to BECOME. We are called to be great; One Nation made from many nations with Liberty and Justice for its entire people.

To determine someone’s worth, ability or potential based upon race, sexual orientation, gender, religion, ethnicity or national origin is literally the textbook definition of racism, When we have national leaders and public officials using rhetoric that diminishes people sexism, and a myriad of phobias such as xenophobia, homophobia and Islamaphobia just because of race, ethnicity, gender, and national origin and encourages groups who are to name a few. On this we cannot “agree to disagree.” If you want to say that life in the avowed white supremacists, anti-Semites and fear mongers to proclaim their hatred country is better than life in the city or fish is better than chicken, those are things upon as though it was welcomed, we have crossed over into a despicable place and have which we can certainly have opposing and contrary viewpoints, tastes, opinions and no legitimized deplorable behavior. Rampant racial hatred and fear mongering tore this one is harmed. However, when what we are discussing effectively changes the quality nation asunder several decades ago. It filled the streets and countryside with innocent of life or the ability to live life as free and equal human beings for entire communities, blood and defiled the dignity of bonafide citizens in search of their God-Given liberty racial groups and others based on religious affiliation or gender identity, well then we and freedom. There was a time when photographs of lynchings and lynch mobs were can no longer reduce our discussion down to agreeing to printed in the newspapers and media sources. It was disagree. That very response becomes intensely offensive disgraceful and those who promoted it, encouraged it Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. in a dismissive kind of way. It is a trite cliché’ generally and were silent about it were complicit and, I dare say, Founder and Artistic Director used by people who do not want to acknowledge their just as deplorable as those whose hands performed the The Conciliation Project and Associate Professor own prejudice, bigotry or ignorance, when it is applied outrageous acts themselves. Today we are not far from to the discussion of issues surrounding diversity, equity those days and those times. America has not come as far Virginia Commonwealth University and inclusion as compared to nationalism, privilege and as we think we have! There is NO room for us to “agree DrT@Margins2theCenter.com | www.theconciliationproject.org supremacist ideology. to disagree”… some things are just too DEPLORABLE!

H

H

Spiritual Music is our Specialty

Barky’s Spiritual Stores 18 East Broad Street | Richmond, VA 23219

Do All The Good You Can...

For All The People You Can...

ASK FOR “URBAN VIEWS” DISCOUNT

4

H

CALL 271-1220

Urban Views Weekly | September 21, 2016

CDs, DVDs, Clergy Shirts, Sheet Music, Hymnals, Etc.

804-643-1987 |

barkysorders@yahoo.com

AFFORDABLE

Apartment Rentals

1 and 2 Bedroom Units Starting at

FOR

T

REN

$425 per Month

No Application fee!

We work with credit issues!

“Ask about FREE MONTHS RENT” Zacharias Brothers Realty

Please call 329-6249 or 271-1220 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

A Letter of Appreciation to All Who Decided to Open Accounts in Black Banks: This Might Prove to Be a Game-Changer

As president of the National Bankers Association, whose members include many of the Black-owned banks that received and are still receiving an unprecedented level of support from all over America, I would like to extend heartfelt gratitude by simply saying: Thank you!

While efforts to get the Black community to utilize Black-owned banks is not new (Black banks have served the community since Reconstruction), what has been happening over the last two months is nothing less than phenomenal. The outpouring of support, triggered by the clarion call of rapper Killer Mike and answered by such superstars as Usher, TI, Solange and others, caught the banks by surprise - a very pleasant surprise.

Black people moving millions of dollars into Black-owned banks within such a short period of time might ultimately prove to be a game-changer! The catalyst for this mobilization of people and purses was born of frustration, but the timing of this effort at self-empowerment could not have been more perfect.

After decades of celebrating the colossal achievements of the Civil Rights Movement, the thought leaders in Black communities across America are beginning to reach a

teach banking 101 to the masses. You see, placing millions of dollars in the bank as deposits creates the need to support those accounts with investment capital. It takes both core deposits as well as capital in order for the bank to increase lending which is where real economic development takes place. When banks’ capital ratios meet regulatory requirements, they have more capacity to provide home equity loans, small business loans, mortgage lending, personal lines of credit and so forth.

The bank is also the community institution that can leverage a million dollar investment eight or nine times.

The bank’s increased lending capacity is how we begin growing the collective wealth of the community. For Michael Grant, President/CEO, National Bankers Association example, the more home equity loans are used to create new businesses or to expand existing ones, the more jobs consensus: Black America will never be able to enjoy the full privileges of first class citizenship in this country until (and job training) these businesses can provide. It has been estimated that if the Black community would spend it had secured the ultimate badge of liberty in America: one-tenth of its disposable income with Black businesses, financial freedom! one million new jobs could be created. So much of our

economic destiny is in our own hands!

So many of the social ills that continue to plague large

swaths of America’s Black communities can be summed up in one phrase: financial dependence. High unemployment Since statistics show that a qualified Black borrower has a higher probability of getting his or her loan approved at rates, underperforming businesses, crime, inadequate a Black bank, doing business with these banks - as a first education and job training opportunities, low aim and choice - is a no-brainer. The more we circulate our dollars an all-pervasive nihilism within our own community, the more opportunities we - especially among many create and the more wealth we can accumulate that can be Black youths - is defining TanyaFree.com/ Urban Views Weekly Poll transferred to future generations. far too many Black

There are 469 U.S. Congressional seats up for election neighborhoods in our Contrary to the anticipated pushback of the naysayers, the this November. Many Americans reportedly cannot country. name their Congressman/woman and are unaware of “bank Black” movement is not a boycott of other banks; it

is simply an intelligent strategy at diversifying one’s dollars their legislative record.

Then along came this and investing in oneself. bank black movement.

What’s your take? Do you know the names of the

The idea of using one’s Congressional candidates in your district up for The black banks are genuinely grateful for the trust that dollars to improve the election on November 8th? Have they earned you, the consumers, have placed in them. Now, in order overall condition of the your vote? to sustain these new banking relationships, bankers and community has been consumers must begin forging a new bond, born of mutual Check out the story and respond to this week’s poll at TanyaFree.com and resurrected. And, to be the Urban Views Weekly FACEBOOK Page. Listen to the Tanya Free and respect and a genuine desire to build what Dr. Martin sure, opening accounts Friends Talk Show Wednesdays @ 2pm on WCLM1450AM streaming LIVE Luther King, Jr. would call “The beloved community.” in Black banks is a great @ TanyaFree.com and BlackTalkRadioNetwork.com. You can now watch us first step. But what should LIVE at TanyaFree.com and ustream.tv Great days ahead! follow?

Next, the Black bankers have a responsibility to

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Michael A. Grant, J.D. President Urban Views Weekly | September 21, 2016

5

Campus Safety A

Understanding and Preventin For many high school seniors, the thought of finally leaving the nest and embarking on their first year away from home is exhilarating.

Not only are you 18, technically an adult, and spending the next four years actually focused on the path your future will take, but you get to navigate through this next phase without a parent to answer to or a curfew to abide by. It’s the moment our youth yearn for! It’s so exciting, in fact, that the very students who were once at the top of the food chain as high school seniors don’t mind returning to the bottom of the totem pole as freshmen. This newfound independence means turning the key to your own door—even if just a dorm room— and meeting people from all walks of life who you’d otherwise never meet. College means exposure to different lifestyle, schools of thought, and career paths.

For some, it means exposure to people of a different race, and for others, it’s a place where students can finally surround themselves with students who share their cultural experiences. It’s a scary time, for sure, but the exposure is necessary for growth.

Unfortunately, college also means exposure to high risk situations and poor decision-making.

Underage drinking has somehow become an integral part of college culture, and many of our students have succumbed to pressure to consume alcohol in order to truly get what they believe is a complete undergraduate experience. The dangers that come with drinking— whether underage or legal—are serious, and through the haze of college fun must come a serious understanding of how to keep 6

Urban Views Weekly | September 21, 2016

themselves and others safe at all times.

September is Campus Safety Awareness Month, and all month long we’re discussing the importance of our students enjoying this new phase without causing harm to themselves and others. Too often we discuss the academic side of college—setting goals, establishing strong study habits, building relationships with professors and getting involved on campus—but we don’t address the potential danger that comes with your growing social life.

In 2000 and 2007, the National Institute of Justice conducted two extensive studies on campus sexual assault cases, and the findings were astounding. The study found that an estimated 20% to 25% of women were victims of completed or attempted rape over the course of their college career. Not only is this statistic appalling, but there still remains a lack of conversation about women’s safety, the lack of protection for female students, and what consent actually means. As a result, nearly a fourth of our young women are leaving what is supposed to be an incredible four years full of freedom and independence with painful memories and trauma that last far beyond graduation day.

The studies also found that most sexual assaults occur in September, October, and November, and on Friday and Saturday mornings between midnight and 6 a.m. Also noted is that freshmen

and sophomores are at a greater risk for victimization than juniors and seniors. So what does this mean for our students?

In addition to having conversations with female students about the importance of remaining alert while out, drinking responsibly (if over 21), and never leaving your drinks unattended, we must have the conversation with our young men about what consent means, respecting when a young woman says “no,” and ensuring that if they see an incapacitated woman, they call for help Public benches along Grace and make sure she gets highly visible space home safely. Despite the college culture of drinking games, late nights, and wild parties, students must practice responsible behavior and respect themselves and the students you’re with.

For students who do become victims of sexual assault, it’s important to report the incident to the police and receive

Awareness Month:

ng the Dangers Students Face

help right away. Too often, young women do not report incidences for fear of being shamed or not believed, resulting in a litany of post-traumatic effects that can impact their collegiate experience both academically and socially. It’s imperative, though, that victims put themselves first and seek counsel and therapy. The Richmond YWCA offers a plethora of resources online and on site for both survivors and women looking to prevent and combat domestic and sexual violence. They also offer counseling services and a free and confidential regional hotline for e Street provide an open and women needing help. e for individuals to visit.

Richmond-based students should take advantage of organizations like the YWCA that have made it their mission to protect women and provide a safe space with which women can discuss trauma and receive immediate support.

By Janna M. Hall

While a largely underalum Tiona Bland discussed topic on explains. “When we both campus and hosted or attended in the mainstream parties, it made media, sexual assault identifying our is not the only danger partygoers so much students face on college easier; nearly our campuses. Temptation entire party was full to indulge in heavy of different groups drinking runs high who were all familiar. in college, but part We didn’t even know of remaining safe on it at the time, but it campus is exercising helped us identify Surveillance cameras are visible throughout the VCU campus restraint and knowing any suspicious your limit. Binge drinking, while glorified as an activity or notice when someone we didn’t know came in.” inescapable part of college life, leads to poor decisionmaking, such as wandering off alone at night, befriending Bland spent her four years at Virginia Tech mentoring and entrusting strangers, and becoming confrontational incoming freshmen on the importance of building a as a result of your impaired state. It is crucial that strong accountability system. She strongly believes in the students develop accountability buddies who can be an beauty of meeting people and making new friends while extra set of eyes and ears and ensure that responsible out at parties, but having a network of people who will drinking is taking place. The buddy system is also critical hold you accountable and look out for the safety of the for nighttime outings; group makes all the walking back to the dorm difference. rooms alone is dangerous, even if the university Campus safety isn’t provides emergency something that call stations throughout just happens; it campus. requires an acute understanding Students at schools of the dangers like VCU, University of that surround Richmond, and Virginia college living and Union are faced with a a conscious effort greater risk; the campuses to make it safer are intertwined with the for everyone. As city of Richmond, so students enter the there’s a strong possibility new phase of their Foot traffic is brisk through VCU’s main sidewalks that the people they’ll life, they should on a recent Friday evening. encounter at off-campus be able to enjoy all parties aren’t students at all. Remaining alert enough the excitement and growth that comes with their new to identify any suspicious behavior from someone not independence. September is a great month to start the expected to uphold a university’s Code of Conduct is key. conversation around the sexual assault and toxic drinking habits that happens on college campuses, but we should “At Virginia Tech, I developed a core group of friends, all be dedicated to keeping the discussion going all year both guys and girls, and we made sure to befriend other long. core groups,” Chesterfield native and Virginia Tech Photo credit: Ervin B. Clarke, Virginia Commonwealth University campus

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

7

The Deal

By Nathaniel Sillin

Preparing to Become a Caregiver Becoming a caregiver for an aging relative is a profound expression of love. You may find that you will begin to take on many of the responsibilities they might have had while raising you. Like raising a family, being a caretaker can be physically, emotionally and financially challenging but it is also extremely rewarding. It’s a responsibility that millions of people take on each year out of love for their families.

powers of attorneys, one for medical-related decisions, and a second for legal, personal and financial decisions.

Whether you are preparing to care for a parent or another relative, understanding and preparing for the financial implications can help you provide the best care possible.

Determine what resources are available to your parent Your financial situation may depend in part on your parent’s finances and the assistance that’s available to him or her from outside sources. Creating a list of these resources ahead of time can help you all plan for the future.

Start the discussion with your family Whether you think you’ll provide direct care, decide to hire a caregiver, or both, you can work with your family members, including the relative in question, to create a plan.

Starting the conversation early can help you all reach conclusions without pressure to make a quick decision. You may want to cover the types of care that are available and learn which your parent prefers. For example, does he or she want to stay at home for as long as possible or prefer to live in an assisted-living home or elderly community?

You should discuss who’ll be responsible for managing personal, financial and medical affairs if your parent can’t handle those responsibilities anymore. Beyond making a verbal agreement, a parent can give someone legal authority by signing durable power of attorney agreements, which keep the delegation of decision-making authority intact even if your parent becomes incapacitated. There are two durable

8

Urban Views Weekly | September 21, 2016

Your parents might also want to execute a living will, also known as an advance directive. It has instructions for the medical treatments they want, or don’t want, if they are unable to communicate.

• Your parent’s finances. Together with your parent, and possibly with the assistance of a financial planner, you can create a list of your parent’s current financial assets and future income.

• Government and non-profit programs. Medicare and Veteran Affairs benefits may be available for those that are 65 or older. Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, often provides benefits to those with limited income, although the qualifications and benefits can vary by state.

There are also non-profit organizations that provide helpful services to the elderly.

• Family assistance. Whether it’s unpaid care or financial assistance, also take into account the family’s contribution to your parent’s care. Call a family meeting with your parent, siblings and extended family to discuss how you’ll take care of each other.

• Professional support. You could hire an outside expert as well. A quick internet search may turn up organizations that specialize in working with families and elderly family members to plan for the future.

After gathering this information, you’ll have a better understanding of where the caregiving funds will come from and how they can be used. You may also discover gaps in coverage that you may want to fill in on your own.

Look for tax savings while paying for care As an adult child and caregiver, there may be ways to structure an arrangement to improve your parent’s, and your own, financial situation.

Working with a tax professional, you may find there are ways to use the tax laws to maximize your parent’s money. For example, if your mother has gifted you money, you could then use it to pay for her medical expenses. If you’re able to claim the expenses as a deduction, you could put your tax savings back into her “medical care” fund. You might also be able to claim medical expenses you paid on behalf of your parent, which could include supplies and at-home caretaking, as an itemized deduction.

Find the best services you can afford There are many different types of programs available, and someone might move back and forth from one facility or service to another as their health and preferences change.

• Home care. Non-healthcare related assistance, such as buying

Continues to Page 11

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Family Features

SAVOR

Courtesy McCormick

Bring Autumn Colors to Spiced Sweets Cooler temperatures, beautiful changing leaves and the familiar scent of pumpkin pie spice are all signs of fall. Whether you’re hosting a pumpkin carving party or decorating sweet treats with family, celebrate the season with maple-flavored leaf-shaped cookies and hot apple cider.

“The crisp air seems to inspire us all to start baking again,” said McCormick Executive Chef Kevan Vetter. “Create an autumn frosting palate with our new Color from Nature Food Colors, which are made from ingredients such as beets and turmeric. You can combine the trio of starter colors – berry, sunflower and sky blue – to make a maroon glaze for an Autumn Leaf Cookie.”

The food colors can be used in icing, beverages and other no-bake recipes.

Glazed Autumn Leaf Cookies Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 36 cookies

2 3/4

cups flour

1 1/2

cups sugar

1

teaspoon salt

1

egg

1

teaspoon ground cinnamon

2

teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/2

teaspoon ground nutmeg

2

teaspoons maple extract

1

cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix flour, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg in medium bowl.

Set aside. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla and maple extract; mix well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed.

Roll dough on generously floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out leaves with 2- to 3-inch leaf-shaped cookie cutters.

Place on ungreased baking sheets.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges start to brown. Cool on baking sheets 1 minute.

Remove to wire racks; cool completely.

Prepare desired colors of glazes. Decorate cooled cookies with glazes.

Glaze Variations: For the variations, www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

dissolve the designated amount of the food colors with water in small bowl. Stir in any remaining ingredients until smooth.

To glaze cookies, hold a cookie by its edge and dip the top into the glaze. (Or spoon the glaze onto cookies using a teaspoon.)

Place iced cookies on wire rack set over foil-covered baking sheet to dry. (The foilcovered baking sheet will catch drips.) Let stand until glaze is set.

Maroon Cookie Glaze: Use 1/2 teaspoon Berry food colors, 3 tablespoons water (plus additional to dissolve color), 2 cups confectioners’ sugar and 1 teaspoon cocoa powder.

Forest Green Cookie Glaze: Use 1/2 teaspoon Sky Blue color and 1/4 teaspoon Sunflower food colors, 3 tablespoons water (plus additional to

Birthdays • Anniversaries • Weddings • Funerals

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

Florist!

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

Celebrating 50 Years in Business www.BlandsFlorist.com

Let’s talk about growing your business.

Ask us how: (804) 441-6255

Continues to Page 11

Urban Views Weekly | September 21, 2016

9

Brought to you by The Metropolitan Business League

100 Dollars

for High School Scholars

2016 Remarkable Woman of the Year Join us as we present the 2016 Remarkable Woman of the Year Award at the “Delivering Remarkable Value POWER Lunch” to Lisa Hicks-Thomas, Director Ethics and Compliance and Diversity - Dominion.

She is responsible for designing, developing, overseeing and promoting awareness of and compliance with Dominion’s Ethics and Compliance policies and programs.

She advises, coaches, counsels, develops, and helps to successfully implement these programs in a way that successfully embeds them in business processes.

Encourage your scholar to apply!

Downtown Richmond Marriott

AT THE

SEPTEMBER RICHMOND MARRIOTT

30

2016

500 E. Broad Street Richmond, Virginia 23219 Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Do you know a High School Senior who can meet the following criteria?

Have a 3.0 grade point average or better Participates in extracurricular community service activities Attends public school in Central Virginia

$100.00 Awarded Every Week!

womenbusinesssummit.com

2016 Sponsors

Encourage them to apply for the Scholar of the Week program sponsored by Urban Views Weekly and Martin’s Go to UrbanViewsWeekly.com for application and details.

10

Urban Views Weekly | September 21, 2016

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Classifieds

The Deal from page 8

Health News from page 3 -- Include low-fat or non-fat milk or dairy products -- Choose lean meats, poultry, fish, lentils and beans

for protein

-- Encourage your family to drink lots of water -- Limit sugar-sweetened beverages

• Make favorite dishes healthier. Did you know you

can use greek yogurt for sour cream or use ground turkey vs. ground beef?

• Remove calorie-rich temptations. Treats are OK in

moderation, but limiting high-fat and high-sugar or salty snacks can also help your children develop healthy eating habits.

• Help your kids understand the benefits of being

physically active.

• Help kids stay active.

• Reduce sedentary time. Although quiet time for

reading and homework is fine, limit “screen time” (TV, video games, Internet) to no more than two hours a day. Encourage your children to find fun activities to do with family members or on their own that simply involve more activity.

Whatever approach parents choose to take regarding an overweight child, the purpose is to make physical activity and following a healthy diet fun for the entire family, so it can last!

“Instead of placing blame or judgment, we have the opportunity to work together to promote changes in our communities that encourage healthy habits throughout our lives and benefit everyone, regardless of weight.” says Wickham.

groceries, preparing meals, cleaning the home, helping with bathing and other dayto-day tasks.

• Home health care. At-home health-related support, including services from a physical therapist, nurse or doctor.

• Assisted living. Assisted living homes are non-healthcare providing facilities that may provide supervision, a social environment and personal care services.

• Skilled nursing home. A care facility designed to deliver nursing or rehabilitation services.

Your parent’s location can impact which option makes the most sense, and you can research and discuss the pros and cons of your parent moving. For example, some states have Medicaid waiver programs that

allow Medicaid recipients to receive care in their home or community rather than in a nursing home or long-term care facility.

Also, a parent that lives near or with a relative might only require part-time outside care.

PLACE YOUR AD TODAY

804.649.6868

Office: (

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM

Bottom line: As you prepare to take care of aging parents, work with them to understand their wishes, needs and financial situation. Together you can explore the family’s ability to provide physical and financial support and learn about the help available from government, non-profit or other programs.

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

Savor from page 9

dissolve color), 2 cups confectioners’ sugar and 1 teaspoon cocoa powder.

Pumpkin Cookie Glaze: Use 1 teaspoon Sunflower color and 1/4 teaspoon Berry food colors, 3 tablespoons water (plus additional to dissolve color) and 2 cups confectioners’ sugar.

Test Kitchen Tips: • Use glaze soon after preparing. Do not refrigerate glaze, as it will begin to harden.

• Allow glaze to dry before storing

cookies in airtight containers.

Spiced Caramel Apple Cider Prep time: 5 minutes Servings: 4

4

cups apple cider

1

teaspoon apple pie spice

1/4

cup caramel topping

2

teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Bring apple cider, caramel topping and apple pie spice to simmer in medium saucepan. Stir in vanilla.

Pour into serving cups. Serve topped with whipped cream, additional caramel topping and apple pie spice, if desired.

Follow us!

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Flavor Variations: For the variations, use the following extract in place of the vanilla:

Spiced Caramel Orange Cider: Use 1/4 teaspoon orange extract.

Spiced Caramel Maple Cider: Use 3/4 teaspoon maple extract.

Spiced Caramel Rum Cider: Use 3/4 teaspoon rum extract.

Follow us!

Urban Views Weekly | September 21, 2016

11

®

NEW

I N S P I R E D

C R E AT I O N S TRY THEM ALL

BEFORE THEY’RE GONE ONLY AT

12

Urban Views Weekly | September 21, 2016

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com