Urban Views Weekly October 26, 2016 by Urban Views Weekly

Oct. 26, 2016

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Civic Beat FUNdraising Good Times Prince George Drive (Rt. 156) Adding/Improving Turn Lanes Prince George County Willingness to Hold a Public Hearing Find out about the proposed improvements in Prince George County at the intersection of Prince George Dr. (Rt. 156) and Pole Run Rd. (Rt. 616). The project will provide a left turn lane from Prince George Dr. south onto Pole Run Rd. and extend the existing northbound turn lane onto Pole Run Rd. Review the project information and environmental documentation at VDOT’s Richmond District Office located at 2430 Pine Forest Drive in Colonial Heights, 23834-9002 804-524-6000, 1-800-367-7623,TTY/TDD 711. Please call ahead to ensure the availability of appropriate personnel to answer your questions. If your concerns cannot be satisfied, VDOT is willing to hold a public hearing. You may request that a public hearing be held by sending a written request to Winston Phillips, Project Manager, Virginia Department of Transportation, 2430 Pine Forest Drive, Colonial Heights, VA 23834-9002 or by email to Winston.Phillips@VDOT.Virginia.gov on or prior to November 2, 2016. If a request for a public hearing is received, notice of date, time and place of the hearing will be posted. In compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106 and 36 CFR Part 800, information concerning the potential effects of the proposed project on properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places is provided in the environmental documentation. VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you have questions or concerns about your civil rights in regards to this project or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact the project manager listed above. State Project: 0156-074-762, P101, R-201 C501 Federal Project: STP-074-4(012)

Two leadership requirements: honesty and trust Are you brave enough to have an open and honest conversation about your organization’s fundraising? Are you willing to step out from behind your role as executive director and have an honest talk with your board chair? Are you willing to talk with him – or her – about what’s working and not working? Can you discuss those areas where your staff is performing well, and the areas where they are not? Can you do this without defensiveness or apology? More importantly, can you ask your board chair for their guidance regarding how to proceed?

they are not comfortable asking? If you can have the hard conversations, you can ultimately make life easier for all parties. Here’s what we’ve learned: taking the time to build trust-based relationships and to have one-onone conversations can help an organization improve its fundraising. This is the preferred method. These personal conversations can allow for a shared search for solutions. They also allow leaders to ask hard questions of each other in privacy: Just where are we? Are we headed in the right direction? What specifically is going as planned? Where can we improve? Are all team members in sync? Is everyone fulfilling their obligations?

“...taking the time to build trust-based relationships ...can help an organization improve its fundraising.”

If you are a board chair, are you brave enough to talk with the executive director about the opportunities you see for your organization? Can you discuss your concerns about whether the organization can actually take advantage of those opportunities? Can you bring up the subject of changing the culture of board meetings so you can attract a different caliber member? Dare you ask your executive director to stop “assigning” board members to solicitations of people

The “non-preferred” method is the caustic confrontation at the board meeting where members express strong frustration with staff, or the development director criticizes board members for not raising money. These polarizing public conversations continues to page 5 Ervin B. Clarke, Publisher publisher@urbanviewsweekly.com

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Urban Views Weekly | October 26, 2016

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TanyaFree.com/ Urban Views Weekly Poll A parent says a Pennsylvania teacher washed her son’s mouth out with soap. Reportedly, the teacher washed the 10-year-old student’s mouth out after an argument with another student. The mother feels that it was an assault, but law enforcement has determined that the matter does not amount to a crime. School officials won’t say whether disciplinary action has been taken.

What’s your take? Do you think this was an assault? Should the teacher face disciplinary action? Check out the story and respond to this week’s poll at TanyaFree.com and the Urban Views Weekly FACEBOOK Page. Listen to the Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show Wednesdays @ 2pm on WCLM1450AM streaming LIVE @ TanyaFree.com and BlackTalkRadioNetwork.com. You can now watch us LIVE at TanyaFree.com and ustream.tv

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Urban Views Weekly | October 26, 2016

ViewPoints

We Should Help, Not Hurt Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them. -The Dalai Lama Basic civility is often missing in our political discourse and the entire country, no matter their party or affiliation, seems to be fatigued with the ostensibly endless season of campaigning, rallies, speeches, debates and so on. The amount of time and treasure spent on the presidential campaigns in 2016 puts the tally over a billion dollars spent thus far. A billion with a “B”! What could we do with that money instead? We could feed 50 million people, build over 7,000 homes for families of 5-7 people, or send a quarter of the collegeeligible population off to get a 4-year degree. With the National Debt in the trillions, why not knock a billion off of that bill? Even if you wanted to be frivolous or selfish, you could buy the entire Chicago Cubs baseball team, the Los Angeles Lakers or a Ferrari. The point being there’s a lot that could be accomplished with a billion dollars other than whipping up dissent and animas, dissatisfaction and ill will towards the country and the “other” people in it. This year’s politics have drawn a stark contrast between the candidates and what each side stands for and whom they appear to stand against. There’s a lot of discontent and division and even a pronouncement, from one of the candidates, of the intentional undermining of our political process by whipping up suspicion of institutional election “rigging”, voter fraud, and conspiracy aimed at the very heart of the democratic process itself. What has happened to civility, kindness and basic human decency? Even in disagreeing, why do we need to be so disagreeable?

By Dr. T

world as the basic truth of our democratic process. The freedom and liberty we ALL have is to make our voices heard at the ballot box, to lay claim to our identity as a nation and not to allow the bitterness or devolution of civility to take us down a path of disillusionment or destruction. Our union is STRONG. It is not perfect nor is it without the need to continually interrogate and evaluate its institutional processes and policies in an effort to perfect them, and to correct any omissions, flaws or errors whether intentional or out of step with the changing times and demography of contemporary USA. The United States of America of 2016 looks very different than the country I was born into over 6 decades ago, or that many elder Americans were born into decades before me. We have grown and changed as a nation.

“Even in disagreeing, why do we need to be so disagreeable?”

The peaceful transition of power is the cornerstone of our democracy and the beacon of hope the United States of America offers to the 4

We have come a long way from Jim Crow and segregation. We have moved to include many who were previously excluded from full citizenship by amending our Constitution and changing our laws. We addressed inconsistencies and deficiencies in the things we espoused as fundamental to our democracy and we have moved forward with becoming the America we were destined to be. We have the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, the Violence Against Women Act, the Marriage Equality Act, the Dream Act and many more that recognize and address shortcomings and omissions that were necessary for the United States to truly stand on the world’s stage as the leader of Democracy and Freedom for ALL. We will not go backwards because America today is better than it has ever been. We still have a long way to go. Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. Our goal in all that we do moving forward Founder and Artistic Director should be to help… The Conciliation Project and Associate Professor not to hurt. It is the Virginia Commonwealth University higher calling of our DrT@Margins2theCenter.com | www.theconciliationproject.org human purpose.

Urban Views Weekly | October 26, 2016

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Virginia State University Selected to Participate in $47 Million Initiative to Improve How Aspiring Principals Are Trained The Wallace Foundation has selected Virginia State University (VSU) to participate in a national $47 million initiative to develop models over the next four years for improving university principal preparation programs and to examine state policy to see if it could be strengthened to encourage higherquality training statewide.

“Effective and wellprepared principals are critical to improving outcomes for students, especially in schools serving children in poverty,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Steven R. Staples said. “My colleagues at the department and I look forward to supporting Photo caption: Virginia State University President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah (far right) discusses VSU and the the significance of the Wallace Foundation collaboration with Provost Dr. Donald E. Palm and participating the Department of Educational Leadership faculty members, who will lead the initiative. school divisions in this opportunity Virginia State University, along with district partners and to align preparation and practice with the needs of today’s the Virginia Department of Education, will receive in the students and schools.” first year $2.41 million to take on this work. Virginia State University’s Department of Educational “I would like to thank the Wallace Foundation for selecting Leadership offers two programs of study in education Virginia State University as a partner to assist in increasing administration and supervision at the master and doctoral the number of principals who are well prepared to guide levels. A large population of the administrators in Central and lead schools in not only the Commonwealth of Virginia are graduates of VSU’s principal preparation Virginia but also the nation,” President of Virginia State program. University Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D. said. “I also would like to especially thank our Associate Vice Provost for “We know from research that school principals require Graduate Programs Dr. Robert N. Corley III and his team excellent training with high-quality, practical experiences of faculty members who will lead our efforts in improving to become effective leaders—but most are simply not university principal preparation programs.” getting this,” said Will Miller, president of The Wallace Foundation. “Because many school districts don’t have Virginia State University, one of seven universities selected the capacity to train as many principals as they need by the foundation, will receive guidance on redesigning or to train future principals at all, the best way to reach its programming from Gwinnett County Public Schools more aspiring school leaders is through the university (GA) Quality-Plus Leader Academy known for highprograms that typically provide needed certification. We quality training. In addition, Virginia State University are confident that the selected universities want to raise will form a partnership with Henrico County Public the bar for their programs, work in partnership with Schools, Hopewell City Public Schools, and Sussex County their local school districts and serve as models for other Public Schools, which hire the program’s graduates. The universities.” idea is both to ensure that the training is revamped with local school needs in mind and to develop researchThe Wallace Foundation was interested in finding based training elements, such as providing candidates university programs that serve districts with large with rigorous internships in schools that require close numbers of disadvantaged students, whose schools could cooperation with school districts. particularly benefit from effective school leadership. After www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

FUNdraising from page 2

put everyone on the defensive. We have seen these accelerate into firings and resignations. Is that really what you want? Taking the time for private honest conversation can allow the board chair and the executive director to remember they have a shared commitment to the organization and its vision. Regardless of your role the desired outcome is recommendations, ideas or solutions that address sensitive topics such as “Are you the right person for this job?” “Are others in the right roles?” A nonprofit coach can help strengthen the ability of both parties to have these difficult conversations. They can help facilitate direct and considerate discussion. This is something to consider as an alternative to the board fundraising workshop which is often code for “help me – my board isn’t doing anything.” Board workshops can be a critical educational tool and a way to jumpstart fundraising. But they are not a substitute for open and honest communication at the leadership level. We encourage you to be brave. Be honest. Open yourself up to solutions that move beyond polarization and fear of hurting people’s feelings. Your nonprofit is worth it. 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.

a selection process that included site visits and assistance from experts in state policy and education, the foundation selected these six other universities: Albany State University (Georgia), Florida Atlantic University, North Carolina State University, San Diego State University, the University of Connecticut and Western Kentucky University. “The more we talk with education leaders no matter at what level of the education system, from state to university to district, the more we hear it is the right time to conduct a university-focused initiative like this,” said Jody Spiro, director of education leadership at Wallace. “We are seeking to learn how these seven universities accomplish their program redesign as an important first step in improving how principals are prepared for the demanding job of leading school improvement across the country.”

Urban Views Weekly | October 26, 2016

Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation Keeps Virginians Every year, approximately 232,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Of those 232,000, 40,000 of them will die from the disease. In Virginia, 6,620 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone, and of those women, 1,080 will die. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s critical that this month and all year long, women are educated on the disease that affects so many. Adequate resources, support, and education are key components that have allowed the mortality rate to remain on the decline in the past 20 years, and it’s up to us to keep saving the lives of women across the nation. When it comes to the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation, they’ve made it their mission to equip women with the resources that help them navigate their entire breast cancer experience, from annual screenings and early detection to “newly diagnosed” next steps and local support groups. Their mission is simple: to educate, advocate, and eradicate. Since 1991, they’ve been making strides in the state of Virginia, committed to eradicating breast cancer through proper education and advocacy. Katy Sawyer’s passion for the healthcare nonprofit field has led her to serve in many organizations and groups within Virginia’s Healthcare Foundation, and throughout her time serving in Virginia, she’s placed special focus on assisting uninsured and underserved communities in receiving the healthcare they need. She’s brought that same passion to the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation for nearly five years, and as the Executive Director, has dedicated her career to keeping those breast cancer diagnoses on the decline. How is she accomplishing this? 6

Urban Views Weekly | October 26, 2016

First and foremost, pushing the importance of annual screenings. “One of the keys to the decrease in mortality over the last 20 years has been early screening and diagnosis,” Sawyer explains. “Early screening and diagnosis can significantly improve a woman’s chances of survival, because if the cancer is caught early on, there’s typically a much easier treatment course. This obviously depends on the specifics, but generally, if you catch it very early, you can go the minimally invasive route.” So when should women begin their early screenings? Based on the data, Sawyer recommends that at age 40, women should begin getting their annual mammograms. Of course, it’s critical that women understand their body’s workings and remain sensitive to changes at every turn. It’s very common to neglect your breasts outside of annual screenings, as we’ve moved away from the monthly self-breast exams in the shower. However, Sawyer and other healthcare professionals stress that because women’s breasts change throughout their monthly cycle, understanding how the tissue feels all month long allows you to spot any abnormalities before it’s too late. Again, it’s early detection that saves the lives of so many women. Upon hearing that mammogram screening should begin in their 40s, women in their 20s and 30s admittedly disregard their breasts, putting off self-care until it’s time to begin yearly screenings. But Sawyer warns that such a practice only does women looking to stay ahead of any detections a great disservice. Educating yourselves and getting

“...their mission, to equip wom them navigate their entire familiar with your body is certainly one of the greatest steps younger women may take to ensure optimal health. “It’s worthwhile to know your family’s medical history, but honestly, 90% of women diagnosed have no family history or known risk factors,” she explains. “Research suggests that only about 5-10% of breast cancer is hereditary. So younger women, again, it’s about knowing your body, and if unusual things happen, taking that up with your healthcare provider.” When breast cancer does strike a woman of a younger age, it’s usually a more aggressive form. To reach young women who may not be actively pursuing information on breast cancer and screening locations, the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation provides education through schools, and distributes their materials through volunteer groups such as schools, faith-based organizations,

s Informed during Breast Cancer Awareness Month By Janna M. Hall

cancer each year, but it’s significant because their breasts are much closer to their lung wall,” warns Sawyer. “An undetected case of breast cancer has the potential to affect so many other tissued areas.”

men with the resources that help breast cancer experience...” community groups, and local book clubs. In those materials, you’ll find more commonly known facts and information, but also helpful data and statistics that drive home the importance of getting ahead of your health to ensure a healthy, happy life. But what surprises many is the involvement of men in the brochures and pamphlets. Breast cancer is the 2nd most diagnosed cancer for women, and that’s usually where the breast cancer common knowledge statistics stop. But on average, there are approximately 2,400 new cases of breast cancer in men each year, and about 400 of those cases actually die from the disease. “It’s a lesser number compared to women who are reporting over 200,000 new cases of breast

Education for men is critical because as we know, breast cancer is often seen as a women’s issue. We don our pink ribbons during the month of October. The Susan G. Komen walks are full of women who’ve beat the disease and celebrate the strength of other women who are battling and defeating cancer. College students often wear their “Save the TaTas” t-shirts, shirts they’ve bought in support of their local breast cancer foundation. This culture has allowed men to remove themselves from the conversation, neglecting their own breasts. As a result, any abnormal lumps are often dismissed as “anything but breast cancer,” which puts those who are in fact affected at a greater risk. With early detection and treatment, we can save the life of men and make sure their number remains on the decline, as well. While the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation is not a direct service or clinical provider, they do offer a wealth of resources around breast cancer and break down those resources on a local level in Virginia. “We have state national resources, but we also have local resources on a more granular level,” says Sawyer. “Our resources answer questions such as ‘Where can I find the local support group out in Wise County?’ Or ‘Where can I find wigs and

prosthetics in Abingdon, Virginia?’ Whatever your question may be, we have a wealth of resources that really assist you no matter what stage in the process you’re in.” In addition to the resources on the website, the foundation also sends out approximately 75,000 Breast Help Basics brochures for men and women each year. “Breast cancer awareness is more than the pink ribbon,” she affirms. “The brochures talk about the data and what signs to look for, and we’re really trying to educate people on the early screening tool and how you get help if you need it. We also help publicize the state’s Every Woman’s Life program, which is a state program that provides free mammograms to low income, uninsured women.” Whether women are learning about the specifics of screenings and cancer for the first time, or are deep into their breast cancer journey, the foundation is there to equip women to feel confident at every stage. Sawyer believes that as women develop their breasts, they should be aware, not afraid, of the disease. And the foundation accomplishes just that. They’re truly the one-stop-shop for the best breast health information, from online resources to the print copy packets visitors can request on their website, www.vbcf.org. continues on page 11 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

The Deal

By Nathaniel Sillin

Stay Warm, Save Energy and Lower Your Utility Bill This Winter Do you turn the thermostat a notch higher or put on an extra sweater when it gets cold? It’s a common household debate as family members try to maintain a balance between comfort and savings during the winter. It’s also a debate you may be able to put to rest by investing in energy-saving maintenance and upgrades.

might want to make. • Keep the cold outside air out. The DOE estimates that you can save 5 to as much as 30 percent on your energy bill by just reducing drafts. Check for leaks around your doors, windows, plumbing, cabinets and other potential outlets. Also look for dirty spots on your wall, ceiling and floors as that could indicate air or moisture is getting in. Use foam sealant to fill in large gaps you find and caulking or weather stripping for smaller leaks. Covering drafty windows and doorways with storm windows or doors could also be a worthwhile investment.

You can start with a home energy audit, an inspection that focuses on finding areas where your home wastes energy. Professional auditors can cost $300 to $800 depending on the type of audit, but you could consider tackling an audit and some of the changes yourself. Doing so could make your home more comfortable, lower your ecological footprint and save energy and money. See if you qualify for state-funded weatherization assistance. Look into state-based financial assistance programs before going at it alone. Contact your state’s weatherization agency to review eligibility guidelines, find a local service provider and start an application. If approved, you could receive a professional energy audit and improvements. On average, about $4,000 worth of energy saving-related work was completed over one or two days for the 2015 program year. If you can’t or don’t want to pay for a professional audit and don’t qualify for assistance, consider conducting a do-it-yourself (DIY) audit.

Urban Views Weekly | October 26, 2016

A DIY energy audit can help you identify ways to save money and stay warm. A thorough inspection of your home can uncover opportunities for improvement, and you may be able to rent an infrared camera to help you spot trouble areas. Look over the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s guide to conducting a DIY home energy audit, and create a log of your findings as you go. Keep in mind, where you live can impact what fixes you want to focus on, the type and amount of insulation you’ll need and even your heating system. Typical trouble spots and simple solutions. The following are common trouble spots and potential improvement you

• Consider adding more insulation. The insulation in your walls and ceiling may not meet today’s recommendations. Reinsulating or supplementing what you have could help your home stay warm, or cool, and might not be as difficult as you imagine in easy-toaccess attics or basements. However, you may want to check with a professional who can recommend what type of insulation to use and warn you of potential ventilation, fire or moisture hazards during and after installation. • Regularly inspect your heating systems. Heating systems can cost thousands of dollars to replace. While it may not be a DIY job, you may be able to prolong your system’s life by hiring a professional HVAC contractor to inspect and tune up your system before each Continues to Page 11

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How to Guide

How to Choose a Storage Center Storage centers are increasingly popular solutions for safely stashing your worldly possessions on a temporary basis. When you need to move, travel or simply find more space in your house, self-storage can be a good deal.

2. Heavy, secure doors seal the center. Keys, codes, or even biometric door locks safeguard your belongings. 3. A professional security guard should be on site at all times.

There are some important aspects to consider before selecting a storage facility.

Unit Sizes and Climate Control Features The amount of belongings you have will determine the unit you need. Some self-storage centers offer units as small as 24-square feet. If you are storing furniture or a vehicle, you will probably need a unit that measures at least 300-square feet.

Location Location is a key factor when selecting a storage company. Your ideal facility should be close to your home or office for ease of access. If you need to add or take something out of storage, you will be glad that you picked a convenient location. Avoid using companies in risky neighborhoods. The overall security of the facility will be stronger when it is in a safer part of town. Security Security is another important consideration. Your belongings should be safe for the duration of the rental. Visit the facility in person to verify its security protocol. If you can’t see the center in person, talk to a knowledgeable

Also, if you are storing sensitive items, such as musical instruments, look for a unit that has climate control. You can request to have an air conditioned or humidityregulated unit. representative on the phone. The best facilities have three security layers. 1. The building has a security fence that is not easy to climb. It should be topped with barbed wire to discourage attempts to infiltrate the perimeter.

Hours of Access Determine how often you will need to visit your items. Some people store their belongings for several months. They may only need access to them once or twice during that time. Other people might need to visit their unit several Continues to Page 11

Where you have your mammogram matters VCU Health Breast Imaging offers leading expertise, state-of-the-art technology, superior diagnostic accuracy and the confidence that comes from being part of VCU Massey Cancer Center, the region’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. You’ll also enjoy the convenience of fast mammography appointments in two locations. Call (804) 237-6666 today to schedule your mammogram at Stony Point or downtown.

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Urban Views Weekly | October 26, 2016

9/29/16 9:18 AM

VSU Homecoming 2016

VSU Graduate and Miss USA Ms. Deshauna Barber

More photos online at UrbanViewsWeekly.com

VSU President Makola M. Abdullah and Family

Urban Views Weekly | October 26, 2016

Photos: Ervin B. Clarke

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Breast Cancer from page 7

“We’re just trying to share the facts about breast cancer. We don’t want to frighten people or use scare tactics; we just want people to have a place to come to find the latest, current research and education materials. Above all, we’re a group men and women can—and should—trust.” For more information on breast cancer screenings in your area, local support, or other local resources, visit the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation’s website at www.vbcf.org. The Deal from page 8

winter. Some utilities also offer free in-home inspections of gas appliances. A job you can take on is checking the air filter and replacing it to the manufacturer’s specifications or when it looks dirty. You could also check for, and seal, holes, leaks and poor connections in the ducts.

Classifieds

Tip of the Week from page 9

times a week. The hours of operation should fit your schedule easily. If your schedule is unpredictable, you might consider using a storage center that is open 24-hours a day. Price Don’t search for a bargain. Price should not be your only consideration. After all, if you choose an inexpensive facility, they may be cutting back on important aspects. Maybe they don’t have as much security as other facilities. Maybe the building is not maintained well. Selecting a facility based solely on a low price may cause you to pay in other ways.

It is not fun having your items stolen or damaged. Of course, within a storage facility, a smaller unit will be cheaper to rent than a larger one. But if the overall prices are lower than average, be very cautious.

PLACE YOUR AD TODAY

804.649.6868

Office: (

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM

The best way to find a good storage center is word of mouth. Ask your social network for recommendations. Advertisements, the Yellow Pages and even the Internet are good sources of information. Be sure to check out several companies before narrowing your search. Start early, take your time and follow your intuition. That way, you can’t go wrong.

Weigh the costs and benefits before investing your time or money in a winterization project. Some of the items on your checklist could be no-brainers, but others might require more thought. Bottom line: A home energy audit can help you identify ways to improve your energy efficiency and make your home more comfortable. Whether you hire professionals, apply for government assistance or do it yourself, preparing before winter hits means you can enjoy a warm home without stressing over the energy bill. Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www.twitter. com/PracticalMoney.

Expand your network and Grow your business. www.CVAACC.org

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Urban Views Weekly | October 26, 2016

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Urban Views Weekly | October 26, 2016