Urban Views Weekly 11-5-14

NOV. 5, 2014

Scholar of the Week - Lamar Greene

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com November 5, 2014 Urban Views Weekly

1

THE DEAL

7 Ways to Cut Your Holiday Expenses

By Jason Alderman

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

Make connections that can grow your business.

Make connections so you can refer others to someone that you just met.

Thursday, November 6, 2014 7:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.

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U

Richmond, VA 23230

Free Continental Breakfast courtesy of Oyster’s Pearl

W

1. Before you make a list, plan. How’s your debt? Do you have an emergency fund or any savings put aside? Start the holiday season by getting a handle on what you owe and what you’re spending day-to-day. Then plan a holiday budget (www.practicalmoneyskills.com/YourHolidayBudget) as early as possible that allows you to spend wisely.

2. See what spending is really necessary. It’s tough to cut young kids off a gift list, so turn to the adults. If your finances are limited, it’s worth asking adult friends and family members if they’d consider a gift swap or forego gifts altogether.

They might actually think it’s a good idea. continued on page 11

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hen it comes to holiday spending, waiting in store lines all night and jostling for discounts will mean very little if you don’t have a budget that shapes your finances year-round. With the average U.S. household spending $600-$700 in 2014 for the holidays, putting that money together shouldn’t be a game of chance. Here are VOL.7, ISSUE 45 some tips to get it right: Urban Views Weekly, llc

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SCHOLAR OF THE WEEK

Scholar0 ek of the We

™

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Greene hopes to study public health administration, and he is interested in becoming a diagnostic radiologist. “I’ve always been interested in science and math, and over the past summer I had an internship at Health Diagnostic laboratory and learned more about progressive diseases and degenerate diseases,” Lamar said. In an essay, he wrote that during his internship, during a free wellness draw, he was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.

“Therefore, I know how important disease diagnosis is and I will be able to empathize with every patient.”

Lamar Greene

Richmond Community High School

GPA: 4.8 College of Interest: Brown University in Rhode Island Major Community Service: Boys and Girls Club, Folk Festival, and service through the Key Club Strong Interests: Public Health Administration and Pre-Med Favorite Activity: Yearbook

Ever since he started high school, Lamar Greene said he has been a self-regulator. He has been a self-regulator so much that the Richmond Community High School senior has worked to have a 4.8 GPA. He said a lot of his influence comes from members of his family. As a first-generation college student, Greene plans to go far in higher education.

In the past some community service Lamar has been involved with includes work with the Boys & Girls club where he volunteered for three years until the center was shut down. He is also the president of the Key club; the treasurer and historian of Future Business Leaders of America; a member of the editorial team for his school’s yearbook; a member of Partnership for the Future; and also a member of the Honor Council. In the first semester of his junior year, Lamar was a Senate Page and editor of the Page school yearbook for the United States Senate Page Program. His favorite activity is to work on the school’s yearbook. “I would say that the process of creat-

ing a publication that houses memories towards the entire school year can be breathtaking and really exciting,” Lamar said “Looking at the finished product really makes it worthwhile.”

When asked who influenced him the most in life, Lamar said his mother, who is a single parent. “She works really hard to give me a good education and to make sure that I have everything that I need and so I really just feel the need to work hard and make her proud,” Lamar said. “She taught me right from wrong and instilled great morals and values into me, but she also continually reminds me of the steps that I need to take to be a better person and to be a leader in my community.”

After graduating, Lamar hopes to study Public Health Administration in Rhode Island at Brown University. He said his other top choices include Emory University in Atlanta and William and Mary. In his essay, he stated he has always been intrigued by the capabilities of the human brain and said, to him, it “is the greatest tools that can be used, even in our modern world.” He stated that a concentration in public health and neuroscience will challenge him to confront complex health issues in areas such as disease prevention and the improvement of access to healthcare. “I am certain; however, that my love for learning and my determination to be successful will always remain the same,” Lamar stated.

By Janeal Downs

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3

VSU President Resigns Over Financial Struggle

By Erika Winston

F

or the students and faculty of Virginia State University (VSU), this school year has been filled with controversy, bad publicity, and mounting financial problems. Now, in the latest twist to the story, President Keith T. Miller agreed that he will leave his position on December 31 of this year. On Friday, Dr. Miller met with the University Board of Visitors for over three hours in a closed session to discuss the school’s challenges. What came out of that meeting was Dr. Miller’s offering of his resignation, along with the Board’s acceptance.

According to statements released by the university, these cuts were in response to an estimated budgetary gap of $19.6 million for the school year. The reasons for the shortage are numerous, including changes to financial aid funding, decreased student enrollment, and reductions in the state budgetary allowance for the school.

In a statement from the VSU Public Relations Office, university officials stated, “Changes to Federal law for Pell grants, SAP, Parent PLUS loans, and other federal financial aid reduced the amount of funding available to our students by $3.4 million. Over 70% of VSU students receive federal aid. When these funds were no longer available, VSU experienced a significant enrollment decline.” The statement additionally explained that the enrollment decline resulted in a shortfall of funds usually generated by tuition, housing payments, and auxiliary fees.

Stories of financial trouble at VSU began surfacing shortly after the 2014-15 school year began. Since August, the university has been forced to close four dormitories in response to fading enrollment numbers. The administration also cut out several class offerings and decreased cafeteria services for the current student body. Recent reports have also questioned the adequacy of the school’s security and the safety of students, following last year’s fatal In early October, VSU students rallied for answers regarding the decline in student services. shooting of a junior near the campus.

They demanded the immediate resignation of Dr. Miller, along with other members of the school’s administration. In statements to school leaders, students reportedly criticized leaders for not recognizing the shortage beforehand and responding adequately. They also voiced concerns about poor communication between the administration, staff, and students.

In response to escalating worries, the administration held town hall meetings to discuss the issues facing the school and respond to concerns put forth by students, as well as faculty. In response to student allegations about budget cuts, Dr. Miller explained that the shortage was anticipated and asserted that cuts were made for the purpose of balancing the budget.

Dr. Miller is the 13th president of the 132 year-old university. He took over the role of president in 2010. Prior to the commencement of his contract, he served for six years as the president of Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania. Earlier last month, Dr. Miller released a letter addressed to the VSU family. It stated in part, “In meetings and conversations with students, faculty, staff and alumni, I am impressed with the love and passion that abounds for our great university. I relish the opportunity to continuously communicate with these groups, to listen to concerns and to work in partnership to review the entire operations of the University. Together, we will determine the best and most proper courses of action to take.”

To facilitate Dr. Miller’s resignation, the Board of Visitors amended his contract. He will return to his teaching position as a tenured professor. He will also continue to collect his $356,524 salary for a period of 12 months. As stated in the amended contract, Dr. Miller will spend the remainder of the school year in preparation for teaching in the fall semester.

In a public message regarding the resignation, Board Rector Harry Black said the Board and President Miller “agreed that VSU should move in another direction strategically.” He additionally praised Dr, Miller for his demonstration of commitment to the University. “President Miller is to be commended for his integrity and putting the interests of Virginia State University and its students at the forefront of this difficult decision,” he said. “The decision is in character with his dedication as a leader committed to service.”

An interim president will be announced in November and, according to Black, a search firm will be formed in January to begin an “open, competitive and comprehensive” national search for the university’s next president.

As one interested party commented on the VSU Facebook page, “I hope looking ahead we can find a president with HBCU ties and a VSU alum would be especially poignant at this crossroads, who understand[s] what it means to be an HBCU president.”

4 Urban Views Weekly November 5, 2014 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

VIEWPOINTS

Elections Matter: You Can Lose Your Rights

By Dr. T

A

ll politics are local is both cliché and absolutely true. This week, voters went to the polls and voted in a mid-term election that was as important as any election would be in a year when we are voting for the President of the United States.

And yet, there is always less participation and attention paid to mid-term elections, because of the lack of a national platform. Most people do not engage in the “off year” elections as actively as they do in the presidential election year. It is unfortunate, because every election is an important one. We elect the people who will represent us at the seat of power in our states and in our nation. We vote on referendums, propositions, and strategic agendas that ultimately change laws, upset the balance of power within legislative bodies, both locally and nationally, and effect policy. This is the quandary in which we find ourselves. Active engagement in the political process is the responsibility and right of every citizen and the stakes are incredibly high. There are rights that we have fought for and won that have been actively eroded in very insidious ways by the legislative bodies, individual policy wars, and the obstruction of progressive leadership in Washington.

The politics of race, gender, and class continue to keep equality, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness an allusive quest for a major part of the national electorate. What does this mean? Although we have laws in place that guarantee our citizens the right to vote, there are political agendas being pushed through numerous voter ID laws being proposed and implemented across the nation that actually hinder the voting process and STOP people from engaging in that basic right of citizenship. Women STILL do not receive equal pay for equal work nationwide, and the hard fought and protracted struggle for a woman’s constitutional right to choose to have a safe and legal abortion has been under active assault for decades. In recent years, access to legal and safe contraception as a part of women’s health initiatives has been slipping from our grasp all over the country. The Supreme Court of the land has suddenly awarded corporations the rights of personhood while the Voting Rights Act has been gutted. The Court is now allowing states with historic racial and aggressive discriminatory policy and practice to be released from any

federal accountability where the constitutional right to vote is concerned.

Elections do matter, and your participation in every election has long-term consequences. The balance of power in the Congress will determine the tenor and tone of the Supreme Court for the next decade and beyond. Those we send to represent us at the table determine the laws that are made and passed, policy and practice that is addressed, and the CHANGE we so desperately need to implement. In the end, these political representatives of the PEOPLE will be responsible for the focus, priority, and efficacy of that CHANGE. And, therefore, the lack of participation in the political process is dangerous to our very survival as an inclusive and equitable nation. The right to VOTE is a privilege for which others have shed blood, sweat, and tears to obtain. Your participation in the political process is NOT negotiable if WE are to make this nation a nation that lives out the truth of its creed with justice and liberty for ALL.

Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. DrT@margins2thecenter.com

Artistic Director and Founder of The Conciliation Project www.theconciliationproject.org and a Professor of Theatre at VCU Up Next Week: Postmortem: What happened?

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com November 5, 2014 Urban Views Weekly

5

Staying Health

By Erika Winston

W

inter is fast approaching, and it’s bringing the cold and flu season right along with it. To keep you and your family healthy, it’s important to take proper precautions now, before illness takes a hold. The Richmond Health Department, along with several other agencies throughout the region, is providing the public with resources for understanding and protection against everything from the common cold to the threat of Ebola.

Influenza

According to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), influenza is a viral infection of the lungs that affects about 20% of the American population each year. There are two main strains of the virus, and each of them changes slightly during each season. Though anyone can contract the flu, it is particularly dangerous to children, the elderly population, and people with chronic breathing conditions.

Influenza is highly contagious, easily spreading when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It generally takes one to three days for symptoms to appear, which can include headaches and sore throat, as well as fever and body aches. While most people are able to fight off the illness in about one week, others require hospitalization for treatment of flu-related complications.

The seriousness of influenza has significantly increased over the last ten years, along with public service campaigns regarding prevention and treatment. Yearly vaccinations are suggested, which are available in the form of an injection or nasal mist. The VDH advises that children between the ages of 6 months and 18 years should be vaccinated each year, as well as individuals age 50 and older.

Okey Utah, the Richmond City Health District Epidemiologist, stated “A flu vaccine is needed every season for two reasons. First, the body’s immune response from vaccination declines over time, so annual influenza vaccine is needed for optimal protection. Second, because flu viruses are constantly changing, the formulation of the flu vaccine is reviewed each year

6 Urban Views Weekly November 5, 2014 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

and sometimes upd methods include ha Pertussis

A highly contagiou known as whoopin ing to the Centers disease, but it is m are usually mild, w in babies until it ha for about half of al are ultimately fatal

Though increased a it also created a fal true, as infants usu realize they have it cold. Symptoms lat and diarrhea.

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Fueled by hourly up ing daily.

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dated to keep up with the changing flu viruses.” Other suggested prevention and washing, staying home when sick, and frequent hand washing.

us bacterial infection is also causing concern. Pertussis, more commonly ng cough, is an airborne sickness that causes violent coughing spells. Accordfor Disease Control (CDC), people of all age groups are susceptible to the most dangerous in babies under the age of one-year-old. Its early symptoms which may result in delayed treatment. The infection is often not diagnosed as progressed to a stage where hospitalization is necessary. This is the case ll babies who get whooping cough, and many of the documented incidents l.

awareness about pertussis has helped to save the lives of numerous babies, lse sense of security among adults who think they are immune. This is not ually contract the infection from parents, siblings, or caregivers who do not t. For the first two weeks of infection, the infection presents as a common ter progress into the severe coughing and fever, accompanied by runny nose

ussis is largely accomplished through vaccination. DTap is first administered nths old. Two additional doses are given at 4 and 6 months to increase the . The CDC advises that the vaccination wears off over time, so it is recomter shots be administered around the ages of 16-months-old and 15-yearsadults and older children comes in the form of the Tdap vaccine. It is advised e it at the age of 11-years-old. The adult recommendation is one Tdap shot 19 or older.

bola

pdates and frightening statistics, concerns over the threat of Ebola are grow-

ally fatal disease caused by one of four virus strains. Public health officials know how the disease is contracted and stress that it is only spread when n direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person.

“It is not spread through the air like the cold and flu virus,” explained Utah. “Typically, if someone has the disease, they’ll be very sick and seek medical attention. This is why healthcare workers and close household members (family, etc.) are thought to be the people who would have the greatest risk of infection.”

According to the VDH, high fever is an initial symptom of Ebola. A severe headache is also common, along with vomiting and unexplained bleeding. Signs of the disease may first appear between 2 and 24 days of initial infection, and an infected person cannot give it to others until symptoms are present.

When asked about the public perception of Ebola, Utah explained that reasonable concern is warranted.

“The public should be aware of any disease that has a high mortality rate ...(50% - 70% in the ongoing outbreak within 3 West African countries - Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone)...However, the disease is not prevalent in the United States, and it is not spread casually, but by close contact with someone with Ebola Virus Disease.”

In the Richmond metropolitan area, the VDH is working to educate and protect the public. According to agency literature, the department is “providing guidance to healthcare systems and clinicians on the evaluation and case management of suspect and confirmed cases of Ebola to reduce the chance of transmission and limit the potential spread of the disease.” Partnerships with schools and community organizations are also being used to identify individuals who may be at risk of contracting the disease.

Virginia residents with general questions about Ebola can call an Ebola Hotline at 1-877ASK-VDH3 (1-877-275-8343). Information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Virginia’s 211 Call Center will be handling these calls, using frequently asked questions (FAQs) developed by the Virginia Department of Health.

Utah offered some words of comfort for concerned citizens. “To protect their communities, public health departments across the country, utilizing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), are working with hospitals in their localities to ensure that if any case is identified, measures such as isolation of the patient and identification of all contacts with that person is done quickly through epidemiologic investigation and protocols.”

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com November 5, 2014 Urban Views Weekly

7

CIVIC BEAT

FUNdraising Good Times Year-end giving – it’s not too late

C

razy as it seems 2015 is knocking at the door.

Yes, we still need to celebrate Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza, and New Years Eve. But, really, 2015 is almost here. And the question is: how is your nonprofit fundraising? Whether you are an employee or a board member, here are a few steps you can take today to change your year-end financial outcomes.

teers can use to encourage those they know to give.

Include sample text for email messages, tweets, and Facebook posts; links to specific pages on your website or blog (don’t forget your “donate now� page); and most importantly share photos and SHORT engaging videos. We all love images!

Volunteers. Now is the time to be proactive. It is easy to wait for staff to give you all the information you need: that is often a plan for not making the ask. InStaff. Take the time to create a year-end appeal letter stead, decide for yourself which actions you will take for distribution to those who have given to your orgabetween now and the end of the year to help raise nization in the past. Be sure to send to those you serve funds for your nonprofit. Are there two people you and those you met during the year. Always send to can talk with, sharing your nonprofit’s impact, vilapsed donors. Highlight the impact your organization sion, and fundraising priorities? Will you ask each has made in 2014 and most importantly share your vito consider a gift? Here’s encouragement: too many sion for 2015. Ask for a specific amount. Include a repeople don’t give because they aren’t asked. Others turn envelope. Create an online appeal that ties to your appeal letter. Review and refine your e-communication list. Test to make sure your online give small gifts because they aren’t asked to make a larger gift. Or they receive a direct giving page is easy to use and easy to find. Take the time to plot out how you will use so- mail letter instead of an in-person ask, and their gift reflects the method of solicitation. cial media to encourage giving. Create the tools that board members, friends, and volun- Take the time to make a well prepared ask of a few people. Don’t be self conscious; there is no such thing as “making� people give. Ask for a specific amount for a specific purpose, be quiet, and wait for their response. Asking in person is always important, but social media and email is another way to engage potential donors, especially if you are part of an active network. You can share your nonprofit’s social media campaign; you can create your own appeal, directing people to your nonprofit’s giving page.

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8 Urban Views Weekly November 5, 2014 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Don’t be afraid to ask. Your community depends on you.

Copyright 2014 – Mel and Pearl Shaw

Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success.

For help with your fundraising, visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

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9

NOVEMBER 20 - DECEMBER 20

Closing the diversity gap in the medical field

M

acy’s and the American Heart Association are continuing their concerted efforts to increase the number of minority women in medical schools through the Go Red™ Multicultural Scholarship Fund.

For the fourth consecutive year, the partners are offering sixteen $2,500 tuition-focused scholarships for minority women pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in healthcare fields. The deadline to apply for 2015 scholarships is Dec. 31, 2014.

The Go Red Multicultural Scholarship is made possible by the Macy’s Multicultural Fund, which was created in 2009 to focus on increasing diversity in the medical field. Macy’s is a founding national sponsor of the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women® and Go Red Por Tu Corazón raising more than $48 million since 2004.

“The recruitment of diverse women into the healthcare field is an important endeavor that Macy’s is proud to support through the Go Red Multicultural Scholarship Fund,” said William Hawthorne, Macy’s, Inc. senior-vice president Diversity Strategies. “Each year, these scholarships help to support multicultural women pursuing their education in the healthcare industry, which benefit not only the students, but also the communities they will serve.”

Studies show that patients who receive culturally-sensitive care from doctors of the same background are more satisfied and engaged in their treatment.

Yet, while African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans comprise more than 26 percent of the U.S. population, they represent just 6 percent of practicing physicians, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

Additionally, of the 17,364 medical school graduates in 2011, 659 were Hispanic women (3.8 percent); 719 were black women (4.1 percent); and 1,918 were Asian women (11 percent).

BY PAULA VOGEL

DIRECTED BY TAWNYA PETTIFORD-WATES

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Contact us today, call 804.441-6255.

10 Urban Views Weekly November 5, 2014 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

The disparity also exists among U.S. medical school faculty: 60 percent are Caucasian; 13 percent are Asian; 4 percent are Hispanic; and 2.9 percent are African American. The gap is even greater among higher-ranking faculty, according to the AAMC. Furthermore, only 35 percent of women and 3 percent of African Americans are participants in cardiovascular research trials. Yet, 43 percent of coronary artery disease patients are women and 11 percent are African Americans.

Earlier this year, American Heart Association chief science officer Rose Marie Robertson told a Food and Drug Administration panel that studies of drugs and medical devices don’t always report what effects these treatments may have on women and minorities.

“Sex, race and ethnicity, and age play an important role in how heart disease, stroke, and other forms of cardiovascular disease affect us,” Robertson said. “These same factors can cause prescription drugs and medical devices to work differently in women and men, minorities, and older people. Yet despite this understanding, women, minorities, and the elderly continue to be underrepresented in medical research studies.”

Breaking cultural and language barriers are crucial, because African Americans, Hispanics, and other ethnic groups are at higher risk for heart disease and experience worse health outcomes than Caucasians.

For more information about the scholarship and to complete an application, visit Go Red Multicultural Scholarship - Go Red For Women. To learn more about fighting heart disease in women, visit Go Red For Women or Go Red Por Tu Corazón.

Give thanks by giving blood through the Red Cross this holiday season

T

he American Red Cross asks eligible donors to make an appointment 11/18/2014: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Main School Building, 2301 East Grace Street, Employment Richmond to give blood to help ensure sufficient blood supplies are available GENERAL EMPLOYMENT for patients this holiday season.

Timmons Group - Timmons Group is hiring12 a 11/19/2014: p.m. - 6 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 201 South Main Construction Materials Tech. Interested applicants

apply online. Street, Emporia www.timmons.com/careers/current-openings.

Blood donations often decline during the holidays when donors get busy Woodworker - Fast paced mfg facility located in 11/20/2014: 1:30 with travel and family gatherings, but the need for blood remains steady.

Powhatan. Canidates must have expereience with p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Warsaw Baptist Church, 226 Main ALL woodworking machniery. Full time with Street, Warsaw Someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds. benefits.804-598-5579/ jtrapp@moslowwood.com STORAGE MANAGERS

40 hr & PT. Sales, collections. Light maintenance.

11/21/2014: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., GreenTop Sporting Goods, 10150 Lakeridge Eligible donors with all types are needed, especially those with O nega-Send resume to: gaildilda@yahoo.com.

Must have driver’s lic.

Pkwy, Ashland tive, A negative and B negative. To learn more about donating blood and toAccountant - Printing and Packaging comSenior pany seeking Senior Accountant with an Account11/25/2014: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Tappahannock- Essex Volunteer Fire Departschedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit ing degree and at least 3-5 years of manufactuirng experience. info@dompkg.com ment, 620 Airport Road, Tappahannock redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Tow Truck Driver - FT; Exp, BTRO Lic, and Good Driving Record Req. Avg Pay $700 wkKelly 804-652-

5469 11/25/2014: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Lake of the Woods Clubhouse, 102 Lakeview As extra encouragement to donate blood during the busiest time of NovemVPFW Flexi/PRN Mammo Tech - Mon-Fri. Must be Locust Grove ARRT certifiedParkway, and hold a Va state license. Please ber for many people, presenting blood donors from Nov. 26 through Nov.submit 30 all resumes toinfo@vpfw.com.

PT for Church - G/L, A/R, A/P, Pay- - 5 p.m., Fire Department, 10507 Doyle Blvd., McKenney 1 p.m. will receive a limited-edition Red Cross potholder stuffed with uniqueBookkeeper ce- -11/30/2014: roll, ACS exp. beneficial, office support.

Ben.Haygood@BethanyPlace.com lebrity chef recipes, while supplies last. Thanksgiving recipes are courtesy VOICE COACH 804-638-4488 HowWANTED to donate blood of Mario Batali, Rocco DiSpirito, Alex Guarnaschelli, and Mike Isabella.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

11/18/2014: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Brunswick Academy, 2100 Planters Road, Lawrenceville

11/18/2014: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bowling Green Baptist Church, N. 225 Main Street, Bowling Green 11/18/2014: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 105 S. Snead Street, Ashland From Holiday Expenses page 2

3. Attack your everyday expenses. Want to afford the holidays? Consider evaluating some expensive habits. Try reducing the amount you are spending on expensive nights out. Cook at home and bring your lunch to work.

Use public transportation. Compare and cut your auto and home insurance premiums. Turn down the thermostat; dump magazine subscriptions, gym memberships, and any other budget item you’re not using. You’ll find that savings build quickly.

4. Browse before you buy. Assuming you’ve made a tight gift list, create a gift budget (www.practicalmoneyskills.com/YourGiftLog) tracking precisely what you’re willing to pay for every item. For must-have, non-negotiable gifts, you may have to pounce before Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday and Monday for both price and selection. Also, don’t forget to budget for holiday entertainment www.practicalmoneyskills.com/EntertainmentPlanner). It’s a potentially huge cost. Plan ahead and don’t waver.

5. Create your own Holiday Club. Online savings and money market accounts can allow you to set aside your holiday budget in small amounts throughout the year, and they’ll pay better rates than the last few banks offering Holiday Club savings accounts.

6. Watch gas and shipping. Smart shoppers weigh the value of store trips

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. versus online shopping. They also keep an eagle eye for advertised online and shipping discounts. Sign up for special deals and coupons, consolidate in-person trips to stores, and make sure you review return policies at online and bricks-and-mortar stores before you buy. Paying return fees or missing a window to return a gift entirely can cost big money.

7. Keep good records. Whether you track your finances on paper or on a computer, develop a system that allows you to match your holiday list to what you spend every year. Good recordkeeping not only allows you to track the numbers, but also prevents you from duplicating gifts or overspending year to year. And it’s always a good idea to keep a list of what you get from others to make sure you’re thanking people appropriately.

Finally, consider whether it’s worth making new holiday traditions that go beyond gift giving. Some families consider contributing throughout the year to a joint vacation or reunion fund to bring everyone together. You might also consider the needs of aging or needy relatives who need assistance with chores, transportation, or pet care. The holidays are what you make them.

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

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Go to www.CVAACC.org for the full listing of chamber members.

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