Urban Views Weekly December 28, 2016

Dec. 28, 2016

Scholar of the Week - Mikayla Lew

Resolve to have a successful New Year

Get updates throughout the week

?

2017

Civic Beat

?

Visionaries Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ -- Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Help us pick our Visionaries Urban Views Weekly invites you to nominate a person whom you believe best embodies the courage, compassion, integrity, inspiration and vision displayed by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The nominee should live in the Greater Richmond and Petersburg communities.

Two individuals will be selected and featured in our January 2017 Martin Luther King edition.

Letters of nomination should be 400 words or less, and must include the nominee’s full name, address and telephone number. Nominators should include his or her name, address, telephone number and email address.

Help us showcase the good work being done in our community by dedicated heroes and heroines.

The deadline for nominations is Jan. 1, 2017.

Submissions may be emailed to Publisher@ UrbanViewsWeekly.com, or mailed to:

FUNdraising Good Times

The FUNdraising Doctor is in!

Part One of a Two-Part Series

The board of directors of an organization is responsible for its financial health. What does this mean? How do you measure the fundraising health of the board? We at Saad&Shaw suggest a visit to the FUNdraising doctor.

A check-up may be in order.

2. The organization and its mission are a priority in the personal and professional lives of board members. Those who know you should know just how important board service is to you.

Below you will find symptoms of board health. Use these to evaluate the health of the boards you are involved with. Join with your fellow board members to evaluate how healthy you are as a group. If you need to improve your health, you can.

The following are symptoms of FUNdraising health 1. Board members represent a diverse cross section of individuals with power, wealth and influence. The participation of people who can make a difference in the financial health of your organization is critical.

Letter To The Editor

For more information call: 804.441.6255 2

Urban Views Weekly | December 28, 2016

4. Board members make meaningful financial gifts. As a board member it is your responsibility to make a “stretch” gift each year. Your donation should be one of the largest that you and your family will make during the year. An organization cannot expect others to give if the leadership is unwilling to do so.

5. Board and staff

continues to page 11

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

Ervin B. Clarke, Publisher publisher@urbanviewsweekly.com

Urban Views Weekly

6802 Paragon Place, Suite 410 Richmond, VA 23230 Attention: Visionaries 2017

3. Board members, volunteers and staff work together from a fund development plan. Coordinating all fundraising activities allows your institution to secure the maximum yield on its fundraising efforts.

VOL. 9, ISSUE 52 Urban Views Weekly, LLC 6802 Paragon Place, Suite 410 Richmond, VA 23230 Office: (804) 441-6255 Fax: (888) 439-2534

Flora C. Clarke, Administrative Assistant flora@urbanviewsweekly.com Shelia O. Spurlock-Shaw, Advertising shelia@urbanviewsweekly.com Nickkol Lewis, Art Director Visual Appeal, LLC | visualappealstudio.com

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Scholar of the Week

Mikayla Lew

of Richmond Community High School GPA: 4.67 College of Interest: University of California Los Angeles, University of Richmond, College of William and Mary Major Community Service: Mentoring and Reading Student to Student and RSPCA Strong Interests: Acting and elementary education Favorite Activities: Performing

By Janeal Downs

Mikayla Lew first became aware of her passion for performance when and Mary where she would major in education and minor in theatre. “I she performed on stage with a competition dance program. It started just really love working with children and I feel like they’re the minds of with dancing, but with her participation in elementary school plays, she the future. They’re really, really sweet and they’re very optimistic about realized that acting was her true passion. From using the body language, the world,” Mikayla said about why she was interested in education. She to the costumes, makeup and voice, all of these components together has already gotten a chance to work with kids as a volunteer with the inspired her to pursue acting. “My dream role would be to actually star in, local Mentoring and Reading Student to Student program. direct and write a movie,” Mikayla said. She currently writes short stories Along with the MARS program, she has volunteered with the Richmond such as one short story she wrote on bullying and cyberbullying in high SPCA and with her school’s writing center. She is in a variety of school. She would love to one day convert her stories into scripts and star extracurricular programs, including the Honor Council where she is in the production. the Chair. “We have our motto ‘innocent until proven guilty’ and so it’s Along with competition dance and school plays, Mikayla also takes acting my favorite thing because it allows me to promote ethics to the school classes at the School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community and it also cracks down on cheating,” Mikayla said. With all of her (SPARC) and at HATT Theatre. With a group of extracurricular and volunteer work, Mikayla friends also interested in the performing arts, she still works hard academically, so much that she helped establish a drama club at their high school currently maintains a weighted GPA of 4.65. for themselves and other students interested in it.

Currently a senior, one lesson she will take with “As Vice President, I have helped create traditions, her to college is to be responsible with time such as the annual haunted house, designed, built, management and make sure to prioritize. ™ and performed by students,” Mikayla wrote in With inspirations to one day join the acting e Week h t f o an essay. In the club she has helped put on an world, one of her favorite actresses is Meryl annual Christmas play which is written by the Streep, someone she considers to be one of the officers, and they also perform with other schools best current actors. “She’s just great in everything, every year in the Bardathon Shakespeare production. With all of these like singing and acting,” Mikayla said. “I just love that she helps out with programs, she has been able to learn leadership and communication skills, charities and gives money to causes.” One of Mikayla’s favorite Meryl all while improving on her acting. Thus far, her favorite performance has Streep performances is her role in Mamma Mia!, the musical movie. been when she played Juliet in her school’s rendition of Shakespeare’s Outside of the acting world, Mikayla’s biggest inspiration is her mother.

Romeo and Juliet. ”She keeps me going. She’s a single parent and so looking at her and how Mikayla plans to pursue her dreams by attending a four-year university. she’s raised me without another person that helped, kind of showed me Some of her top choices are the University of California, Los Angeles that I want to be independent like her,” she said. With the support of her and other schools in L.A. If she gets in to one of those schools, she will mother and her own ambition, Mikayla wants the community to know definitely pursue acting and gain experience there. However, Mikayla also that she means what she says and will work hard to turn her dream of has a second interest in education. She said her practical top choices in being an actress into a reality. colleges include the University of Richmond and the College of William

Scholar0

$100 Scholarships Awarded Every Week

Encourage your scholar to apply! www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

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

1. Have a 3.0 grade point average or better 2. Participates in extracurricular community service activities 3. Attends public school in Central Virginia Go to UrbanViewsWeekly.com for application and details.

Urban Views Weekly | December 28, 2016

3

ViewPoints

By Dr. T

Unqualified Disqualification To say, because you were born in a hospital, you are qualified to be a doctor is a ridiculous assertion and not one that any right-minded person would make.

And yet, we find ourselves in a season whereby any rationale to justify an individual’s qualifications for a job they would otherwise never even endeavor to submit an application for, has become “the norm” in the age of TRUMP and the new administration. “This individual can do the job because, he is a fantastic person, a great person, and we like each other.” The rationale continues, “…he’s smart and has been successful…”, this is in reference to a business or some other occupation the individual has excelled in that has nothing at all to do with the current position for which they are being considered, nor does it inform, in any way, the specific role or job responsibilities that being a Secretary of State, Education, Commerce, Energy or Housing and Urban Development demand.

are fundamentally unqualified for the jobs for which they have been tapped. There are others, many others, who have been proposed by the President-elect’s new administration that raise serious concerns as to their unqualified lack of knowledge and preparation for the jobs they will take on, if the newly elected President has his way. It is worth considering, in an “in your face” kind of way, if their nominations actually undermine the fundamental mission, focus and philosophy of the agency each has been chosen to lead?

It seems we have truly entered a “different world” where people are chosen to lead major agencies foundational to the effective running and support of the United States government who are simply not up to the job. Selectees, who are not only ill-suited to the specific job, but possess a skill set that does not at all match the requirements for the positions they may Just because Dr. Ben Carson is a world-renowned soon assume and agencies they will ultimately lead. neurosurgeon, a published author, and former It’s akin to the elementary school playground game Head of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins of “Red Rover, Red Rover…. send (random person) Hospital, although formidable accomplishments, they over.” Seriously, these cabinet selections of mostly do not qualify him to be the Secretary of Housing white men, mostly billionaire business tycoons, and and Urban Development for the United States newly retired military officers should give all of of America. Neither does the fact that he lived in public housing while growing up in us pause…this is not NORMAL. No experience necessary is the new requirement to Detroit, Michigan. The audacity of nominating someone who by his own admission is hold the highest most powerful positions in the land? You don’t need any experience not qualified to run a public agency, especially one as large and essential to the lives of so or qualifications? Money will get you in, a whole lot of money! Influential friends can many Americans, as Housing and Urban Development, set you up, especially nepotism. Conflicts of interest, is astounding. Just as outrageous and absolutely improprieties, criminal charges or even acts of treason Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. astonishing is nominating someone as Secretary of on your record don’t even matter. Being white, male, Founder and Artistic Director Labor who doesn’t support the interests of workers like and rich definitely has its privileges, but being in the The Conciliation Project and Associate Professor raising the minimum wage, or a man as head of the “good graces” of the newly elected President…now Virginia Commonwealth University Environmental Protection Agency who doesn’t believe that’s the only REAL qualification required for the job.

DrT@Margins2theCenter.com | www.theconciliationproject.org in climate change or the science behind it. These men Spiritual Music is our Specialty

Barky’s Spiritual Stores

“No experience necessary is the new requirement to hold the highest most powerful positions in the land?”

H

H

18 East Broad Street | Richmond, VA 23219

Do All The Good You Can...

For All The People You Can...

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

804-643-1987 | barkysorders@yahoo.com 4

Urban Views Weekly | December 28, 2016

ASK FOR “URBAN VIEWS” DISCOUNT

H

CALL 271-1220

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Is weight loss surgery right for you?

More than 97 million adult Americans are overweight or obese. For some, weight loss surgery can transform their lives. Is this an option for you? Call (804) 827-0045 and make an appointment to talk with one of our experienced weight loss surgeons.

Learn more at helpforobesity.com

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Urban Views Weekly | December 28, 2016

5

Revolutionizing Your N A new year is on the horizon! We’re days away from 2017, grateful to have made it out of 2016 alive and well. With the countless deaths of historical figures and loved ones, the election cycle, and the fight for justice across the nation, we can all agree that it’s time for a fresh start. We’re collectively excited for a new year, and another chance to make this world a better place for everyone. Actually accomplishing that, though, begins with us. It begins with our health and in our homes, and making us healthy, happy, and productive members of society that can then impact the world. The start of the New Year isn’t just about New Year’s Eve celebrations, but more so about everything that comes after the confetti has dropped and the balloons have deflated.

Every January, millions of Americans kick off the new year with visions of a fresh start dancing in their head. They create laundry lists of ways they can become better versions of themselves, from weight loss and fitness goals to plans of becoming more active in their community. And for the most part, those people are determined to make serious changes. Sometimes, their livelihoods depend on it—sickness and health may be a matter of 50 pounds, or more community involvement could mean crime rates drop—and other times, it’s a pesky goal

that you’ve never been able to stick to, so the new year’s your shot. According to the University of Scranton’s Journal of Clinical Psychology, 45% of America ends their New Year’s Eve celebrations with promises to do things differently with this fresh start they’ve been given.

Unfortunately, only 8% of that 45% actually achieve their goals. That’s right—with all of the promises made, goals set, and “accountability buddies” joining forces, only 8% make it to their self-determined finish line. Why is this?

The answer is simple: unrealistic expectations paired with poor planning. Too often, we fail to set manageable goals, neglecting to take into consideration the habits we’ve already established in contrast to the new lifestyle we want. Is it realistic to think you’ll make it to the gym five days a week when you’ve never made exercise a priority before? Do you really think it’s possible to build up a bulky savings account right away when you’ve never actually created a solid budget for yourself?

Is it more realistic to plan to perform small acts of kindness every day versus expecting to lead a movement in your community tomorrow? When goal-setting, consider both where you’d like to be and where you are now. Develop

a solid game plan that makes for a smooth transition and prevents you from falling in line with the “maybe next year” folks.

Making an impact in your community begins on a small scale. Sure, we can aspire to be the Martin Luther Kings, the Fred Hamptons, the Angela Davises, and the Marcus Garveys of our time, but none of that comes overnight. It doesn’t come after a week or even a month of community involvement. If your New Year’s resolution is to become

Fruit © SEAN DEWITT PHOTOGRAPHY

6

Urban Views Weekly | December 28, 2016

Dec

New Year’s Resolutions

by Janna M. Hall

community—is setting realistic timelines, and realistic goals for the change you want to see. If 2017 is your year to serve others, then pace yourself, and each month make more of an effort to reach your neighbor and create a movement.

As exciting as they are, resolutions are meant to be accomplished slowly, planned out with tangible, measurable milestones. Hitting the ground running full speed on January 1st leads to inevitable burnout— develop a plan of action early on, so that you’re able to execute when the New Year hits.

more active in your community, start small. Identify problems, seek out solutions, hold events that educate your neighborhood, bring more members on board, and activate. Perform small acts of kindness that inject the community with more humanity, more compassion, and more love. Reach one person at a time, and you’ll see that the impact you make touches individual lives, which will in turn permeate the community with those things that bring about true change. More imperative than actually wanting to see change—both in yourself and in the

Diet and exercise goals in particular are also tricky when it comes to longterm commitments. Living in a “microwave culture,” where information can be obtained with a quick .05 second Google search, we’re no longer willing to wait for things we desire. And that includes waiting for weight-loss results. We step on the scale daily, praying we’ve lost at least one pound since the day before, and check the mirror daily for a semblance of progress after a few days in the gym. Such

lofty ideas about what it truly takes to achieve a goal leaves many heading into February having already abandoned their goal.

Charlene Lewis, Fitness Instructor in the Richmond area, works with countless gym members both in her aerobic classes and personal training sessions who quickly abandon their resolutions before ever truly seeing even a fraction of the results they set out to achieve.

“The number one reason why people fail their New Year’s resolutions is due to expectations that weren’t realistic,” she explains. “When working with people trying to improve their health, or when setting any goal, for that matter, I stress that goals need to be S.M.A.R.T. Goals must be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timebound.”

Lewis stresses to both herself and fitness clients that any positive change—big or small—is a step in the right direction. And that’s where many self-sabotage; they believe that when seeking a change, it must be grand in order for it to count. But slow and steady wins the race. Slow and steady gets true results.

“For example, your goal shouldn’t be to work out every single day—that’s not

continues on page 11

tcake Science

cember 26 – 30

Expand your network Special thanks to our premier partners: and Grow your business.

www.smv.org

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

7

How to Guide

How to Choose a Personal Injury Attorney If you have sustained injuries in a car accident or other mishap, there’s a good chance you will need a personal injury lawyer. A good personal injury attorney can help you recover damages related to the cost of your medical care and other issues. If you ever need a personal injury attorney, it’s a good idea to find one in your area sooner rather than later.

Here are a few things to consider when picking a personal injury lawyer:

Have several consultations with different attorneys before making a decision. Each lawyer might have a different strategy for how to best represent you. Listen closely to find out about their plans, how they typically resolve cases, and whether you can trust them.

It is much more important to find out how the attorney would handle your case. Have they successfully settled similar cases in the past? How long did the process take?

What steps are necessary in the process? How would the lawyer fees and related court costs be handled?

It is ideal to find an attorney who will handle your case on a contingency basis, meaning the lawyer will not be paid unless you receive money. When a lawyer agrees to these terms, it means he has a lot of confidence in your case.

You should be satisfied with the answers to these questions before proceeding. By getting as much background information about the attorney as you can, you’ll be better armed to make the right decision.

FIRST STEPS

RAPPORT

It is essential that you find a lawyer who is qualified to handle personal injury cases. Find a list of attorneys with the proper credentials and licenses through your local bar association. They will be happy to help you locate professionals in your area.

You can also ask attorneys who they might recommend for practicing personal injury law. If you have worked with a family law attorney in the past, for instance, that person should be able to suggest a good lawyer who specializes in personal injury cases.

Once you have compiled a list, schedule an initial consultation -- which is typically free -- to talk with the attorney about your case. Tell him about the basics of your case and get their first impressions about it.

Finally, you must consider something intangible: the ability to trust, understand and work closely with your lawyer. Rapport is a vital part of the equation. It’s about developing a professional relationship based on mutual respect. You don’t have to be buddies with your attorney; you only have to trust them.

TRACK RECORD

Learn as much as you can about the lawyer’s track record in negotiating settlements, including pre-trial settlements and arguing in the courtroom.

Each attorney will undoubtedly tell you about big awards they’ve won on behalf of clients, but always consider how that relates to your specific situation. Every case is different, so don’t assume that big settlements for other clients will translate into the same results for you.

TanyaFree.com/ Urban Views Weekly Poll Many people celebrate both Kwanzaa and Christmas.

Though often thought of as an alternative to Christmas, many people actually celebrate both.

“Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, but a cultural one with an inherent spiritual quality,” according to Maulana Karenga, the creator of Kwanzaa.

What’s your take? Do you celebrate Kwanzaa?

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

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com Urban Views Weekly | December 28, 2016

When you find all of these qualities – the right background, experience and communication – you’ll have a better chance at getting a positive outcome for your case.

Birthdays • Anniversaries • Weddings • Funerals

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

8

A good attorney will be available when you need him, and he should talk about complex legal processes in language you can understand. Communication is a big part of his job.

Visit us!

Check out our website for the latest Articles and Information.

Follow us!

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

SAVOR

Family Features Courtesy Angeline Winery

Create a Cold-Weather Solution While it can be a challenge, there are several ways to pair food and wine appropriately during winter, despite bitter weather.

Just because it’s colder doesn’t mean it’s time to stop enjoying the lively and nuanced flavors of chilled wine. While once only sipped on warm days of summer, rosé, for example, has become a year-round wine to enjoy any time with its crisp and cool strawberry and rhubarb flavors.

A warm, comforting dish, like this Roasted Chicken with Salsa Verde from James Beard award-winning

chef Jonathan Waxman, combines well with rosé during the cold season.

As the chicken roasts in the oven, it warms the kitchen and fills the house with wonderful aromas, tempting any chef or home cook to steal a sip of wine.

One reasonably priced wine that matches chicken well is Angeline California Rosé of Pinot Noir. The crisp flavors of light red fruits combine with the herbs accompanying the chicken.

It’ll also complement the many other flavors of winter, when an array of dishes hit the table and challenge hosts to find the right wine to serve.

Chicken and Salsa Verde Chicken: 1 fresh free-range organic chicken

(4 pounds)

sea salt, to taste

freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 lemon Salsa Verde: 1/4 cup capers in salt 4 anchovy fillets To make chicken: Heat oven to 450°F. Wash chicken in hot water. Dry with paper towels.

3 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/4 1/4 1/4 1 1/4

cloves garlic cup chopped fresh parsley cup chopped arugula cup chopped fresh basil cup chopped fresh cilantro cup chopped tarragon cup chopped fresh chives cup chopped fresh sage cup extra-virgin olive oil teaspoon sea salt

pour off excess fat. Cut each breast in half and cut the thigh from the leg. Serve with salsa verde (recipe below) and garnish with roasted lemon.

Using kitchen shears, cut out backbone of chicken and remove any fat (this can be added to chicken stock). Using heavy chef’s knife, cut out breastbone. Season halves with sea salt and black pepper.

To make salsa verde: Soak capers in cold water 1 hour then drain.

Place chicken halves, skin side up, on two sizzle platters and dab with olive oil. Cut lemon in half and place 1 half, cut side down, next to chicken on each platter.

Using mortar and pestle, smash capers, anchovies and garlic, until smooth, then transfer to large bowl.

Roast chicken 35 minutes, basting every 10 minutes. When done, remove chicken to platter and www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Soak anchovies in cold water 15 minutes then pat dry and remove bones.

Add all herbs and olive oil.

Season with sea salt.

Urban Views Weekly | December 28, 2016

9

The Deal

By Nathaniel Sillin

Prepare for Medicare Part A and B Price Changes in 2017 into the non-held-harmless group if you:

If you’re eligible for Medicare, or will be in the coming year, there are a few changes you should know about for 2017.

• Are a new enrollee

An increase in the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) means there’ll be an increase in Social Security benefits and Medicare Part B premiums. For most recipients the increases almost offset each other, but those who aren’t covered by the “hold harmless” provision (about 30 percent of recipients) face a larger Part B premium increase.

• Enrolled in Medicare but don’t receive Social Security benefits • Get billed directly for Medicare Part B • Receive Medicare and Medicaid benefits and your state Medicaid programs pay your Part B premium

These changes, along with several others, will go into effect soon and you should consider how they could affect your budget.

A slight increase in your Social Security benefits. Since 1975, Social Security benefits have an automatic cost-ofliving adjustment (COLA). The adjustment depends on the CPI and helps keep your benefits in line with the rising cost of goods.

There wasn’t a COLA for 2016 benefits, but there is a .3 percent adjustment for next year. Meaning, you’ll get an additional $3 per $1,000 you receive in benefits. The estimated average monthly benefit for all retired workers is expected to increase $5, from $1,355 to $1,360.

Medicare Part B premiums will also rise. The COLA also affects Medicare Part B premiums, the part of

10

Urban Views Weekly | December 28, 2016

• Are a high-income earner subject to an income-adjusted premium Medicare that covers some types of procedures and medical equipment. However, for about 70 percent of Medicare recipients, the Social Security Act’s “hold harmless” provision prohibits an increase to Medicare Part B premiums of more than the previous year’s COLA adjustment.

For the non-held-harmless group, the premium depends on the recipient’s (or couple’s when filing a joint tax return) adjusted gross income (AGI).

• The lowest monthly premium, for individuals who have an AGI of $85,000 or less ($170,000 for couples), will increase from $121.80 to $134 a month per person.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, held harmless recipients will pay $109 per month, an increase of $4.10.

• On the high end, for recipients with an AGI over $214,000 ($428,000 for couples), the monthly premium will increase from $389.80 to $428.60 per person.

If you aren’t held harmless, Part B premiums could increase by about 10 percent. The remaining 30 percent of Social Security beneficiaries will have their Part B premium increase by about 10 percent. You could fall

Medicare Part A and B deductibles will also increase.

Most people don’t have to pay Medicare Part A premiums, but you could still have to pay a deductible or coinsurance for some Continues to Page 11

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

FUNdraising from page 2

evaluate their efforts and outcomes on an annual basis.

Evaluation helps all members determine what impact they are making and how they can best contribute to the organization’s financial health.

6. Board members and volunteers use their contacts to secure meaningful gifts and to open doors. As a board member you can personally introduce new supporters to the institution and encourage their involvement.

7. The organization is included in the estate plans of board members and volunteers. As you plan for the financial future of your family members, consider also including a gift to benefit the organizations you serve.

realistic, and it’s not achievable,” she explains. “Instead, set your goal at maybe three days a week.”

Aiming for three days instead of the entire week allows you to maintain a sense of normalcy—your day-to-day schedule isn’t thrown off drastically, which provides more of an opportunity to incorporate working out into your already-established lifestyle instead of a complete takeover.

Lewis takes the same approach when it comes to weight loss.

8. Board members are accessible and involved. Don’t just sit on a board – get involved. Give of your time, attend meetings and engage others.

“Losing 30 pounds in a month isn’t realistic (or even healthy, for that matter).

Instead, aim for a healthy five-pound weight loss, which is much easier to 9. Members recruit new board members who are equally or maintain.” more influential. It is up to you to ensure that future board members can provide the leadership and funding required Above all, Lewis believes that the mindset for the fulfillment of your mission. is everything. “Wanting something and Discuss these health indicators with your fellow board members. How would you assess your fundraising health?

What do you want to focus on in the coming year? Change is possible. There are many resources available to help you “get in shape” including articles and publications available on our website – www.saadandshaw.com.

working towards it are two fundamentally different things,” she explains. “Keep your

Part two of this series will identify those symptoms of “compromised” health.

Part A benefits.

Copyright 2016 – Mel and Pearl Shaw This column is an excerpt from FUNdraising Good Times Classics available on Amazon.com (http://bit.ly/ SaadShawBooks) . For help growing your fundraising visit www.saadandshaw.com, or call (901) 522-8727.

AFFORDABLE

Apartment Rentals

1 and 2 Bedroom Units Starting at

FOR

$425 per Month

T No Application fee!

REN We work with credit issues!

“Ask about FREE MONTHS RENT” Zacharias Brothers Realty

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

Classifieds

Resolutions from page 7

goals a priority while also carving out the time to follow through.”

PLACE YOUR AD TODAY

804.649.6868

Office: (

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM

Lastly, don’t wait to get started. If you know what you want to accomplish in the New Year, start working towards that now. Don’t make the common mistake of prolonging your start date. Don’t wait until Monday, January 2nd to get started just because technically, January 1st is still the weekend. And if you’ve got your New Year’s resolution planned out with S.M.A.R.T goals now, why not start now?

If you want to volunteer more, start on Christmas. If you want to lose weight in the New Year, start making slight changes to your eating habits today. It’s never too soon to begin the life you imagine for yourself.

“Always make time for things that really matter to you,” Lewis reminds us. “Get one step closer to fulfilling the promises you made to yourself.”

The Deal from page 8

• The deductible for inpatient hospital coverage, which helps cover the first 60 days of care, will increase from $1,288 to $1,316 per benefit period.

• Daily coinsurance for the 61st through 90th day of treatment will increase from $322 to $329.

• Daily coinsurance for day 91 on will rise from $644 to $658.

• Each day past day 90 counts towards your lifetime reserve. You have a maximum of 60 lifetime reserve days; after which you could be responsible for all costs.

• Skilled nursing facility care is completely covered for your first 20 days.

• Daily coinsurance for day 21 to 100 of skilled nursing care will increase to $164.50.

• You could be responsible for all costs beyond day 100.

The Part B annual deductible will also increase, from $166 to $183. Generally, after you’ve met your deductible, you’ll pay 20 percent of Medicare-approved costs for services covered by Part B. Bottom line: Social Security benefits, Medicare Part B premiums and Part A and B deductibles and coinsurance will increase in 2017. Whether you’re held harmless or not, take steps to understand which changes could affect you and alter your budget accordingly.

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

Urban Views Weekly | December 28, 2016

11

HOLIDAY NEW

®

INSPIRED COLLECTION

TRY THEM ALL

ONLY AT 16_3443-9.89x9.5.indd 2

12

Urban Views Weekly | December 28, 2016

BEFORE THEY’RE GONE

10/26/16 4:18 PM

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com