urban views weekly january 28, 2015

Jan. 28, 2015 Scholar of the Week - La’Vonya Wilkerson

Make the right choices for your future

2 Urban Views Weekly | January 28, 2015 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

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Letter ToThe Editor

VOL. 8, ISSUE 4

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By Jason Alderman

Most baby boomers couldn’t envision their early adult years without a car. However, times are changing and younger commuters are leading the way.

According to an October study (http://uspirg.org/reports/usp/millennials-motion) by U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG) and the Frontier Group, millennials – those born between 1983 and 2000 – are driving significantly less than older Americans. Many post-college drivers swimming in college debt are opting for urban living (http://time.com/72281/american-housing/) where walking, biking, and mass transit tend to be easier options. Increasingly, those with a temporary need for four-wheel

transportation can do so by smartphone.

Today, there are many options to conventional car ownership, but it’s

important to match solutions and their specific costs to your needs. Here’s a road map for exploring what’s right for you.

Start with the cost of driving. If you already drive and budget carefully, you will have an idea of what driving costs you can incur each year in financing, fuel, fees, maintenance,

and insurance. For averages related to a range of vehicles, look to the American Automobile Association’s (AAA) latest “Your Driving Costs” statistics. Keep in mind that smart car ownership doesn’t always mean “new.”

Considering Life Without Owning a Car

continues on page 5

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 [email protected]. Mail letters to Editor Urban Views Weekly.

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3 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com Urban Views Weekly | January 28, 2015

Scholar of the Week

Not a lot of people can make a story and have a bunch of people all feel the same way as the story’s producer. That is something La’Vonya Wilkerson of John Marshall High School said she is able to do by using music. “Music can put people in many different moods, for example happy, sad, joy, etc,” La’Vonya said. “That’s why I enjoy making music, so that I can share my life stories and be able to connect with other people to make others feel the way I want them to feel while listening to my music.” She said she cannot go a day without music.

Not only does she want to use her gift but she wants to broaden her knowledge of music by being the second person in her household to attend college. La’Vonya’s top choice of college is Old Dominion University in Norfolk. She also has an interest in James Madison University in Harrisonburg, because she has an aunt who also studied arts at JMU. La’Vonya hopes to gain a bachelor’s degree in Performance Arts. A possible career choice she is interested in would be to become a music producer. She said going to college will give her the skills she needs. “Hearing different types of music makes me excited because I’m so passionate about it,” La’Vonya said. “It’s so much I can do with music like tell a story, dance to it, change emotions, and use it as an affect in a movie.”

La’Vonya said her favorite activities include volunteering at church and the Richmond Raceway. She also has participated in community service at Ginter Park where she fed the homeless, Maymount Easter Celebration, and the 10K Run. Some of her achievements include being awarded the Thomas Jefferson award, Honor Roll, and Scholar Roll. She has worked as a peer tutor and with Mayors Youth academy. She ran track, was

in Future Business Leaders of America, and also in the National Honor Society.

As a hardworking and supportive woman, La’Vonya said her mother inspires her the most in life. “I see her working hard and doing things that just make me want to work harder and do more things,” La’Vonya said. From the stories she has heard from her mother, who previously

received a bachelor’s degree, and her aunt who went to JMU, La’Vonya said she is excited to gain the college experiences and learn new things.

Using college as an extra step to success, La’Vonya is excited to go to college. She said school has been preparing her for the real world since Pre-K. “Everything a teacher has taught me is for a reason,” La’Vonya said. “I see a lot of value in my experience in high school because now it’s time to show all the skills that I have from high school in college.”

By Janeal Downs

La’Vonya Wilkerson of John Marshall High School

GPA: 3.9

College of Interest: Old Dominion University

Major Community Service: Volunteering for church and other events

Strong Interests: Music

Favorite Activity: Music and volunteering

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Full disclosure…I am a Seattle Seahawks fan. Having lived in Seattle for over 23 years, my love of all things Seattle goes way back. That is to say I’m not a new or bandwagon fan. I was into the Seahawks when all they had was Steve Largent and Kenny Easley. The emergence of Russell Wilson, Seattle’s “mind over matter” QB, should give anyone from RVA a special sense of satisfaction and outright pride. He is a for-real hometown hero having been raised up right here in the River City. The Seattle QB is an authentically grounded, caring, and first-class human being. He is the real deal, a genuine straight-up young man. For Russell Wilson it’s not just about the game itself. “It’s bigger than just a game.”

This year’s Oscar Nominations hold a similar type of symbolism and importance no matter how inadvertent or unintentional the choices or omissions may be; the visual dissonance of the 2015 class of nominees is shockingly hegemonic. It is dominated by white, mostly male people, which is not in and of itself odd but given the socio-political climate we are in right now, the conversations about race, gender and justice at the forefront of protests, court cases and conversations happening around the nation and in major urban centers, the retrogression into the “good old days” of Hollywood feels oddly out of step and eerily nostalgic. The demographics of those who have the power and authority to make the nominations and ultimately choose who is the best of the best have, once again demonstrated, in a strangely familiar way, how quickly and demonstratively our so-called progressive and inclusive society can regress to a time when both access and opportunity were denied to so many people, with particular exclusion of Black artists,

Black stories, contributions and talent. The Motion Picture Academy membership is 90% white and 77% male. Only 2% are Black, less than 2% Latino or “other”, and only 14% are under the age of 50 so it is clear how the focus of the stories told is what it is. There is a lot of money in Hollywood and there are a lot of very smart, talented, and even progressive people. If they really had a resolve to change the “way things are”, there are enough creative minds and resources to cultivate a climate for that change. Instead, there appears to be a lack of interest in recognizing that there is a problem. There is so much backslapping, self-promotion and lobbying going on at the party, that the excess of multiple nominations and wins, the high-fiving and red carpet walking becomes its own distraction. “It’s a so much about me

that I completely forgot about you celebration.” The club that has historically denied access and opportunity in Hollywood becomes so homogenous that they don’t even notice how monolithic they are. The complete absence of color in the major nominated categories makes this year’s Oscars the whitest in several decades.

Until major stars become conscious and begin to demand colorful casting choices on the films they make and projects they accept;

until studios promote directors and cinematographers of color; until more inclusive screenplays are submitted and considered by studios; and until creative people promote pathways of inclusion, access and opportunity for artists of All colors…I will watch, for me, the more authentic and inclusive Super Bowl and Not the Oscars. #GOHAWKS

Up Next Week: We Shall Not Be Moved

I’ll Watch the Super Bowl but NOT the Oscars!

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly PollAmericans are becoming more satisfied with their current standard of living and are also becoming more optimistic about their future according to a recent poll. Sixty-one percent of Americans now say their standard of living is “getting better.” Less than a quarter of Americans say their standard of living is “getting worse.”

How about you? Do you feel your standard of living is getting better or getting worse?

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.

ViewPointsBy Dr. T

Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D.Founder and Artistic DirectorThe Conciliation Project andAssociate ProfessorVirginia Commonwealth UniversityDrT@Margins2theCenter.comwww.theconciliationproject.org

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Online references like Edmunds.com and Kelley Blue Book can help you spot used vehicles that hold their value and keep operating costs reasonable.

Would leasing be cheaper? The buy-versus-lease question has evolved over the years and many people have strong opinions about which option is better. The answer depends on your personal situation and how you plan to use the vehicle, so consider the pros and cons (http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/buyorlease). Many people like leasing because they can often lease a more expensive car than they could afford to buy with no down payment. But failing to observe lease restrictions can cost plenty. Remember that all leases can be negotiated and it’s important to review the terms and fine print very closely.

Consider ride- or car-sharing. A decade ago, if you asked someone about ride-sharing or car-sharing, most would assume you were talking about carpooling. Two newer commercial options are accessible by smartphone: Ride-

sharing matches car owners with passengers who need a ride at a moment’s notice, much like a taxi or private car service. Car-sharing is a new spin on the old daily and weekly car rental model. Car-sharers join a service that allows them to reserve and rent a vehicle in their neighborhood for a few hours or extended periods, such as over a weekend. However, keep in mind that some ride-sharing services may adjust fees at peak times and car-sharing companies charge steep penalties if you return rentals late or in less-than-desired condition.

Look to your employer. Commuter tax benefits allow you and your employer to save. If you plan to drive to work regularly, check out parking subsidies. If you combine driving and mass transit, check both parking and public bus or rail subsidies. Talk to your human resources department about these options and refer to Internal Revenue Service Publication 15-B for more information.

Telecommute. Many employers looking to reduce

commercial rents and onsite employee costs are increasingly relying on telecommuting options for their workers. Telecommuting isn’t for everyone, but evaluate your employer’s program, talk to fellow workers about all the pluses and minuses and see if it’s a good fit for you in terms of time use and vehicle cost. A mix of telecommuting days and mass transit or ride- or car-sharing options may make car ownership less crucial.

Bottom line: Getting rid of a car is a big decision, particularly if you’re used to the convenience of having wheels at all times. But between newer forms of mass transit and new technology-driven, transport-on-demand services, now might be the easiest time to consider making it happen.

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

From Pros & Cons page 2

Survive a Job Loss It can happen to anyone. A corporation lays off a mass of employees. A small business shuts its doors. An entrepreneurial bubble bursts.

No matter where you live or what your employment situation may be, there is always a chance you could suddenly lose your job. The less warning you receive, the more difficult it will be for you to properly plan for the tough financial and emotional road ahead.

Severance PackageIf you’re fortunate enough to be offered a severance package from your former employer, it will be up to you to wisely maintain the lump sum or payments you receive.

Review your severance package closely to understand all of its working parts. Typical agreements contain your pay terms, vacation pay terms, benefits information, return of property standards, non-compete clauses, and confidentiality requirements.

Maintain Insurance One of the highest costs you will incur on your own is that of health insurance, especially if you’re used to your company paying a majority share of it. It is important to maintain your insurance, including health, life, and disability because the last thing you need while unemployed is to suffer a major injury or sickness that you cannot afford to have properly diagnosed.

Weathering the StormOther tips from the Financial Planning Association include: • Talk to your spouse or other close family members about what you’re facing financially. They will be able to offer their support, as well as ideas for helping you through the situation. • Consider government or private assistance, especially if either can mean the difference between you paying your bills and ending up in major debt. • Start looking for work soon. Rely on your connections to find your next paycheck. Network through social media and job

boards, through which you may be able to also find headhunters, job placement opportunities or professional services to improve your search.

Raising Money-wise Children While school is a great place to become educated about math, science and English, the art of savings and maintaining good credit are lessons that generally are taught at home.

As a parent, it is up to you to devise unique ways to teach your children to be smart money managers. The values you instill in them from an early age are ones that can carry over into lifelong principles and lead to excellent financial health. Depending on the age of your child, there are many ways to teach smart financial sense, even from as young as 2 years old.

Give Them Control An allowance is the first interaction your child will have with

earning money. It may seem minor to you —probably only a few dollars a week — but the most important aspect of receiving an allowance is deciding how to spend it.

With only light guidance from you, let your child have the power of spending his or her allowance. Teach your children about the importance of savings and also buying for others. Having the responsibility of money management

gives children the opportunity to feel both the positives and challenges of making financial decisions.

Smart Shopping One of the best ways to guide your budding finance enthusiast is to engage them in shopping. Before you even head out the door for your groceries, sit down with your child and clip coupons. Give them a stack of coupons you won’t be using and teach them how to find great deals and compare product prices.

Once you arrive at the store, build in a few game-like activities that your child can take the lead on. Make a contest out of finding the products that correlate with the best coupon deals. Show

your enthusiasm as you rack up the savings, and be sure to give your children plenty of positive reinforcement while they help you cut your grocery costs.

Teach Teamwork Teamwork is a paramount value of smart money management that your children need to learn early on. By providing them responsibilities and giving them choices, you are automatically offering them a voice at the family’s financial table.

Remember that they are probably going to make financial mistakes as they age. Even a decision as small as spending their entire allowance instead of saving a dollar or two from it can be addressed by you. By working together, you can help raise a child who respects money and the responsibilities that come with it.

6 Urban Views Weekly | January 28, 2015

Financial moves that can help you get ahead.Set a plan in place

to limit your monthly spending – and stick to it.

Becoming a Landlord: Finance Tips Deciding to enter the world of property rental can be lucrative. Whether you’re fixing up and renting out affordable homes or becoming a landlord because your home won’t sell, it’s a great way to earn money.

There are some things to consider before drafting up a lease and putting your home on the rental market – ones that can save

you financial headaches later on down the road. As always, consult with a professional realtor, lawyer or financial advisor on any questions that are out of your area of expertise.

Creating a LeaseA quality lease protects both the landlord and tenant, and

also complies with fair housing, rental, health and safety, and insurance laws of your region. These laws differ across states, counties and cities, so it is best to work with a local lawyer in creating your lease.

A lease should spell out the following, according to the American College of Real Estate Lawyers:• Lease term: A month-to-month lease offers more flexibility if you’re still trying to sell, while an annual lease provides more stability.• Security deposit: This is usually one month’s rent or more.• Due Date: Define rental due dates and penalties for late payments. • Maintenance: Clear lines on who is responsible for repairs, mowing, and general upkeep.

Finding the Right Tenant You can find tenants by advertising in the print and online versions of local newspapers. Remember that as the owner of the home, you have the power to turn down prospective tenants.

Ask interested parties to fill out an application, listing their name, employer, salary, previous landlords and references. Once you select a few potential tenants, it’s time to run their credit and criminal backgrounds. You can do this yourself though the use of various online credit and background check tools, or by hiring an accredited agency.

Handling an Inheritance An inheritance brings with it a range of emotions and responsibility. Along with the pain of losing someone you love, you also may be experiencing an influx of cash that you feel overwhelmed in handling.

Americans lose 90 percent of inherited wealth by the third generation, according to a recent report in the Wall Street Journal. You can avoid suffering the same financial fate by remaining disciplined in your spending and smart in your investments.

Start a Savings Plan Depending on the size of your inheritance, one smart option is placing the majority of it in an FDIC-insured money-market account. There are options for short-term accounts with larger interest rates than a regular savings account.

Keeping the money separate from your checking account will help you in avoiding irresponsible spending – the main reason for the previously mentioned wealth loss statistic. Create a little distance between you and your new money by finding safe, interest-friendly havens for it.

Consult a PlannerYou can find a fee-only planner who doesn’t work on commission by visiting www.napfa.org, the website of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. The organization urges people to interview several advisors before you select one.

Your advisor will help you come up with a customized financial plan, guiding you in defining your short- and long-term financial goals. You may be able to find free financial counsel in your area through events like Financial Planning Days – a collaborative effort between financial planning organizations, government agencies and schools, municipal buildings and libraries that delivers free financial counsel.

Keep Your Job“Take this Job and Shove

It” may be a song that comes to mind if you inherit a large sum of money. But you may want to reconsider singing that tune to your boss. Some people treat their windfall of money as an opportunity to rapidly improve their lifestyle by buying a bigger home, a new car and other luxuries all at once.

The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors urges clients to spread out their spending over the years while still maintaining employment to pad their savings or retirement account.

Set a plan in place to limit your monthly spending – and stick to it.

7 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Financial moves that can help you get ahead.Set a plan in place

to limit your monthly spending – and stick to it.

By Bernard Freeman


Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was a galvanizing force in the Civil Rights

Movement. This “drum major for justice” used non-violence to help bring

about freedom and equality not just for African Americans, but for everyone.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day E s s a y C o n t e s t

To celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Urban Views Education Digest is sponsoring an essay contest that is open to public school students in Richmond and Petersburg.

Students are invited to write a 250-500 word essay answering the following question:

What do you think Martin Luther King, Jr. would say to encourage Black youth if he were alive today?

Please provide your:NameAgeSchoolGradeParent’s phone numberParent’s email address (if parent has email).

Parent’s Signature

Send Essays to: Monica Haynes, Urban Views Education Digest, 6802 Paragon Place, Suite 410, Richmond, VA 23230 or email to [email protected]: MLK Essay Contest

Deadline to submit: February 6, 2015. Winners will have their essay printed in Urban Views Education Digest and receive dinner for a family of four at a local restaurant.

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Software is at the heart of so many nonprofit functions. You can’t afford down time. And you don’t want to find out your new system won’t talk to an existing one after it’s up and running. What’s a nonprofit leader to do? In search of guidance, we talked with Janna Finch of Software Advice, an online firm that reviews nonprofit technology.

Here’s her suggestion. “Many vendors have developed their products to integrate well with commonly used third-party software—especially accounting programs—so look for a list on their website or ask a sales rep. The vendor’s developers should also know which products integrate well, which integrate with some work, and which don’t integrate at all. If the product you’re evaluating doesn’t work with the programs you need, you can choose to operate them independently, evaluate different software, or replace the software you’re currently using with something you know will work with the new software.”

It’s one thing to purchase software; it’s another to manage it. Finch reminded us that the type of person a nonprofit needs to manage their technology “depends on the complexity of the system, your organization’s needs, and whether or not the software is hosted on- or off-site. Usually, the larger the organization, the more complex its IT requirements.”

Yet with hosted services such as software as a service (SaaS), smaller organizations don’t have to worry about updates and keeping the system up and running. They now have access to high quality software without the maintenance responsibilities.

But there are still costs, and these are impacted by the pricing model you choose. According to Finch, “Both perpetual license and subscription pricing models have upfront costs, typically set-up and data migration fees. Sometimes new equipment, such as credit card readers, is necessary and that’s also an upfront cost. With regard to the perpetual license model, the license fee is also considered an upfront cost.”

“Beyond upfront costs,” she continued, “you’ll have recurring costs to cover support and upgrades, or, in the case of subscription software, the monthly or annual subscription fee itself.”

There are also annual costs which Finch points out vary wildly depending on a nonprofit’s size and the complexity of its software. Here’s some benchmark information. “The Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN) determined that the average nonprofit spends 3.2 percent of their budget on technology. The smallest nonprofits can expect to pay, at minimum, about $500 (one-time) for a fundraising and donor management program installed on one computer, or as little as $30 per month for hosted software. Factor in an additional 15 to 20 percent of the annual license cost toward training, support and other costs.”

Take the time to make an informed decision. You can compare software systems and learn more at www.SoftwareAdvice.com

Copyright 2015– 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.

FUNdraising Good Times

How to determine nonprofit software costs

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Swift Creek Mill Theatre is premiering a new Gospel musical by Producing Artistic Director Tom Width entitled Those Harvey Girls in the 2014-2015 Swift Creek Mill Mainstage Season. Successful singer and Gospel music legend, Cora Harvey Armstrong and her sisters, Virginia Harvey Young (Bee Bee) and Clara Harvey Jackson (Callue) present their personal, musical journey in this powerful new work. Cora previously played Mahalia Jackson at Swift Creek Mill, and Tom Width wrote and produced a show several years ago about her life entitled Livin’ In The Light that was very successful.

This project is the culmination of years of mutual respect and admiration between Tom and Ms. Armstrong and her family. Having spent time with the family over time, he uncovered the fascinating story of their experiences growing up singing in Virginia. For some time, Tom contemplated another musical featuring Cora and her sisters, who were known as The Harvey Girls when their “Mama” took them around to sing in churches at the tender ages of 6, 4, and 3! They are still singing together, and their sound is amazing. This show features the three women, along with younger “versions” of themselves, as it tells the story of their musical lives from childhood to the present.

Swift Creek Mill is presenting the show as a celebration of Black History Month and as part

of Richmond’s Acts of Faith Theatre Festival. This is a full-length, reserved-seating production packed with songs as wonderful and varied as: “Oh, Happy Day,” “Praise His Name,” “I’ve Got to Praise Him,” “Midnight Train to Georgia,” and many other favorites. It is a must-see for any music lover!

Swift Creek Mill Theatre is a professional live theatre located in southern Chesterfield County. Housed in a 351-year-old gristmill that is a local, state and national landmark, the Mill has been serving Central- and Southside Virginia audiences, as well as local and tour groups, for over 49 years. After a major renovation in 2013, the facility is now ADA accessible, and as always, offers free onsite parking. Optional Virginia-Style Buffet dining is available before every Mainstage performance (reservations required). Performances of Those Harvey Girls run January 29 through March 7, which will include evening performances Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., with matinee performances on select dates at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 804-748-5203 and at swiftcreekmill.com.

The Harvey Girls: From Childhood to Present

By Genevieve MellottSpotlight

(L to R) Clara Lue Harvey Jackson, Cora Harvey Armstrong, Virginia “Bee Bee” Elizabeth Harvey Young

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Losing weight is a challenging process, requiring self-discipline and dedication. When you need help dieting, a weight loss clinic may be the answer. Obesity is a common problem in our country. For many Americans, it is a threat to their health. Extra weight will shorten your lifespan and create a myriad of physical problems.

Trained professionals can educate you on good nutrition, keep you motivated and set a realistic weight loss goal. They will answer your questions and provide accountability.

Each clinic has its own approach. Selecting the right program will help you reach your weight loss goals. So many diets create glamorous advertisements using famous people, but that doesn’t mean their plan is the best one for you. Here are some ideas to help you find the best weight loss clinic to meet your needs.

Research and VisitFirst off, research local weight loss clinics. Visit their website because it will give you a good idea about price points and programs. Do you have to purchase special meals? Are meetings and appointments required? Make sure these commitments are convenient for you. Think of other information you may need. Many clinics provide online courses, while others hold public weigh-ins. Decide what is comfortable for you.

Once you narrow down your choices, visit each facility. Observe the way staff members talk to clients. All employees should be courteous and competent to everyone, not just potential or new customers.

If you have questions, bring a notebook and pencil to take notes.

Plans and ReferralsAlthough each clinic will seem as though it has the only plan that works, you must determine if it is the best program for you. Read what others write about the various diet programs. It will help you to know what others have experienced. Always remember, however, that what works for one person might not work for another. Keep your personal requirements in mind.

It should be possible to speak with existing clients about their experiences. Ask the clinic staff for referrals. Clinics with good reputations will be happy to provide you with such a list. Previous clients are often willing to talk about their own experiences, negative and positive. You can also find out if they kept the weight off.

A good weight loss clinic will have a follow-up system to assist you in maintaining a healthy life. They should be able to give you their success rate.

Clinics offer different levels of support, such as motivation and nutritional assistance. They might also have stress management techniques that can stop you from eating your troubles away.

Do not register with anyone until you check them out with the Better Business Bureau and online reviewers. Understand each clinic’s cancellation policy. If possible, ask

for a trial membership. Many weight loss clinics allow trial periods. It offers you an opportunity to try their system without making a financial commitment.

Use your time at the clinic wisely. Create good nutrition and exercise habits. You are not only there to lose weight, you are developing a healthy, lifelong lifestyle.

In the end, a good weight loss clinic can go a long way toward helping you succeed. It is easy to stick with a plan when you have the assistance and support of caring staff. Whether you need to lose a small or large amount of weight, it is important to find a safe, effective way to achieve your goals.

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How to Choose a Good Weight Loss Clinic

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urban views weekly january 28, 2015

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