Urban Views Weekly April 20, 2016

Apr. 20, 2016 Scholar of the Week - Dante Allen

Earth Day 2016 Theme

Trees for the Earth

2 Urban Views Weekly | April 20, 2016 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

VOL. 9, ISSUE 16

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FUNdraising Good Times

Civic Beat

Proofreading potholes: fundraising miscommunicationsThank you for sharing your thoughts with us about our recent column on fundraising and proofreading. We heard from readers in Memphis, New York, and California on this topic. They included donors, volunteers, an executive director, and a foundation program officer. Each had a story to tell about a nonprofit and proofreading. Here are three tales of woe, and two mistakes we recently made, including one in the article on proofreading!

One reader shared an invitation he received for an event to be held this month. It contained all the important information, and even included a personal handwritten note. Unfortunately, it also closed with “Please RSVP by December 14, 2012.”

A program officer who makes funding recommendations for a foundation emailed us the following. “We received a lovely annual update from one of our grantees with pictures and great copy with numerous misspelled words.

It was printed in color at great expense, however, it didn’t convey the correct message. This subject is right on!”

When we were writing the column we had one big fear: “what if we don’t proofread this well enough?” We had someone else proof the article, and still we received a call from a reader who found a “miscommunication” in

the opening paragraph. The sentence read “How are you communicating with the written word?” Our caller explained to us that “you don’t communicate with the written word.”

We practiced being polite on the phone, but were looking at each other, silently asking,

“What do you mean, ‘you don’t communicate with the written word?!?!’” Then the caller explained “you don’t communicate with a table. It’s a table. You don’t communicate with the written word. You communicate using the written word.” Ah, he was so right. We just didn’t see it.

A retired technical writer called to share his experience working on major proposals. His recommendation: Make sure your proofreader has no involvement with the document. If someone is close to a project, or has contributed content or ideas, they may overlook items that someone else might question. He also asked that we address the topic of email communication. We said “yes,” and then realized that is a tall order!

But, because he asked, here are three email tips:

• Include your contact information at the bottom of each and every email and reply. All of it, including your phone number. Believe it or not, people still use the phone.

• Proofread for clarity. Keep your messages as direct and concise as possible.

• Use spell check.

Finally, we conducted a workshop for a nonprofit board on April 9th. Unfortunately, when we were beginning the workshop and referring participants to the agenda we noticed that there in bold letters was the date March 9th!!

Here’s what we know: No one’s perfect. At the same time, it is important to put policies in place that help protect against typos and miscommunication. Fundraising is all about communication, and we want your message to be well-received.

Copyright 2016– Mel and Pearl Shaw

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

“When we were writing the column we had one big fear: “what if we

don’t proofread this well enough?”

3 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com Urban Views Weekly | April 20, 2016

Urban Views Health News is a bi-monthly article focusing on health, specific health-related issues, fitness and fun and giving tips on how we can become healthier individually and as a community.

According to the World Health Organization, around 1 in 6 persons in the world is an adolescent: that is 1.2 billion people aged 10 to 19. As consecutive life stages, adolescence and young adulthood mark periods of developmental transition from childhood to full-fledged adulthood; the experiences that take place and the behavioral patterns that form during these years can have lasting effects on adult health, well-being and productivity. It is even more important for the community to aid in the successful transition and growth of our youth during this time. Understanding adolescents in these crucial years is prudent to helping our community progress and be successful. Urban Views Weekly had the opportunity to chat with Dr. Stephanie Crewe, a physician in the Division of Adolescent Health at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University. A native of Richmond, Dr. Crewe was born and raised as an inner city kid attending George Wythe High School. Attending a rough inner city school, the goal for college seemed bleak but with great parents and support system, Dr. Crewe made a successful future a reality.

“I chose pediatrics because I knew I could connect with this vulnerable population,” says Crewe. “I wanted to be the voice for underserved populations and be a sounding board for this major transition in a child’s life.”

The Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU considers adolescents ages 12 to 22 years old. This age group sees a lot of health issues and illness - but most are preventable. Risky behaviors are the main issues adolescents are experiencing. This includes sexual risk behaviors, texting

while driving, unintentional behavior like violence in our communities or homes and finally prominent health issues like undertreated or undiagnosed mental health issues (depression, suicidal thoughts and self-injury).

So how can we as a community connect with our adolescents more to help ease this transition?

“We need to increase community based organizations involvement to expose our adolescents to things they have never experienced before.” comments Crewe. “We have to broaden their possibility scope - if you do not think you will make it, then you will think you are stuck or have unrealistic expectations.”

Supporting clinical services that are developmentally appropriate, culturally attuned - address issues before they blow up and become serious.

“Adolescence is the most phenomenal stage of a human’s life - physically, psychologically, , developmentally, emotionally, socially - no other time in a person’s life is this critical. So, we have to understand the tenets of this change and that equates to the ability to understand what our children are experiencing and how to apply the

health facet to it.” says Crewe.

Crewe also gives some other suggestions of what we can all do to better understand our adolescents:

• Medical practitioners have the opportunity to develop a rapport with their patients at this age - having this relationship can yield better health outcomes in that youth understand that their doctor is there to listen and serve you

• Be a voice of advocacy• Do not assume what youth want or issues they are experiencing • Adolescent health has to be put at the top of the priority list because teens’ lives matter as well• Increase the dialogue - do not only talk at our teens, but also listen• Once we are better listeners, we have to show and prove by our actions• Once we act, we have to have improved follow-up action • Do not be fearful of what your teens will say • Have honesty, be direct and build the trust - if teens do not feel safe and cared for they will not respond• Teens have to see adults as a team - this includes parents, guardians, teachers, doctors, coaches, etc.• If teens see they have a whole team, it is remarkable the changes that will occur - we have to guide them along this path of positivity and hope

“We have to believe in teens’ resiliency, we have to give them kudos, we have to put down the notion that they do not care or they are lost and let them know that! When you say ‘good job’, it boosts their level of self-esteem and confidence.” comments Crewe.

sponsored by VCU HealthJ. Chevonte’ AlexanderHealth News

The Journeys of a Teenager

HEROES WELCOMETHE ALL-NEW OUTPATIENT CHILDREN’S PAVILION

Take a virtual tour of the Children’s Pavilion at chrichmond.org/pavilion


Pay attention! Spring is here and everything is in bloom. We are only a few weeks away from the beginning of the end of the academic year 2016. There will be thousands and thousands of students graduating from high schools, colleges and universities all over the country, but before the robed and exuberant graduates cross those grand and glorious stages nationwide, doctoral and thesis defenses must be made, exams and SOLs taken, and final projects and presentations completed in the race to the finish line. It is that time of year to open the windows and air things out, allowing the fresh pollen in the atmosphere to circulate and ignite the planting and growing season. And yes, we are excited about shaking out the cobwebs from the long winter gone by while we take in some deep breaths of fresh spring time air, but let’s not get distracted, the race is not finished yet.

This is a critical time, when distractions abound and our focus, resolve and persistence can be sidetracked. We can be lured into daydreaming, diverted to extracurricular activities or led down the proverbial “rabbit hole” that takes us away from the goals we have set for ourselves and our intended destination to finish the race we have before us. The last mile is always the longest mile, and in the final months and weeks our goals often seem unattainable. The finish line is oh so close and yet so far away, and that is where so many people lose heart and do not finally cross over that line to get the prize they have so earnestly pursued for so long. Distractions often cause you to take your “eye off the ball” and interrupt your process. Those momentary

stumbles impede your progress and can discourage you in the final months, weeks and days. It is in this time that you must bear down and press toward the finish line with even more focus, commitment and tenacity than ever before because there are so many forces, seen and unseen, attempting to derail your success, to upend your advancement and ability to cross that stage in May or June and get that certificate, diploma or degree. This is an accomplishment, which will open doors and get you to the next level of success with options and hope for the future.

Do not get distracted! In the words of the old civil rights song, “Keep your Eyes on the Prize, Hold on!” You have invested too much time,

energy and resources to give up now or to allow yourself to be derailed by issues or circumstances that are only temporary and not at all connected to the BIG Vision or the goals you have for yourself. There are people in your community and your family depending on you to cross that finish line. Not only

hoping and praying for you to complete what you have started but also, to demonstrate to yourself and others that goals can be met and achievements are possible, even in times

of great turmoil or challenge. Take a deep breath and press towards that finish line…we are waiting to shout, cheer and dance when you have finished your race and gotten that prize. You have so much promise before you and so many people behind you. Don’t get distracted!

Up Next Week: What’s happened to good manners?

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By Dr. TViewPoints

Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. Founder and Artistic Director

The Conciliation Project and Associate Professor Virginia Commonwealth University

[email protected] | www.theconciliationproject.org

Don’t Get Distracted!

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

There are approximately over 40 million native Spanish speakers who reside in the United States. By 2050, the United States will reportedly have the highest Spanish-speaking population in the world. Are you fluent in Spanish?

What’s your take? Should Spanish be a mandatory course in public schools?Check out the story and respond to this week’s poll at TanyaFree.com and the Urban Views Weekly FACEBOOK Page. Listen to the Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show Wednesdays @ 2pm on WCLM1450AM streaming LIVE @ TanyaFree.com and BlackTalkRadioNetwork.com. You can now watch us LIVE at TanyaFree.com and ustream.tv

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“Distractions often cause you to take your “eye off the ball”...


The Deal

It’s true–good health really does save money.

A Towers Watson survey noted that employee wellness programs saved employers an average of $100 in health care costs per worker. So if you’re going to get healthy, do it the smart way and make well-researched spending decisions throughout the year. Here are a few tips at the starting line.

Do a little heavy lifting with your budget first. Whatever your goals, check your overall finances to see what bad health behaviors might be costing you now in terms of immediate everyday costs or long-term impact on medical bills. You might find that a successful fitness plan can return hundreds of dollars–and possibly thousands–to your budget.

Pick a workout you like. If you loved swimming or jogging as a kid, such sports might be a good place to restart your fitness regimen. Restart your fitness habits modestly, but consistently, with activities you like. If they require a facility, test it out for a few days to comparison-shop. If they’re offering specials, read the fine print carefully and try to stay away from long-term membership commitments if you can.

Don’t overlook your community. Check out taxpayer-supported facilities and activities you’re already paying for in your community to see what they offer. Community centers are great resources for inexpensive or free classes. You might be surprised how many free public tennis

courts, swimming facilities and other recreational spaces are available in your city or town. Also take advantage of any regional, state or national parks that are near you. There’s no greater motivation to stay active than getting outside.

Find buddies. You’ve seen them when walking or driving past a park or other locations around town–people who run together, walk together or dance together. Joining a fitness group doesn’t have to cost any money at all; you might make new friends and you’ll hopefully challenge and keep each other motivated.

You don’t need all the latest gear. Unless you need specific clothes or equipment for protection or safety, raid your closet to save on your fitness plan. Keep it cheap and focus on improving your health. Consider setting workout milestones and reward yourself with a new purchase after hitting your goals.

Adjust your commute. If you have access to public transportation, take the bus or train more often–you’ll automatically walk more to and from your destinations. If you do drive, park at the farthest end of the lot to add a short, cost-free workout into your daily schedule.

Prepare your own meals. Working out is important to getting healthy, but eating properly can help you achieve results faster. One of the most effective ways to improve a diet–and save money while doing it–is resolving to prepare more meals at home. Also,

commit to selecting more healthful options whether you are at home or dining out. There are almost limitless resources in libraries and online to learn about quick, healthy food preparation and smart food shopping.

Bottom line: Working out on a budget doesn’t always require added expenses. There are many inexpensive or free options to meet both health and financial goals in your neighborhood, at work and many other places.

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

Working Out on a BudgetBy Nathaniel Sillin

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LIVING A GREENER LIFELiving a greener lifestyle doesn’t have to mean making massive changes, but some tweaks to your routine and a few household upgrades can make a big difference for you and the environment.

HGTV recommends some tips that can serve as a great place to start:

Recycle bathroom waterDevices are available that can allow you to reuse sink water for flushing your toilet. Another option: Keep a bucket by the shower or tub and use it to catch the cold water that comes out before the water hits an optimal temperature. That excess water can then be used outside to water plants and gardens.

CompostA compost bin can be used to turn food and lawn wastes into rich, extremely useful mulch. It can be an excellent way to reduce trash production, and by the next year, you can have rich compost ready for use by the spring planting period.

Fill up the washing machine, dishwasherThis slight change to your cleaning routine can go a long way toward saving water. Make sure to run the dishwasher and clothes washers only when they’re full. Both devices are huge energy and water users, so make sure to only run them with full loads (or adjust the water setting for

smaller loads) whenever possible. Hand-washing dishes also can be very wasteful, so load those dishes directly into an energy-efficient dishwasher instead. Then, run it when it is completely full.

Drive greenerNo, we’re not talking about

getting a new car (though an energy efficient model can be a good investment), but some simple changes to your driving habits can improve fuel efficiency by

up to 25 percent. Drive at or near the speed limit, keep your tires inflated,

make sure oil and air filters are clean, and step on the gas and the brakes carefully. Driving at a normal rate, and braking at a safe speed, can save fuel.

BENEFITS OF RECYCLINGRecycling our paper, plastic and other products obviously benefits the environment, but it’s important to look at the tangible data to see just what kind of difference it really makes.

CardboardRecycling one ton of cardboard

saves 390 kWh of energy, 1.1 barrels (46 gallons) of oil and 6.6 million BTUs of energy. When recycling cardboard, prepare by removing

all other materials in the box, such as plastic wrap, polystyrene peanuts and other packing materials. Then, break down cardboard boxes to save storage space. Try to keep cardboard dry

and free from food waste. Cardboard can get wet and still be recycled, but remember

it is more difficult to carry due to the added weight of the water.

GlassRecycling one ton of glass saves 42 kWh of energy, 0.12 barrels (5 gallons) of oil, 714,286 BTUs of energy, 2 cubic yards of landfill space and the release of 7.5 pounds of air pollutants. Prepare glass containers for recycling by rinsing out with water. Labels on glass containers do not have to be removed because they are removed during the crushing

process and/or burned off during the melting

process. Avoid breaking the glass and mixing broken colors together,

as this may make the glass unacceptable for recycling.

PaperRecycling one ton of paper saves 4,100

kWh of energy, 9 barrels (380 gallons) of

oil, 54 million BTUs of energy, 3.3 cubic yards of

landfill space, the release of 60 pounds of air pollutants, 7,000

gallons of water and 17 trees. Recyclable paper includes magazines and catalogs, telephone books, direct mail, brochures, pamphlets and booklets, in addition to cereal, cake, chip and cracker boxes. Be sure to remove the liner and all food from the box, flatten the box and place flattened box in a paper sack with your junk mail, mixed

6 Urban Views Weekly | April 20, 2016

Have both-a greener bank account and environment

paper, magazines and catalogs. Non-recyclable paper includes

tissue and waxed and carbon paper.

PlasticRecycling one ton of

plastic saves 5,774 kWh energy, 16.3 barrels

(685 gallons) of oil, 98 million BTUs of energy, and 30 cubic yards of landfill space. Remove plastic tops from the plastic containers being recycled and rinse

containers with water. Crushing containers will

help save space while storing them.

AluminumRecycling one ton of aluminum saves 14,000 kWh of energy, 39.6 barrels (1,663 gallons) of oil, 237.6 million BTUs of energy and 10 cubic yards of landfill space.

When preparing to recycle aluminum, Waste Management recommends crushing the cans to save space and washing out the cans to eliminate odor and the chance it might attract bugs.

THE ENERGY EFFICIENT HOMEThough you can buy a brand new home sporting a ton of high-tech energy-efficient accessories, there are affordable

changes you can make to your existing pad to get it closer in line with a “green” lifestyle.

HGTV recommends a few low-cost ways to get started:

Install a high-efficiency shower headCompared to a regular, old-style shower head, a high-efficiency model can save as much as 3,000 gallons of water per person per year. You also can save $50 in energy costs per person per year. These shower heads are specially designed to conserve water while still providing a water flow that matches a traditional head.

Many systems work by dispersing the water more evenly, while still using less water. Sink-aerator attachments are also an inexpensive addition that can save money and water.

Use high-efficiency outdoor, indoor lightsWhen you’re lighting your porch or patio, some minor changes can make a big difference in energy usage. As

HGTV notes, a typical 100-watt floodlight can

consume up to $40 of electricity over the course of a year depending on where you live. One quick

fix: Replace older floodlights with

compact-fluorescent versions. They should be just as bright but will

use one-fourth the amount of energy. Low-wattage halogen landscape bulbs also can be replaced with LED models, which can cut energy use by as much as 80 percent while lasting for 10 or more years. Another way to lower usage is to install

motion sensors on existing lights so they’ll only kick on when you need them. After-market kits can be installed fairly easily on existing lights.

Inside the home, replace older lights with dimmable compact fluorescents. The sticker price is higher than typical bulbs, but they use less energy and are designed to last for years.

Check your water heater settingsIf you’re not up for installing a tankless or solar water heater, you can make a few tweaks to your existing setup. Reduce the temperature of your water

heater to 120 degrees, then wrap it in a

water-heater insulating

blanket and insulate the first 3 to 6 feet of hot and cold water pipes.

7 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Have both-a greener bank account and environmentBy Bernard Freeman


Servings: 1Preparation time: 10 minutes1 single-serve cup diced pickled beets1/2 medium avocado1 small clove garlic, minced2 oval slices whole wheat or whole grain bread (approximately 1/2-by-4-inch slice), toasted4-6 cooked small to medium shrimp shredded basilDrain beet cup. Coarsely mash avocado with garlic. Spread onto one side of each toast slice. Top each with equal amounts of diced beets, shrimp and shredded basil, as desired. Variations:For vegetarian tartine, omit shrimp.Top with crumbled blue cheese, goat cheese, feta, queso fresco or other favorites.Top with toasted walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts.Sprinkle with other herbs or seasoning, such as parsley, chives, smoked paprika, cilantro or minced red onion.

Nutrition information per serving: 350 calories; 15 g protein; 44 g carbohydrate; 13 g total fat; 660 mg sodium; 60 mg cholesterol; 9 g dietary fiber; 3 mg iron; 0.29 mg thiamine; 196 IU vitamin A; 53 mg vitamin C.

SAVOR

Try a Tartine VSU Students Win First Place in “Emerging Business Issues” Competition

Virginia State University Creates the TrojanAdvance Program

An initiative to help impact retention and academic affordability

courtesy Aunt Nellie’s

Tartines are trending in restaurants nationwide, but technically you’ve probably been eating them for years. Originating in France, a tartine is simply a slice of buttered bread, topped with jam or preserves. Tartine toppings have become more imaginative these days, running the gamut from melted Gruyere cheese and prosciutto to ricotta and fresh fruit; even a sunny-side-up egg with a sprinkle of Parmesan and chives. That’s the fun of these trendy, tasty sandwiches, which can also double as appetizers: You can customize them however you like, using your favorite ingredients.

To get started, try this easy Beet, Shrimp and Avocado Tartine recipe. It is a perfect lunch for one, with no cooking involved except for the toaster. Creamy garlic-avocado mash is spread on rustic whole grain toast then topped with sweet, tangy beets and cooked shrimp. Voila. It’s on the table in about 10 minutes. Individual serving cups of diced pickled beets are ready to use and one cup provides just the right amount of beets for the recipe. No peeling, chopping or measuring required.These sandwiches are colorful and appetizing on the plate and satisfying to eat.

Two Virginia State University (VSU) students, from the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business at VSU, won first place in the Emerging Business Issues Competition at the annual Virginia State Leadership Conference for Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) held in Glen Allen, Virginia. Lawrence Fitch, of Petersburg, VA and Jerry Chris Dow, of Norfolk, VA worked as a team in the Emerging Business Issues Competition with the topic Ransomware and the Challenges that Businesses Undertake with Ransomware after Adopting Cloud Computing. Both students are senior Management Information Systems majors. Other university participants included the University of Virginia, George Mason University, James Madison University, Longwood University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Virginia Tech University.

Students also participated in additional competitions such as Business Ethics, Business Sustainability, Business Presentation, Social Media Challenge, Website Design and

Mobile Application Development. Based on the success of this year’s competition, VSU plans to expand its participation in the future. Fitch and Dow will be representing Virginia State University and Virginia PBL at the National Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, competing against teams from the other 49 states. Future Business Leaders of America – Phi Beta Lambda is the largest and oldest business student organization in the world. The organization is designed to prepare students for the business world by linking competitive events and seminars to real world activities.

In an effort to increase and maintain academic enrollment, reduce cost and help students stay on track to graduate, Virginia State University (VSU) president Makola Abdullah has created the TrojanAdvance Program. Beginning summer of 2016, the TrojanAdvance Program provides the opportunity for students to take a three credit course, online at a reduced price of $99.00, with the possibility of reimbursement in the fall. The students will pay $199.00 to take the course. If they receive a letter grade of B or higher, $100.00 will be credited back to their account for the upcoming semester. According to Pres. Abdullah, “With the

price of education at an all-time high, VSU wants to accommodate students with a summer program that helps them financially and academically, while also rewarding good grades.” The program is also open to incoming freshman and transfer students, as well as students from other universities. Non VSU students may participate in the courses for $299.00, but are not eligible for the refund. This cost includes all course material and the e-text associated with the course. For more information or a list of classes offered in the summer session, visit www.vsuonline.vsu.edu/trojanadvance or contact Art Fridrich at [email protected]

Beet, Shrimp and Avocado Tartine

Family Features

From left to right: Dr. Aurelia Nicholas-Donald – PBL Advisor at VSU, Lawrence Fitch, Jerry Chris Dow, and Dr. Emmanuel Omo-jokun – Dean of the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business.

Trojan Update


GPA: 4.0

College of Interest: University of Virginia

Major Community Service: Tutoring

Strong Interests: Law and politics

Favorite Activities: Playing sports and drawing

Dante Allen not only enjoys learning new things, but he likes argumentation, an important piece to being a lawyer. “I think my mental process is much different than anyone else’s, allowing me to think multiple ways about one topic,” Dante wrote in an essay. The competition that comes with being a lawyer is one reason why the job appeals to him. One of Dante’s main reasons for wanting to be a lawyer is his desire to protect peoples’ rights and provide justice. He refers to instances of police brutality with some officers not facing repercussions, and Dante wants to bring families some type of justice.

“These days, so many people fall victim to injustices, and I want to ensure that anyone I represent gets a fair trial, and set a precedent on how legal decisions are made,” Dante stated.

In order to become a lawyer, he plans to continue his education at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. While in high school, Dante has had the chance to meet a lot of great friends and teachers and he feels like he will have the same experience in college. As a pre-law student, two majors Dante may choose are philosophy or journalism. “Journalism, it’s like a way for me to still be aware of social trends and still be active,” Dante said. He hopes this major can also help with note taking, a good skill to have as a lawyer.

Dante currently maintains a 4.0 GPA. He is a member of his school’s National Honor Society and a political awareness club

called “Open and Awake.” “We just try to inform students about politics and what’s going on in the world because a lot of people don’t know at my school, so we just try and enlighten them,” Dante said about the political club. He also volunteers by tutoring younger children. Outside of school, some of his favorite things to do are drawing and playing sports, mostly basketball. He uses art as a way to express his creativity and basketball as a fun way to exercise.

Dante named his parents as his biggest influences. “They know how hard it can be for someone to get by nowadays, and they want my life to be as stress free as possible,” Dante said. He wants to be successful and they drive him toward success. After going through their own experiences, his parents made it clear to him about the dangers of not getting a good education from an early age. Dante’s sister was the first person in his family to graduate college. Her college experience and her career, after graduating, have also motivated him to get his degree.

Dante wants the community to know that he is a really hard working person and he not only thinks about himself, but he wants to think about and do a lot for others as well. While he knows in the future he will win some cases and lose others, he said most of his drive in life comes from knowing someone will challenge him, which will mean life as a lawyer will never get boring.

Scholar of the Week By Janeal Downs

Ashari Harris of John Marshall High School

Scholar0of the Week™

Watch for our Scholar of the Week segment, Wednesdays at 6:30 PM on


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Thousands of children in Virginia and other states are digging into Mother Nature this spring thanks to Project Plant It!, an environmental education program that was created and launched 10 years ago by Dominion Resources. A hallmark of the program is the distribution of a free redbud tree seedling to all children who are registered to participate. The seedlings are shipped to arrive around Arbor Day, which is April 29. This year, for the first time since the program began in 2007, enrollment was open to all grade levels in every state in which Dominion operates. Also, other entities that educate or work with youth could sign up to participate. In 2016, about 50,000 redbud seedlings will be sent to

church groups, elementary schools, Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops, early childhood centers and homeschools across the Commonwealth.

“Project Plant It! is spreading its roots into hundreds of new localities to celebrate this program’s tenth anniversary, which is a very exciting milestone,” said Suyapa

Marquez, Project Plant It! spokesperson for Dominion.

“This program is one of the many ways that Dominion seeks to partner with the communities we serve.” Back in 2007, Richmond Public Schools (RPS) was quick to seize the opportunity for its elementary students when the school system was invited to participate in the pilot program. RPS has remained a strong advocate for Project Plant It! over the

past decade. “The program supports STEM learning both inside and outside the classroom, which offers many lasting educational benefits for our students,” said Dr. Anthony Leonard, executive director of elementary education for Richmond Public Schools. “Children are fascinated by nature and this program nurtures their curiosity with a memorable, hands-on experience that culminates with planting their own tree seedling.”Indira Williams, principal of RPS’s Ginter Park Elementary School, commented, “Project Plant It! has been an important part of our third-grade curriculum each year in the spring. The website is packed with a variety of interactive lesson plans, along with SOL-based games and videos about trees.”Although registrations to receive seedlings closed in mid-February, there are still many opportunities to engage children in Project Plant It! All of the instructional materials – including lesson plans in math, science, language arts and social studies, as well as other teaching tools – can be downloaded at no charge from the website, www.projectplantit.com. Teachers and parents can easily adapt these materials to different grade and age levels. Over the past 10 years, Project Plant It! has distributed a grand total of about 350,000 tree seedlings, representing almost 875 acres of new forest if all of the seedlings are planted and grow to maturity. [Source: Virginia Department of Forestry]

Dominion’s Project Plant It!Celebrating 10 Years of Inspiring Children to Learn About and Plant Trees

Students at Carver Elementary in the City of Richmond enjoy getting their hands dirty by planting redbud tree seedlings with Dominion’s Project Plant It!


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Urban Views Weekly April 20, 2016

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