Urban Views Weekly March 23, 2016

Mar. 23, 2016 Scholar of the Week - Shanella Weatherless

A New President and New Multi-Purpose Building

Signs of a bright future for VSU

2 Urban Views Weekly | March 23, 2016 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

VOL. 9, ISSUE 12

Urban Views Weekly, LLC6802 Paragon Place, Suite 410Richmond, VA 23230Office: (804) 441-6255Fax: (888) 439-2534

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FUNdraising Good Times

Civic Beat

What is the grant management process at your organization?

Grant funds are a major source of revenue for many nonprofits. Grant awards are heralded with public fanfare. Gaining – or losing – a grant can have critical implications. Is the grant management process at your organization as proactive as it could be? Consider these two groups of questions as you review your process.

Deciding to apply Who decides if a funding opportunity should be pursued? Do the chief development officer and chief executive officer know who is submitting proposals or are they surprised after the fact? Are proposals strategically aligned with your institution’s priorities? What is the process for suggesting a grant be pursued? Is it a responsive process, or does it “take forever?” Does

the availability of funding define your organization, or do your defined strategic directions drive your fundraising? Related to this, are your nonprofit’s priorities clearly communicated to all parties? For example, you may have a program manager with great vision, creativity, energy and connections. Should they be “allowed” to pursue funding

opportunities that would grow their program area even if it is not an organizational priority?

When it comes to the work of submitting a competitive proposal, who will define the scope of work, encourage partnership, create

the budget, and provide the required data and research? What if there are budget gaps, or a matching funds

Cover Photo Ervin Clarke

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Letter ToThe Editor

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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“Being able to acquire grant funding can be wonderful in terms of advancing the work of your organization. But, it can also be a “curse” if the funds and the process are not managed correctly.”

3 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com Urban Views Weekly | March 23, 2016

Welcome to Urban Views Health News , 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.

Cardiovascular disease is clearly an important public health problem, with 1 in 3 American adults affected. Evidence shows that the majority of cardiovascular disease is preventable with healthy lifestyles and modifications of risk factors. Physical activity and exercise continue to be recognized as a prevention of cardiovascular disease. In recent years, there has been a strong interest in tai chi exercise for patients with cardiovascular disease, growing increasingly popular in the Western culture since 1970s as a moving meditation.

“Moving meditation is all about the focused use of breath and movement in order to elicit natural relaxation responses.” says Dr. Jo Lynne Robins.

Moving Meditation Techniques and Cool Down from Dr. Jo Lynne Robins

Watch the video at www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Tai Chi originated as one of the best-known martial arts from ancient China. It is characterized by contrasting and complementary movements-slow and soft versus fast and hard. It contains explosive power and low stances. Its essential principles are

based on the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism, which stresses the natural balance in all things and the need for living in spiritual and physical accord with the patterns of nature. The exercise combines gentle physical activity with elements of meditation, body awareness, imagery and attention to breathing.

Dr. Jo Lynne Robins is an Associate Professor for Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Nursing Adult Health and Nursing System. She has studied the use of tai chi as a mindfulness-based moving meditation intervention in a variety of populations, most recently in women with increased cardio metabolic risk.

“There are five elements in tai chi based on the idea of movement,” said Robins. “They are water, fire, earth, air and metal. They represent the ongoing cycle of life and the transformative power of ending one and starting another.”

Tai Chi is generally taught in a series of movements. The single movement of “embrace tiger, return to mountain” incorporates a portion of all five elements. It means that while we may be afraid to deal with a transition or change in our life, we have the power to open our hearts and surround ourselves with love and move through that transition and fear and come to a place of peace.

“Change and transformation can make human beings stressed.” said Robins. “You do not need to know what the tai chi movements mean, but I use the meanings as a strategy to better relate with my patients to engage the mind and body on a more conscious level.”

Reasons to practice tai chi:• Delay aging and prolong life• Improve wellbeing• Improve cardiovascular function• Decrease pain• Decrease fall and fracture risks• Increase flexibility• Strengthen muscles

sponsored by VCU HealthJ. Chevonte’ AlexanderHealth News

Embrace Tiger, Return To MountainLearning Tai Chi to Reduce Heart Disease

valve.vcu.edu

continues to page 5


As the cliché goes, it’s still a man’s world but women continue to tear down the walls and break through the barriers of gender inequality and sexism in pursuit of access and opportunity. As we celebrate the lives and stories of women during National Women’s History Month, there are still so many “firsts” to be recognized and acknowledged. Although we live in a nation that touts freedom and liberty for

“all”, women still do not make equal pay for equal work. The percentage of female CEOs within Fortune 500 office suites is still only 4%. We have a long way to go to achieve equality and equity between the sexes. It is the month of March where we acknowledge the contributions women have made in moving that mark in the struggle for equal rights. So many women have pioneered and promoted equality and women’s rights by the lives that they lived and the barriers they have broken down.

Here are just a few good women for you to consider:

Betty Mae Pat-Tuth-Kee Tiger Jumper was a Seminole woman who worked her entire life to better the livelihood and preserve the traditions of her tribe. She was the first woman to be elected Chief of a federally recognized tribe. Betty Miccosukee, at age14, entered the Indian boarding school in Cherokee, North Carolina speaking only Creek and Miccosukee, but was the first Florida Seminole to learn to read and write

English and graduate from high school. She trained as a nurse and traveled between various reservations, bringing her knowledge of modern medicine with her.

Daisy Gatson Bates was a journalist and Civil Rights activist who facilitated the 1957 integration of

the public schools in Little Rock, Arkansas. As a child, Bates experienced firsthand the poor conditions and discrimination of a segregated school system. She stood up throughout her lifetime to all forms of intimidation and physical violence to champion causes for racial equality. As the editor of a local paper, The Arkansas State Press, Bates refused to censor issues pertaining to the police brutality affecting the Black community causing the newspaper to be boycotted by many white businesses. As president of the Arkansas branch of the NAACP, she led the protest against the Little Rock School Board’s plan for

“gradual integration”. In 1957, Bates worked with the chosen nine African American students, guiding and advising them as they made their attempts to enter Central High School. On September 25, President Dwight Eisenhower sent 1,000 U.S. Army paratroopers to enforce the integration of the school, and Bates and the students were finally able to safely enter.

And finally, Michelle Obama, born Michelle LaVaughn Robinson on January 17, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois. She later became a lawyer, Chicago

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

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• Movements are low-impact and gentle and put minimal stress on your muscles and joints

• The risk of injury is very low• You can do it anywhere, anytime• Anyone can learn the exercise

regardless of physical ability• It requires very little space and

no special clothing or equipment• Very adaptable, you can do

standing or seated in a chair• You do it at your own pace• It’s noncompetitive• Improve overall quality of life

by helping the body relax

Tai Chi is an umbrella of therapies. If you are looking to learn Tai Chi on your own, Dr. Robins suggests Qi Gong. It is a form of Tai Chi and it is generally easier to learn because it’s very short, discreet movements and if people are studying on their own, they can choose particular movements

because of the effects they will have on the physical body. Go out in your community and find a Tai Chi practitioner in your area, or go online and find instructional videos so you can learn basic tai chi principles.

Eastern therapies are very empowering and teach us that there are always things you can do to improve your health. The mind and body are directly connected and if we promote more of a positive psychology where we are aware of the thoughts that do not serve us, this allows us to change those thoughts.

“People with depression have an increased stress level which can cause cardiovascular disease,” commented Robins. “So, I consider Tai Chi as a mindfulness space practice. If we are aware of our thoughts and how our thoughts influence our behaviors, then being aware of that will put people in a better position to change and maintain healthy and positive behaviors.”

Tai Chi from page 3

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6 Urban Views Weekly | March 23, 2016

After representatives from the Virginia State University (VSU) board of visitors, faculty, staff, students and community members formed a search committee to find the university’s next president, Dr. Makola Abdullah was chosen to become VSU’s 14th president. While being president is different from his previous positions, Abdullah is humbled but also determined to protect the legacy of the VSU alumni and students.

“Trojan nation is a special place. The roots at Virginia State University run deep and I think that it’s one of those things you can’t know until you’re here,” Abdullah said. “I think that’s been one of the most exciting things is to see the depth in which people care and people love Virginia State University. That’s exciting.”

Abdullah was announced as the new president in December and officially started February 1, 2016. This was also the beginning of his 100-day plan. The five-piece plan begins with making sure VSU provides a transformative experience for young people.

To Abdullah, VSU has always been about “taking young people from where they are and moving them toward a place of excellence.” The second piece is to strategically invest in the school’s academic program so that the university can meet goals for the state, nation and for the communities the students come from.

Thirdly, he wants to have faculty, staff, students, alumni and others collaborate to tell VSU’s story through social media, no matter how small or large.

One example he gives is of a faculty member who encouraged a student

to get their passport. “That opened up her mind to thinking about traveling abroad and next year she’ll be doing an internship in India; and it started from a faculty member encouraging her to get a passport,” Abdullah said.

Thousands of other stories like this one are happening every day and he encourages faculty to share these types of moments through social media because they showcase the excellence that occurs at the university. Stories like these are what he thinks will encourage students and parents to be more apt to making VSU a college of choice.

The fourth part goes into one of the main reasons why he was attracted to the university, the land grant mission. As an 1890 Land Grant institution, VSU has been able to provide research, extension and education in the fields of agriculture and mechanical arts in military sciences. Initially the land grant mission was meant to provide education for young people who lived in rural areas.

The fifth and last piece is for the school to embrace its role as an “opportunity university” in Virginia. The historical college has “been in the business for over 100 years providing quality and opportunities

for students to go forward with excellence.” Abdullah wants to continue this legacy by spreading both his and the school’s message. “Once you become a part of the Trojan family…and you get a chance to hear the stories of alum, the stories of the students and how much they care about Virginia State, it brings you more joy.”

Currently he’s been making an effort to meet with alumni, the alumni association, faculty, staff, members of the community and students. He has already met with students and enjoys visiting the dining hall just to speak with them. Whether they have tough questions for him or simply want to talk with him about basketball, Abdullah encourages students to interact with him.

“Trojan nation is a special place. The roots at Virginia State University run deep and I think that it’s one of those things you can’t know until you’re here...”

New VSU President speaks on plan for first 100 days at the university

VSU student Keith Granderson talks with President Abdullah Virginia State University

Grand entrance of the Multi-purpose Building Ervin Clarke

One business student and Governor’s Fellow even showed him his entrepreneurship plan which he will present to the Governor’s Council in entrepreneurship. “I think a lot of us, the main reason we work in higher education is because it’s the fountain of youth because students have so much energy and they bring so much to the table,” Abdullah said.

One thing he likes about HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) is that the administration, including him, are accessible for students.

Originally from the south side of Chicago, Abdullah had a “diverse educational experience”. He first attended a predominantly black K-8 school and then he attended Lake View Academy, an elite boarding school outside of Chicago, which was predominantly white.

After graduating, Abdullah went on to attend the historically black college, Howard University. “I needed an HBCU to bring out the best in me,” Abdullah said. “I needed the professors at the institution who cared about me, to do what I did.”

At Howard he was constantly inspired by his professors and when he left to attend Northwestern University in Illinois, after receiving his Masters he became the youngest person to receive a Ph.D. in engineering at the age of 24. If he had never attended Howard, he said this would have never happened.

After receiving his Ph.D., Abdullah went to work for a black-owned engineering firm for two years while teaching physics as an adjunct teacher at Chicago State University. “I always knew that I

wanted to be in higher education so I knew that the work was a temporary stop but teaching adjunct really made me understand that it was something I had to do full time,” Abdullah said. He later accepted a job at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and after living in Florida for almost 20 years, he left for Virginia.

As someone who would describe themselves as very passionate about education and someone who cares about the opportunities education can bring to young people, Dr. Makola Abdullah describes higher education as powerful. “It’s powerful for me, it’s been powerful for my family and I’ve watched how education can transform lives,” Abdullah said. “So I’m very passionate about education.” While he has worked in the field for some time now, his next position is none other than serving as the 14th president of the historically black university, Virginia State University.

7 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

By Janeal Downs

“Trojan nation is a special place. The roots at Virginia State University run deep and I think that it’s one of those things you can’t know until you’re here...”

Dr. Makola Abdullah’s five-piece plan for his first 100 days at VSU

1. Make sure VSU continues to provide a transformative experience for young people.

2. Strategically invest in the school’s academic program so that the university can meet goals for the communities where the students come from, the state and nation.

3. For faculty, staff, students, alumni and others collaborate to tell VSU’s story, mostly through social media no matter how small or large.

4. To continue land grant mission which provides quality education to rural young people in the fields of agriculture and mechanical arts in military science.

5. For the school to embrace its role as an “opportunity university” in Virginia.

New VSU President speaks on plan for first 100 days at the university

VSU student Keith Granderson talks with President Abdullah Virginia State University

Ervin ClarkeMikaili, Ahkinyala, Makola, Sefiyetu The Abdullah Family


The Deal

When you die, will your kids fight over your money?It’s an important question that might be hard to answer now, but parents who devote themselves to estate planning with relevant updates over their lifetime can potentially keep arguments between adult children to a minimum.As of 2013, American retirees are the sixth most generous in the world when it comes to the amount of assets passed on to family, according to a survey by HSBC, the global British bank. The latest survey noted that 56 percent of American retirees planned to leave an inheritance with an average amount of $176,814.How you allocate your estate, no matter what the amount, requires planning and proper communication. Here are a few ways to start.Know where you stand first. If you haven’t updated your estate planning in the last 5-10 years, do so now to fully understand your complete financial picture. Like all personal finance issues, estate planning should be adjusted when significant life changes happen or there is a major

shift in assets, such as when a relative needs help. In short, your estate picture has to reflect current financial realities, so before you decide how to allocate your wealth either before or after you die, seek qualified financial, tax and estate advice.Once you’ve determined distribution, confirm your plan. Managing money and family are usually parallel issues until the topic of estate planning arises. For some families, splitting money, property and possessions more or less equally among adult children is a smooth process. However, when it doesn’t result in the fairest outcome for everyone involved, it can be trickier to navigate. Varying situations for each child might mean that an even split won’t work. Once you are able to determine your assets, start thinking through how you can distribute them.Re-affirm your executor and powers of attorney. Making a will and designating various health, financial and business powers of attorney as applicable are the standard first steps in estate planning. Certain kinds of trusts might also be relevant. Generally it’s good to have documents in place

early in life. As your children get older, it’s a good idea to review those documents and designated leadership.Start communicating. Hollywood has produced many a movie scene with family members sitting nervously in a lawyer’s office waiting for the will to be read. Such moments make for great comedy or drama, but not great modern estate planning. Based on what you hope to leave your family, the state of your relationship with your adult children and whatever weigh-in you get from qualified advisors, it’s usually better to communicate your plans to your children in advance in person and make sure your legal documents confirm exactly what you plan to do.Bottom line: Could your current estate planning eventually put your kids and other family members at odds? Don’t wait – the time to update or start estate planning is right now.Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney.

Keeping the Peace Between Adult Children in Estate PlanningBy Nathaniel Sillin

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Dr. Ben Carson recently endorsed GOP Presidential frontrunner and presumptive nominee Donald Trump and appears to be positioning himself for the VP slot on a Trump ticket.

What’s your take on a Trump/Carson ticket?

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

Dt. T from page 4

city administrator, community-outreach worker and the wife of the first Black President of the United States, Barack Obama. She is the 44th First Lady of the United States, but more importantly, she is the FIRST African American woman to live in the White House as the First Lady of the land. The First Lady’s initiatives have remained community-oriented while in the White House. She worked with 23 fifth graders from a local school in Washington D.C. to plant a 1,100-square-foot garden of fresh vegetables and install beehives on the South Lawn of the White

House. Mrs. Obama has led efforts to fight childhood obesity and remains committed to her health-and-wellness causes. In 2012, she announced a new fitness program for kids, as part of her Let’s Move! initiative. Along with her dedication to our Veterans and their families the FLOTUS is a fashion icon and has effectively elevated the role of first ladies moving forward.

These are but a few GREAT Women to be celebrated during Women’s History Month.

Up Next Week: The FEAR of things to Come

How to Guide

Trimming back trees and removing broken limbs on your property is a smart proactive move. It can save you time and trouble. But this kind of work can be dangerous. The right tree services company can do it safely and effectively. Tree services can help you deal with sick or overgrown trees. They might even be able to save injured trees with pest infestations.Follow these tips to find a qualified, professional tree service in your area:1. Ask friends, family and neighbors. You may know

someone who has used a tree service in the past. They can tell you who does the best work.

2. Contact at least three tree services. Inform them of the situation and request a site inspection. It gives you the opportunity to ask about issues and get a feel for the experience and expertise of each company. Take notes so you can compare your results afterward.

3. Find out how long each company has been in business, their experiences, references and whether they are licensed and insured. Check with the Better Business Bureau for outstanding complaints. Even reliable companies may have a few problems. It is how they resolve the issue that counts.

4. Request estimates. These figures can vary widely. Some companies are better equipped for certain

jobs, so they can offer more competitive pricing. Other companies are slow or may be trying to “fill in” appointment slots with smaller jobs just to keep their crews busy. Don’t choose a company strictly by cost. Tree work is dangerous. Proper equipment, well-trained employees and insurance create high operating costs. It is worth paying more for peace of mind and excellent service.

5. Look at a copy of their insurance policy. Coverage should include personal liability, property damage coverage, workers’ compensation and damaged vehicles or home coverage.

6. Inspect their previous work by looking at their portfolio. Each tree service company has a work style. Verify that it suits your needs. Photos of past work might also be on their website.

7. Get a detailed written estimate of any work to be performed before signing a contract. Responsible companies will provide detailed descriptions, along with the time and cost for your records. This estimate should also offer information about cleanup expectations. Are logs to be cut up or left for firewood? Will the company haul everything away or leave it for you to manage? Will leaves and twigs be raked up or run through a chipper? If they are removing an entire tree, what will happen to the stump?

8. Verify the workers wear property safety gear. They should be wearing helmets at all times. In addition, they should use face shields or protective glasses and steel-toe boots. The person who climbs the tree should have arborist climbing ropes, specialized safety and climbing gear, the proper saddle, helmet and safety glasses. If you find they aren’t wearing safety gear, contact the company to discuss the matter.

How to Choose a Tree Service


GPA: 3.9

College of Interest: University of Virginia or William and Mary

Major Community Service: RVA French Festival, International Food Festival, Richmond Peace Education Center

Strong Interests: French, Different Cultures

Favorite Activities: Community Service at festivals

From an early age, Shanella Weatherless had an interest in traveling, exploring the world and learning about different cultures. Even at 7 years old, she remembers being fascinated by the show, “Rick Steve’s Europe.” In the same year, this interest influenced her to ask for a compass for Christmas. However, to her surprise, she instead received a globe. “I spun it over and over in amazement that there was so much to explore,” Shanella stated in an essay. “I would research in books and online about other countries and how I could be a part of them.”

Her interest in different cultures led Shanella to taking dual enrollment classes during her freshman year of high school. She first started with learning Spanish, but when she transferred from Community High School to Armstrong High School, she decided to try French. “I think everyone wanted to learn Spanish so I just wanted to do something different, so I took French and I ended up loving it,” Shanella said. “I kind of felt a personal connection to the world and I just went crazy with it.” From labeling things in French all over her house, to volunteering at French Festivals, Shanella’s interest grew. Now in her last year of high school, she is in French 4 and has decided to improve her language skills by majoring in French in college.

University of Virginia in Charlottesville and The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg are her two top choices for college. UVA has a French house, which is a dormitory where students who all have interest in French can live in a learning community with other like-minded students. Charlottesville also has an international food market which Shanella would be interested in exploring if she attended the university. With William and Mary, the school’s prestige, global studies department and great study abroad options are what attract her to the university. “I want to study abroad in France, but if it’s too

pricey and I can’t afford to study abroad, I can study abroad in maybe Canada or down in Louisiana,” Shanella said. Some study abroad options she has already looked into are Greenheart International where she would “babysit” someone’s house while teaching English and being taught French. After college, some options she is interested in include programs where she could teach English in a francophone country, the Peace Corps or teaching in the United States.

While she is still in high school, she stays connected to the language and other cultures through one of her favorite activities, volunteering.

The RVA French Festival, the International Food Festival, and the Richmond Peace Education Center are some places she has volunteered with in the past. “Usually I don’t record the hours just because it’s just something I like doing,” Shanella said about volunteering. “I just like going out and having something to do and making people smile.” With these programs she gets to learn and appreciate not just French speaking cultures, but others as well. Once at the Richmond Peace Center she was able to watch an Indian performance honoring Black Lives Matter in a peace dance. “It just really opened my

mind to the world and how we’re all similar but different,” Shanella said. “And how everyone deserves happiness and peace, just that we’re not so different.”

After taking dual enrollment classes, AP classes, honor’s classes, an internship at Capital One and another internship at UPS, Shanella feels as if she has accomplished a lot. Her mother is one of her biggest inspirations because she has always supported Shanella’s dreams. “I just really keep pushing and she’s my inspiration,” Shanella said. With plans to travel, interact with and learn more about other cultures, she continues to work toward her goals. She wants others to know that

“it doesn’t matter where you come from, you can achieve anything as long as you have the drive and the passion.”

Scholar of the Week By Janeal Downs

Shanella Weatherless

of Armstrong High School Scholar0of the Week™


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FUNdraising from page 2

requirement? Who has final approval of the proposal and for resolving related implications? How are these coordinated in a timely manner?

If you are funded Once you receive a grant, who will ensure the program is managed according to the scope of work and budget submitted with the grant? Who has signatory approval on expenditure of funds? What is the communication process between those who implement a grant-funded program and those in “upper-management?” Who is responsible for reporting on grant progress and ensuring the funds are appropriately used? There will be reports to file on time and with accurate information: Is the technology infrastructure in place to meet reporting requirements? Is there coordination across departments? Does the organization have the resources to implement the grant? Without proper management you could end up with

unexpended funds, or with expenditures deemed ineligible under the terms of the grant. If the grant doesn’t cover all the costs associated with the scope of work you could end up with a liability you cannot meet. Will the grant manager be required to fundraise for additional funds?

Finally, at some point in time funding will end. Make sure your process includes identifying replacement funding.

Being able to acquire grant funding can be wonderful in terms of advancing the work of your organization. But, it can also be a “curse” if the funds and the process are not managed correctly. Take the time to review your process and ensure it meets your organization’s needs throughout the life of a grant.

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fast, fresh and easy

POSOLE WITH GREEN CHILES

fast, fresh and easy

martinsfoods.com/savory

helps me EAT WELL

Urban Views Weekly March 23, 2016

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Transcript of Urban Views Weekly March 23, 2016