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Apr. 15, 2015 Scholar of the Week – Bryce Tyree Get the facts on protecting one of your most valuable assets

Urban Views Weekly April 15, 2015

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Page 1: Urban Views Weekly April 15, 2015

Apr. 15, 2015 Scholar of the Week – Bryce Tyree

Get the facts on protecting one of your most valuable assets

Page 2: Urban Views Weekly April 15, 2015

2 Urban Views Weekly | April 15, 2015 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

The Deal

Letter ToThe Editor

VOL. 8, ISSUE 15

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

Check out our website for the latest Articles and Information.

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Nickkol Lewis, Art DirectorVisual Appeal, LLC | visualappealstudio.com

By Jason Alderman

Premium food, state-of-the-art veterinary care, and creature comforts most humans would envy are now a regular part of life for many American pets. That’s why prospective pet owners should consider financial planning before bringing home a dog, cat, or other breed of animal.

For those considering purchasing or adopting a pet, do thorough research first about what owning that animal will cost. The wide range of products, services, and advanced medical options for American pets have pushed U.S. pet industry expenditures to almost $60 billion in 2014, nearly double the amount in 2004. With pet ownership tripling since the 1970s according to The Humane Society of the United States, it is no surprise that advanced pet products and services at high price points are making it very easy for many pet owners to overspend.

Prospective pet owners should begin their research with an idea of first-year costs. The ASPCA (https://www.aspca.org) publishes an annual estimate for a variety of pets. Purchase and adoption costs may vary based on breed, so read as much as you can about a specific pet choice. Fortunately, virtually every kind of pet has an online presence, including sites for adoption and rescue. It’s particularly important to research the pet’s behavioral, care and health history, and it might also be worthwhile to find a veterinarian who can offer additional insight about home and medical care.

Keep in mind that average pet costs, not counting additional spending for toys, treats or non-routine veterinary care, can be daunting. For example, the ASPCA currently estimates that a large dog may cost roughly $1,800 in his or her first year and $780 a year afterward. That doesn’t include potential bills for major illness or accident care that might run into the thousands. If that dog lives eight to 10 years, that means spending a minimum of between

$7,260 and $8,820 over a lifetime. Many experts and pet owners are still debating whether it makes sense to buy pet insurance, (http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/petinsurance) and that is an option worth researching as well before a pet is purchased or adopted.

Many homeowners and renters should also check with their insurers for potential pet restrictions that may raise their premiums or risk voiding their coverage. In 2013, the Insurance Information Institute claimed that one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claims came from dog bites alone. Certain types of breeds may be considered higher-risk among some insurers, so before a pet purchase or adoption, prospective pet owners should check their home or rental policies to see how the animal will affect the pricing or availability of coverage.

Finally, certain kinds of pet ownership situations may call for estate planning. Some pet breeds – birds and tortoises among them – may live well in excess of 20 years. If a pet owner becomes disabled or dies, pets at any age may have an uncertain future if there’s no plan in place for guardianship, care, and ongoing financial support. Estate planners have recognized pet trusts as a potential legal solution for this

purpose. Pet owners of advanced age, with disabling illness or living alone might consider leaving such specific instructions for their animals in their will or advance directives.

Bottom line: With the potential costs of veterinary and other forms of care, pet ownership requires its own form of financial planning. It’s important to do thorough research on costs related to specific species and breeds before you buy or adopt.

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

Affording Fido: A Cost Checklist for a New Pet

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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CHEVROLET MALIBU

“Most Dependable Midsize Car” in 2015**

*Malibu with 2.5L engine 25 MPG city. **The Chevrolet Malibu received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among midsize cars in the proprietary J.D. Power 2015 Vehicle Dependability Study.SM Study based on responses from 34,372 original owners of 2012 model -year vehicles after three years of ownership about problems experienced in the past 12 months. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed November –December 2014. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

THE 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU WITH AN EPA-ESTIMATED 36 MPG HIGHWAY.The Chevrolet Malibu offers seamless stop/start technology that can automatically shut off the engine when the car is stopped to increase fuel efficiency.* So by stopping, you’ll be able to keep going and going.

WE’VE GONE TO GREAT LENGTHS TO ENSURE YOU CAN DO THE SAME.

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4 Urban Views Weekly | April 15, 2015 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

A “racial Microaggression” is one of the “everyday insults, indignities and demeaning messages sent to people of color by well-intentioned white people who are unaware of the hidden messages being sent to them,” says Columbia University psychologist Derald Wing Sue, PhD. According to Dr. Sue, “These incidents may appear small, banal and trivial, but we’re beginning to find they assail the mental health of recipients.”

It is difficult for people of color to talk about and it is challenging for white people to accept as true, the common experience for people of color whenever the topic of racism (of any kind) is inserted into the conversation. There is an immediate need to deny the experience or to justify it as a misunderstanding or misinterpretation, placing the onus of “proof ” on the person of color and excusing out-of-hand the aggressor or perpetrator which doubles down on the initial affront. Even though these so-called microagressions are unintentional or unwittingly inflicted, whites become fiercely defensive when confronted because it assaults their self-image of being progressive, moral, decent human beings.

Most well-intentioned whites do not want to embrace the fact that they may, at an unconscious level, have biased thoughts, attitudes and feelings towards people of color. This type of self-imposed denial and oblivion by well-meaning white folks is what has made the most recent national discourse on racial injustice and disparity within the criminal justice system and the systemic dysfunction within our law enforcement agencies nationwide a difficult one. Many whites find the examples such as the documented videotaped shootings, chokings and beatings of unarmed black and brown males “unbelievable” and unfathomable within the United States of America. According to them, “This is NOT the America that I know.” Of course not---but it is the America that millions of others know and have known for centuries and decades. These denials encapsulate the definition of microagression above.

Some more common examples are--- asking a colleague who is of color “How they got the job?”

or assuming that a person of Asian descent must not “originally” be from here so “Where are you really from?” or touching the hair of a Black person while simultaneously asking “Can I touch your hair?” are ALL microagressions and a more passive form of racism. It is extremely harmful and sets back the progress made towards equality and equity each and every time it occurs. These seemingly benign and harmless questions, and/or actions, are toxic to both the target of the aggression and to the perpetrator, as well.

Continuing to deny that our nation is far from being a post-racial society whereby we can all just “be human” is killing us. Silence has never been a viable solution to injustice or pain. It only allows us to live in a society where some of us feel better because of the cosmetic changes that have been

implemented and make us proud of “how far we’ve come”, while others suffer the deadly consequences of deeply imbedded historic racial disparity, inequity and oppression that de-values life based on the color or your skin.

It is important to bring out into the open the harm these encounters can inflict, and to make what is often invisible visible. Microaggressions are powerful because they are invisible. They can ultimately be a matter of life and death if we continue to deny that our actions and attitudes are discriminatory and simultaneously re-enforcing racism as a systemic practice instead actively engaging in the process of tearing it down.

Up Next Week: #BLACKLIVESMATTER

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

Americans have reportedly become significantly less confident in all branches of their government. The image of Congress has sunk so low in the eyes of Americans that it’s moved beyond partisanship, according to recent polls.

What’s Your Take? How would you describe your confidence in government?

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.

ViewPoints By Dr. T

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

Microaggressions Can Kill You…

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Page 5: Urban Views Weekly April 15, 2015

5 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com Urban Views Weekly | April 15, 2015

CarGazing

Malibu gets 4G InternetChevrolet Malibu is a sedan designed for those seeking the complete vehicle package: smart engineering and design, along with all the amenities that make driving fun. For 2015, the latest wireless technologies help make Malibu a better-connected car for those on the go. New OnStar with 4G LTE and standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected. The hotspot is on whenever the car is on and comes with a three-month/three-gigabyte data trial.

Also new for 2015 are four exterior colors: Iridescent Pearl Tricoat, Butte Red, Sable Metallic, and Autumn Bronze Metallic. Malibu is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models. LT models are available in 1LT, 2LT and 3LT trims, and LTZ is available in 1LZ and 2LZ trims.

StyleMalibu carries over the updated styling introduced on the 2014 models, featuring a wide, dual-port grille with chrome surrounds and headlamps that sweep into the front fenders. Exterior colors include Iridescent Pearl Tricoat, Butte Red, Sable Metallic (late availability), Autumn Bronze Metallic (late availability), Atlantis Blue Metallic, Ashen Gray, Summit White, Silver Ice, Champagne Silver and Black Granite.

InteriorInside, Malibu’s cabin was designed to bring an element of sophistication to everyday driving. It features a dual-cockpit design that creates an inviting, roomy and comfortable environment, and includes a convenient and comfortable center console, with dedicated storage for two cell phones and a pair of cup holders.

The interior features chrome-metallic (LS models) or Agathis wood (LT/LTZ models) accents located around the shifter, surrounding the center stack, around the instrument cluster and on doors and the steering wheel. Soft, ice blue ambient lighting reflects off of and complements chrome accents, and ensures even, consistent illumination along the instrument panel and in storage

pockets. There’s also ice blue lighting on the center stack dials, exposed ice blue French contrast stitching, soft-touch and textured surfaces.

PowerMalibu has two powerful and efficient powertrain offerings: the standard 2.5L iVLC (intake valve lift control) with stop/start technology and a 2.0L turbo. The stop/start feature on the 2.5L shuts down the engine in certain driving conditions to reduce fuel consumption. Along with other technologies, including direct injection, variable valve lift control and a six-speed automatic transmission, the 2.5L powertrain contributes to EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 25 mpg in city driving and 36 mpg on the highway.

Call: (804) 441-6255 Find out what we can do for your business.

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Page 6: Urban Views Weekly April 15, 2015

Washing Away WinterThe birds are radiantly chirping as the winter retreats. If your car could chirp, it may have something to say about the condition it’s in.

Winter has finally slowed for many parts of the country, leaving in its wake a hoard of dirty vehicles. And although happy at the sight of melting snow and sunny skies, drivers may be less than pleased to deal with the salt and dirt buildup on their cars from a long battle with winter.

The After-EffectsRoad salt is used to create a lower freezing temperature on road surfaces, which leads to less ice on roadways. It is an effective tool in keeping motorists safe in otherwise austere conditions. And while this salt can save countless lives during snowstorms, it also could shorten the life of your car.

Salt is corrosive and can eat away at the paint of your vehicle. This can lead to rusting problems on the frame and damage the undercarriage. The appearance of white, chalky salt lining the bottom of your car is also visually unappealing and is best removed sooner rather than later.

Car WashIt is imperative to thoroughly wash the undercarriage of your car. This is because salt sucks up the moisture in the humid air of the summer, which could lead to even more problems when the heat comes calling.

Even in chilly springtime conditions, it is good practice to head to your local car wash for regular spray downs. This will help cut down on some of the buildup while keeping your car looking great.

‘Summarize Your Car’The summer heat can be downright damaging to your car’s engine and peripheral systems. What you do about it now -— before the temperatures rise — can make or break your chances of avoiding costly repairs.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence has some advice for drivers this spring who are looking to prepare their

vehicles for the summer heat. Remember that every automobile is different, but there are some basics to follow for ultimate protection.

• Read the owner’s manual and follow the recommended service schedules.

• Obviously, any issue with your cooling system should be checked ahead of the heat. It could need a simple adjustment or perhaps an entire replacement. Either way, you’ll want to have it checked now to be safe.

• Have a certified technician check any issues related to rough idling or stalling. The last thing you want to happen is to be

stuck in the middle of the summer heat with a car that won’t start.

• Flush and refill the cooling system according to your service manual’s

recommendations. Even if it’s not time for a flush, always keep a close eye on the level, condition and concentration of the coolant.

• Have your belts and hoses checked by a qualified

technician for tightness and overall quality.

• Change the oil and oil filter as specified in the owner’s manual.

Always remember to properly dispose of used oil when performing an oil change

yourself.

• Replace worn wiper blades and keep plenty of washer solvent on hand to combat summer’s dust and insects.

• Check the condition of tires, including the spare. Always check tire pressure when the tires are cold.

• Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs.

Tire Care: Tire Depth Issues Thin tire treads create hazardous driving conditions when water builds up on the roadway. It can cause the tire to hydroplane, which is what occurs when the tire rides up on a film of water and loses contact with the road.

Check your tire tread depth with a penny. Insert the penny into the grooves of the tread. If you can see all of Abraham Lincoln’s head, the tire needs to be immediately removed and replaced.

Checking Tire Pressure It is important for drivers to check their car’s tire pressure monthly to prevent uneven tire wear and failure. A new study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that cars with tires underinflated by more than 25 percent are three times more likely to be involved in a crash related to tire problems than a car with proper inflation.

Maximizing Resale ValueThe springtime is perfect for car owners looking to upgrade their ride.

Dealerships are often hot spots for deep discounts on both new and used cars. But don’t forget about sprucing up the one you’ll be trading in. You can get more money out of your current car at transaction time if you make sure it’s up to par. Dealerships use resources like Kelley Blue Book or the National Automobile Dealers Association to calculate the worth of your car

6 Urban Views Weekly | April 15, 2015

Spring Car Care – Protect your investment

Page 7: Urban Views Weekly April 15, 2015

on the used market. Obviously, factors such as age and make of your car are out of your control. Some models have great reputations for holding their value, while others may require expensive parts and extensive labor for repair.

While you may not be able to do much to change these dynamics, what you can impact is your car’s condition. How you maintain your car over the course of ownership can make a big difference in how much money you can expect when the time comes to trade it in.

Cleaning Tips • Carry out a thorough cleaning inside and out every two weeks. This will help keep the interior fabric free of dirt that can fray its color. It also will save your exterior paint finish from being harmed by a buildup of pollutants.

• Fix dings promptly before they turn into rust spots. Just like any other maintenance, the quicker you take care of a small issue, the less likely it is that it will snowball into a massive one.

• Park far away from other cars or shopping carts. This will help you avoid dings or

scratches that can require expensive fixes.

• As much as you can, avoid smoking or eating in your car. Cigarette burns and food stains can drop your car’s value in a hurry because the dealership knows it will have to invest money into repairs to get top-dollar from a buyer.

• Never neglect oil changes, which when done regularly can lengthen the life of your engine.

Caring for Leather SeatsDull spots. Cracked seams. Worn look. This isn’t the condition you anticipated for your car’s leather seats, even after years of wear and tear.

Leather is generally beat up by abrasive dirt buildup, as well as its natural loss of essential oils and UV protection over time. This can especially be the case in warmer temperatures.

So how can you make sure your leather doesn’t lose its luster? The most tried and true methods of care involve simple, regular maintenance aimed at cleansing and moisturizing the leather.

Regular Wipe Downs One of the best ways to retain your leather’s natural beauty and shine is by regularly wiping it down with your favorite cleaner. Leather must be carefully cleaned before it can be thoroughly conditioned.

As leather ages, it loses essential protectants that are ingrained during the manufacturing process. You can add this back with a vinyl cleaner applied with a microfiber applicator pad. The pad works to agitate the leather’s pores, allowing dirt and body oils to rise to the surface, where it can be wiped off.

Your car’s manufacturer likely recommends a specific product that has been tested and determined most effective, so check the owner’s manual for best options.

The Art of WaxingFor car-lovers, there aren’t many things in life more beautiful than a perfect wax job. The shine and gloss are enough to make waxing worth your while, let alone the protection it can afford your car.

The newest types of waxes are synthetic polymer based, helping them provide protection that generally lasts more than three months. This time period obviously depends on if you park your car indoors or in a garage, as well as if it has been exposed to a harsh environment.

Considering a spray wax? These are designed for quick application and are generally less

durable than liquid or paste waxes. Sprays can, however, be used for a boost

between quarterly applications of liquid or paste waxes.

Waxing is not to be confused with polishing, which does not protect your car’s finish. Various glazes and polishes can, however, restore the natural oils your paint

once had.

Waxing Steps • If you want your wax job to hold up,

it’s important that you first fully wash and dry your car. A completely clean and

dry car will take in the wax better than one that isn’t.

• Use small, circular strokes with a microfiber pad.

• Work one section of the car at a time.

• Use one side of the pad to cut through the waxy surface.

• Flip the towel over to the clean side to remove any additional residue.

Use Microfiber Towels For the gentlest option, use microfiber towels for both drying and waxing your car. Unlike other types of towels, microfiber varieties do not mar the finish or create scratches on the surface.

Be sure to care for your microfiber towels according to their washing instructions. Most require special attention, including being washed separately from other laundry.

Most microfibers are recommended to be washed only with hot water and dried on a low-heat setting.

7 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Spring Car Care – Protect your investmentBy Bernard Freeman

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8 Urban Views Weekly | April 15, 2015 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Need a magic cure for nonprofit fundraising blues? Hire fundraising staff. That’s it. Problem solved. Time to get back to what we were focusing on before we “got sidetracked” into all this fundraising. Ah.... if only that were the case.

If you have funds to hire staff, how will you know you are hiring the right person? How will you evaluate this person? Will you know how to manage and coach your new hire? Will you depend on their progress reports to know whether or not they are “doing their job?”

We raise these questions, because we have found many organizations seek to build a fundraising program or increase their fundraising by making a new hire. That can be the right solution, but there are other prerequisites that need to be in place for a fundraising professional to be successful. Alas, making a hire is not the silver bullet!

Earlier columns address things to consider when hiring; they are available online at our blog www.FUNdraisingGoodTimes.com. In this column, we offer five questions to ask during the interview process. A candidate’s responses can provide insights to help you determine who is best qualified to help you meet your fundraising goals.

How do you feel about asking for money? This is really at the core of fundraising. Feelings about money – and people who have money – color many people’s consciousness and can interfere with fundraising. At a basic level, being afraid to ask for a gift means a fundraising professional may hesitate when soliciting. Confusing one’s own economic conditions with those who have more can

cloud a solicitation with an unconscious attitude of, “they have enough, they should just give us some.”

Share with me a professional or volunteer project you started and developed into something meaningful that you are proud of. Please share the challenges you faced, the solutions you proposed, and lessons learned.

How do you want to be evaluated at the end of your first year working with our organization? Answers to this question can provide insights into what is important to a candidate, and how they evaluate their work.

What resources and support do you believe you would need to succeed in this position? Learning a candidate’s expectations can help you prepare to bring him into your organization. You may also learn that you need to be better prepared to work with a professional, or that he has expectations you may not be able to meet.

How would you prepare for this position? This lets candidates know you expect them to prepare: success in a new position is a two-way street. How a person prepares for a new job may also reveal how they prepare for a solicitation or new campaign.

Next week: Five questions for job candidates to ask!

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

Five Thought Provoking Questions to Ask Job Candidates

Civic Beat

Help Wanted:Advertising Sales Rep

Independent ContractorIf you’ve got entrepreneurial spirit and want to succeed; if you know how to prospect, ask for the business and close the sale; if you want to make money now, this may be a great opportunity for you.

Today’s economy is improving but still tight. Business owners want to give their hard earned money to experienced professionals who can help them with online, social media and newspaper advertising.

Urban Views Weekly is looking for a talented professional who can present our printed and digital products to local businesses who are looking to grow their sales.

Selected candidates will be given a very generous commission rate.

Your territory will be the entire greater Richmond area. Your accounts can be small, medium and large. You may also sell advertising agencies.

If you can sell -- we invite you to consider putting your skills to work with us.

Bring your contacts and relationships. We cherish honesty and integrity.

If you have an area of expertise, come and expand your business with us.

Email a cover letter and resume to:[email protected]

ADVERTISE!Your message with Urban Views Weekly.

CALL TODAY! (804) 441-6255 Thursday, April 16, 2015

Kindergarten Registration

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9 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com Urban Views Weekly | April 15, 2015

Simple Tips to Lose Weight and Improve Your HealthWhile a healthy lifestyle can certainly help you get the body you always wanted, the benefits extend well beyond your appearance, say experts.

“Adopting a healthy lifestyle offers more than just weight loss alone; it can also promote your overall health and reduce

your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and even some types of cancer,” says registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson, Ximena Jimenez. “Eating right and staying active is an investment in a high-quality life.”  

Jimenez offers a few ways you can bite into a healthy lifestyle.

• Make Informed Food Choices: A healthy lifestyle is about so much more than just choosing to eat more fruits and vegetables. While this is important, it’s also essential to make informed food choices based on your individual health and nutrient needs. Knowing which nutrients your body needs, the foods that contain them, and how much fits into your healthy eating plan are all part of making smart choices. A registered dietitian nutritionist can educate you and guide your food choices while keeping your tastes and preferences in mind.

• Choose Sensible Snacks: Sensible snacks are a part

of any healthful eating plan. If you choose carefully and plan ahead, snacks can prevent overeating at mealtimes and throughout the day. For children and adults, alike, snacks can supply foods and nutrients that we might miss in meals. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole-grains and low-fat dairy foods.

• Get Plenty of Physical Activity: Daily physical activity is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle, and unfortunately most Americans don’t include enough exercise in their daily routines. Regular physical activity strengthens bones and muscles, reduces the risk of chronic illness, and fosters overall wellbeing.

• Consult an Expert: A registered dietitian nutritionist draws on his or her experience to develop a personalized nutrition plan for individuals of all ages. RDNs are able to separate facts from fads and translate nutritional science into information you can use. An RDN can help you adopt a healthy diet, reach and maintain a healthy weight, and ultimately reduce your risk of chronic disease.

To help, the Academy offers a variety of healthy eating information at www.EatRight.org.

Whatever your motivations may be, don’t wait. Adopt a healthier lifestyle today to look and feel your best.

You’re invitedJoin Virginia Commonwealth University and the East Marshall Street Well Planning Committee

for Community Consultations on The Well, a series of learning and feedback sessions on:

About the project

The East Marshall Street Well Project is a community-focused effort to engage dia-logue about human remains from the 19th century discovered near East Marshall Street.

EMSW.vcu.edu VCU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action university.

April 18 • May 2 • May 16 • May 30 8:30 a.m.-Noon each dayPre-registration encouraged.

Sign up at EMSW.vcu.edu.

Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School Gymnasium

1000 Mosby St., Richmond, Virginia 23223

StatePoint

Page 10: Urban Views Weekly April 15, 2015

10 Urban Views Weekly | April 15, 2015 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Scholar of the Week

In the past when he was going through different struggles at home, running started off as a stress reliever for Bryce Tyree, but soon turned into a hobby and a lifestyle change. “I just really got into it and next thing I know I started losing weight and then I started really enjoying it.” With more practice, Bryce’s talent for running grew and he changed his life to a more pro-health type of lifestyle.

Running not only got Bryce interested in health, but also science. “My ultimate goal is to specialize in gastroenterology and to establish my own practice that would be open to underprivileged families as well as financially stable ones,” Bryce stated in an essay. “This is great significance to the African American community, because a lot of health problems like cardiovascular disease or diabetes stem from poor diet on the part of the individual and/or just lack of information.” His family has a history of diabetes and other different problems. He said these types of issues really concern him and has influenced him to pursue a career in health sciences.

Currently, as a senior at Richmond Community High School, Bryce has a 4.02 GPA. His number one choice for college is University of Richmond where he would major in human biology in the school’s College of Science. If he does not go to the University of Richmond, his next choice is Virginia Commonwealth University. After getting his Bachelor’s degree, Bryce hopes to go to a tier one medical school such as Duke University School of Medicine.

Though college quickly approaches for Bryce, he is still very involved at his school and in the community. This past summer

he worked with FeedMore, an organization that provides meals for students who usually rely on free school lunches and have families who are unable to afford meals during the summer time. He also volunteered with Toys for Tots during the winter and a Richmond 5K. In school he is a member of the National Honor Society, the Appreciation Club, the student government, and is a part of different senior committees. Other activities he has been involved with include a paid internship at CapitalOne, Cyber City, his

school’s Marching Band Drumline, and he also does a lot of volunteer work with his church.

When Bryce is not busy with school and has some free time, along with running and volunteering, he said another one of his favorite activities is to make music. Both he and his best friend are very interested in amateur music production. “What really inspired me to get into music is my uncle who is a piano teacher,” Bryce said. “When I was younger we would always try to get together during the summers and work on

stuff so I’ve always been musically inclined.” Bryce now works with computer based music but is also a drummer and a pianist.

Bryce describes himself as “very causal. I’m a very outgoing guy, I’m very adaptable in different environments, I’m a comical person and I’m a pretty good conversationalist.” He said the person who motivates him the most in life is his grandmother who always keeps him on track and focused on school. He said when he compares himself to other students in the city of Richmond, she always reminds him to not do this and that he has a purpose. “I want to leave a legacy of charitable work and positivity which I’m sure a lot of individual’s purpose in their hearts to do,” Bryce said. “I think that would be best done on the path that I look towards pursuing.”

By Janeal Downs

Bryce Tyree of Richmond Community High School

GPA: 4.02

College of Interest: University of Richmond

Major Community Service: Church events, FeedMore, Toys for Tots

Strong Interests: Music, Long Distance running, Health Sciences

Favorite Activities: Marching Band, Swimming, Community Service

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Page 11: Urban Views Weekly April 15, 2015

11 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com Urban Views Weekly | April 15, 2015

Does your vehicle have dents and dings, scratches and bumps, or even more serious damage?

Anyone who has experienced a car accident knows that it can be a calamitous event. Once you have dealt with any resulting health issues, you will have to contend with damage to your automobile. Whether your car has experienced significant damage or simply a scratch, you will want to find an auto body shop that is trustworthy and dependable.

A good auto body shop will ensure that your car, truck, SUV or minivan is repaired quickly, affordably and correctly. The shop you choose should be able to complete all manner of work, from a minor touch-up to a full-body repair.

Your friends, family and colleagues might have recommendations. After all, auto body shops are an unfortunate, but necessary, part of life for most people. Once you have a list of companies, research each shop on the Internet and read customer reviews.

Testimonials, negative and positive, should be considered. But keep in mind that no business has a 100 percent satisfaction rate. Someone will always be displeased. Also, more people are likely to leave a negative rather than a positive comment.

Once you have created a list of shops, contact them on the phone and ask pertinent questions. How long have they been in business? What are their specialties? How soon can you bring your vehicle in for an inspection?

Ask to set up an appointment for an inspection, which should be free, and further investigate the business. Look around their lobby. Is it clean? Do they have their license and any awards or certificates posted? Do they care enough about their customers to offer reading material, coffee or water?

Consider their prices. Are they comparable to other body shops? While you

want to find that deal, remember, cheaper is not always better. Understand that you will often get what you pay for when it comes to auto body work. Low prices may be tempting, but they typically mean sub-par work, used parts and paint incorrectly applied.

Feel free to ask the manager or owner for references before they work on your car.

You can also check their previous work. When you see a car with paint drips, panels that are misaligned or paints that don’t match, look elsewhere. You will not save money if you need to have the improper work redone.

The shop should inspect your vehicle for repairs that are not readily visible. Oftentimes, there

are hidden damages that cannot be detected until repair work begins on the vehicle.

Finding an auto body shop may not be the most pleasant business because it usually means your vehicle has suffered some kind of damage. But finding the right shop will make the experience much more pleasant and you will be happy with the repairs. Especially if you find the right shop that knows how to repair your vehicle so it looks the same as before, or even better.

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Page 12: Urban Views Weekly April 15, 2015

12 Urban Views Weekly | April 15, 2015 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

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