urban views weekly 7-2-2014

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JULY 2, 2014 Scholar of the Week - Britney Butler

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VOL.7, ISSUE 27Urban Views Weekly, llc6802 Paragon Place, Suite 410 Richmond, va 23230Office: 804.441.6255 Fax: 888.439.2534

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Brittany R. HughesArt Director

LETTER TO THE EDITORIf 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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Claim a Tax Credit for Summer Daycare ExpensesBy Jason Alderman

For harried parents, the defini-tion of true panic is realizing in April that you forgot to en-

roll your kids for summer day camp and now all the slots are filled. Cut to: as the school year ends, you’re feverishly trying to find adequate daycare because neither of you can take time off work to watch the kids.

I know of one such couple; with any luck you’re more organized than they were. In fact, bonus points if you thought ahead and signed up during last fall’s open enrollment for a dependent care flexible spend-ing account (FSA), which allows you to pay for childcare using pretax dollars.

But if you didn’t enroll in an FSA or your employer doesn’t offer them, there’s still a way to get a tax break on your summer daycare expenses (and other dependent care costs throughout the year): the Child and Dependent Care Credit. Here’s how it works:

If you pay someone to care for your young child (or other qualifying depen-dents) so you can work – or look for work – you may be eligible for this tax credit worth up to 35 percent of those expenses. Because it’s the IRS doling out the credit, there are a number of qualifying provisions:

Typically the dependent must be a child in your custody under age • 13.

However, the credit is also available if you paid for the care of your • spouse or other dependent who is physically or mentally incapable of self-care and lives with you more than half the year.

Your tax-filing status must be single, married filing jointly, head of • household or qualifying widow(er) with a dependent. If you’re mar-

ried but filing separately, you generally cannot receive the credit.

You (and your spouse, if married) must be working or seeking em-• ployment when the care was administered. Exceptions are made if one spouse is a full-time student or physically or mentally incapable of self-care.

The payment must be made to a care provider who is not: your spouse; • someone you claim as a dependent; the child’s parent; or your child un-der age 19.

Typical eligible caregivers include: summer day camps (but not over-• night camps); daycare, before-school or afterschool care providers; babysitters or nannies; housekeepers who also provide care for your dependent; and nursing, home-care or other providers who care for a disabled dependent.

You must provide the taxpayer ID number (usually the Social Security • number) of each qualifying dependent on your tax return.

You also must report the name, address and taxpayer ID number (either the • Social Security number or the employer ID number) of the care provider.

Employer-provided dependent care benefits could reduce your credit • amount – for example, company-provided daycare or money you con-tributed to a dependent care FSA.

The maximum amount of expenses that qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit is $3,000 a year for one dependent and $6,000 for two or more. If your adjusted gross income is less than $15,000, you generally can claim a credit for 35 percent of eligible expenses. The percentage gradually decreas-es, the higher your income. It caps out for those earning more than $43,000, who can claim 20 percent.

To learn more about the Child and Dependent Care Credit, see IRS Publica-tion 503 and Chapter 32 of IRS Publication 17 at www.irs.gov.

Bottom line: If you’re paying someone to take care of your kids while you’re at work, make sure you’re taking advantage of the available tax savings.

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

Great Summer Road Trip Activities for KidsStatePoint

While the saying “getting there is half the fun” is a great con-cept in theory, in practice, a road trip can be quite stressful on families. But with a bit of smart packing and preparation,

you can make your long summer road trips and shorter commutes more entertaining for kids.

This summer, be sure to stock your car with some great activities and books.

Science FunScience and fun can go hand-in-hand, especially in the car. Try the mid-

dle-grade adventure series “Nick and Tesla,” which follows the adven-tures of two tween siblings who use their inventions to solve mysteries. The series is co-authored by “Science Bob” Pflugfelder, an award-win-ning elementary school science teacher and regular guest on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” and Steven Hockensmith, a former journalist.

Their latest book, “Nick and Tesla’s Secret Agent Gadget Battle,” features a riveting mystery plot as well as easy-to-follow instructions and dia-grams to recreate the devices the characters use to solve their conun-drums.


SCHOLAR OF THE WEEK

Scholar0of the Week™

By Amir Vera

Britney Butlerof John Marshall High School

1. Have a 3.0 grade point average or better

Participates in extracurricular community service activities

2.

Attends public school in Central Virginia3.

$100.00 Awarded Every Week

Go to UrbanViewsWeekly.com for application and details.

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

Encourage your scholar to apply!

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

For Britney Butler, failure is not an option. The John Mar-shall High School senior said she actually has a fear of failing. “I don’t really know where it came from. It’s just that I don’t want to have to struggle in life. I don’t want to have to need something,” she said. “It’s kind of like a self fear … I have to be all that I can be. I have to be the best I can be.”

Being the best she can be is definitely what she has been doing in order to overcome her fear of failing. Britney has strived to excel at everything in life. She’s in the top five percent of her class and has been involved in her high school softball team and marching band. Britney says that she gets this never-fail attitude from her moth-er, Tina Robinson. “She’s so strong and she doesn’t ever want to give up, so I don’t want to give up.”

Her mother, who suffers from nerve problems that af-fect her neck and back, is unable to work. Britney says this makes it hard on the family sometimes, but even that does not discourage her mother. “She’s emotionally strong, she doesn’t just quit. She doesn’t show that she’s stressing. She stays smiling and tells us not to worry. She stays strong and always has faith,” Britney said. “Looking

at her inspires me because I want to be like her emotion-ally; it makes me want to be a better person.” She also added that seeing her mother struggle makes her want to do better because she does not want to go through the same struggle.

In order to avoid that, Britney will be going to Norfolk State University in the fall with a major in psychology. She chose this major because she grew a strong inter-est for helping people. “I was always helping people and helping them with their problems; that’s when it became a passion. That’s when I was like I want to be a psycholo-gist.” She said the people she often helps are her friends and acquaintances at school who often come to her with their personal problems and seek guidance.

Britney has, so far, been successful in avoiding the fail-ure she fears so much. She has a great role model in her mother. She is doing excellent in school and is now going to a great university. She looks on toward her future at NSU. Britney says she looks forward to being out on her own and proving to herself she can be successful.

GPA: 3.23

College of Interest: Norfolk State University

Major Community Service: Helping to feed the home-less during Thanksgiving

Strong Interests: Helping people, learning, softball, and marching band

Favorite Activity: Marching band and softball


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Jack J. Green 1/16/43 – 6/26/14Publisher, Elected Official, Deacon, Entrepreneur - A Very Good Man

Jack J. Green, founder and publisher of The Richmond Voice and The Hampton Roads Voice newspapers, passed away peacefully

on Thursday, June 26, 2014, according to the newspaper’s website. He succumbed to chronic lung-related illness.

Green, a Nottoway County native, was born Jan. 16, 1943. He re-ceived his formal education in the Nottoway County Public School system, and upon graduating from Luther H. Foster High School, he joined the United States Air Force. While stationed in Germany, he furthered his education at the University of Maryland - European Extension, the U.S. Air Force NCO Leadership School, and the Wall Street Banking School in New York.

Green served one tour of duty in Vietnam before coming back home, where he became active in civil service and in business.

In his endeavor to assist his community in growth and develop-ment over several decades, Green served in several positions. He was a past president of District IV Community Action Program in Hampton, Va.; past president of the Nottoway County Branch NAACP; and District 3 Supervisor in the Not-toway County Board of Supervisors.

Green’s most visible contribution to his community- his people - as he called them, was publication of The VOICE. He started the paper in 1985 to become a voice to the black community, which he dearly loved. Over time, The VOICE became The Richmond Voice with the launch of The Hampton Roads Voice seven years later. With Green’s blessing, on July 2, 2014, The Richmond Voice and The Hampton Roads Voice will once again become The VOICE.

Green was married to the late Ruby Adams Green for more than 40 years. They were the proud parents of two sons and one daughter, and the grandparents of two grandsons.

Green is survived by his daughter, Jackie Green-August; grandsons, Stephen and August; loving siblings; doting nieces, including Erica Jackson; and a cadre of other relatives and friends.

Funeral plans have been announced on The Voice website and include a public viewing for Wednesday, July 2 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at W.

E.Hawkes & Son Funeral Home, 504 East St., Blackstone, VA 23824.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 3, 2014 at 12:30 p.m. at the Nottoway High School.

Green will lie in state at the school, two hours prior to the services. Following the fu-neral, Green will be laid to rest at the private Adams Cemetery in Nottoway County.

IN MEMORIAM


become less and less attractive due to the consequenc-es of truth telling. People have become so comfortable with “mixed messages” and double-speak that the ac-tual integrity of the TRUTH has become disruptive to their comfort zones. The strategy then becomes to say and do whatever you need to in order to accomplish your goal, but season it with just enough of the truth (but not too much) to make it palatable to the average person. This ideology permeates our educational insti-tutions, political systems, social organizations, econom-ics, government, and even religious institutions.

Two-faced people cannot be trusted. If someone calls their self a “friend” of yours and is in the presence of others who are running you down while saying noth-ing, that person is not your friend. It is not that folks are talking about you that’s bothersome. Some folks have

nothing better to do with their time. It’s not even important what they’re saying. No. What’s important is what your “so-called friend” says in your absence. Can they stand in the face of false or dubious statements and speak the un-comfortable truth? There are consequences to standing for something. If one’s personal integrity and that of the friendship are in doubt, there is no question but to STAND UP for the friend and the friendship. The cost when assert-ing one’s personal integrity is worth the sacrifice. We all need to make what we say be the example of what we DO.

VIEWPOINTS

Say what you mean and mean what you say! These days we seem to encourage people to perfect a lack of personal integrity and ability to use double-talk

in their dealings, whether private or public. The idiom “speaks with forked tongue” means to say one thing and mean another; to be hypocritical and/or act in a duplici-tous manner. It’s historically been attributed to the native proverb that the “white man spoke with forked tongue”, which originated from the French negotiating tactics in the 1690s when they invited the Iroquois Nation to at-tend a Peace Conference and subsequently slaughtered, captured or enslaved them instead. The truth is they lied in order to conquer and bring under submission the great and mighty Iroquois Nation and accomplish their con-quest of lands and treasure. Other Europeans followed the established model throughout the centuries fighting one another to claim and establish what we now know as the United States of America.

Leap forward over millennia, centuries and decades of wars, battles and skirmishes, the mo-dus operandi in our nation claims as its cornerstone to do and say whatever you must in or-der to get what you want. There is a long history of double-speak throughout our nation’s de-velopment not only in politics but also within business, civic, social and religious institutions to this day. No wonder our young people are confused! Personal ethics and unquestioned integrity are rarely celebrated attributes. Instead ethics become “situational” and integrity takes a back seat to the glitz and glamour of fame and the influence of money and power.

It is cliché’ to say “action speaks louder than words” but it is also true. If you say one thing and do another, then you have invalidated your words and effectively disqualified yourself as someone to be believed or trusted. This is a daily occurrence in the society in which we live, work, and raise our families. The examples of speaking the truth to power or to the powerful

Two-Faced PeopleBy Dr. T

Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. [email protected]

Artistic Director and Founder of The Conciliation Project www.theconciliationproject.org and a Professor of Theatre at VCU

Up Next Week: The Goodman, Chaney and Schwerner Legacy

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It’s time to commemorate the nation’s birthday, and Richmond, Virginia was recently given top honors as the best city for fourth of July celebrations. A new report from WalletHub.com compared the100 largest U.S. cit-

ies on 14 different metrics. Weather and hotel prices were among the considerations, along with food choices and recreational activities. All things considered, Richmond emerged as the leader in Independence Day fun. So, if you are still planning your July fourth festivities, consider some of the many enjoyable options in and around your hometown.

Enjoying the FireworksWhat’s Fourth of July without an amazing display of pyrotechnics lighting up the night-time sky? Richmond and the surrounding counties offer you several displays to top off your day of food, fun, and patriotism.

Fireworks on the James is an annual Brown’s Island celebration, sponsored by Domin-ion and MeadWestvaco. The festivities start at 7:30 p.m. with plenty of food and activi-ties. Along with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, the Latin Ballet of Virginia will also provide an entertaining performance. The event is taking place on July 3rd and the fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. They can also be seen from several downtown locations, if you want to avoid the crowds.

Genworth Financial is also celebrating a day early, with an Independence Day Festival on July 3rd. Located at the company’s world headquarters on West Broad Street, there are giveaways and plenty of food on the menu. Entertainment for the kids includes balloons, games, and face painting. Music for the event is provided by the heritage of America Band and the fireworks begin at dusk.

If you’re out in Chesterfield County, the county fairgrounds open at 5:00 p.m. on July 4th for an evening of celebration. Admission is free and the scheduled activities in-clude music, food, and a variety of fun activities for the kids. You can stay to watch the fireworks at dusk. Though admission is free, parking is limited. County officials advise that roads leading to the fairgrounds will close once the lots are full, so make sure you get there early.

Dogwood Dell Park is another location for festivities within Richmond City. The events begin at 5:30 on July 4th. Music is provided by Larry Robinson, and the Carillon Bells, as well as the Richmond Concert Band. The fireworks begin at dusk and admission is free.

How About a Day TripIf you’re in the mood for a short car trip, Independence Day can be found in several directions. The nation’s capital offers events on the National Mall. The activities begin with the Independence Day parade. It starts at 11:45 a.m., but get there early to claim your spot along the route, which is on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Streets. At the conclusion of the parade, head over to the National Mall. Everyone must enter through a checkpoint, so be prepared to have those coolers and bags searched. Among the many family-oriented activities, this year the Smithsonian Folklife Festival is taking place on the fourth. Music and dance performances, along with cooking dem-onstrations and crafts, are offered throughout the day. Admission is free.

Your evening on the National Mall starts with the Capital Fourth Concert, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra and a lineup of popular singers. This year’s roster includes the incredible Patti La Belle and the smooth sounds of Michael McDonald. Then, top off the day with an amazing display of fireworks decorating the sky over the Washington Monument.

A trip east on Interstate 64 will land you at Busch Gardens, which is celebrating the nation’s birthday with patriotic park activities from July 3rd through the 5th. Starting at 9:30 each night, the park will light up with fireworks. On July 4th, you can indulge in an all-you-can-eat picnic, complete with fried chicken, hot dogs, mac-and-cheese, and corn-on-the-cob. There’s even cake and ice cream for dessert. Tickets for the feast must be ordered in advance through the park’s website. Adults eat for $29, while the kids’ tickets are $17 each.

Maybe you prefer a trip to the mountains. Blacksburg offers an entire day of festivi-ties, starting with a parade through downtown at 2 p.m. The fun continues at Munici-pal Park. Starting at 6:00, residents and guests are welcome to enjoy patriotic themed events, including performances by the Blacksburg Community Band. The day culmi-nates in a fireworks show, starting at 9:30 p.m.

There’s Plenty of Local FunDon’t think you must head out of town for entertainment. You can stay in the area and enjoy the number one ranked city for July 4th celebrations!

The Richmond Squirrels are hosting the Fightin Phils in a double header on July 4th and 5th. There will be special Independence Day treats throughout the day, including a picnic buffet. A fireworks display is the perfect ending to each game. Head out to the Diamond to celebrate America’s birthday with America’s favorite pastime.

The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is hosting an All-American Celebration on July 4th. Visitors are encouraged to come out in their patriotic colors. The park offers plenty of activities for the kids, including water play and a guest parade, so bring your wagons and strollers. The staff will even help you decorate them. The festivities start at 1:00 and end at 5:00, so there is still time to get to your favorite fireworks spot. The park is located on Lakeside Avenue and admission is free.

For a relaxing, historical commemoration, why not take the “I Know Richmond” bus tour? Starting from the Valentine Richmond History Center at 10 a.m. on the fourth, the three hour tour explores the rich history of Richmond. The James River, Jackson Ward, and Monument Avenue are all part of this informational adventure through the city’s past. Reservations are required and tickets are $20-$25. Call (804) 649-0711 ext. 301 for details.

Last, but certainly not least, how about a day of excitement and thrills at Kings Domin-ion? Release your inner child, while making your kids very happy with their choice of coasters, water fun, shows, and games. July 4th and 5th are Military Days, with free admission to active, inactive and retired military personnel. Fireworks happen nightly at 9:45 p.m., but the show is extended by 15 minutes on Independence Day.

With an extensive collection of activities, it’s no wonder Richmond ranked number one in July 4th celebrations. Whether you choose to stay in and fire up the grill, or venture out to celebrate with your neighbors, just remember to be safe, responsible, and enjoy!

Richmond Named Best City to Celebrate the FourthBy: Erika Winston


It’s time to commemorate the nation’s birthday, and Richmond, Virginia was recently given top honors as the best city for fourth of July celebrations. A new report from WalletHub.com compared the100 largest U.S. cit-

ies on 14 different metrics. Weather and hotel prices were among the considerations, along with food choices and recreational activities. All things considered, Richmond emerged as the leader in Independence Day fun. So, if you are still planning your July fourth festivities, consider some of the many enjoyable options in and around your hometown.

Enjoying the FireworksWhat’s Fourth of July without an amazing display of pyrotechnics lighting up the night-time sky? Richmond and the surrounding counties offer you several displays to top off your day of food, fun, and patriotism.

Fireworks on the James is an annual Brown’s Island celebration, sponsored by Domin-ion and MeadWestvaco. The festivities start at 7:30 p.m. with plenty of food and activi-ties. Along with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, the Latin Ballet of Virginia will also provide an entertaining performance. The event is taking place on July 3rd and the fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. They can also be seen from several downtown locations, if you want to avoid the crowds.

Genworth Financial is also celebrating a day early, with an Independence Day Festival on July 3rd. Located at the company’s world headquarters on West Broad Street, there are giveaways and plenty of food on the menu. Entertainment for the kids includes balloons, games, and face painting. Music for the event is provided by the heritage of America Band and the fireworks begin at dusk.

If you’re out in Chesterfield County, the county fairgrounds open at 5:00 p.m. on July 4th for an evening of celebration. Admission is free and the scheduled activities in-clude music, food, and a variety of fun activities for the kids. You can stay to watch the fireworks at dusk. Though admission is free, parking is limited. County officials advise that roads leading to the fairgrounds will close once the lots are full, so make sure you get there early.

Dogwood Dell Park is another location for festivities within Richmond City. The events begin at 5:30 on July 4th. Music is provided by Larry Robinson, and the Carillon Bells, as well as the Richmond Concert Band. The fireworks begin at dusk and admission is free.

How About a Day TripIf you’re in the mood for a short car trip, Independence Day can be found in several directions. The nation’s capital offers events on the National Mall. The activities begin with the Independence Day parade. It starts at 11:45 a.m., but get there early to claim your spot along the route, which is on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Streets. At the conclusion of the parade, head over to the National Mall. Everyone must enter through a checkpoint, so be prepared to have those coolers and bags searched. Among the many family-oriented activities, this year the Smithsonian Folklife Festival is taking place on the fourth. Music and dance performances, along with cooking dem-onstrations and crafts, are offered throughout the day. Admission is free.

Your evening on the National Mall starts with the Capital Fourth Concert, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra and a lineup of popular singers. This year’s roster includes the incredible Patti La Belle and the smooth sounds of Michael McDonald. Then, top off the day with an amazing display of fireworks decorating the sky over the Washington Monument.

A trip east on Interstate 64 will land you at Busch Gardens, which is celebrating the nation’s birthday with patriotic park activities from July 3rd through the 5th. Starting at 9:30 each night, the park will light up with fireworks. On July 4th, you can indulge in an all-you-can-eat picnic, complete with fried chicken, hot dogs, mac-and-cheese, and corn-on-the-cob. There’s even cake and ice cream for dessert. Tickets for the feast must be ordered in advance through the park’s website. Adults eat for $29, while the kids’ tickets are $17 each.

Maybe you prefer a trip to the mountains. Blacksburg offers an entire day of festivi-ties, starting with a parade through downtown at 2 p.m. The fun continues at Munici-pal Park. Starting at 6:00, residents and guests are welcome to enjoy patriotic themed events, including performances by the Blacksburg Community Band. The day culmi-nates in a fireworks show, starting at 9:30 p.m.

There’s Plenty of Local FunDon’t think you must head out of town for entertainment. You can stay in the area and enjoy the number one ranked city for July 4th celebrations!

The Richmond Squirrels are hosting the Fightin Phils in a double header on July 4th and 5th. There will be special Independence Day treats throughout the day, including a picnic buffet. A fireworks display is the perfect ending to each game. Head out to the Diamond to celebrate America’s birthday with America’s favorite pastime.

The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is hosting an All-American Celebration on July 4th. Visitors are encouraged to come out in their patriotic colors. The park offers plenty of activities for the kids, including water play and a guest parade, so bring your wagons and strollers. The staff will even help you decorate them. The festivities start at 1:00 and end at 5:00, so there is still time to get to your favorite fireworks spot. The park is located on Lakeside Avenue and admission is free.

For a relaxing, historical commemoration, why not take the “I Know Richmond” bus tour? Starting from the Valentine Richmond History Center at 10 a.m. on the fourth, the three hour tour explores the rich history of Richmond. The James River, Jackson Ward, and Monument Avenue are all part of this informational adventure through the city’s past. Reservations are required and tickets are $20-$25. Call (804) 649-0711 ext. 301 for details.

Last, but certainly not least, how about a day of excitement and thrills at Kings Domin-ion? Release your inner child, while making your kids very happy with their choice of coasters, water fun, shows, and games. July 4th and 5th are Military Days, with free admission to active, inactive and retired military personnel. Fireworks happen nightly at 9:45 p.m., but the show is extended by 15 minutes on Independence Day.

With an extensive collection of activities, it’s no wonder Richmond ranked number one in July 4th celebrations. Whether you choose to stay in and fire up the grill, or venture out to celebrate with your neighbors, just remember to be safe, responsible, and enjoy!

Richmond Named Best City to Celebrate the Fourth


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By Amir Vera

CIVIC BEAT

Securing $58 million for a senior housing project is not easy. Cathy Davis, executive director of Bay-

view Hunters Point Multipurpose Senior Services, Inc. (BHPMSS) in San Francisco, CA speaks eloquently about compromise and engaging with the political system. “Everything will not go your way, and you have to be willing to compromise. Politi-cal connections are important for public partnerships that involve governmental assistance.”

It’s all about relationships. “Partner-ships are long-term relationships that de-velop over time. They are with agencies, not with personnel of any of the partners because individuals change jobs,” she ad-vised. You must get everything in writing, so when individuals leave, the commit-ments remain. For example, due to his passing, we lost our executive director in the middle of the process. Our agency remained committed and I was selected as the new executive director. Having worked hand-in-hand with Dr. Davis, my husband, I knew what was required. When personnel changes, you enroll the next person on the importance of the project and the previous promises made.”

In Davis’ experience, the partnership begins at the top. “The executive director needs to be-gin the conversation and enroll others in why the partnership is needed and who will benefit. Dr. Davis decided on the vision and then found people who would help. He bypassed people who said it wouldn’t work and went to those who supported the idea. You find the help you need by following through on leads and making friends along the way. Political allies need to be cultivated and connected to your agency’s mission. The more we put it out there, the more opportunities came our way. It was important to us as a community-based organiza-

tion that we solicit the partners we wanted to work with. We interviewed our develop-ment partners and ensured that we were considered their partner, not their charity.”

Regarding board involvement, Davis speaks from experience. “Board members have to be willing to accept greater scrutiny and more responsibility for understanding the legal implications of the partnership(s). There are many changing parts, so board members have to be willing to utilize legal consultants and move forward at critical stages. They need to increase fundraising capacity and promote the agency.”

We closed our interview with lessons learned. “Don’t quit until the miracle hap-pens! Many times along the way, it did not seem that it would happen,” Davis recalled. “Never lose sight of why the partnership ex-

ists in the first place. There are people depending on you to come through. At some point the project becomes bigger than you and bigger than your agency. It takes a strong partner-ship with the community to make a big project happen. Insert yourself and ask questions. It is important not to sell out your principles for the easy way or for money that has too many strings attached. You have to believe it will happen before it happens. When all else fails, your faith and passion for the mission will carry you through.”

Learn more about BHPMSS at http://bhpmss.org/

Copyright 2014 – Mel and Pearl Shaw

Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your campaign visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

FUNdraising Good TimesCompromise, relationships, and faithPart one of a three-part series on private/public partnerships

With this action-packed book in your arsenal, kids won’t even realize when you’re stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic! Information about the series can be found at www.NickandTesla.com.

A Novel IdeaThere is no better way to kill time than with one of the oldest forms of entertainment -- a novel. Teens can check out “Hollow City,” the sequel to the 2011 best seller, “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.”

A mix of fantasy and vintage photography, this book aims to mesmerize young read-ers into a state of perpetual road trip complacency. For more information, visit www.quirkbooks.com/hollowcity.

Fun and GamesTake Tic Tac Toe to the next level with “Tic Tac Tome.” No apps, batteries or touch screens are required to enjoy this addictive “book that will beat you in tic-tac-toe.”

Created by Willy Yonkers, the lead industrial designer at ThinkGeek, Inc., it features more than 1400 pages, hundreds of draws and losses, and only one way for a reader to win each game. Take this one along for a guaranteed distraction from the boredom of endless highway. Visit www.quirkbooks.com/book/tic-tac-tome to learn more.

When it comes to road tripping, don’t leave home without a comprehensive toolkit. Drinks and snacks will keep bellies full, but brain food in the form of books and activities is a great solution to put the brakes on that age old question -- “are we there yet?”

From Road Trip Activities page 2


Go to www.CVAACC.org for the full listing of chamber members.

Do business with a CVAACC member.

EmploymentGENERAL EMPLOYMENT

Timmons Group - Timmons Group is hiring aConstruction Materials Tech. Interested applicantsapply online.www.timmons.com/careers/current-openings.

Woodworker - Fast paced mfg facility located inPowhatan. Canidates must have expereience withALL woodworking machniery. Full time withbenefits.804-598-5579/ [email protected]

STORAGE MANAGERS40 hr & PT. Sales, collections. Light maintenance.

Send resume to: [email protected] have driver’s lic.

Senior Accountant - Printing and Packaging com-pany seeking Senior Accountant with an Account-ing degree and at least 3-5 years of manufactuirngexperience. [email protected]

Tow Truck Driver - FT; Exp, BTRO Lic, and GoodDriving Record Req. Avg Pay $700 wkKelly 804-652-5469

VPFW Flexi/PRN Mammo Tech - Mon-Fri. Must beARRT certified and hold a Va state license. Pleasesubmit all resumes [email protected].

Bookkeeper - PT for Church - G/L, A/R, A/P, Pay-roll, ACS exp. beneficial, office [email protected]

VOICE COACH WANTED 804-638-4488

Community Fitness Engagement SpecialistDo you have a passion for an active lifestyle? Are you motivated by

making a difference in your community? Are you career-minded, but cannot stand the thought of sitting behind a desk all day? If this sounds

like you, and you have at least a bachelor’s degree and three to five years of experience working in the community,

then we would like to hear from you.

The Sports Backers, a nationally acclaimed non-profit community fit-ness advocacy organization, seeks a full time Community Fitness En-gagement Specialist with energy and a passion for health and wellness. This individual will step out into the most underserved areas of Rich-mond and start fitness related programs at schools, community centers, churches and other public gathering places for youth and adults. A self-starter that will knock on doors and build trust in the community makes for the ideal candidate.

The Community Fitness Engagement Specialist will work in area Title 1 schools getting Kids Run RVA programs set up at these schools. While some relationships already exist, it will be essential that the ideal can-didate take charge and hire the needed part time staff and manage the volunteers to keep the programs running throughout the year. A special emphasis will be placed on encouraging participation in fall and spring youth running races and programs.

The Community Fitness Engagement Specialist position requires an ex-cellent communicator who must be able to easily interact with individu-als and organizations at times that are most convenient to them. The ideal applicant should be passionate about fitness and feel comfortable working in the most underserved neighborhoods in the Richmond re-gion.

The Community Fitness Engagement Specialist must be detail orient-ed and able to communicate effectively in person, on the phone and through e-mails. Although not required, preference will be given to candidates with experience as a fitness instructor or as a coach. Once hired, the Community Fitness Engagement Specialist should be willing to become a certified fitness instructor.

This is a fulltime position and reports to the Director of Active RVA, with a salary commensurate with experience. A bachelor’s degree or higher is preferred. Candidates should have 3-5 years of experience working in the community. Please send a cover letter, resume and list of references by July 15 to the attention of Townley Goldsmith-Ray at Metropolitan Richmond Sports Backers, 100 Avenue of Champions, Suite 300, Rich-mond, VA 23230 or [email protected].

Many Hospitality Positions AvailableThe Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Richmond (located in the historic Miller & Rhoads building) is now seeking dynamic and highly motivated hospitality professionals for immediate open positions at our hotel. We are looking for A-List players only. All positions require previous expe-rience; hospitality experience is strongly preferred also. All positions require service minded team players with personable, enthusiastic and outgoing personalities. Positions listed below include both full-time and part-time:

-Guest Room Attendants (PT/FT)-House/Lobby Attendants (FT)-Housekeeping Supervisor (FT)

-PM Restaurant Servers (PT)-AM Restaurant Buspersons (PT)

-Room Service Server (PT)-Banquet Server/Set-Up (PT/FT)

-Line Cook (FT)-Steward (FT)

-Front Desk Supervisor (FT)-Bell Attendant/Driver (FT)-Guest Service Agent (FT)-Night Auditor/GSA (FT)

-Chief Engineer (FT)-Maintenance Engineer (PT)

Due to the nature of the hotel being open 365 days per year (24/7) and a variety of start times for events, etc., all candidates must be flexible to work varying schedules to accommodate the business needs of the hotel. All candidates MUST be available to work both during the week as well as on weekends/holidays and there is no guarantee of a “set” work schedule. If you are an A-list player, someone who is a team player with a person-able, enthusiastic and outgoing personality and a passion for hospitali-ty, then we invite you to apply online at www.hrilodging.com. Once you are on our websites home page, please follow the instructions below to apply for any of our available positions:1. Click on the “Careers” link in the top right corner of the homepage.2. Scroll down to the Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Downtown for a list-ing of available positions.3. Click on the link for the position you are interested in applying for.4. Follow the instructions for completing the on-line application.Once your application is received, it will be reviewed and if you meet the qualifications for the position, you will be contacted for an inter-view. Applications/resumes without the skills, experience and qualifi-cations required will not be considered. No phone calls please.We offer many benefits for full time employees such as medical, den-tal, life insurance, 401K, paid time off, discounted hotel stays and more! Compensation: TBD - based on experiencePre-employment drug test and background check are required as a condition for employment. Credit checks may also be required for some positions.

EOE/AA


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