urban views weekly

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com December 10, 2014 Urban Views Weekly 1

DEC. 10, 2014 Scholar of the Week - Shakera Vaughan

HeadlineBy

2 Urban Views Weekly December 10, 2014 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

THE DEAL

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST ARTICLES AND INFORMATION.

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

VOL.7, ISSUE 49Urban Views Weekly, llc6802 Paragon Place, Suite 410 Richmond, va 23230Office: 804.441.6255 Fax: 888.439.2534

Ervin B. [email protected]

Flora C. ClarkeAdministrative [email protected]

Shelia O. [email protected]

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.

Is it ever too late to plan for retirement? No, as long as you’re willing to be thrifty and extend your working years and be mindful of your individual and employer-based re-

tirement savings options. Building a successful, comfortable retirement depends on a variety of individual factors, includ-ing where you live, how long you plan to work, your health, and your other investments and assets.

The IRS recently announced an update for your options, in-cluding cost-of-living adjustments that will give many taxpay-ers the advantage of putting more away during 2015. Here’s a summary:

Regular contribution limits for 401(k), 403(b), most 457 •plans, and the federal employee Thrift Savings Plan. In-creased from $17,500 (for tax year 2014) to $18,000 (for tax year 2015). The catch-up contribution limit for em-ployees aged 50 in these plans is increased from $5,500 to $6,000. Contribution deadline: Dec. 31.

Annual contribution limits, Individual Retirement Ac-•counts (IRA). For both traditional and Roth IRAs, the an-nual contribution limit is not subject to a cost-of-living adjustment and remains at $5,500. The over-50 catch-up contribution amount is $1,000. There are particular restrictions (http://www.irs.gov/publications/p590/index.html) based on income levels, workplace retire-ment plan coverage among other issues. Contribution deadline: April 15.

Higher 2015 income phase-out levels for traditional IRA •contributions. For singles covered by a workplace retire-ment plan, the 2015 cutoff is now increased to a modi-fiedadjustedgrossincome(AGI)between$61,000and

IRS Pension Update: New Limits for 2015By Jason Alderman

continued on page 11

Call Alan “A.C.” CurtisA “20” Year Car SalesmanIf you have Good Credit

or Bad Credit,“A.C.” can help you

with your next vehicle purchase.

Call “A.C.” today at (804) 398-1131

Sheehy Nissan of Mechanicsville6564 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Need A Car?Doors open 7:30 a.m. We start PROMPTLY at 8:00 a.m.Free Admission for CVAACC members Non-members $20.00Please RSVP via the www.CVAACC.org Event Calendar

We want to have your cup of coffee or juice ready for you.

Network with other African American business owners, managers, and professionals. This is an opportunity for you to introduce yourself and your business to “family”

members who did not know that you existed.Make connections that can grow your business.

Make connections so you can refer others to someone that you just met.

Sponsored by: A.W. Smith Financial Small Business Solutions www.AWSmithFinancial.com

Thursday, December 11, 2014 7:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.

Oyster’s Pearl1401 Roseneath Road Richmond, VA 23230

Free Continental Breakfast courtesy of Oyster’s Pearl

Central Virginia African American Chamber of Commerce


SCHOLAR OF THE WEEK

Scholar0of the Week™

By Janeal Downs

Shakera Vaughanof Open 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!

Regardless of any financial hardships shemay face, ShakeraVaughan is determined to be something. She wants to prove otherswrongandsaidshebelievesyoudefinitelycandoany-thing you put your mind to and are willing to work for. As a cur-rent senior at Open High School, Shakera currently has a 4.56 GPA.“Myunusualhobbiesincludedebatingtopicsatcompleterandom that probably have no relevance to what I was talking aboutinthefirstplace,”Shakerasaid.Thoughshealwayshadan interest in law after taking a government class with a teacher she called amazing and very engaging, she began to grow an interest in government. Shakera has a passion for politics and enjoys keeping up with it by watching the news and CNN.

RecentlyshehadtheopportunitytointernintheGovernor’sof-ficeunderAnneHolton,theSecretaryofEducation.Shesaidthisexperiencemadeherinterestedineducationaswell.“IwanttobeheadofanEducationDepartmentandIknowyouneedtobeknowledgeable of how the government and executed policies work,”shesaid.

By combining her two passions of politics and education, Shak-erasaid“evenifIgooutofstateforcollegeandIgooutofstateto get my master’s, I think ultimately I really do want to come back to Richmond and help out with the education system here.”HercollegeofinterestisCornellUniversityinNewYork.Shakera hopes to go to college to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Politics.ShealsowantstogotoGraduateschooltogetadegreein Public Administration. While in college she said she plans on completing a plentiful amount of internships within multiple different government departments.

Shakera said her entire family wants to see her succeed and are pushingher,becauseshewillbeafirstgenerationcollegestu-

dent.Shesaidthebiggestinfluenceinherlifeisheraunt,whoshecurrentlyliveswith.“Sheinfluencesmetodefinitelywanttodomore,”Shakerasaid.Shesaidherauntalwaysteachesherto do something she is passionate about even if it is something which does not make a lot of money.

Currently, Shakera is involved in numerous organizations; par-ticipates in community service; and also works as a hostess at Applebee’s. She has been active as a class council member, student representative, amember of the Young Adult PoliceCommission, Building Leaders of RVA, Future Leaders Council, UpwardBound,HonorandScholarClub,LeadershipProgram,Debate team, and Key club. Her community service includes work with Project Rousseau, where she served as a mentor to students.ShehasalsoworkedwiththeParksEdgeCommunityCenter. Along with numerous other academic achievements, Shakera was a member of the Softball and Volleyball teams at her former high school.

Shakeraisinterestedinderivativesincalculus.“Peoplelookatme like I’ve grown a third eye once I tell them that sometimes I justdoderivativestopassthetime.”

Shakera said she does not want to go to college because there will be late night parties and ample amount of freedom from parents and guardians, but she wants to fully develop her intel-ligence, strength, and character. She has always tried to get the mostofanyeducationalopportunityofferedtoher.“Iknowthatmy goals are a stretch but I truly do believe I have the determi-nationandavidworkethictofulfillthemall,”Shakerasaid.“It’snot a matter of if they’re going to get done; it’s a matter of when they’regoingtogetaccomplished.”

GPA: 4.56

College of Interest: Cornell University

Major Community Service: Project Rousseau, Future leaders program

Strong Interests: Politics and derivatives in calculus

Favorite Activity: Volleyball, Building leaders of RVACorrection: The grade point average for Jasmine Cousins, our December 3, 2014 Scholar of the Week, was stated to be 4.26; it was actually 4.62. We apologize for the error, and appreciate this opportunity to set the record straight.


Christmas in the communityBy Janeal Downs

The light drizzle and cool weather did not stop hundreds of people from attending the Christmas Parade Saturday afternoon. Many families were asked why they attended the parade and their plans for the Christmas holiday.

Cathe Abel Abel,whoworksatVCU,plans torelaxonChristmasDay.Shesaid inherfamily being with each other for the holidays, especially Thanksgiving, is important.“We’reallaboutfamily,bornandraisedinthemilitary,soinourimmediate family it’s very important. Thanksgiving is even more important; welovetogettogether,fellowshipandeat,”Abelsaid.Nowmostofherfam-ily resides in Richmond. Abel was also with family at the Christmas parade. “Ibroughtmygreatnieces.Theywantedtocome,andsinceIdon’thavechil-dren of my own (they’re my baby brother’s granddaughters) I said I would cometakethembecausetheirmommyhadtowork.”

Charmaine CharityCharity attended the parade to see her cousin who helped carry a balloon and to see the bands perform. She hopes to relax on Christmas day. In her family, Christmas traditions include cooking Christmas din-ner, having family time, and watching kids open presents.

Toni Hunter Hunter and her son decided to attend the parade to get into the Christmas spirit and planned to put up their Christmas tree af-terwards. Hunter said she plans to travel toMichigan forChristmas. “Normally it’sjustfamily.Familyandqualitytime,”Hunt-er said. “Spending timewith each other,catching up on everybody’s to do list, and seeingwhateverybodyisdoing.”Shesaidwhen her family gets together they like to speak about their current goals and aspi-rations. To her, it is important to spend time with the people you love the most and to keep Christ in Christmas.

Ikeisha Taylor and Michael RobinsonBoth Taylor and Robinson said they came to the parade for the children. Taylor said for Christmas it is important for them to celebrate as a family. She said it is important for them “justcoming together and seeing the kids’ smiles on their faces in the morning.”TaylorandRobinsonplantovisitbothoftheirfami-lies’ homes for Christmas day.

continued on page 11Photos by Janeal Downs


VIEWPOINTS

Justice won’t be served until those unaffected are as outraged as those who are. Benjamin Franklin

ThanksgivingtoNewYearsisgenerallyconsideredthe“holi-dayseason”inAmerica.Peopleofdifferentfaithscelebratetheirhighandholyholidays,the“shoppingseason”hasthe

commercial industry geared up and excited, and we end one year as we usher in a new one. It is an extremely busy and hectic time of the year for people, no matter their religious affiliation or beliefs. It is a time when people open their hearts and their wallets to those less fortunate and give to shelters, food banks, charities, and children. Neighborhoods are decorated with lights; wreaths and boughs of holly and businesses large and small are set aglow with decorative lights and holiday festivities, special customer sales, and entice-ments. There is nowhere that you can turn where you do not see vestigesof“holidaycheer.”

This year, there is a peculiar and heart-wrenching canvas on which our holiday season is drawn. A strange and constrained atmosphere surrounds us as we makeour traditionalpreparations for theseason.Millionsofpeopleacross thenationare filling city streets in coordinated nonviolent demonstrations as they march shoulder to shoulder, arm in arm in protest of what they see as the continued injustice and lack of accountability in the mounting cases of unarmed Black men being killed by police with-outconsequenceorcause;casesfromStatenIsland,NewYork,toFerguson,Missouri,toCleveland, Ohio, to Los Angeles, California, to Phoenix, Arizona and so on and so on and so on… Voices fill the space and cut through the night air in collective chords chanting their discontent by shouting #BlackLivesMatter, #NoJusticeNoPeace, #HandsUpDont-Shoot, and #ICantBreathe! The stark and unmistakable comparison must be made to other iconic moments of the 50’s and 60’s in the struggle for civil rights and equal pro-

tection under the law. Thousands of people of all races, beliefs, and vocations came together when the consciousness of the na-tion woke up and stood up together for change.

During the daily accounting of murder, violent attacks and the bitterness of the civil rights struggle in the 1950s and 60’s, non-violent protesters took to the streets, and in the height of their resistance and social disobedience they never gave up…they persevered. The demonstrations were documented through photojournalism and videotape and then released for the en-tire world to see, calling into question both the integrity and the very foundation of “Freedom and Equality” on which theUnitedStatesofAmericawasfounded.Thecitizen-activistsde-manded that their government live up to platitudes of justice and freedom it espoused and the position of moral leadership it wanted to claim in the world. The eyes of the world were watch-ing. Americans were watching nightly in their living rooms, and could no longer ignore the state of inequality and injustice that

defined the distinctly different and desperate experiences that the citizens of this nation, whose skin was not white, lived each and everyday. Americans had to call upon their “betterangels”andworkforequaljusticeforallofitscitizensoritcouldnolongerclaimto be the America it was founded to be. We are better than what our history has been.

Our better angels… “Tis the season”By Dr. T

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

Artistic Director and Founder of The Conciliation Project www.theconciliationproject.organdaProfessorofTheatreatVCU

Up Next Week: Kindness Can Be Catching

Great Day Carpet CleaningRESIDENTIAL • CHURCHES • OFFICES

804-614-5159804-614-5159Mr. MoodyLicensed operator

Deep CleanedCarpet cleaned like new

Upholstery Cleaning

$50/ STANDARD CHARGE(For Expenses)

$10/ Labor per Room

$10 each/ Hall & Stairs Sofa /$25Love Seat /$20Chair /$15


The most wonderful time of the year has arrived. Christmas is around the corner and shoppers are spending considerable amounts of money to pro-

vide their loved ones with the perfect gifts. Not everyone is concernedwith giving though. Unfortunately, there arethieves out there who are only concerned with taking your credit card information and using it to their financial gain. To further complicate matters, these criminals are work-ing behind closed doors. They use customer trust to gain their credit card numbers and steal millions of dollars. It’s a troubling situation, but there are steps that consumers can take to lessen their individual risk.

Last year, holiday shopping was abruptly interrupted when Target announced a ma-jor breach to their credit card security data. During the most profitable weekend of the year, the retail giant’s computer systems were hacked and, according to reports, the credit card numbers of more than 40 million customers were compromised. The thieves obtained the information when customers unknowingly swiped their cards at the point of sale terminals within the stores.

In the months that followed, investigators learned that the responsible parties were selling many of the credit card numbers on the black market. During the same time, consumers learned of security breaches within several other retail stores, including NeimanMarcusand,mostrecently,HomeDepot.Accordingtoreports,thepastyear’smajor retail security breaches resulted in costs totaling more than $200 million.

The breaches spawned investigations by the federal government. In a statement to the SenateJudiciaryCommittee,U.S.AttorneyGeneralEricHolderstated,“TheDepart-mentofJusticetakesseriouslyreportsofanydatabreach,particularlythoseinvolvingpersonally identifiable or financial information, and looks into allegations that are broughttoitsattention.”

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a consumer advisory to provide consumers with information about the prevention and management of credit breaches. Individuals are first advised to monitor their banking and charge accounts. Research shows that most consumers do not thoroughly review their monthly state-ments. This lack of caution allows thieves to make small withdrawals that go without notice. They also use these small transactions to test an account and ensure that it is

active. If their actions go without consequence, they often wait a few months before making larger, more substantial, charges.

Experts also suggest that consumers examine theiraccounts on a frequent basis to identify breaches more expediently. Waiting until the end of the month allows thieves to make substantial charges before the consumer even realizes that the account is breached. The lapse in time can lead to more substantial losses and make criminal investigations less effective.

When problems are found, the CFPB advises consum-ers to immediately report the charges to the bank or credit card company. This is im-portant for a number of reasons. First, the accounts can be closed and card numbers replaced to avoid any additional charges. Second, timely reporting can protect the consumerfromthefinancialresponsibilityofthefraudulentcharges.Generally,feder-al laws prohibit institutions from holding consumers liable for unauthorized charges, but these regulations are only applicable if the customer reports the breach quickly.

Consumers should also document all activities and communications with the bank-ing institution. Credit breaches can lead to larger cases of identity theft. Following the Target breach, investigators learned that various forms of customer identification were also compromised. Thieves often utilize this information to conduct scams and access social security numbers.

While these suggestions are valuable to the management of existing credit breach, many Christmas shoppers are questioning whether it is safe to shop with their credit and debit cards during the holiday season. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ad-vises customers to exercise extra vigilance on their shopping trips. The government agency suggests that consumers:

Shop with credit cards instead of debit cards. When breaches do occur, credit •cards offer more protection against future unauthorized charges.

Watch your back. Though recent breaches were executed with advanced tech-•nologies, there are still numerous lower-tech options for thieves to utilize. Some perpetrators simply peer over customer’s shoulders to gather the numbers on a credit or debit card.

Pay in cash. Consumers with the financial ability to pay in cash should do so. Pay-•ing in cash substantially reduces the likelihood of account breaches.

Useonecreditcard, insteadofmany.Thismakesiteasiertomonitorsuspicious•activity and manage breaches as they occur.

Be careful with the new cell phone payment apps. Before signing up for these •technologies, investigate where your personal information is being stored and what security measures are in place for your protection.

The FTC also offers advice for online shopping, which continues to gain popularity during the holiday shopping season. Consumers are advised as follows:

Ensurethatthesiteislegitimate.Expertssuggestthatcustomerslookforthelet-•ters“https”withinthewebsite’sURLaddress.The“s”ontheenddesignatesthesite as secure. If the site address does not contain these letters, consumers should refrain from entering their credit card information, no matter how good the deal may appear.

Know your seller. Consumers should stick with retailers that they are familiar •with to avoid breaches. Reputable businesses generally include contact numbers and legitimate physical addresses on their websites.

Don’tbefooledbysecurityseals.Manyretailwebsitesdisplaysealsthataresup-•posed to verify the site’s security standards. These seals are easily created and are not necessarily indicative of a truly safe shopping site.

Use anti-virus and firewall software.Whether consumers shopwith their com-•puters, tablets or smart phones, unprotected devices are always at risk of viral infection. The use of anti-virus software can prevent security breaches that can provide thieves with personal and confidential information.

The Christmas season should include a spirit of generosity and giving. But shoppers must protect themselves against security breaches that can have negative financial effects for months to come. By following some simple steps and paying extra atten-tion to their finances, consumers can safeguard their personal information and hard earned assets.

‘Tis the Season for Credit Card BreachesBy Erika Winston

Experts also suggest that consumers ex-amine their accounts on a frequent basis to identify breaches more expediently. Waiting until the end of the month al-lows thieves to make substantial charges before the consumer even realizes that

the account is breached.


The most wonderful time of the year has arrived. Christmas is around the corner and shoppers are spending considerable amounts of money to pro-

vide their loved ones with the perfect gifts. Not everyone is concernedwith giving though. Unfortunately, there arethieves out there who are only concerned with taking your credit card information and using it to their financial gain. To further complicate matters, these criminals are work-ing behind closed doors. They use customer trust to gain their credit card numbers and steal millions of dollars. It’s a troubling situation, but there are steps that consumers can take to lessen their individual risk.

Last year, holiday shopping was abruptly interrupted when Target announced a ma-jor breach to their credit card security data. During the most profitable weekend of the year, the retail giant’s computer systems were hacked and, according to reports, the credit card numbers of more than 40 million customers were compromised. The thieves obtained the information when customers unknowingly swiped their cards at the point of sale terminals within the stores.

In the months that followed, investigators learned that the responsible parties were selling many of the credit card numbers on the black market. During the same time, consumers learned of security breaches within several other retail stores, including NeimanMarcusand,mostrecently,HomeDepot.Accordingtoreports,thepastyear’smajor retail security breaches resulted in costs totaling more than $200 million.

The breaches spawned investigations by the federal government. In a statement to the SenateJudiciaryCommittee,U.S.AttorneyGeneralEricHolderstated,“TheDepart-mentofJusticetakesseriouslyreportsofanydatabreach,particularlythoseinvolvingpersonally identifiable or financial information, and looks into allegations that are broughttoitsattention.”

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a consumer advisory to provide consumers with information about the prevention and management of credit breaches. Individuals are first advised to monitor their banking and charge accounts. Research shows that most consumers do not thoroughly review their monthly state-ments. This lack of caution allows thieves to make small withdrawals that go without notice. They also use these small transactions to test an account and ensure that it is

active. If their actions go without consequence, they often wait a few months before making larger, more substantial, charges.

Experts also suggest that consumers examine theiraccounts on a frequent basis to identify breaches more expediently. Waiting until the end of the month allows thieves to make substantial charges before the consumer even realizes that the account is breached. The lapse in time can lead to more substantial losses and make criminal investigations less effective.

When problems are found, the CFPB advises consum-ers to immediately report the charges to the bank or credit card company. This is im-portant for a number of reasons. First, the accounts can be closed and card numbers replaced to avoid any additional charges. Second, timely reporting can protect the consumerfromthefinancialresponsibilityofthefraudulentcharges.Generally,feder-al laws prohibit institutions from holding consumers liable for unauthorized charges, but these regulations are only applicable if the customer reports the breach quickly.

Consumers should also document all activities and communications with the bank-ing institution. Credit breaches can lead to larger cases of identity theft. Following the Target breach, investigators learned that various forms of customer identification were also compromised. Thieves often utilize this information to conduct scams and access social security numbers.

While these suggestions are valuable to the management of existing credit breach, many Christmas shoppers are questioning whether it is safe to shop with their credit and debit cards during the holiday season. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ad-vises customers to exercise extra vigilance on their shopping trips. The government agency suggests that consumers:

Shop with credit cards instead of debit cards. When breaches do occur, credit •cards offer more protection against future unauthorized charges.

Watch your back. Though recent breaches were executed with advanced tech-•nologies, there are still numerous lower-tech options for thieves to utilize. Some perpetrators simply peer over customer’s shoulders to gather the numbers on a credit or debit card.

Pay in cash. Consumers with the financial ability to pay in cash should do so. Pay-•ing in cash substantially reduces the likelihood of account breaches.

Useonecreditcard, insteadofmany.Thismakesiteasiertomonitorsuspicious•activity and manage breaches as they occur.

Be careful with the new cell phone payment apps. Before signing up for these •technologies, investigate where your personal information is being stored and what security measures are in place for your protection.

The FTC also offers advice for online shopping, which continues to gain popularity during the holiday shopping season. Consumers are advised as follows:

Ensurethatthesiteislegitimate.Expertssuggestthatcustomerslookforthelet-•ters“https”withinthewebsite’sURLaddress.The“s”ontheenddesignatesthesite as secure. If the site address does not contain these letters, consumers should refrain from entering their credit card information, no matter how good the deal may appear.

Know your seller. Consumers should stick with retailers that they are familiar •with to avoid breaches. Reputable businesses generally include contact numbers and legitimate physical addresses on their websites.

Don’tbefooledbysecurityseals.Manyretailwebsitesdisplaysealsthataresup-•posed to verify the site’s security standards. These seals are easily created and are not necessarily indicative of a truly safe shopping site.

Use anti-virus and firewall software.Whether consumers shopwith their com-•puters, tablets or smart phones, unprotected devices are always at risk of viral infection. The use of anti-virus software can prevent security breaches that can provide thieves with personal and confidential information.

The Christmas season should include a spirit of generosity and giving. But shoppers must protect themselves against security breaches that can have negative financial effects for months to come. By following some simple steps and paying extra atten-tion to their finances, consumers can safeguard their personal information and hard earned assets.

‘Tis the Season for Credit Card Breaches

Experts also suggest that consumers ex-amine their accounts on a frequent basis to identify breaches more expediently. Waiting until the end of the month al-lows thieves to make substantial charges before the consumer even realizes that

the account is breached.


Watch Video at UrbanViewsWeekly.com

CIVIC BEAT

Last week, we shared a little of the history of this column. We hope we conveyed why we are committed to these weekly writings, and most importantly our belief in you, our readers. While we have met very few of you in person, we hold you up before us in our minds as we

write. When we have the opportunity to meet you in person we are always delighted. Now and then people come up to us in the grocery store or on the street to let us know they read our column. Oth-ers let us know when we meet in business settings. Now and then we get an email or phone call.

Here’swhowethinkofaswewrite.Wethinkofpeoplewhoarecommittedtononprofitorganiza-tions, those who volunteer, those who provide executive leadership, and those who are charged with fundraising. We think of receptionists and vice presidents, long-term donors and committed alumni. From our experience, we know that some of you are well connected professionals, others are grassroots activists. Some are devoutly religious, others are more secularly focused. We con-jure up the diversity of your life experience, and the diversity of the organizations and causes you believein.Mostly,wesaluteyourhumanity,yourleadership,andyourwillingnesstogetinvolved.We want you to succeed.

That’swhatdrivesustowriteeachweek.You.Aswepreparetocelebrate10yearsofwritingthiscolumn, we look back at its evolution and the diversity of topics we have addressed. We share them withyouheretoencourageyoutolookforpastcolumnsonourblogwww.FUNdraisingGoodTimes.

FUNdraising Good TimesYear End Reflections – Part Two

As you prepare for 2015, there may be columns you missed with content that can help you.

Forexample,earlycolumnsfocusedon“howto”topics.Theseincludedhowtocreateacaseforsupport, how to create a fundraising plan, how to write a proposal, how to solicit a gift, and how to host a friendraiser. We moved into guidance and suggestions related to ensuring special events generate revenue, recruiting board members, and the difference between staff-led fundraising and volunteer-led fundraising. We expanded into interviews with philanthropic leaders, donors, bookkeepers,technologists,andgrantwriters.Guidancegrewtoincludetopicssuchas“answerthephone”and“howtokeepafundraisingjob”and“howtosabotageyourfundraising.”Wehigh-lighted organizations that were successful in their fundraising. The prerequisites for fundraising success have been featured throughout our columns, and, in fact, our book Prerequisites for Fund-raising Success is an outgrowth of this column.

Asyoupreparefor2015,contemplatewhatyouarewillingtodoinsupportofnonprofitsyoube-lievein.Ifyouwouldlikeustoaddressaspecifictopic,letusknow.We’llgetbusywriting.

Copyright2014–MelandPearlShaw

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.

FromTuesday,December16,throughSaturday,December20,2014,MaggieL. Walker National Historic Site will commemorate the 80th anniversary ofMaggieWalker’sdeath. NationalParkServicerangerswillbeoffering

themed house tours throughout the week on a walk-in basis during regular park hours from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tours will begin at the park’s visitor center at 600 N. 2nd St., in Richmond. The tours will focus on the home as the site of Walk-er’s death, her wake, and memorialization. Visitors should allocate approximately one hour for their visit.

Also during the week, the park will be using its Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/MaggieLWalkerNHS)tosharestoriesandquotesfromherclosestfriendsfol-lowing her death.

The beginning and end dates for the week-long commemoration were chosen to includethedatesofherdeathandfuneral.MaggieWalkerpassedawayonDe-cember15,1934atherhomeonLeighStreetinJacksonWardduetocomplicationswith diabetes. She was 70 years old. Her funeral was held at the First African Baptist Church on December19,1934.Followingthefuneral,shewasinterredatEvergreenCemetery.

Nannie Helen Burroughs, one of Walker’s closest and most accomplished friends, sat with the Walk-erfamilyduringthefuneral.UponreturningtohernativeWashington,D.C.,BurroughswrotealettertotheeditorofRichmond’sNewsLeader,reflectingpositivelyonMaggieWalker,herfuneral,the descriptions of Walker in local white newspapers, and the respect shown her deceased friend bypublicofficials,particularlythepoliceforce.

“ThelessonsofherlifeandwhattookplaceinRichmondonWednesdaywillmakeon[e][of]themostthrillingandchallengingchaptersinthehistoryofVirginiaandofourDemocracy,”wroteBur-

roughs.“WhathappenedinyourcityisahappyassurancethatthedaywillcomeinAmerica when those who render real service, regardless of race, (in the language of Emerson)willfindthat‘theworldwillmakeabeatenpathtotheirdoor.’’’

AnationalactivistfortherightsofAfricanAmericansandwomen,MaggieWalkerwas the leader of the Independent Order of St. Luke, an important benevolent asso-ciation,andthefirstAfricanAmericanwomanintheUnitedStatestobecomepresi-dent of a chartered bank. She worked to inspire young people to learn self-discipline, self-help,andselflessness,andgroomedyoungleaderswhoknewtheimportanceofhelping others and their communities.

The commemoration comes six months after the park celebrated the 150th an-niversaryofMaggieWalker’sbirthinJuly1864,thefinalyearoftheAmericanCivil War.

“Thisyear’sjuxtapositionofthetwoanniversaries–MaggieWalker’sbirthandherpassing – provides us with a unique opportunity to highlight her role in the nation’s struggle to ful-fillthepromiseofemancipationthatcamewiththeendoftheCivilWar,”saidparksuperintendentDavidRuth.“VisitorstothesiteduringthisspecialcommemorationoftheanniversaryofherdeathandfuneralwilllearnnotonlyabouttheimpactofMaggieWalker’swork,buthowherpassing80yearsagoaffectedthepeopleinherlife.”

TheMaggieL.WalkerNationalHistoricSitehasbeenaunitoftheNationalParkSystemsince1978.Guidedtoursofherrestoredhome,locatedinhistoricJacksonWard,aregivenbyNa-tional Park rangers. The park visitor center is open Tuesday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional information is available at 804-771-2017, or on the web at www.nps.gov/mawaorwww.Facebook.com/MaggieLWalkerNHS.

NPS to commemorate 80th anniversary of the death and funeral of Maggie L. Walker


Faith Sharon Home Adult Daycare

Providing Professional Care For Your Loved Ones

“We Are Here For You”

Monday-Saturday, 6AM-6PM Programs Delicious

MealsGreat Activities: Movies, Games, Outings, Bible Study, Exercise & Much More!

The Legal325 S. Hill Carter Pkwy.

Presidential II - Suite A & BAshland, VA 23005

Phone: 804-337-6680 or 804-307-0707Email: [email protected]

Call 804.441-6255 Find out what we can do for your business.


Additional Support Provided By

RICHARD S. REYNOLDS FOUNDATION E. RHODES & LEONA B. CARPENTER FOUNDATION

With Major Support From

December 19–28, 2014 Carpenter Theatre • Richmond, VA

TICKETS START AT $20 800-514-3849 OR ETIX.COM

richmondballet.com


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

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

From IRS Pension page 2

$71,000.TheIRSwebsitedetailsothersignificantincreasesandup-dates in phase-out levels for married couples and singles.

Higher 2015 income phase-out levels for Roth IRA contributions. The •IRS website also updates higher phase-out levels for married and singletaxpayersonitswebsite.Formarriedcouplesfilingjointly,the2015 level is now $183,000 to $193,000.

Here’s what you can do if you’re in your 50s and you haven’t yet saved much for retirement:

Getqualifiedfinancialadvice.OrganizationssuchastheAssociation•for Financial Counseling Planning and Education (http://members.afcpe.org/search),CertifiedFinancialPlannerBoardofStandardslistqualifiedfinancialadvisors,andyourstateCPAsocietycansuggesttaxprofessionals in your area.

Budget and downsize. Want to retire? Start living like a retiree while •you’restillworking.Mostexpertsbelievelatestarters(50andover)need to put away at least 10 percent of gross income to start making

headway. Create a realistic budget, trim debt and consider cheaper housing, transportation, and lifestyle options.

Takeadvantageof “catch-up”contribution limits.Retirementsavers•over the age of 50 have the option to put more away not only in tra-ditionalandRothIRAsbutalso401(k)plans–notincludingSIMPLE401(k)s,403(b)plans,SARSEPand457(b)plans(seeAnnualcontri-bution limits, IRAs above).

Keep working…strategically. If you’re lucky, you love your work or are •in a position to change careers to one with better retirement savings options. If so, consult an expert on ways to keep earning and investing effectively.

Bottom line: The government’s cost-of-living adjustments will allow you to save more for retirement in 2015, but don’t wait until then to evaluate your goals to set – or reset – your retirement planning going forward.

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

Lakia Osborne and Crystal SuberAwaiting the Christmas Parade as he sat with Osborne and Suber, whenaskedtheirplansforChristmasdayoneboyexcitedlysaid“I’mgoing tomygrandma’shouse.”Subersaid theyplan togovisitNewJersey for Christmas. When asked what Christmas traditions theyhad, they named opening presents, giving thanks, and drinking egg nog. Osborne said her family also has an annual card tournament for Christmas. In regards to the Christmas parade, Suber said the rain did notkillherjoyandshestillenjoyedseeingSanta,thefloats,andthebands.“It’sallaboutthekids,butI’mabigkidtoo,”Subersaid.

Timothy HortonHorton took his daughter to see the parade. When asked about his plans for Christmas, he playfully asked his daugh-ter what they were doing as she hid her face. “We all gettogetheronChristmasEveandhang out, that’s pretty much it,” he said about Christmasday. He said he plans to visit and spend time with family in Lynchburg.

From Christmas in the Community page 4

Treva Veney Veney awaited the parade under an umbrella like many others. “I’m here so that I can let mydaughterseeallofthefloatsandthings that go by, she’s almost three,” Veney said. For Christ-mas, Veney will stay home and open gifts with family. She said family from out of town, such as Maryland and from other areasof Virginia, is coming to visit. In regards to Christmas traditions, her family usually stays home in the morning to open gifts and has dinner in the evening.


MADE MERRY

Order your platters & trays today

• ONLINE at MartinsFoods.com

• IN-STORE by visiting our Deli department

• PHONE by calling 1-877-265-9811

MartinsFoods.com

urban views weekly

Documents

contribution deadline

annual contribution

regular contribution

catchup contribution

editor urban views weekly

ment plan coverage

tax year

individual retirement