urban views weekly may 6, 2015

May 6, 2015 Scholar of the Week – Ze’nya Butler

Be a Stroke Hero

2 Urban Views Weekly | May 6, 2015 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Letter ToThe Editor

VOL. 8, ISSUE 18

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NEW LOCATION The DealBy Jason Alderman

A sudden storm, a missed connection, or a family emergency can turn a hard-earned vacation or important business trip into a big disappointment. Travel insurance can save the day, but picking the right coverage requires research, cost comparison and, above all, reading the fine print.

A quick online search can make it easy to identify and price highly rated travel insurance carriers. But personal circumstances and coverage should be examined thoroughly before any trip reservations are made.

First, travelers should evaluate their own life, home, auto, and health insurance coverage. It is wise to call personal insurance agents to discuss the future trip and its accommodations and activities. The idea is to see where personal coverage ends and where additional travel insurance might be beneficial.

Some travelers, for example, might be surprised to know that their homeowners’ policy actually offers liability coverage for out-of-state or foreign trips, and their health insurance might offer full or partial evacuation insurance. Credit card companies may offer additional protection. List specific risks and circumstances surrounding the trip to discuss with insurers to determine whether additional travel coverage might be necessary.

For business trips, employees should repeat this process with their benefits or human resources

departments. Employers who regularly do business in risky areas where crime, geopolitical conflict, or rough weather are common may have specific systems in place for these issues. But it is important to know how extensive an employer’s protections might be to determine whether you’ll need additional coverage.

Travel insurance covers these main risks: trip cancellation and/or trip interruption, baggage loss, medical and/or dental, pre-existing (medical) conditions, and evacuation (medical or otherwise).

It is difficult to cite average premiums for trips, because every trip and traveler is different. Coverage for short domestic trips, with basic coverage for cancellation or lost baggage, might cost some money; comprehensive coverage for a major world excursion may go well into the hundreds.

Travel companies like airlines and cruise lines sell various forms of trip insurance, but it might be wise to buy directly from an actual insurance company in the travel insurance business, better known as a “third-party” carrier. While travel insurance sold by travel companies might be adequate, they generally cannot match the quality of coverage or customer service that a full-time insurance provider can.

Before you buy travel coverage, it is particularly important to know what the policy’s exclusion clause says. That section of the travel

A Guide to Travel Insurance

continues on page 8

3 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com Urban Views Weekly | May 6, 2015

U P Y O U R H E A LT H

Power to End Stroke Jazz Night May 14, 2015 · 5:30—8:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Trinity Family Life Center 3601 Dill Road | Richmond, VA 23222

Join us for this FREE event Stroke educa�on & workshops Dinner & live jazz music by J. “Plunky” Branch To RSVP visit www.rvajazznight.org or call (804) 965‐6517

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Fear, distrust and the primal need to survive are by far the overwhelming reasons to run when you are in fear for your life. The public discourse as of late has been focused squarely on The POLICE and the over-policing of communities of color, specifically Black communities. When interrogating this phenomenon, we cannot overlook the historic legacy of Black people and The Police in the United States. That legacy begins with enslaved African people, millions of them; it continues with documented slave codes that had both commonality and uniqueness within the various states.

Further, there is a continuum established in the relationship of Black people and the law under the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act. Now, we think to ourselves that was a long time ago before the abolishment of slavery. Yes, and we are talking about legacy and the way Black bodies have been framed by that legacy in the U.S, especially whereas law enforcement and policing is concerned.

We are interrogating current police culture and practice; political accountability; application of, and obedience to, the rule of law in stops and arrests; and the dilemma of law and order in a free society. Current institutional practice in policing and the disproportionality within the criminal justice system, whereas Black communities are concerned, have their origins in the slave codes and the Fugitive Slave Act.

Here a few things that are still very much a part of current practice. All you need to do is replace certain terms and/or names with more contemporary ones and you will see the correlations to recent events:

• If any slave resist his master...correcting such slave, and shall happen to be killed in such correction...the master shall be free of all punishment...as if such accident never happened.

• A slave was not permitted to keep a gun. If caught carrying a gun, the slave received 39 lashes and forfeited the gun.

• Blacks were held incompetent as witnesses in legal cases involving whites.

• The education of slaves was prohibited.

• Slaves could not assemble without a white person present.

• Any slave found guilty of arson, rape of a white woman, or conspiracy to rebel was put to death.

• Since the slave woman was chattel, a white man who raped her was guilty only of a trespass on the master’s property. Rape was common on the plantation, and very few cases were ever reported.

Justice in America is still firmly rooted in inequality. The Criminal Justice System uses a different standard, rubric and conclusion when policing, detaining, arresting, charging, setting bail, sentencing and incarcerating Black people in this country. There has been a collective amnesia and an intentional oblivion to the documented realities that Black folks deal with when interfacing with The Police and the Criminal Justice System. There is a pathological need to deny how our nation’s historic treatment of its citizens of color, specifically its Black citizens, has brought us to where we are today. Because, to do so would require a reckoning of this nation’s depraved and horrific past and the traumatic affect that the institution of chattel slavery still maintains over all of its citizenry, Black and white alike. The humanity, ethics and integrity issues for law enforcement will continue to compel people to Run for their Lives. “Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”---Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Up Next Week: Three Black Women: Super (S) heroes for Justice

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

Americans remain most likely to say they are “spending less money,” rather than “spending the same amount” or “spending more money” according to a recent poll. Americans, who are spending less, continue to say it’s their “New Normal”. What’s Your Take? Is spending less the New Normal for you?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

Why Do We Run From The Police?

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Debbie Johnston, Virginia’s Adoption Champion, CEO of Care Advantage, Inc., and an adoptee herself, has welcomed the challenge of securing loving homes for all of Virginia’s children. Since being appointed Adoption Champion by Governor Terry McAuliffe in August of 2014, Johnston strives to spread stronger awareness about

the dire need for foster and adoptive families in the state.

To celebrate May as National Foster Care Month, Johnston is proud to introduce Connecting Hearts – The Deborah J Johnston Foundation. The purpose of Connecting Hearts (CH) is to ensure

every child has the opportunity for a loving home. CH makes the commitment to thoroughly address support needs across the state by connecting the work of established foster & adoption non-profits, agencies and organizations. CH pledges to continue the commitment to children by providing education, awareness and advocacy. It will work to enhance public understanding and create positive attitudes about adoption and foster care.

For National Foster Care Month, Johnston asks individuals, organizations, and communities to support a child in foster care in any way they can. This month draws public attention to the year-round needs of hundreds of Virginia children who are not living at

home because their families are unable to care for them. Children who need foster families have been removed from their birth family by no fault of their own, for reasons of neglect, abuse, abandonment or other risks of endangerment.

With guidance and support from caring adults, youth in foster care are capable of realizing their fullest potential. Foster parenting is an important and rewarding opportunity that helps shape brighter futures. Johnston wishes to extend a request for support of foster care to every member of the commonwealth. Some ways to engage in this work are to simply talk about the need for foster parents, identify potential foster or adoptive families, volunteer at local organizations, or foster a child yourself.

Johnston has been featured on ABC’s Secret Millionaire, owns a successful multi-million dollar home-healthcare company, and has been recognized for numerous awards in the community for her philanthropy. Still, she credits her success to her loving Virginia family of eight who adopted her and gave her the basic human right: a family. “This initiative is extremely close to my heart, and I will work tirelessly in my position as Adoption Champion to find homes for our Commonwealth’s exceptional foster children,” said Johnston.

To learn about Connecting Hearts or how to help, contact Executive Director Ericca Facetti at [email protected]. Get updates at www.facebook.com/ConnectingHeartsVA. To find out more about fostering a child visit Virginia Department of Social Services at www.dss.virginia.gov. For more information about Debbie Johnston, head to www.DebbieJohnston.com. Follow her plans, ideas and inspiration at www.facebook.com/DebbieJohnstonRN.

Virginia’s Adoption Champion Celebrates National Foster Care Month by Introducing Connecting Hearts

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Woman saved by F.A.S.T. response to strokeA Patient Story

The foreshadowing couldn’t have been more obvious if it was scripted.

During lunch with her friend at a restaurant, Julie Voigt said, “I’m really lucky that I didn’t have a stroke. My family has a real, real history of it, with my aunt…”

Just then her words slurred and she leaned to one side, unable to hold herself up. Julie’s luck had run out.

Immediately 9-1-1 was called and she was rushed to a hospital where she was administered a clot-busting drug, but the drug didn’t fully work. The clot was still there, so her doctor used a clot retrieval device.

Quick recognition of Julie’s stroke signs and a speedy 9-1-1 call, combined with lightning-fast EMS response and hospital staff expertise, saved her life and enabled a full recovery.

The American Stroke Association’s Together to End Stroke initiative, nationally sponsored by Medtronic, teaches the acronym F.A.S.T. to help people recognize a stroke and respond:

Additional stroke signs include: Sudden severe headache with no known cause; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; or sudden confusion or trouble understanding.

Together to End Stroke offers a free “Spot a Stroke F.A.S.T.” mobile app for iOS and Android, which includes the warning signs and a searchable map to find local hospitals recognized for heart and stroke care.

How a former President joined my stroke support networkBy Mark McEwen

May is American Stroke Month.

We talk about stroke all year, but really focus on it in May, thanks to a presidential proclamation first signed by President George Herbert Walker Bush in 1989.

I first interviewed the 41st President at his Bonefish Tournament, an event that raised

thousands of dollars for various charities. This was in 2000, long before stroke was an important part of my life.

We talked four times over the years, one being shortly after the 9/11 attacks. We were back at the tournament, but current events couldn’t be ignored. He had been president during Desert Storm and now his son was at the helm.

With national cameras rolling, I asked, “When you see the same names in the news, the same towns, the same countries, do you have any regrets?”

I’d never seen a president get red in the face or angry. I saw both.

I always tell people to forget that the camera is there. We both did and had what is known as a “spirited conversation.” Afterwards, he shook my hand, hard.

I regretted my question the entire trip home. That evening, I received a fax from President Bush requesting a copy of our interview for his presidential library. Apparently, people he listened to had seen the interview and liked it, which helped change his mind. I happily sent it to him with a lightened heart.

Years later, he gave me an unexpected gift: the gift of support.

I had left the network and gone to Orlando to anchor for WKMG when I had my stroke. After months of rehabilitation, my friend Harry Smith, anchor for “The Early Show,” came to interview me. After the show aired, my cell phone rang. It was President George H. W. Bush.

He had seen the interview and told me how well he thought I was coming along. It meant so much

6 Urban Views Weekly | May 6, 2015

CELEBRATING STROKE HEROESProgress Report: Stroke Death Rate Drops

Face Drooping: Does one side of the facedroop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.

Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb?Ask the person to raise both arms. Does onearm drift downward?

Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred, are theyunable to speak, or are they hard to understand?

Time to call 9-1-1: If the person shows any of thesesymptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.

More information: StrokeAssociation.orgSources: National Center for Health Statistics, American Stroke Association

Speed to stroke treatment is crucial tosaving lives and reducing disability.

911

We're celebrating progress but stroke is still a concern.

2010Stroke reported

as No. 3cause of death

2011Stroke reported


NOWStroke reported as

No. 5 cause of death

*A goal of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association is to decrease stroke death by 20 percent by 2020. Percentages reflect progress to goal.

Black or AfricanAmerican

-20.2%

WhiteHispanicor Latino

-16.1%-17.3%*

© 2015 American Heart Association. DS-9046 3/15

A new online network makes finding a supportive ear or

crowdsourcing a question as easy as opening a web browser. The

American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Support

Network is free and available 24/7 at StrokeAssociation.org/

supportnetwork.

Finding support after stroke

Stroke heroes are ready

to spot stroke signs and

call 9-1-1 at a moment’s

notice. They may have the

power to make a life-and-

death difference. Or the

difference between a full

recovery and permanent

disability. You can be a

stroke hero, too.

AND THE PEOPLE THEY SAVE

to me, especially then. It made me want to run, not walk, to rehab.

When you have a stroke, your support network plays a starring role in your recovery. Everyone’s network looks a little different. For the lucky few, a former president might even make the list.

I later learned 41 was responsible for proclaiming the first National Stroke Awareness Month, now commonly known as American Stroke Month, and it warmed my heart.

There was a time that stroke was in the shadows. We’ve brought it into the light over the decades. We must continue this important work. I challenge you to become a stroke hero. Know the warning signs, be prepared to spot a stroke F.A.S.T. and call 9-1-1 at the very first sign. For more information, visit StrokeAssociation.org.

Mark McEwen worked for many years in a variety of high profile journalism positions, including anchoring “CBS This Morning” and serving as weather and entertainment reporter for “The Early Show.” He was a correspondent for “48 Hours” and continues to work in television today. He tweets at @McEwenMark and blogs at iammarkmcewen.blogspot.com

Stroke death rate down, but work remainsBy Joseph Broderick, M.D.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new building, everyone looks up and marvels at the shiny structure.

The reality is, this overnight sensation was years in the making. It took time to draw up the plans, raise the money and then to actually build it, from the framework to screwing in every lightbulb.

A comparison can be made to the downward trend of stroke deaths. After generations of efforts, stroke dropped to the No. 5 leading cause of death in the U.S.

For those of us who’ve devoted our careers to battling this disease, this news is incredibly exciting. The best part? We know we can still do better.

We know we can prevent even more strokes.

We know we can effectively treat stroke, improving the quality of life for survivors.

We also know we can’t do it alone.

Preventing stroke

As a society, we need to reduce risk factors. Systems changes such as anti-smoking laws and getting food companies to reduce sodium in their products are important steps. People also need to make changes in their own lives, and their doctors need to treat their underlying conditions.

Let’s use a new analogy: a car.The best way to make it last is by taking care of it. Routine maintenance is important. So is fixing things when they go wrong. Following this formula can help a car make it past 100,000 miles without major problems. Eventually a car’s age will catch up to it, but by then, it can have traveled a lot of miles.

Like the hoses and belts of a car, a person’s blood vessels wear out over time. Yet, the less strain and the better care you provide, the better they can be when they age. There’s an accumulative effect of risk factors over time. So everyone should take stroke risk factors seriously.

Treating stroke

We also need to improve awareness of the stroke warning signs. More people need to recognize more quickly when someone is having a stroke. This is critical because we know that when treatment is delayed, brain is lost.

Here’s a “F.A.S.T.” way to remember stroke warning signs. If you see (F)ace drooping, (A)rm weakness or (S)peech difficulty, it’s (T)ime to call 9-1-1.

Every second counts when someone is having a stroke. The sooner treatment begins, the more likely a patient is to have a good outcome and the less likely they are to die from a stroke.

And we do have effective treatments such as tPA and devices to open up occluded blood vessels and medications and devices to fix ruptured brain aneurysms and blood vessels.

Beating stroke

The next layer in our progress against this disease is improving recovery by finding more and better ways to help people who have substantial brain injury from stroke.

I often say the future of stroke research is how we can enhance stroke recovery. Many people fear the consequences of living with stroke more than dying from a stroke—the loss of a career, the inability to drive, needing others to provide basic daily care for you. The physical and emotional cost is incalculable; the financial burden is rough, too.

So, to me, the news about stroke dropping to the No. 5 cause of death in the U.S. is exciting, yet not quite worthy of a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

It feels more like halfway point in construction.

What we’ve done so far looks great—it’s

a demonstration that success is possible.

But there’s still more work to be done

by all of us.

Joseph Broderick, M.D. is director of the University of Cincinnati Neuroscience Institute and chair of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Stroke Council.

7 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

CELEBRATING STROKE HEROESProgress Report: Stroke Death Rate Drops

Face Drooping: Does one side of the facedroop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.

Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb?Ask the person to raise both arms. Does onearm drift downward?

Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred, are theyunable to speak, or are they hard to understand?

Time to call 9-1-1: If the person shows any of thesesymptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.

More information: StrokeAssociation.orgSources: National Center for Health Statistics, American Stroke Association

Speed to stroke treatment is crucial tosaving lives and reducing disability.

911

We're celebrating progress but stroke is still a concern.

2010Stroke reported


2011Stroke reported


NOWStroke reported as

No. 5 cause of death

*A goal of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association is to decrease stroke death by 20 percent by 2020. Percentages reflect progress to goal.

Black or AfricanAmerican

-20.2%

WhiteHispanicor Latino

-16.1%-17.3%*

© 2015 American Heart Association. DS-9046 3/15

Stroke heroes are ready

to spot stroke signs and

call 9-1-1 at a moment’s

notice. They may have the

power to make a life-and-

death difference. Or the

difference between a full

recovery and permanent

disability. You can be a

stroke hero, too. Want to BE a STROKE hero?Ace the quiz at StrokeAssociation.org and prove you can spot a stroke F.A.S.T.

AND THE PEOPLE THEY SAVE


Part two of a two-part series

It’s that time of year – basketball every night! The games get better and better. Fans are loyal, excited and stressed. People on the east coast stay up way too late. Everyone is wearing their team’s logo. The playoffs are on! If you’re a fundraising fanatic, you are inspired as you imagine your fundraising team performing with the precision of your favorite basketball team.

In the NBA, the coach develops a game plan. In fundraising, it’s the fundraising plan, strategic plan, business plan – or a combination of these – that serve as the game plan.

Before each crucial game, NBA coaches scout their opponent. In fundraising, you prepare by researching potential donors. What are their interests and philanthropic priorities? Their current - or prior - relationship to your organization? Don’t take your team onto the court unprepared!

Good coaching is key to both the NBA and fundraising. Basketball teams have a head coach: in fundraising, coaching can come from consultants or the chief development person.

Great teams have loyal fan bases that are with them whether they are up or down. These fans believe in the team, their talents, resources and ability to prevail. With fundraising, there is a constituency that believes in your case. They feel you have all the elements to succeed, or that you are getting there. As in basketball, good fundraising teams feed off the energy. The community gives to your campaign, introduces new donors, and encourages you to be successful.

Basketball teams reward their fans with fan appreciation gifts and events. You need to do the same. It’s called stewardship.

Good teams practice, practice and practice. Good fundraising programs are always educating, training, and orienting their leadership, staff and volunteers. They consistently communicate, sharing an easy-to-understand message and clear examples of impact. They don’t take anything for granted.

Basketball teams are big on stats: the number of points, how they compare with the competition or prior years. Same in fundraising. It’s time to get big on data: use it to compare your activities and results. Review it closely, make adjustments to your strategies and tactics, and increase the odds of meeting your goal.

Let’s talk about recruiting. NBA teams have scouts out on grade school courts - or so it seems. What about your organization? What is your recruiting strategy? Where will your talent come from? You need more than one superstar: you need a winning team. How are you cultivating your next fundraising hires, your new board members, and advisors? And don’t stop at scouting: winning teams keep their top talent. You know what that means: time to invest in building and reinforcing your current talent and helping them to be the best they can.

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

Fundraising and basketball

Civic Beat

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From The Deal: page 2

insurance policy indicates particular activities or circumstances that will prevent the payment of a claim.

Insurance companies respond to claims when customers file documents properly. Travelers who need to make a claim should have copies of receipts, ticketing and paperwork relevant to losses such as flight delays, lost luggage, or any other potential loss indicated in the policy. If the claim is the result of a criminal act, policyholders should make sure they obtain and file copies of police, hotel, or other relevant documentation safely.

Finally, it never hurts to visualize potential risks on an upcoming trip. Quick online searches make it easy for travelers to check on weather and potential conflicts at their destination. The U.S. State Department features its own global travel

alert and warnings webpage (http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings.html) to prepare travelers for local crime, terrorist attacks, or geopolitical conflict. The U.S. National Weather Service also features sites for long-term storm and hurricane prediction, though travel insurers will generally not issue coverage after a particular storm system is named.

Bottom line: Travel insurance can be a financial lifesaver. However, it’s important to thoroughly evaluate such coverage in light of personal and business coverage you already have and, most of all, to read the fine print.

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

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Gen. Dennis L. Via, commanding general of the U.S. Army Materiel Command, swore in nine new U.S. Army officers in Virginia State University’s (VSU) ROTC Commissioning ceremony on May 1. Via is a VSU alumnus, having received his commission in 1980. In remarks to the new Second Lieutenants, Via said the VSU Trojan Warrior Battalion “prepared me for my career, as it has trained you with the values and abilities necessary to become leaders.” VSU’s commissioned officers represent six states and Puerto Rico.

Via noted that, with this year’s commissioning, VSU has produced more than 1,600 officers, including eight general officers. He declared the new officers part of “a long and distinct legacy at Virginia State University.” Via recounted that two events at VSU shaped his life. The first, he said, was meeting the ROTC recruiting officer. The second was meeting his wife, Linda.

“It’s a tremendous honor to commission these new officers who will

lead and shape our Army and its soldiers for the future,” Via said. “I’ve challenged them to make service their focus and trust their watchword as they accept the enormous responsibility entrusted to them by the American people.”

In his role at the Army Materiel Command, Via leads a $50 billion organization charged with providing supplies and equipment to the nation’s war fighters throughout the world. With headquarters in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, the command has a presence in all 50 states and impacts 145 countries.

Army ROTC has a total of 273 programs and an enrollment of more than 35,000 students at colleges and universities throughout the 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. The program produces about 60 percent of the second lieutenants who join the Army and its Guard and Reserve components.

Gen. Dennis Via commissions nine VSU cadetsWANT

TO BE ASTROKE HERO?

Ace the quiz at

StrokeAssociation.org

and prove you can spot a

stroke F.A.S.T.


Scholar of the Week

When circumstances took her parents away from her, at first, Ze’Nya Butler “gave up on everything and everyone; then the game of basketball found me and helped turn my life around.” Although her grades began improving, she still had a lot of anger inside of her. “I can remember my championship game after winning, my coach said to me ‘it’s all on you next year.’” After this Ze’Nya’s anger turned into a hunger and something told her it was never too late to start over. She then began her journey to take every opportunity that was offered to her.

Basketball is an outlet for Ze’Nya and she said it is her favorite activity. What makes her enjoy the sport so much is the fact that she is “being a leader, being able to lead a team and being around people who love it as much as I do.” Everything she does revolves around her team. They do work within the community such as going to the children’s hospital and feeding the homeless every Thanksgiving. In order to further her education, Ze’Nya plans to attend Norfolk State University, where she will continue to play basketball. NSU was appealing to Ze’Nya, because she liked its location close to the beach and she has had family members who graduated from the university. Because of her interest in sports, Ze’Nya aspires to obtain a degree in physical therapy at NSU.

Because both of her parents did not graduate from high school, they have always been hard on Ze’Nya about her education. “Not going to college was never an option for me because my mom instilled in me

from the time I could remember that it was mandatory,” Ze’Nya stated in an essay. “She demanded that I live a better life then she had chosen.” After playing basketball and learning she could go to college for free, Ze’Nya said she did not need anyone else’s encouragement to know that was her path. Her parents have taught her determination and how to make goals and how to use determination to reach them. Her mother influences her the most in life. “I watched her do everything and help me no matter what the situation was, she never gave up. She made sure I

never gave up,” Ze’Nya said.

While she will take what her parents taught her to college, she will also take some lessons from high school to NSU. For example, she learned how to remain focused in life. “To be in high school, you’re around everybody you know all the time and you can get unfocused really quick, especially playing basketball,” Ze’Nya said. “So (I will) just keep focused and have time management.”

She has also learned to be thankful for the things in her life and that everything is a blessing. Ze’Nya wants the community to know that she is fun and very caring. She said the hunger burning inside of her will never die out because her family, her past, and where she wants to be in the future are all aspects pushing her forward. “I chase my dreams every day, motivated by my hunger to want more for myself and my family,” Ze’Nya stated.

By Janeal Downs

Ze’Nya Butlerof John Marshall High School

GPA: 3.0

College of Interest: Norfolk State University

Major Community Service: Children’s hospital, feeding the homeless

Strong Interests: Physical therapy, sports

Favorite Activities: Playing basketball

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Experienced caterers can be a tremendous assistance whether you are planning a large event or intimate celebration.

Hosting a successful event takes plenty of forethought, as well as a supportive team of professionals. A good caterer is essential for creating a memorable occasion. Not only will a caterer bring great food, they will also give you information and advice about making your event a success. They will tell you what types of food work best at a given event and the quantities required for your guests.

Caterers will create impressive, delectable dishes with a high sense of professionalism. They can also tell you about other resources, including professionals, who can turn your event into a magical occasion.

Choosing the right caterer means you will have time to enjoy your party. Here are some tips to consider when looking for a high quality caterer:

Event Information

Before speaking to a prospective caterer, note everything you know about your event. Details might include date, time, location, number of guests and budget. If you have a theme, be sure to let them know what you’re looking for. Also, tell the caterer if this is a formal affair. such as a business party, or something more relaxed.

You can also suggest certain types of foods. It might help to tell the caterer about the venue decor, so she can focus on what will match the surroundings.

Interview

Begin asking your social network for recommendations. Friends, family, and even colleagues may have used a caterer in the past. Check the phone book and the Internet for local caterers.

Your local newspaper will likely have advertisements from local caterers. This is also a good resource to find coupons and special deals.

After you have compiled a list of possibilities, schedule

a meeting and prepare your questions. In particular, ask about delivery, time frames and budget.

The caterer might have ideas about your event. Listen with an open mind. Since these professionals are in the event business, they will likely draw from past experiences.

References

It is always a good idea to ask for client references. You should receive a list of names and contact information. Don’t be shy. Call these references to inquire about the company’s work.

Sometimes, a caterer has a book of food and dessert pictures. Look at their work. Be sure it pleases you.

Record

The local health department will have a health rating for the caterer. A positive record demonstrates their commitment to safe food handling practices. It is also an excellent indicator of the caterer’s overall quality.

Scheduling

Be sure to communicate clearly about timelines and scheduling. Caterers who have packed schedules are a risky proposition. Use a company that can spend time and effort on your event.

Sample

The caterer should allow you to sample the food. In fact, it is common for caterers to bring selections from their menu to an initial interview. If they don’t offer you samples, request them prior to paying deposits or advancing funds. It is only fair that you know what you are purchasing.

You can also ask for a list of their events that you might be able to attend before you make your decision. This will give you a great opportunity to see how they interact with the party goers as well as see the food presentation and taste the food.

Some caterers specialize in elaborately themed parties. These companies will offer suggestions on food that will complement your celebration. Other caterers have expertise in crafting menus that are customized to your guest list.

Caterers who can help you with the entire planning process of your meal from hors d’ouevres to dessert are well worth the money. They can guide you through the whole process with professionalism, confidence and even a sense of humor. Because you have thoughtfully chosen your caterer, your special occasion will be a rousing success.

How to Guide

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Selecting the Right Caterer

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