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in Richmond, VA
DECEMBER 2018 CELEBRATING 4 YEARS OF FEATURING THE GOOD NEWS! 100,000+ Readers…Worldwide! ISSUE 51

Happy 1 Year Anniversary HELEN CAMPBELL!

LA PETITE BOUTIQUE 4034 MacArthur Avenue

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 The GOOD NEWSpaper Seasoned Folk 2
ABOUT US: NORTHSIDE VIBES by FLAVOR NEWS USA
21 Professional Center, 2025 E. Main Street (Shockoe Bottom), Suite
214, Richmond, Virginia 23223; (804) 297-6316.
Our newspaper is an independently owned, monthly (complimentary)
GOOD NEWSpaper, which initially launched in September 2014 by
Deone “Flavor” McWilliams, CEO, who at the time had only $22.00
after leaving Corporate America… LEAP OF FAITH! Northside Vibes
launches on the 1st Friday of each month (occasional delays due to holi-
days and inclement weather). To-date, we have over 100,000 readers
locally and worldwide, including Southeast Asia, Italy, Cambodia,
Spain, Japan, and South Africa! To view our electronic version, visit
www.scribd.com (search Northside Vibes) and website: www.north
sidevibes.org.
Mission: From the outset, Deone envisioned Northside Vibes becoming
a unique publication that would be an integral part of many communi-
ties—a publication for everyone to enjoy! She passionately creates in-
formative newspapers that people identify with, take pride in, and serve
to bridge the different segments of “all” communities. As Flavor News Tis the Season for the SEASONED FOLK
is unable to publish everyone’s story, our intentions are always good.
For information regarding affordable ad rates, please send an email to Remember When??? Of course we do! Us Seasoned folk “Seniors” re-
flavornews@gmail.com. Visit Facebook and “Like Us”! member with wonderful memories of the holidays coming up. Holi-
days for us “back in the day” were family and friends for both holi-
All opinions expressed in Northside Vibes are not necessarily representative of days—Thanksgiving and Christmas. We were in communities near
the views held by the editorial staff. No part of this publication may be repro- each other and the travel wasn’t far as it is today. Since family and
duced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from the com- friends have relocated to different parts of the country, there is usually
pany, Flavor News. Permission is deemed valid if approval is in writing--only. a choice of WHICH HOLIDAY TO CELEBRATE WHERE. Children
start their own traditions with their families, so it is not realistic to plan
Our Next Publication Launches on Friday, January 4, 2019 both holidays. But God has Blessed us to be fortunate to live in a world
THANKS TO THE FLAVOR NEWS TEAM & SUPPORTERS: of electronics that can bring family and friends into our households and
Founder of Flavor News, 15 year old NyRiian Jiggetts; Editor-in- theirs—just by a click of a gadget. WOW!!! We seasoned folk like the
Chief, Deone “Flavor” McWilliams; Mentor and Managing Editor, touch though—HUGS AND KISSES! But if that’s what it takes (elec-
Col. (Ret.) Frank Underwood, Sr.; West Coast Marketing and Public tronics) to be somewhat there, I will take it.
Relations Specialist, Edward “Randy” Muckle. TRADITION IS SO IMPORTANT! We may not be able to do an “all-nighter”
Our Volunteer Correspondents are committed & well appreciated: to prepare for Thanksgiving, BUT we passed down the tradition and
Deborah Little-Bowser, Donald Edwards, Diane Hardy Greggs, will enjoy the fruits of their labor as they did ours. Christmas was long
Dyan Greggs, Evelyn Allen, Madeleine “Maddie” Chapman, Mel- to prepare for shopping for presents, cooking, cooking, and cooking!
lisa Underwood Rose, and Dr. Pamela Hamilton-Stubbs. Now we can reap the rewards of others and
Thanks to Our Executive, Editorial/Review & Advisory Boards, ENJOY, ENJOY and ENJOY!
Good News Spy Crew, Valued Worldwide Readers and Callers, and With more extended families, i.e., great-grands, great-nieces, nephews,
additional grandchildren, we can’t keep up sometimes--but that is all in
last but not least…OUR SUPERB VALUED ADVERTISERS!
the enjoyment of ‘Tis the Season’!
We couldn’t keep this publication launched without ALL OF YOU!
Enjoy your holidays and every day! We delight in all the pampering
that our families bestow on us and we deserve it all. God Bless You All!
By Diane Hardy Greggs … A Seasoned Folk

YOU

ARE

NEVER

ALONE

These candles are lit for anyone who is

experiencing sorrow during this time of year.
Please don’t spend the holidays alone. Make
plans to spend time with family: wrap gifts
together, take in a GOOD movie, bake holiday
cookies with the kids—or just treat yourself
to some GOOD pampering…Yes…the spa!
JUST KNOW… YOU ARE NEVER ALONE.
Never give up…KEEP LOOKING UP TO GOD!
In Loving Memory of My Son, Nathaniel O. White, Jr.
Deone McWilliams, Flavor News/Northside Vibes
 NSV A Temporary Fix
DON EDWARDS
Company Chaplain, National Counseling Group
A TEMPORARY FIX
“I know someone who can turn temporary into
EVERLASTING!”
I remember when I was twenty-one, I had a BMW…my first official ride.
You couldn’t tell me nothing! I thought I was riding clean!! I thought I
was the man!!! Now… to some it may have looked more like a Barely
Making it Wagon…LOL, but to me it was my ride. I remember when I
first got it, I was trying to keep it clean, have it smell good—and I
wouldn’t even eat in it. I would have friends in the car and we would
roll up to McDonald’s drive through, but I wouldn’t even let them eat in
my car until we reached our destination (Yep not even a fry!!! Uppity I
know!). I would ride with the windows down, no matter if it was summer
or winter just so the aroma of fries would not leave that smell in my car.
A few years later, you could probably find extra salt and pepper packets
in my car, I didn’t clean the car as much anymore, and I didn’t care if
anyone ate in my car at all (Can you supersize them fries, please!)!
I also recall as a little boy the excitement of getting new things…espe-
cially around the holiday season. The joy of opening presents…the joy
of something new. I would play with my new toys for hours (Atari 2600
is now a retro game…Lawd!!!!!!!!!). A few months later those new toys
would be collecting dust under my bed, in the corner of my room, or in
the box of toys of Christmas past!!! I have observed, through my short
years on this earth, that life is filled with many moments or things that
give us a temporary fix to the challenges of life. The temporary joy of a
new car…a relationship, a new business venture…a vacation or finally
reaching that destination or goal you have been longing for. We all have
moments of temporary joy that can be found in people, things, or places.
But I have learned in my walk with God…that HE is the only one that gives
me consistent joy day after day, year after year without getting old.
So, what about you? Do you just need a temporary fix? I know
someone who can turn temporary into everlasting!
Be sure to see National Counseling Group’s ad on Page 5
Most People Don’t Protect Their Digital Identities
Many Americans fail to take even the most basic steps to protect their
digital identity, from monitoring their banking accounts online to
varying their passwords to setting up a security freeze on their credit
reports, according to a new AARP survey. More adults (57%) are
likely to have online access to all their credit card accounts, but again
older adults lag behind. About 70% of those age 18 to 49 have set
up online credit card access, compared to 52% of adults age 50 to 64
and 37% of adults over age 65. IN ADDITION, even though almost
half (47%) of the adults surveyed say they have spotted bogus char-
ges on their credit or debit cards, only 14% have requested a SECU-
RITY FREEZE on their credit data. A FREEZE RESTRICTS
ACCESS TO A CONSUMER’S CREDIT REPORT, MAKING
IT MORE DIFFICULT FOR CRIMINALS TO OPEN FRADU-
LENT ACCOUNTS IN HIS OR HER NAME. “Our survey results
indicate that a lot of people may feel overwhelmed, and have just gi-
ven up,” says AARP’s lead fraud researcher and the report’s co-au-
thor, Doug Shadel.
“Two-thirds of those surveyed said that given the number of data
breaches that have occurred, they think it is inevitable that criminals
Alert! Scam Calls! 3
Scam Calls Are ‘Epidemic’ And…GETTING WORSE!
A NEW REPORT SAYS NEARLY
HALF OF MOBILE CALLS WILL BE
FRAUDULENT BY NEXT YEAR
Learn more about protecting yourself: Visit AARP’s Scams & Fraud page
Scam calls are getting more frequent—and quickly. By next year, nearly
half of all calls to mobile phones will be fraudulent, according to a new
report from telecommunications firm First Orion. The company ana-
lyzed data from more than 50 billion calls over 18 months to get a snap-
shot of what they call the scam-call “epidemic”. Here’s what they found:
 Mobile phone scam calls are increasing: In 2017, only 3.7 percent
of calls to cell phones were fraudulent. This year, that number
reached 29.2 percent—and it’s expected to climb to 44.6 percent in
2019.
 Fraudulent landline calls are decreasing: Scam calls originating
from landlines are decreasing. In 2019, only a projected 24.8 percent
of scam calls will come from landlines, a decrease from 56 percent
in 2017. This is in part because fewer people use landlines in the first
place, but it’s also a sign of just how technologically sophisticated—
and successful—mobile scammers have become.
 Beware of the area code: “Neighborhood spoofing” is a tactic in
which fraudsters show up as a local number on your caller ID by
matching the first six digits of your number. The report estimates
that 9 in 10 scam calls will come from a familiar area code next year.
The increasing numbers of scam calls mean it’s harder to determine
what calls are legitimate—on either a mobile or landline. “People
just don’t answer their phones anymore,” says Gavin Macomber, First
Orion’s senior vice president of marketing and strategic business devel-
opment. According to Macomber, 84% of unknown mobile calls (and
an even higher percentage of landline calls) go unanswered these days.
This can be a real problem for legitimate businesses trying to reach their
customers.
And for consumers who get caught up in a scam, the financial repercus-
sions can be serious. The FTC reports that the median loss from a phone-
based scam in 2017 was $720.
Luckily, there are several ways to stay protected…
For smartphone users, apps such as RoboKiller and Truecaller can
help detect and block unwanted calls—but keep in mind that these apps
block calls only from known scam numbers, not “spoofed” calls that tem-
porarily hijack legitimate digits. Some carriers, such as T-Mobile, have
started to offer screening services that alert consumers if an incoming
call is likely fraudulent and other carriers are likely to follow suit. In the
meantime, familiarize yourself with common scams, like calls from peo-
ple claiming to work for the IRS or your credit card company. Ma-
comber says he hopes we’ll soon be living in a world in which consumers
can answer their phones again. Until then…JUST HANG UP!!!
Source: Sarah Elizabeth Adler, AARP
Digital Identities (PASSWORDS) CONTINUED…
will be able to exploit their credit at some point. But we are emphasiz-
ing that there are powerful things you can do to make sure that stolen
data can’t be used against you.” One area where older adults are more
vigilant than younger adults is the use of PASSWORDS. Security ex-
perts advise using UNIQUE PASSWORDS for each individual ac-
count, but the survey reveals that this is not a typical practice. Partici-
pants also were asked about their use of social media sites and their ex-
periences with knowledge of IDENTITY THEFT.
Older adults are less likely than those age 18 to 49 to log on to other
accounts via FACEBOOK…
A POTENTIAL SECURITY RISK! IF A FACEBOOK USER NAME AND PASSWORD
IS STOLEN, A SCAMMER CAN EASILY ACCESS OTHER ACCOUNTS. HOWEVER,
A MINORITY OF OLDER ADULTS CHANGE FACEBOOK’S DEFAULT PRIVACY SET-
TINGS, LEAVING THEIR INFORMATION MORE EXPOSED.
 NSV Dear Editor…
Ginter Park United Methodist Church
All Are Welcome!
SUNDAY
9:30 a.m.
Contemporary Worship
11:00 a.m.
Traditional Worship
FOUNDED 1917 Childcare Provided!
1010 West Laburnum Avenue Church Phone: (804) 262-8651
Richmond, Virginia 23227 www.ginterparkumc.org
Dear Editor: A SERIOUS Topic for Discussion
“I’m at work (or running a business).
I don’t want to flirt with you. No! Don’t
hug or kiss me! I’m so serious dude!!!
I just want to do my job and go home!”
Business Etiquette is about building relationships with other people.
Etiquette IS NOT about rules and regulations—BUT IT IS about
providing basic social comfort AND creating an environment where
others FEEL COMFORTABLE AND SECURE.
Journey with the GOOD NEWSpaper as we travel to
learn about challenges many face in the workplace,
as well as Entrepreneurs… especially FEMALES.
TOPIC #1 HOW TO AVOID UNWANTED HUGS & KISSES
Physical contact is a very “touchy” subject for some people—women in
general. Not everyone appreciates being in close proximity with others;
and hugs and kisses can be very uncomfortable and uninviting.
The GOOD NEWS: Here are a few TIPS! 1. Take a step back when
the person first approaches you. This creates distance and will often
signal to the other person that A HUG IS NOT PREFERRED and no fur-
ther action is needed. 2. Offer your hand (handshake—which can be
used as a substitute for a hug). If you do this enough, the person could/
should get the hint that YOU DO NOT PREFER HUGS. 3. If you’re in
an office or in a meeting, POSITION YOURSELF SO A DESK OR
ANOTHER BARRIER REMAINS BETWEEN YOU AND THE
OTHER PERSON. That should prevent them from invading your per-
sonal space. 4. SAY THAT YOU HAVE A COLD! While this won’t
work on the same person all the time since you won’t always be sick, the
cold excuse inherently implies that A HUG OR KISS IS NOT A GOOD
IDEA; and over time the other person will give up attempting an em-
brace. 5. APOLOGIZE AND EXPLAIN THAT YOU DO NOT
PREFER HUGS IF THE PERSON CONTINUES TO TRY HUGGING
when you’re in the same space. Explain that it’s nothing personal and
that YOU’RE JUST NOT A HUGGER.
Bottom line… THE OTHER PERSON SHOULD “RESPECT” YOUR VIEWS AND
NOT MAKE A BIG DEAL OF IT. Join us next month as we continue to provide
GOOD tips! If you have a certain topic to discuss, write to flavornews@
gmail.com (insert DEAR EDITOR in the subject line).
Being a Parent Can Be Hard.
We Can Help!
(804) 353-4264
www.partnershipforfamilies.org
Our Valued Distributors 4
Say what? THE GOOD NEWSpaper has been
launched for 4 YEARS, Celebrating 51 Monthly
Issues, 100,000+ Readers Worldwide AND
60+ Locations in Richmond, Virginia? Wow!
Where Can We Pick Up a Copy?
 BP Café & Gas Station 2116 Willis Road (23237)
 BP Gas Station Chamberlayne Avenue & Brookland Park Blvd.
 Boost Mobile Store 2 E. Brookland Park Blvd. (23222)
 Brooks Diner 1600 Brook Road, Richmond, VA 23220
 CAHN (Capital Area Health Network): Northside Medical Ctr.
2809 North Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23222
 CAHN: Greater Fulton Medical Ctr. 1718 Williamsburg Rd.
 Clarion Hotel 3207 N. Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia 23230
 Corner Express Mart 2930 North Ave., Richmond, VA 23222
 Designs by Ron 1600 Brook Rd., Ste. B, Richmond, VA 23220
 Dollar General 2910 North Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23222
 Faith Printing7814 Mid. Tnpk., N. Chesterfield, VA 23235
 Family Dollar 2917 North Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23222
 Greater Richmond Convention Center – Richmond
Convention and Visitors Bureau 405 N. 3rd Street (23219)
 Homewood Suites by Hilton 5996 Audubon Drive (23150)
 Kroger 901 N. Lombardy Street, Richmond, Virginia 23220
 Little House Green Grocery 1227 Bellevue Avenue (23227)
 McLean’s Restaurant 3605 W. Broad St., Rich., VA 23230
 Nomad Deli & Catering Co. 207 W. Brookland Park Blvd.
 Northside Family YMCA 4207 Old Brook Road (23227)
 Northside Hardware 2925 North Ave., Richmond, VA 23222
 Norvelle’s Shoe Repair 2928 North Ave., Rich., VA 23222
 Old Dominion Electrical Supply 2509 N. Lombardy Street
 Once Upon a Vine 4009 MacArthur Ave., Rich.,VA 23227
 Peace Pieces Consignment Store 5522-A Lakeside Avenue
 Pine Camp Arts & Community Center 4901 Old Brook Road
 RIC Redev. & Housing Authority 901 Chamberlayne Pkwy.
 Richmond International Airport
Shoe Shine Man (Mr. Leeper or Mr. Moody) – Upper Level
 Richmond Public Library 2901 North Ave., Rich., VA 23222
 River City Diner North 803 E. Parham Rd., Rich., VA 23227
 Ruffin Insurance Agency 3813 Nine Mile Road (23223)
 Sallie’s Kitchen 2305 Willis Road, N. Chesterfield, VA 23237
 Shell Gas Station 7039 Hull Street Rd., N. Cfld., VA 23224
 Stir Crazy Café RVA 4015 MacArthur Ave., Rich., VA 23227
 Stony Point Pharmacy 9000 Stony Point Pkwy. (23235)
 Walgreens Chamberlayne Avenue & Brookland Park Blvd.
 Walker & Son, Inc. 4038 MacArthur Avenue, Rich., VA 23227
Copies may be picked up from our News Room located in Shockoe
Bottom: Flavor News USA, 21 Professional Center, 2025 E. Main
Street, Suite 214, Richmond, Virginia 23223. Please call (804) 297-
6316 prior to arriving (must schedule appointment).
THANKS TO ALL SUPPORTERS OF THE GOOD NEWSpaper!
NSV Valued Advertisers & Great Customer Service! 5

Special Thanks
LATONYA FOWLKES for
Exhibiting EXCELLENT
Customer Service!
Sincerely, Deone McWilliams

God has been at work in the

Northside for many years…
We seek to be a part of what
He is doing here.
NSV The Market @ 25th Opening MARCH 2019! 6

COUNCIL MEMBER
CHRIS A. HILBERT
NORTHSIDE 3RD VOTER DISTRICT
Wishes Everyone a Safe and
Enjoyable Christmas Holiday
DISTRICT MEETINGS
WILL RESUME JANUARY 24, 2019
Meetings will be held every month on the
4 Thursday at 6 pm. Locations to be announced.
th
NSV More GOOD NEWS! The Curly Piece 7

JOEL CRUZ

Meet the DJ Photo taken by Sean Durfey

By Maddie Chapman
Understand that in the mentioning DJ or Disc Jockey in this article, I
am specifically referring to a modern form of electronic music produc-
tion. Even more specifically; the music genre known as House. With
that—it is with great pleasure to introduce the first self-made creative
of this series; friend, CEO of Cruz Production Company, DJ & Produc-
tion Manager at East Coast Entertainment, and Popular Richmond DJ,
Joel Cruz. Joel started at VMI but quickly realized that the extremities
of the military was not for him. Despite his parent’s refusal, he trans-
ferred to Longwood University in Farmville and graduated in 2016.
While in Farmville, Joel developed very versatile skills in photography
& videography, completing commissioned marketing videos for bands
and DJ’s all over the U.S. This exposure inspired the young artist to
create an alias for his work, which led to the formation of the debut duo
music group known as OUNO--pronounced oh you know. Shortly after
graduation, Joel flocked to the ‘artistic minded city’ of Richmond to
flourish in the ‘music community’, focus on his production company
and managerial position at ECE. Juggling those three professions, Joel
Cruz is frequently traveling and playing gigs with co-front man James
Venti as their duo group--OUNO. The two have released several whim-
sical and high energy tracks including their newest exclusive playlist
“Lost At Sea” (available on spotify/ apple music). In Richmond, Joel
has found a way to create meaningful experiences for people through
music. While DJing for a crowd of people, Joel offers an escape from
reality and an invitation to live in the moment. With all his professional
responsibilities from booking DJ’s for different events, to recognizing
extraordinary musical talent, or performing for crowds of excited con-
cert goers, Joel says music production is his truest passion. “It com-
bines all the things that I do into one thing; and I get the most satisfac-
tion when I’m just creating music.” Although Joel is ‘Never limiting
CHRISTMAS PARADE himself to just one creative outlet,’ he is ‘always open to new opportu-
nities,’ explaining “I want to do it all!” With his success… seems very

MacARTHUR AVENUE 4000 Block possible!!!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8TH 11am to 4pm

This community event has become one of the
largest single donors to Toys for Tots…
The U.S. Marine Corps’ toy drive!
EVERY TOY DONATED LOCALLY IS GIVEN TO A LOCAL CHILD IN NEED
Live Entertainment! Many Vendors! LOTS OF FUN FOR EVERYONE!
Emcees: Bill Bevins and Jessica Noll (CBS/Channel 6)
Special thanks to
ALL PACKAGE HANDLERS
& DELIVERY PERSONNEL
especially our AWESOME
folks at UPS’ Customer
Center @ 9601 Coach Road
The Flavor News/Northside
Vibes Crew Rated Your Services
SUPERB 4 YEARS IN A ROW !
Sincerely, Deone McWilliams
HARRIS TAX AND BUSINESS SERVICES
WISHES OUR COMMUNITIES
A HAPPY HOLIDAY AND
PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!
DON’T FORGET TO REACH OUT TO US IF
YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING
THE UPCOMING TAX SEASON AS WELL AS
THE NEW “COMPLICATED” TAX LAWS!
WE’LL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO HELP YOU
CALL 804 329 1816
Email marvin@harristaxandbusiness.com
Visit www.harristaxandbusiness.com
 NSV RVACounts2020 One Unique Story to Follow! 8
The “RVACounts2020” initiative is to ensure that no person in the City
of Richmond goes uncounted during the 2020 United States Census.
Mayor Levar Stoney’s office plans to work in a collaborative effort with
local, community and business leaders to raise awareness on the impor-
tance of the US Census, the benefits of a robust count to our local econo-
my, and to ensure all residents of the City of Richmond are included in
the count. Why do we Count? For each person uncounted, the City and
organizations miss out on about $2,000 worth of funding each year until
the next Census. That’s 10 years from now, $20,000 each uncounted
person over a 10-year span. This initiative is just the start of a campaign
to collect strong and accurate Census data that is vital to support our
communities. Participation in the Census will have a long-lasting, posi-
tive impact on our community by:
 Influencing the allocation of grants, funding, and federal support to
the City of Richmond and community organizations;
 Providing data necessary to determine the need for more jobs speci-
fic to high demand industries in Richmond;
 Determining the redistricting of neighborhood boundaries crucial for
deciding the number of area legislative representatives, and
 Identifying local needs such as new schools, hospitals and emergen-
cy services, as well as recreational areas.
RVACounts2020 launched with an official Proclamation by Mayor Le-
var Stoney on October 29, 2018, at City Hall. The initiative was led by
Marcy Williams, Primary Point of Contact for Census2020. To ensure
that no person in the City of Richmond goes uncounted, the City is invit-
ing those active in the community to become a Census2020 Ambassador.
The City of Richmond is looking for individuals who are capable of
reaching large audiences, either through social media, or other forms of
communication. Participants will have the option of volunteering as an
individual or group. To become an Ambassador, you may apply online
at www.rvacounts2020.com, or you may contact the City of Richmond
Special Projects team at census2020@richmondgov.com.
For Richer or Poorer “they VOW” to Help!
RANDY & SHIRLEY COOPER
A HUSBAND AND WIFE
CREDIT UNION CEO TEAM
Two CEO’s in Two Different Credit Unions,
Two Sides of the River, SAME Goals,
SAME Service to the Community, and the
SAME Dedication to Richmond—
LIVING UNDER THE “SAME” ROOF!!!
Some might sum up RANDY AND SHIRLEY COOPER’s relationship
as THEIR MARRIAGE “VOW’s” EXTEND BEYOND THEIR
WEDDING DAY because “For Richer or Poorer “they VOW” to HELP”
their members achieve their financial goals!
Randy and Shirley Cooper are both CEO’s of two of the longest
running credit unions in Richmond, Virginia, and have been married
for 24 years. They have one beautiful daughter, Tatyana. SHIRLEY
is CEO of the Credit Union of Richmond, formerly The Richmond Postal
Credit Union, founded in 1923. CUofR, the longest operating credit
union in the State of Virginia, has been in existence for 95 YEARS!
RANDY is CEO of the Richmond Heritage Federal Credit Union, for-
merly The Richmond Teachers Credit Union in existence for 82 YEARS,
founded in 1936 by 10 African American Teachers.
The proverb opposites attract means that two objects/people are dif-
ferent in nature, such as behavior and appearance, usually attract each
other. In the case of the duo CEO team of Randy and Shirley Cooper,
this proverb seems to be true!
For people who know them, it comes as no surprise they’d become two
CEO’s working on opposite sides of the river, representing two
historical credit unions, living under one roof! To list just a few of
these ‘opposites attract’ examples for Randy and Shirley Cooper:
Randy is the youngest of 11 children vs. Shirley is the oldest of 5 chil-
dren; Randy is from Enfield in Halifax County, NC vs. Shirley is
from South Boston in Halifax County, VA; Randy worked at a men’s
clothing store in Willow Lawn Mall vs. Shirley worked for a shoe
store in Willow Lawn Mall; Randy is CEO of a Credit Union on the
South Side of Richmond, VA, vs. Shirley is CEO of a Credit Union
on the North Side of Richmond, VA; Randy’s credit union was esta-
blished in 1936 (82 years) vs. Shirley’s credit union was established in
1923 (95 years).
South
As a couple they worked together to Africa
achieve their financial goals. One
of Randy’s crazy goals that he somehow convinced Shirley to agree to
was to have 7 BATHROOMS in their home—one for each day of the
week! It’s the crazy passion of Randy—and the level head of Shirley—
that drives both to help others create saving strategies to meet whatever
their financial goals are—no matter how odd others may find them.
Today, this opposites attract trend has positioned them to help
others in their new roles as the husband and wife Duo CEO Team
where their marriage vows have extended beyond their wedding day!
They are both working tirelessly to make changes and bring on
additional services to continue the legacy of their credit unions.
As CEO of the Credit Union of Richmond (CUofR), SHIRLEY has
worked to 1). Change the name of her credit union from Richmond Po-
stal Credit Union to “The Credit Union of Richmond” to remind indivi-
duals their credit union has served Richmond for 95 years. 2). Change
their domain name to “CUrich.org” to promote the values of the credit
union. 3). Create a mobile app that gives members access to the resour-
ces they need at the click of a button.
As CEO of the Richmond Heritage Federal Credit Union, RANDY
has worked to 1). Make it simple and convenient for people to join
and apply for loans using the credit union’s eSignature application. 2).
Make it easy to access, deposit, and transfer money once people join
by utilizing sharedbranching.org. 3). Commission a Historian to help
validate our “Rich Heritage” and create a small history book. 4). Ask
his members to “SIP” (Share, Inspire, Profit) with the credit union:
“Share our Story, Inspire others, and Profit from our Rich Heritage”.
Randy and Shirley are excited about the next 10 years—to
continue the legacy of their credit unions. They feel their credit
unions’ taglines sum up both their messages: the Credit Union
of Richmond’s tagline is “CU Rich” and the Richmond Heritage
Federal Credit Union’s is “Choose Your Heritage”.
To be continued…
 NSV Business News You Can Use! 9

Ways You Didn’t Know

Your Credit Score Influences Your Life
CREDIT CARD SECRETS
Revolving Credit Utilization counts for 30% of everyone’s FICO score.
Keeping high balances on your credit cards can be a disaster to your cre-
dit scores.
Maxing out your credit cards means 100% credit utilization and could
lower your credit scores up to a maximum of 165 points.
The trick is to know when the credit card company reports to the
credit bureaus and pay the balances down before the reporting day.
The day that the bureaus report to the credit bureau is most likely NOT
on your statement due date. Many creditors use a “batch upload inter-
face” to report the status and balance of all accounts at one certain day
and time each month. This is both more efficient and cost effective
for the creditor, as the credit bureaus charge the financial institu-
tions for the privilege of reporting to them. Find out when your cre- HEARTS-R-MENDING by Evelyn Allen, CEO
dit card issuer reports to the credit bureaus and pay the balance NEW BUSINESS OWNER IS READY
down, or transfer the balance to a different card BEFORE the re-
porting date. This way you can use the good reward cards and keep TO MAKE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN
your credit score maximized. BY USING HER GIFT OF “WORDS”
Robert W. Linkonis is an expert in credit scoring! I was born and raised in rural Greensville County, Virginia. I received
His company, Credit Restoration Associates (CRA), located at 31 my B.S. degree in Business Administration and Management from Vir-
N. Providence Road, North Chesterfield, Virginia 23235, has been in ginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, Virginia, in 1975.
business for 11 years… and… is the largest credit repair company in As a child, I loved to read and enjoyed writing poetry—not realizing
that this talent would lead me to a business that specializes in “words”.
Virginia! Call (804) 823-9601 Ext. 101 or 1-800-648-5157.
Married with three grown children, I enjoy doing Bible studies, jog-
Visit CreditRA.com
ging, and spending time with family. My greatest achievements in life
are hearing and obeying God’s word, starting my own business, com-
CONGRATULATIONS FELECIA L. MANNS! pleting six marathons, and living long enough to be a part of my first
th
Happiness Dance Studios (HDS) located at 1003 N. 25 grandchild’s life. A few years ago, life handed me a lemon when I lost
Street (Church Hill) is OPENING A 2ND STUDIO on my job after 19 years—due to company downsizing. NOW…I’m in the
process of MAKING LEMONADE IN THE FORM OF A NEW BUSINESS! With
January 7, 2019, in the West End located at 2600 Idle- this business idea tucked safely away in the back of my mind for over
wood Avenue. HDS is sharing the space with The Carol 20 years, I would occasionally remind myself that one day…one of
Adams Foundation. The building is conveniently located these days… I’M GOING TO START MY OWN BUSINESS! After
on the corner of Idlewood Avenue and South Robinson losing my job, ‘one day’ came when I did not anticipate it. It was time
Street…just off the exit from the Downtown Expressway to take the idea from my head and place it on the ‘table of opportunity’.
(195). This location will offer classes for adults and chil- The very idea suddenly became scary and risky!
dren in Bollywood, Modern, Mixed Fit, Yoga, Hip Hop, HEARTS-R-MENDING is this business idea—a creative way to ex-
press often difficult thoughts from the heart with words that focus on
Salsa, and Zumba. The current location will offer the healing or mending a broken relationship.
same classes and also Rhythm Tap. HDS#2 is the reason Where there is a relationship, there is a good possibility
studios has an “s”.
that at some point…it will need mending!
The owner of HDS, Felecia L. Manns had envisioned It’s true that not all relationships will be mended, but the senders of
multiple locations. Felecia means HAPPINESS and thus these words can feel confident knowing they put forth the effort. I am
the name HAPPINESS DANCE STUDIOS! continuing to move forward with Hearts-R-Mending.
I believe that it is a true gift from God to heal hurting hearts.
This lemonade is getting sweeter every day! For more information or
to contact me, please visit www.heartsrmending.com or write to Hearts
-R-Mending LLC, Post Office Box 6133, Richmond, Virginia 23222,
or e-mail evelynallen@heartsrmending.com.

Yes! University of Richmond’s Journalism

Students Under the Direction of Professor Tom Mullen
Will Be Joining The GOOD NEWSpaper!
 NSV Health
Dr. Pamela Hamilton-Stubbs’
Sleep and Total Wellness
Institute, LLC
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Help for Depression
By Dr. Pamela Hamilton-Stubbs
It’s the holiday season. Many of us will be surrounded by family and
friends. Festive decorations will adorn homes and streets will be lined
with reminders of the season. Some will enjoy gifts and share special
meals with friends and family. But some people will not enjoy this sea-
son. For them the holidays have a different meaning.
THE HOLIDAY BLUES ARE COMMON!
The financial stress of creating the perfect holiday, family obligations
and memories of past holidays all contribute to holiday depression.
Symptoms of depression can range from mild to severe. Mild symp-
toms may go unnoticed as signs of depression.
Feeling sad, loss of interest in activities, difficulty concentrating,
an increase or decrease in appetite and a low energy level may all
be signs that you are dealing with depression.
Depression also causes changes in sleep patterns.
Difficulty falling asleep and early morning awakenings are characteris-
tics of depression.
IF YOU ARE FEELING MILDLY DEPRESSED, TALK WITH A
TRAINED MEDICAL PROVIDER AND TRY SOME OF THESE
TIPS TO HELP FIGHT DEPRESSION:
 Put on your winter coat and go outside. Enjoy the sunlight and the
crisp winter air. Take a walk and let your mind focus on the beauti-
ful nature around you.
 Eat healthy meals. This is a time to have a few healthy carbohy-
drates. Foods high in carbohydrates, like a baked potato, are thought
to release dopamine, the “happy neurotransmitter”.
 Avoid lots of junk food, processed foods, sugary foods and drinks.
These foods kill the good bacteria in the gut. Good bacteria work
with the brain to elevate your mood.
 Surround yourself with positive people.
 Find the good in everything! Sometimes this can be difficult and
next to impossible. Ask God to help you find the good.
Depression can also lead to suicidal thoughts. Suicidal thoughts need
emergent medical attention. The national suicide hotline can be
reached by calling 1-800-273-8255. The national suicide prevention
lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers.
Service is available 24/7, free and confidential.
IF YOU FEEL DISTRESSED, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
A TRAINED PROFESSIONAL IS WAITING TO TALK WITH YOU!
References
https://www.psycom.net/beat-holiday-depression/
https://www.psycom.net/suicide-warning-signs
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Flavor News/Northside Vibes would like
to personally and professionally THANK
Chief Alfred Durham, the Virginia Recovery
Program and ALL other Drug and Alcohol
Rehabilitation Personnel who work so
hard to help those struggling to turn
their lives around. ADDICTION IS TRULY
A DISEASE AND WE ALL NEED TO EDUCATE
OURSELVES IN ORDER TO “UNDERSTAND”
THE DISEASE AND THE PROCESS.
Folks, keep going…YOU “CAN” BEAT ADDICTION !
Thanks Chief Durham! 10
City of Richmond
Police Chief Alfred Durham to Retire!
Retirement at year’s end caps 31 years of distinguished service in law
enforcement, four years as Chief of RPD
After more than 31 years of distinguished public service in law enforce-
ment, Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham announced his intention
to retire from his job as Chief of Police, effective December 31, 2018.
The chief’s retirement will conclude nearly four years of service to the
City of Richmond as police chief, and caps a law enforcement career
that began in 1987 with the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police De-
partment, following four years of active duty with the U.S. Marine
Corps. “Public service is, and has been, my life,” said Chief Durham,
55. “It has been my highest privilege to serve the men and women of
this department and the citizens of this great city. I would like to thank
Mayor Stoney for believing in me and for his unwavering support in al-
lowing me the opportunity to strengthen the department and its bonds
to the community. It has been both an incredibly challenging and re-
warding career for me.” Chief Durham said he is retiring at a time when
the department has received national recognition as a law enforcement
agency and has “a great team of employees who are doing remarkable
work each and every day.” “Knowing that the department is in a better
place than when I assumed command in 2015, I feel that now is the ideal
time for me to focus on my personal life and to begin spending quality
time with my family,” he said. Mayor Levar M. Stoney, who retained
Chief Durham as Chief of Police after taking office in January 2017,
thanked him for his years of service to the Richmond community.
“Chief Durham deserves our deepest respect and sincere appreciation
for his tireless commitment to our city,” he said. “He has always been
a 24-7 chief,” Mayor Stoney continued. “Whether at a community
meeting or crime scene, a street festival or a street protest, day or night,
the residents of this city could always count on him to be there. Chief
Durham gave blood, sweat and tears to this department, and Richmond
is a better place because of his service. We wish him all the best in the
next chapter of his life.” During Chief Durham’s tenure, the Richmond
Police Department expanded its complement of sworn officers to its pre-
scribed strength, a move that enabled the department to assign dedicated
officers to the city’s public housing courts, improving safety and securi-
ty in those areas. The department also modernized its equipment and
deployed technology such as body worn cameras, security cameras and
laptop computers to police personnel. The department has also been re-
cognized, and consulted by other law enforcement agencies, for its
handling of public demonstrations. Most recently, the work of the de-
partment’s homicide unit was recognized in an article in the Washington
Post for them having the highest homicide case closure rate in the nation
over the last 10 years. As of November 13, the city is experiencing a 21
percent decrease in homicides and a nine percent reduction in violent
crimes. Chief Durham will serve in his full capacity as chief through
the end of the year. The city will conduct a national search for a new
chief. In the coming weeks, Mayor Stoney will appoint an interim chief
who will assume command of the department following Chief Dur-
ham’s departure until a permanent replacement has been selected.
NSV More Valued Supporters 11

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SHARON BOSWELL FOR
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