The GOOD

NEWSpaper!
JANUARY 2018
NorthsideVIBES
WISHING EVERYONE A WONDERFULLY BLESSED & SAFE NEW YEAR! 54,000+ Readers Issue 40

CHRISTMAS 2017 AND NOW IT’S A BRAND NEW YEAR! Read Page 11

Dear Valued Advertisers

of the GOOD NEWSpaper:

Additionally, we
want to thank
Our Valued Readers!
COUPLE CLOSES BUSINESS
Bottom line… FOR A “GOOD” REASON
“HAPPY RETIREMENT”
CALVIN AND VALERIE HAYES
WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE
WHO ENCOURAGED AND ASSISTED US
WITH OUR BUSINESS, CAL’S CLEANING
Sincerely, Deone McWilliams
CREW. NOW…WE’RE HAPPILY RETIRING!
 About NSVibes Encouragement & Note of Thanks 2
ABOUT US: NORTHSIDE VIBES by FLAVOR NEWS LLC is
conveniently located in the 21 Professional Center, 2025 E. Main Street
(Shockoe Bottom), Suite 214, Richmond, VA 23223; (804) 297-6316.
NORTHSIDE VIBES is an independently owned, monthly (compli-
mentary) GOOD NEWSpaper which initially launched in September
2014 by our CEO, Deone “Flavor” McWilliams, who at the time had
only $22.00 after leaving Corporate America: LEAP OF FAITH! Our
GOOD NEWSpaper launches the 1st Friday of each month (occasional
delays due to holidays and inclement weather). To-date, we have over
54,000 readers locally and worldwide, including our electronic version:
visit www.scribd.com (search Northside Vibes) and our NEW WEB-
SITE: www.northsidevibes.org!
Our Mission: From the outset, Deone envisioned Northside Vibes be- Yes, we’re still in the same building.
coming a unique (special) publication that would be an integral part of
many communities—a publication for everyone to enjoy! Deone pas- However, due to expansion, FLAVOR
sionately provides informative newspapers that people identify with,
take pride in, and serve to bridge the different segments of “all” commu- NEWS is now located on the 2nd Floor
nities. As we are unable to publish everyone’s story, our intentions are
always good. For information regarding our affordable ad rates, please of the 21 Professional Center.
send an email to flavornews@gmail.com. Exciting opportunities are a-
vailable for interns, volunteer writers, freelance photographers, and reti-
Featuring the GOOD NEWSpaper, NORTHSIDE Vibes!
rees, too! Interested in a sales representative (strictly commission) or
perhaps a delivery driver position? Email us your resume (professional
references are required). Be sure to visit Facebook and “Like Us”!
Note of Thanks from CPDC’s V.P.
All opinions expressed in Northside Vibes are not necessarily representative of Hi Deone!
the views held by the editorial staff. No part of this publication may be repro- I just wanted to send a quick note of thanks to say how much I appre-
duced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from the com- ciate your partnership with CPDC over the past few years. Northside
pany, Flavor News LLC. Permission is deemed valid if approval is in writing. Vibes has been quite instrumental in both building and strengthening
NEXT PUBLICATION LAUNCHES: Friday, February 2, 2018 relationships with the Richmond community. Your publication has
done such wonderful coverage of the organization and the residents
MANY THANKS TO THE FLAVOR NEWS TEAM: that we serve. We wish you nothing but success as you embark upon
Founder of Flavor News, 14 year old NyRiian Jiggetts, Editor-in-Chief, your 40th edition.
Deone “Flavor” McWilliams; Mentor and Managing Editor, Col. Happy holidays and best wishes for a wonderful New Year!
(Ret.) Frank Underwood, Sr.; Communications Specialist, Edward
Muckle. Volunteer Correspondents: Deborah Little-Bowser, Ask All the best,
Nurse Deborah; Anne L., Neighbors Growing Together; Dr. Pamela Luann Tia Blount, Vice President and Chief of Strategy
Hamilton-Stubbs, Sleep Apnea; Angelia Yancey, Entrepreneurship; Community Preservation and Development Corporation
Donald Edwards, Inspirations; Madeleine “Maddie” Chapman, The 8403 Colesville Road, Suite 1150 Silver Spring, MD 20910
Curly Piece; Queen Cameron (Alopecia); Carrie Bloomfield, Dental Office: 202.885.9546 www.cpdc.org
Tips; Jonathan Gedeon, Community Resources. Thanks to Our “Developing Vibrant Communities
Executive, Editorial & Advisory Boards, The Good News Spy Crew, Through Innovation and Partnerships”
Valued Supporters–especially our VALUED ADVERTISERS!

2018…
Another Year to
Get it Right…I hope!
“The great part about
the New Year is that it’s
another chance to get
things right!
I Ask Myself How is
DON THIS YEAR
EDWARDS Going to be Different?”
Company Chaplain, National Counseling Group
2017 has come and gone and now 2018 has arrived! Before you know
it, 2020 will be here in a blink of an eye. With a new year, most people
have goals or something they want to reach. It could be to make more
money, lose weight, ignoring haters, making amends, spending more or
less time with family, or simply toward your dreams. The great part a-
bout the New Year is that it’s another chance to get things right. It’s
closing the door on past failures and opening the possibility of brand
new victories. However, most people give up on their dreams or goals
before cupid shoots his arrows in February. I ask myself how is this
year going to be different than the last year. I wrote down some goals…
Will I keep the weight off? (check); Will I maintain healthy eating
goals? (check…yeah right!); Will I make more money? (check); Will I
Voted a best place to buy wine and beer
get steps closer to fulfilling that dream I have been dreaming for years? by Style Weekly readers – 7 years in a row!
(check); Will I draw closer to God? (check). But then I had a revelation!
How many people didn’t make it to 2018? How many people closed
their eyes in 2017? How many people don’t have any dreams or goals
because blood no longer runs through their veins. Then I looked at all
my goals that I want to get done in 2018 on paper, all the dreams I want
to obtain, all the things I know I can accomplish. But then I reflected
on all those people who had goals in 2017—but time ran out! I wrote
over my goals a simple but “powerful” five letter word that would help
me obtain my goals and get me to 2019… G R A C E!
NSV Education and Health by UofR Students
Communities In Schools
By Dat Ton
Communities In Schools of Richmond has produced real results in help-
ing K-12 students in Richmond and Henrico Public Schools to stay in
school and on course to graduate. Richmond Communities In Schools
aims to serve the underserved children who are at risk of graduating due
to a variety of life circumstances and obstacles. Support for these stu-
dents vary, such as, book or coat drives to afterschool programs that fos- ing comes from a diverse array of generous supporters, including local
ter positive youth development, and even one-on-one support. In 2016,
officials said “18,238 students were connected to resources and 2,882
students received intensive case-managed services.” A majority of stu-
dents who received intensive services in 2016 demonstrated improve-
ments in attendance, behavior, and course performance. Communities
In Schools aims to improve these metrics in order to set students on a
path toward graduation.
Richmond Communities In Schools operates in 41 schools and works
with about 160 agencies to help get children the right resources. Pro-
grams that promote attendance, school readiness, transition, mentorship,
parent engagement, literacy, enrichment and life skills are found in every Eljaiek comes from a family who did not cook their own food and said
school in which Communities In Schools operates. Dr. Harold Fitrer,
President and CEO of Richmond Communities In Schools said, “In many
ways we’re kind of like the orchestra leader. You have all these needs
and you get all these people around town that may want to help. So, we
work with the child and the family to try to make sure that we help those among some of our cities most vulnerable residents,” Eljaiek said.
resources come to bear.” Fitrer also mentioned that the U.S. Department
of Education vouched for Communities In Schools as the “only dropout
prevention program in the country that can prove it works.” Communi-
ties In Schools’ national chapter formulated a data-driven strategy called help with nutrition for cancer patients, Tricycle Garden also provides
the Integrated Student Support model for all the various local chapters,
such as in Richmond, to carry out.
Richmond Communities In Schools is a $3.6 million operation. Govern-
ment funding accounts for $1.1 million of its budget and the rest is raisedcle Garden with the help of private-public partnerships launched the
philanthropically. Communities In Schools of Richmond has “great sup-
port from all the major companies and foundations in the area,” accord-
ing to Fitrer.
YMCA By Phillip Daniel
Volunteers from the University of Richmond are helping children in ordinator.
Northside to learn about living a healthy lifestyle, according to a repre-
sentative from a local non-profit. “The University of Richmond has sev-
eral students that attend our afterschool program, voluntarily, to educate
our children on healthy living and fitness every Wednesday for an hour
and a half,” said Amber Holloway of the Northside Family YMCA.
Holloway said the Richmond students have assisted with the YMCA’s
upgraded focus on healthy living in its afterschool programs. “They have
helped get the children excited and looking forward to the healthy snacks
(many that they’ve never had before) that they bring and fun fitness ac-
tivities,” she said. The Northside Family YMCA plans to continue work-
ing with Richmond students and hopes to spread their impact, according
to Holloway. “The hope is that we will continue this partnership for as
long as we can,” she said. “It would be awesome to see how we can
expand on the work that is currently happening.” Holloway said the stu-
dents’ volunteerism has had an impact in Northside.
“The collaboration of the University of Richmond and the Northside
YMCA in itself is a wonderful legacy for the community,” she said.
“They show up each week “ready” despite their busy college schedules
and pour into the kids in our program. The kids come running in every
Wednesday asking if they’re coming and get everything done to be ready
for their arrival.”
Tyler Montoya, a Richmond student who volunteers at the Northside
YMCA, said it has been an enjoyable experience! “Volunteering at the
YMCA has been awesome!” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to give
back to the community and get outside of the Richmond bubble. Also,
you build fantastic relationships with the kids there.”
Special Thanks to everyone who has given our Brown
journalism students the opportunity to inter- dents to apply what they learn in the real world, as well as study oppor-
view and experience the great services you pro- tunities
vide to our communities. We have received tre- RCHS also requires each student to complete 150 hours of community
mendous “positive” feedback from the students service
and they’re all doing a great job! Thanks to Pro- dents while being short-staffed. The high school only has 21 teachers,
fessor Tom Mullen for collaborating with Flavor and
News. Your participation is greatly appreciated. “RCHS strives to enlarge the students’ experiences and give them a
Sincerely, Deone McWilliams & the Flavor News Crew
3
Urban Garden Cycles to Health
By Siwanta Thapa
Tricycle Gardens had its “most successful festival yet” in the 9th Harvest
festival and Golden Trowel Award Presentation, according to mission
manager Isabel Eljaiek. The annual fundraiser is a powerful way of ce-
lebrating what organizers say is the well-being of the entire community
through simple acts of “growing and eating healthy food.” “Our fund-
family foundations and businesses, individual donors, corporate spon-
sorships and federal funding. Our urban farms also generates earned in-
come,” said Eljaiek.
This year, Tricycle Garden, which is located at 2314 Jefferson Avenue,
also started the first Tricycle Certificate and Fellowship to provide an
opportunity for novices to learn about business planning and develop-
ment for sustainable agriculture. The program combines classroom lec-
tures paired with outside the classroom learning opportunities provided
by the fellowship. Money for the program came from the U.S. Depart-
ment of Agriculture and Bon Secours.
she had a steep learning curve from the time she first started with Tri-
cycle Gardens. “Tricycle is advancing our mission through cultivating
sustainable solutions to the economic, geographic, and cultural determi-
nants which have resulted in elevated rates of diet-related diseases
With a mission “to grow healthy food, healthy communities and a
healthy local food system,” Tricycle Gardens has a growing partnership
with other institutions that helps to propel their mission forward. To
access to fresh produce in a partnership with the Virginia Common-
wealth University Massey Foundation.
To help corner stores make healthy changes for their customers, Tricy-
Richmond’s Citywide Healthy Corner Store Program. The program
started with two stores in Richmond and has since expanded to 21 cor-
ner stores in areas labelled as “food-deserts.”
“We focus on the community first, and we focus a lot on keeping that
relationship positive,” said Lorena Castro, the garden’s urban farm co-
Richmond Community High
By Cal Pringle
Some of Richmond Public Schools’ most precious gems are among its
least known. Richmond Community High School, and other magnet
schools like it, are some of the most valuable resources available to stu-
dents and families in the Richmond Public Schools system.
“The specialty high schools in RPS are well-kept secrets,” said RCHS
principal James Brown. “Many parents and most taxpayers simply don’t
realize the outstanding programs that exist.”
Admission to these schools is based on criteria measured through inter-
views, testing and/or written essays, Brown said. Richmond Commu-
nity High is in Northside but enrollment is open to any student who lives
in Richmond.
Richmond Community High is dedicated to providing “outstanding ed-
ucation to gifted students whose socio-economic circumstances [limit]
their ability to succeed,” according to its website. The school dedicates
60 to 75 percent of admission slots to students from low socio-economic
backgrounds. “I’m driven by the help we provide families to transition
young people from secondary to post-secondary education, often with
scholarships and grants to offset the cost of the education,” said Brown
about what drew him to Richmond Community.
Richmond Community High School is also dedicated to go beyond the
baseline requirements for Richmond high schools. For example, to
graduate from RCHS a student must earn 32 credits, exceeding the min-
imum requirement for an Advanced Studies Diploma by 6 credits.
said Richmond Community High also provides opportunities to
study outside the classroom, including week-long fieldtrips to allow stu-
in “museums, libraries, historic places, theater and film, musical
performances, camps, and environmental explorations.”
to graduate.
Richmond Community High is able to provide this education to its stu-
5 out of those are part time. Furthermore, the school only has 1
counselor, 1 secretary, and 1 administrator.
‘jump start’ for college,” Brown said.
 NSV David Mayo Overby
Our Dear Friend’s Smile,
Laughter and Friendship will
Never Be Forgotten!
David Earl Mayo, Sr. “Snake”
May You Rest In Peace
DEPARTED THIS LIFE DECEMBER 8, 2017
Years ago, we had the opportunity to meet one special young man by the
name of David Earl Mayo, Sr. We called him Mr. Mayo, but many of
his friends throughout the Brookland Park Boulevard and North Avenue
corridor referred to him as “Snake”. In life we meet many people, but
some stand out more than others. Whether it’s a person’s personality,
heartfelt conversations, or just their radiating smiles! For years…every
morning, afternoon, and even late nights we were accustomed to being
greeted by Mr. Mayo asking if we needed help with odd jobs around our
school (Dream Academy) and news room (Flavor News/Northside
Vibes). Whenever we would work late nights, we knew we could depend
on his gentle knock on the window to remind us it was getting dark. Upon
arriving to work early in the morning, there he was—a total gentleman
with a big smile (and heart) ready to help us with our briefcases, groceries,
packages, etc. Even when we hosted neighborhood breakfasts, lunches,
holiday dinners and events, we could always count on Mr. Mayo to help
out…and of course… join us! If he wasn’t at Dream Academy, we would
see him helping others—including Norvelle Taylor, Owner of Norvelle’s
“Under Pressure Diamonds Are Formed”
Shoe Repair, and Mr. Grover Willingham, Owner of Northside Hardware.
Additionally, every first Friday of the month, Mr. Mayo would offer to
help deliver the GOOD NEWSpaper, Northside Vibes. Even after we re-
located (both Dream Academy and Flavor News), he made sure we knew
he was always available to assist. Yes, it’s hard to believe he is no longer
here on this Earth, but we know he will always be with us…still smiling!
Thank you, Mr. Mayo, for exhibiting so much love for others. Thank you
for always being respectful to us and caring about our wellbeing. Thank
you for making us laugh. Thank you for being “you”. Rest in Peace.
Sincerely, Deone McWilliams and Dr. Joann Henry (Dream Academy)
Overby-Sheppard Elementary School
BY CHRIS BARRY, University of Richmond Journalism Student
Students at Overby-Sheppard Elementary School returned to a newly
renovated building on January 2 after spending the first half of the acade-
mic year at Clark Springs Elementary. The renovation focused on rede-
signing the open-space school concept, which was popular when Overby-
Sheppard was built in 1976. The main design feature at that time was the
lack of walls separating classrooms. Supporters argued then that it would
be more conducive to different learning styles and allow more open, colla-
borative learning.
“Our transition has been seamless and our students and parents are en-
gaged at the highest level in our quality learning community,” Kara Lan-
caster-Gray, Overby-Sheppard’s principal, wrote in an email.
Lancaster-Gray said parent engagement during the remodel was a major
success. She said that the family nights hosted by Overby-Sheppard had
an average parent attendance of about 160, a record for those events. The
parent nights include a showcase of the students and authentic learning
for the parents.
Overby-Sheppard also encourages parent participation through Parent
Honor Role, planning to induct and acknowledge more than 60 parents.
Attendance at parent nights, Monday Morning Motivation, CHAT (Con-
versations Help Activate Transformation), conferences, and field trips en-
courage parents to get involved and earn points. Lancaster-Gray said that
the attendance for parent-teacher conferences this year exceeded last
year’s attendance. Parent engagement and participation is part of the
school’s mission of providing quality education to the students through
“continued increases across academic content areas.”
After school care and other services have remained intact and enhanced
through partnerships. Transportation for students was consistent with bus
stops remaining the same and buses being provided for students that walk
to school. Lancaster-Gray and the school community continue to affirm
the school’s motto of …“Together, we can and we will succeed.”
Attention All Northside School Employees, Students and Parents!
Flavor News is interested in recognizing students, parents, tea-
chers, counselors, principals and facility employees on our GOOD
SAMARITAN REPORT! If you know of someone who is doing excep-
tionally well in school, including improvement of grades, atti-
tude, attendance, etc., please send us an email: flavornews@
gmail.com (insert GOOD SAMARITAN in the subject line).
Please share this message with all Northside schools!
The Curly Piece 4
The Curly Piece by Madeleine “Maddie” Chapman
EPISODE 4: NEW YEAR—“NEW ME”! If copious amounts of egg-
nog and paper cuts from wrapping paper hasn’t gotten you through the
seasonal sadness slump, then I hope the promising ball drop of a fresh
start will! Procrastination of gift buying and the mentally exhausting
cooking of food, decorating the table, and catering to the guests who
didn’t R.S.V.P. is finally over. (Unless you might have friends or loved
ones of the Capricorn or Aquarius zodiac, you’re probably still procra-
stinating gift buying… no judgment!) Now it’s back to work and back
to the everyday rise and grind. However, this New Year I propose that
our resolutions be as selfish as possible. I believe in my two decades
thus far, the trickiest aspect of building a larger, stronger puzzle is fi-
guring out who’s going to help you. Although it’s not necessary to have
help, it is helpful to have the right people encouraging you, having Faith
in you, and being there to catch you when you fall. The right people
will acknowledge struggle and stop to help piece together what you
couldn’t before. Regrettably, there are people who will be aiding in the
destruction of hard earned puzzle pieces without any warning. Being
blindsided by an individual you built trust for is not easy; the form of
betrayal is unkind to the mental state of mind. Confused, we think of
some darned way to blame ourselves, which is blasphemy! If our love,
trust, friendship, or even unaltered kindness is betrayed in the slightest,
we are not losing—but rather gaining more from it! The common mis-
conception behind a person letting us down is that we’ve done some-
thing to drive that motive, and that just doesn’t seem very fair. So, this
New Year I will reiterate the beckoning for a reasonable amount of sel-
fishness. Take time to evaluate your self-worth and the people who
want to invest in your time because it’s incredibly important to pro-
tect your feelings. Filtering out people who bring toxic energy and
welcoming the people who push you to do better in your life will
change how you feel about yourself. Surround yourself with people
who you can build trust with and be picky! New Year, New ME.
See you next month—good luck!
Community Superstars
GOOD GESTURES UNFORGOTTEN
400+ HOTDOGS FOR THE KIDS!
A few months ago, we received a phone call from one of the em-
ployees of Walgreens on Chamberlayne Avenue and Brookland
Park Boulevard, Mary Carter. She wanted the Flavor News Crew
to know about a couple who deserved to be recognized for “Giving
Back to Our Community” on Halloween. She met Christian Parker,
Northside resident, when he came into the store to purchase more
ketchup for over 400 hotdogs. Yes, 400+ hotdogs! According to
Christian, he and his girlfriend, Diana Lamattina, thought it would
be nice to serve hotdogs, cotton candy, popcorn, refreshing drinks,
and of course…candy (40 bags of candy)! They truly didn’t expect
an enormous turnout, but they were pleasantly shocked when so
many people stopped by. Says Christian, “It truly wasn’t about the
money. It felt good to be able to give back by doing fun things for
the kids. What was even more amazing was when people began
offering donations to help out. Although we refused, they still gave
and everyone had a very nice time.” SPECIAL THANKS TO
CHRISTIAN PARKER, DIANA LAMATTINA AND
EVERYONE ELSE WHO MADE HALLOWEEN A
DAY TO REMEMBER. MARY CARTER, THANKS
FOR SHARING THE GOOD NEWS WITH US!
YOU ALL ARE THE TRUE DEFINITION OF
“NEIGHBORS GROWING TOGETHER!”
NSV Attention 1st Responders & More Services 5

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NSV More Valued Supporters & Services! 6

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 NSV Highland Park Seniors & Career Training! 7

Checking in with the Highland Park

Senior Apartments
BY AMANDA SCHMITT, University of Richmond Journalism Student
It is the one-year anniversary of the opening of the Highland Park Senior
Apartments and the resident community is flourishing! The Community
Preservation and Development Corporation, or CPDC, opened the apart-
ments last December in hopes of creating a healthy retirement community.
Originally a high school, the building was acquired by the CPDC in 2013
and has been transformed into a senior living space.
The resident lifestyle is a high priority to the CPDC. According to Lee Al-
ford, the real estate development officer for Highland Park, the engage-
ment of residents is crucial to the complex. The emphasis of on-site inter-
action is seen in the services available to the residents, like case manage-
ment.
Many other major movements have been made since the opening of the a-
partments in order to add to the revitalization of the community. Resident
Services Coordinator Janei Lofty works closely with the residents and aims
to create an involved community within the complex. Community pro-
grams include health and wellness activities through Virginia Common-
wealth University and safe space discussions through local church partner-
ships.
“We’re seeing the community come together,” Lofty said. “We are still in
bloom, but the residents understand the importance of creating a new iden-
tity within community.”
Before the CPDC owned the property, another firm attempted to create a
senior living community. Their attempt failed and resulted in foreclosure.
However, the CPDC is paying extra attention to the lives of its residents in
order to ensure a happy and successful environment. These efforts have
been so successful that even though the Highland apartments opened in
just December of 2016, 76 out of 77 residences are occupied.
Lofty attributes the success to the resident feedback sessions. Instead of
the CPDC being in charge of all activities, the 76 member community is
shifting towards resident lead programs with broader community outreach
in mind through Northside Strong. The apartment residents advocate on
behalf of all local senior citizens, broadening the reach of the Highland
Park community.

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 NSV First Impressions…Definitely Everlasting!
ISN’T SHE BEAUTIFUL? YES she is/Inside-Out!
Ms. Saundra Jackson’s Stunningly Gorgeous
“Natural” Snow White Hair Dovetails with
Her Charming Personality! What an Angel!
A few years ago the Flavor News Crew met a young lady in Richmond’s
Northside by the name of Ms. Saundra Jackson. At that time Ms. Jackson
was visiting Dream Academy (corner of Brookland Park Boulevard and
North Avenue). Not only were we captivated by her charming smile, but
her stunningly gorgeous, natural snow white hair captured the attention of
everyone! Many thought it was professionally colored (including me), but
we quickly learned that she was blessed with her beautiful frosty hair
color! Coupled with her illuminating flair is her fashionable wardrobe
which she sports daily—in public and while greeting the students and
guests of Dream Academy, which is now located at 2508 Chamberlayne
Avenue (near Overbrook Road), an educational institution that gives
individuals 19 and older an opportunity to obtain an “actual” high school
diploma. Ms. Jackson’s telephone etiquette is awesome; and every month
when we stop by to deliver the newspapers, she greets us with a welcoming
smile and always has an inspirational, encouraging message to share. Even
during her challenging days, as we all have those (smile), she still manages
to share how good God has been to her! Ms. Jackson, thank you for all you
do to assist others in time of need. May God continue to bless you and
your family abundantly. Sincerely, the Flavor News Crew
8
Next Month is
Valentine’s
Day
So Let’s Get
Ready Now!
TIPS FOR A HEALTHY
VALENTINE’S DAY
From intimate meals to decadent desserts, couples across the globe
will be celebrating romance this February 14th. Love it or hate it,
Valentine’s Day remains one of the biggest restaurant nights of the
year – one that often involves heavy dinners. But with a few tips
and some planning, you can get through the big night without add-
ing inches to your waistline.
Step away from the bread basket. If you’d like a roll, grab one
then move it outside of your reaching distance. The same goes for
chips, should you be at a Mexican restaurant. Grab a small handful
and then stay away from them the rest of the night. Meal modifi-
cations are key. Feel free to make special requests. Ask the waiter
if they can put the sauce on the side – or to substitute veggies for
the french fries. Find out if your meal can be made without butter,
oil or salt…anything that could help cut down on calories. And re-
member: in terms of calories, grilled is usually better than fried and
baked is better than braised. Start out healthy. Consider ordering
a light salad or soup to kick things off. This will help to fill you up
before you dive into the big meal. You also might want to split an
entrée with your significant other. Practice portion control. Re-
member that restaurant sizes are often larger than normal. Consi-
der eating half of your meal and putting the rest in a doggie bag.
Avoid all the bells and whistles. Don’t add a bunch of extras to
your meal. When it comes to a salad, avoid topping it off with but-
tery croutons, grated cheese, bacon and dollops of high-fat dress-
ing. The same goes with a burger, baked potato and other entrees.
Think red. Red bell peppers, radicchio, cherries, strawberries, red
beans, red onions and tomatoes, for example, are all packed with
vitamins, cancer-fighting antioxidants or cholesterol-busting fiber
and protein. In addition, a daily glass of red wine is believed to
help reduce the risk of blood clots and keep the cardiovascular sys-
tem in shape. So forgo that cocktail, which can be loaded with su-
gar, and have a glass of red wine instead (and ask if they serve a
light version). Don’t always give the Gift of Chocolate. If you
and your significant other are trying to lose or maintain weight,
consider purchasing a fruit basket instead of a box of chocolate, or
baking a low-calorie dessert. It’s also important to remember that
a number of sugar-free candies and chocolate brands are available
and can be found at your local grocery store or the candy section
of an area pharmacy. A bouquet of flowers, healthy cookbook, per-
sonal training sessions or a day spa gift certificate could also prove
worthy gift substitutes.
Do not completely deprive yourself. Valentine’s Day is a time for
laughter, fun and food. Having a small slice of cake or a couple
truffles will not lead to weight gain. Moderation is key. And if
you do pop the lid off that box of chocolates this Valentine’s Day,
don’t feel guilty.
Research indicates chocolate is chock-full of healthy com-
pounds and may actually help prevent heart disease, en-
hance immune systems and give us a feeling of well-being.
Consider dining in this year. A great way to save calories, money
and avoid crowds. Find an easy reduced calorie meal that you can
cook with or for your significant other at home. Rent some roman-
tic movies and make a healthy dessert, like strawberry shortcake
sprinkled with your favorite low-calorie sweetener, and ENJOY!
This message is brought to you by the Calorie Control Coun-
cil (Healthy Eating and Exercise for Life). Visit www.calorie
control.org for more information. This website is designed
primarily as an educational resource. It is not intended to
provide medical advice on personal health matters or to
guide treatment – which is only appropriately done by a qua-
lified health professional. Permission to reprint information
in whole or in part contained on this site is granted, provided
customary credit is given.
 NSVibes Valued Distributors & Auto Care Tips
Where Can We Pick Up a Copy of
Northside Vibes? 35+ Locations!
 7-11 Williamsburg Road & Oakley Lane (near airport)
 BP Café & Gas Station 2116 Willis Road
 BP Gas Station Chamberlayne Avenue & Brookland Park Blvd.
 Brooks Diner 1600 Brook Road
 CAHN Capital Area Health Network: Northside Medical Center
2809 North Avenue
 City Wraps (inside Clarion Hotel) 3207 N. Boulevard
 Corner Express Mart 2930 North Avenue
 Designs by Ron 1600 Brook Road, Suite B
 Dollar General 2910 North Avenue
 East End Clinic/Dr. Lei Charlton’s Office 1122 N. 25th Street
 Faith Printing 7814 Midlothian Turnpike
 Family Dollar 2917 North Avenue
 Greater Richmond Convention Center – Richmond
Convention and Visitors Bureau 405 N. 3rd Street
 Homewood Suites by Hilton 5996 Audubon Dr. (near RIC Airport)
 Kroger 901 N. Lombardy Street
 L. Douglas Wilder Library: Virginia Union University
1500 N. Lombardy Street
 Little House Green Grocery 1227 Bellevue Avenue
 McLean’s Restaurant 3605 W. Broad Street
 Nicola Flora 1219 Bellevue Avenue
 Nomad Deli & Catering Co. 207 W. Brookland Park Blvd.
 Northside Family YMCA 4207 Old Brook Road
 Northside Hardware 2925 North Avenue
 Norvelle’s Shoe Repair 2928 North Avenue
 Old Dominion Electrical Supply 2509 N. Lombardy Street
 Once Upon a Vine 4009 MacArthur 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 Avenue
 River City Diner North 803 E. Parham Road
 Ruffin Insurance Agency 3813 Nine Mile Road
 Shell Gas Station 7039 Hull Street Road
 Stir Crazy Café RVA 4015 MacArthur Avenue
 Stony Point Pharmacy 9000 Stony Point Pkwy.
 Walgreens Chamberlayne Avenue & Brookland Park Blvd.
 Walker & Son, Inc. 4038 MacArthur Avenue
Copies may be picked up from our News Room located in Shockoe Bot-
tom: Flavor News, 21 Professional Center, 2025 E. Main Street, Suite
214, Richmond, Virginia 23223. Please call (804) 297-6316 prior to ar-
riving (must schedule appointment).
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR VALUED SUPPORTERS
ADVERTISERS & DISTRIBUTORS
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: DELIVERY DRIVERS
OFFICE ASSISTANT and SALES REPRESENTATIVES
Flavor News is seeking two (2) delivery drivers for the Rich-
mond Metropolitan area. You must own a vehicle, possess a va-
lid driver’s license and have current automobile insurance. You
will be required to deliver newspapers on the 1st Friday of each
month between the hours of noon and 3 p.m.
Additionally, we’re seeking a part-time Office Assistant AND
Sales Representatives (strictly commission). Working hours will
be discussed during interview. If interested, please send your
resume and three professional references to flavornews@gmail
.com or call (804) 297-6316 to schedule an interview.
Come on and journey with the GOOD NEWSpaper, Northside Vibes!
9
Winter Tire Tips
ARE YOUR TIRES READY FOR THE
WINTER DRIVING SEASON?
In the winter months, your four wheels are imperative to your vehicle’s
performance and overall passenger safety – winter terrain can be incre-
dibly demanding. While you cannot always predict the weather, you
can avoid the extra stress through preparation and proper tire mainte-
nance. This season, follow these tips to ensure that your tires are ready
for the road ahead:
 Check tire pressure often to maintain at manufacturer’s recom-
mended levels, as cold weather corresponds with inflation pressure.
 Rotate tires every 6,000 miles to improve performance and life ex-
pectancy of tires.
 Measure tire tread regularly to ensure safe and fuel-efficient driving
on precipitated, salty terrain.
 Consider snow tires if you live in a hilly area or expect hazardous
icy/snowy terrain.
 Drive cautiously at all times, especially in inclement weather.
Overwhelmed? Don’t be! The friendly, ASE-certified technicians at
our AAA-owned-and-operated Car Care Centers are here to answer all
of your weather-related questions.
To learn more about winter vehicle maintenance, visit AAA.com/Car
Care or call 866-AAA-AUTO (866-222-2886) to locate a AAA Car
Care Center near you.
Oil Changes and Your Car
Regular Oil Changes are Important for
Your Car’s “Health”
Regular oil changes are vital to the proper functioning of your car. But,
taking your car in for this essential service isn’t only about changing
the oil and filter – bringing your car to a reputable facility for an oil
change is a great way to ensure its overall “health”.
Here are some of the additional “check-up” services your technician
should provide during an oil change:
 Inspect belts, hoses, air filter, lights, and wipers
 Perform a battery test to determine its condition and functioning
 Inspect the steering, suspension, fuel supply lines, brake lines, and
exhaust
 Check the condition of all fluids
 Look for system leaks or problems
 Choose the correct oil for your vehicle based on manufacturers’
recommendations
TAKING YOUR CAR IN FOR THIS
ESSENTIAL SERVICE ISN’T ONLY ABOUT
CHANGING THE OIL AND FILTER.
Your service technician can help you determine HOW FREQUENT-
LY YOUR OIL SHOULD BE CHANGED based on manufacturer’s
recommendations for the type of oil your vehicle requires. Keep in
mind, the automotive industry recommends more frequent oil changes
for vehicles that are subject to “severe driving conditions,” including
extremely cold or hot weather, stop-and-go city driving, dusty driving
conditions, frequent trips under 10 miles, and carrying heavy loads or
towing a trailer.
WINTERIZE YOUR CAR TODAY! SCHEDULE AN
APPOINTMENT TO GET YOUR OIL CHANGED!
 NSV More Supporters & Entrepreneurship!
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www.drhamiltonstubbs.com
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Starting Anew:
New Year, New Business, New You!
BY ANGELIA G. YANCEY, Deputy Director, OMBD
“New Year, New Me” is the mantra for many Richmonders as 2017
comes to an end and 2018 commences. A common New Year’s resolu-
tion is turning over a new leaf career-wise. Many millennials, in particu-
lar, want more than working a traditional nine-to-five job that does not
allow them the freedom to utilize their natural skills, or infringes on their
lifestyles, free expression and socialization. With the cost of living ris-
ing and the burden of student loans, millennials may find quitting their
day job is not necessarily a realistic option. So if this generation wants
to keep working, but in a way doing what they do best, why don’t they
just become their own boss? That’s a good idea! Start a business and
be your own boss, right? Before one can start writing their two weeks’
notice and taking over an industry, however, there are quite a few things
to consider about entrepreneurship. The first question anyone should
ask themselves is, “Am I ready?”
Your current job is your sole source of income. So, before you quit, ask
yourself: “Do I have enough money saved up to not only start a business,
but also to cover my cost-of-living?” What about food, shelter, insur-
ance, taxes, and daycare? Many business owners still work their tradi-
tional job for years while starting a business—due to current debt and
other basic expenses. Take into consideration what is pushing you away
from your current position. While it may not be your dream job, are you
just burned out? Does it fulfill your greatest potential? Are you using
your natural gifts? Jumping from a traditional job to starting a business
could be more harmful than helpful to someone who’s already exhausted
mentally. Take a day or two and assess your mental health before leav-
ing your job. Your current job could easily fund the start of your new
business if you are ready to take that leap of Faith.
10
Being a Parent Can Be Hard.
(804) 353-4264
www.partnershipforfamilies.org
CONTINUED
A new business initiative requires planning and proper preparation.
Owning and operating a business is different from working a traditional
job. Business owners get paid last. Employees, vendors, bills and legal
costs are all paid before the boss. In the early stages of business, the
owner might have to operate for months to a few years before seeing
little or any profit. Benefits generally offered by fulltime jobs have to
be paid out of your earnings. If you are taking over an already esta-
blished business, the current state of their lease and finances become
your responsibility. How will your business be formed? Is your busi-
ness online or does it have a storefront? Does the company have a
banker, lawyer, accountant and insurance agent? Lack of planning is
detrimental to a budding business. From making it legal to gathering
marketing materials, millennials can learn how to turn their great ideas
into a business. The City of Richmond Office of Minority Business
Development offers courses to help, including how to write a business
plan, free of charge! So before quitting your job and rushing into the
New Year and new you, educate yourself on planning your business.
The opportunities are endless, and with proper preparation, you can be
your own boss in due time. When you are ready, we are here to help.
Sign up for our courses at: http://www.ci.richmond.va.us/Minority
BusinessDevelopment/Training.aspx.
 NSV Early Morning Smiles on Christmas Day! 11

Continued from Front Page Early Christmas morning (6:30 a.m.) the Flavor News Crew set out looking for smiling faces. Although many
people had to work on the holiday, we did not detect any sadness whatsoever! After attending a media meeting in Chesterfield County, we decided
to stop by the Waffle House on Midlothian Turnpike (near the Boulders). What was so amazing to witness was how these five young ladies made
sure their customers were taken care of “prior” to posing for a group photo (awesome!). Our next stop was Northside of Richmond, and once again
we were pleasantly greeted by many employees and business owners, including Mr. and Mrs. Roy (photo/front page/top right) of Corner Express
Mart located at 2930 North Avenue and one of their valued employees, Everett Brewer (photo above) who was described as a valuable employee
who has never been late to work during his three-month employment and he is very professional (yes he is!). We then decided to do a little grocery
shopping, however, we really had a difficult time finding stores that were open, and so we ended up at our neighborhood Walgreens located at the
intersection of Chamberlayne Avenue and Brookland Park Boulevard. Shift Leader, Mr. Sin, and Rachel (employee dressed as a reindeer) were
willing to pose for us (see photo on Front Page)! Last but not least, just before leaving the area we traveled back down Brookland Park Boulevard
(near Hotchkiss Field) and there he was… SANTA CLAUS! We knew we only had one shot at taking his picture because it was so evident he had
many gifts to deliver. After making a quick U-turn, we approached him and asked if he would pose for our final Christmas photo…and…he did!
Thanks Santa and everyone who made our Early Christmas Morning Journey a true success…and…HAPPY NEW YEAR!

MANY THANKS TO OUR VALUED SUPPORTERS AND ADVERTISERS

 NEIGHBORS GROWING TOGETHER…NORTHSIDE VIBES! 
 
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For more information, call (804) 901-1308 Visit: universallifeservices.com Email: info@universallifeservices.org