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WEDNESDAYS • June 17, 2015

INSIDE A survival guide for single moms - 2 Incarcerated fathers & their children - 6 Looking at single father homes - 9 Personal stories of fathers & children - 10

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HAPPY FATHER’S DAY Being a good father requires one to embark on a journey of extreme sacrifice and total selflessness.

What I love the most about being a dad is that my son looks up to me. Being a dad matured me into the man that I am today. I model a behavior for my son to always follow and to strive to be the best young man he could ever be. Enjoy your kids! Don’t be boring. Go outside and play. Take them to the park. Go to a ball game. Head out to the zoo. Play hide-and-seek. Figure out what they love, and do that with them. They’ll love you for it. Children of prisoners deserve to be informed, well cared for, and able to sustain a relationship with their parents. These are basic tenets of children’s rights that are often overlooked.

In the photo: A. Michelle Simon with dad David T. Johnson

2 • June 17, 2015

The LEGACY

News

Father’s Day survival guide for single moms D.C. LIVERS For millions of moms – divorced, single, domestic violence survivors – Father’s Day is not exactly a day of celebration. As much as marketers like Best Buy, Sears and others want the world to feel all warm and fuzzy, there is a list of reasons why Father’s Day isn’t always circled on the family calendar. That’s why it is refreshing that Hallmark has a line of cards for Single Moms on Father’s Day. Without question, there are scores of good – and even some really great – dads out there. Some dads like Mocha Dad blogger Fred Goodall even dedicate their whole lives to fatherhood. What’s not to love about

these dads. But there is another view, however unpopular. What about the moms who survived domestic violence at dad’s hands? How does she handle Father’s Day? What about the mom who can barely feed her child because daddy is working “off the books” to avoid paying child support? What about kids of moms who have been falsely accused of child neglect or abuse by a disgruntled ex or landlord who is owed money? In New York City alone, the local CPS agency, ACS, admits over 60 percent of all calls to their abuse hotline are falsely filed and the cases are unfounded. The children spend years – or months if they are lucky – in foster care over false allegations. Statistics show

Solomon Darden

When I was told that I was going to be a father, I’ll admit that I was scared. I was young, wild and somewhat immature. In fact, I did not want my wife to keep him. I thank God every day that she did not listen to my selfish ways. My son is my heart. He’s been my heart from the day he was born with his umbilical cord wrapped around his neck and I had to tell the doctor it was okay to cut it off of him. To hear him scream and cry broke my heart and it was at that very moment I saw my entire life change. My son is now four-years-old. What I love the most about being a dad is that my son looks up to me. Being a dad matured me into the man that I am today. I model a behavior for my son to always follow and to strive to be the best young man he could ever be.

that many false reports are made by abusers trying to find or harass their victims under the guise of exercising their parental rights. According to websites like FalselyAccusedMoms.com and ALittleLynched.com, moms and activists have been fighting to bring awareness to this growing trend of allowing abusers to use family court as a weapon against good mothers. To make Father’s Day more manageable, here are a few tips that every mom should read: 1) Married moms should avoid “shaming” their single mom friends. Being in a dadless home doesn’t mean their lives are any less happy. Many single moms are happier than married ones. Married moms often put on brave faces to hide their own pain and shame of being in a less than perfect marriage. Compassion is the key. 2) Single moms should avoid “borrowing a dad” on Father’s Day. Talk to your child ahead of the big day – and afterwards – to gauge their feelings, needs and wants. Develop a positive male role model plan accordingly, but the replacement dad model isn’t a full-proof way to achieve peace. 3) Do not bad-mouth dad in front of the children, even if he is a jerk. If things ended badly, simple answers

like, “He is working on solving some of his problems” or “I am sure he loves you but sometimes the best way to show love is to stay away.” If there was domestic violence and there are legitimate safety issues, you must keep your kids on alert. Try not to scare them but safety must come first. 4) Find positive traits that you liked about him and see in your children and share those stories with the children. Consider saying, “You know, your dad and I weren’t always in a challenging place. I remember one time when he….” or “Before things changed, your dad used to make me laugh so hard when he….” 5) Let your children take the lead. If they want to write letters, draw a picture, look at old photos or movies. Let them. Just make sure to have some wine on hand for you when they go to sleep. Go to dad’s social media page and grab a few current photos to show them, if you think it’s appropriate. If they ask you tough questions, answer them honestly. Follow their lead. 6) If dad has other children or another family or even recently came out as gay, help your children know it is not their fault he is not around. Do whatever you can to make sure (continued on page 12)

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June 17, 2015 • 3

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4 • June 17, 2015

The LEGACY

The history of Father’s Day Editor’s Note: I thought it would be interesting to know how Father's Day came to be. With Mother’s Day being one of the most respected and celebrated holidays, Father’s Day is recognized just as widely. In a search to learn about the history of Father’s Day, I came across theholidayspot.com. This website shared two perspectives of how Father’s day came into existence. There are many theories associated with the observance of Father’s Day. The two theories which are quite known prevalent for the celebration of the first Father’s Day celebration in the United States are as stated. The first theory regarding the celebration of Father’s Day was established on June 19, 1908 in

the State of Washington when an independent celebration of Father’s Day, a few weeks later, took place on July 5, 1908 in Fairmont,West Virginia. Hence the first Father's Day was recognized in West Virginia, while a church service was going on at Williams Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church South. Grace Golden Clayton, who reportedly suggested the service to the pastor at Williams Memorial, is said to have been inspired to celebrate fathers post a mine explosion, a few months before, in the nearby community of Monongah. This explosion ended 361 lives, many of them fathers and recent immigrants to the States from Italy. Another influencing force, which further reinforced the establishment of Father's Day, was that of Mrs.

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Sonora Smart Dodd. Dodd thought of the idea for Fathe’s Day while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909. Having been raised by her father, Henry Jackson Smart, after her mother died, Sonora wanted her father to know how special he was to her. It was her father that made all the parental sacrifices and was, in the eyes of his daughter, a courageous, selfless, and loving man. Since Sonora's father was born in June she chose to hold the first Father’s Day celebration in Spokane, WA in June. Although she initially thought of celebrating Father’s Day on June 5, which was her father’s birthday, the other people involved did not agree they would have enough time for an appropriate celebration. Therefore, the first Father's Day was held on

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the third Sunday in June. The first June Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1908 at the Spokane YMCA. Politician and orator, William Jennings Bryan appreciated the concept immediately and began extending his support widely. President Woodrow Wilson, who was the first U.S. President to celebrate it in June 1916 with a party his family hosted, initiated Father’s Day. President Calvin Coolidge declared it a national holiday in 1924 and in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson, by official order, made Father’s Day a holiday to be celebrated on the third Sunday of June. The holiday was not formally considered until 1972, when a Congressional Act setting it permanently on the third Sunday in June all over the nation officially acknowledged it.

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The ‘10 Commandments of Fatherhood’ Most dads possess the same desire: to be a great dad that doesn’t ruin their children’s lives. One father shares his 10 Commandments of Fatherhood as a guide to being a successful dad. 1. Do not provoke your children to anger. Don’t publicly humiliate your child. Don’t give them undue and unfair discipline. Don’t make fun of them, even privately, just you and them. Instead, actively play with them, love on them, be “present,” and look for ways to honor them. 2. Bring them up in the Lord. Consistently have them worshipping in a healthy church. You, the adult, lead the way in church attendance

and in living life openly and honestly with others in a small group. Live out your faith at home. 3. Do not provoke your children... they’ll become discouraged Encourage your children! Show them you’re proud of them...even when they color outside of the lines. Or, maybe especially when they color outside of the lines. Knowing they’ve made Dad proud is a huge accomplishment. Let them know this constantly, and help your children curb discouragement. You don’t want them seeking their sense of approval and worth from the world. 4. Discipline your children. Discipline in the moment feels

Absent father changing thousands of lives ‘Finding Chris My Father’ According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 24 million children in America - one in three live in biological father-absent homes. Nine in 10 Americans agree this is a crisis. Due to the “father factor”, affecting most of the social issues in America today-from police brutality, to youth delinquency and academic failures-breakdowns in the system have become all too prevalent. This underscores the fact that children with involved fathers do better across every statistic on child well-being than their peers in father-absent homes. A stable at-home dad was something yearned for by author/ advocate Vincent Ellis White when he was a kid. Seeing how it led to rage and rebellion in his own life, he now focuses on mentoring, healthy family advocacy, & strengthening families by way of creating awareness and open dialogue to help address similar problems faced by youths dealing with the father factor. “Son, I have something to tell you. The man who you think is your dad,

negative. But it’s for our children’s good. It helps create structure, learning right from wrong, and shapes our children’s hearts. It also helps them understand the loving discipline of God that works for our good. The dad that doesn’t discipline his child is an unloving, unkind, and foolish dad. 5. Don’t abuse verbally, physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Don’t ever resort to this. What they’ve done never necessitates this. Ever! 6. Have fun. Enjoy your kids! Don’t be boring. Go outside and play. Take them to the park. Go to a ball game. Head out to the zoo. Play hide-andseek. Figure out what they love, and do that with them. They’ll love you for it. 7. Give them good gifts. Give them something that they’ll love. Study them, and know what they like. Maybe that’s a video game. Maybe

that’s a new baseball glove. Maybe it’s a book or a CD or a special piece of candy. Go out of your way to know your kids and their interests. Then go get them something they’ll love. 8. Hug them. Embrace your children. Give them comfort. Let them know they’re safe and secure with you. 9. Tell them you love them. Tell them every single day. Let them never doubt you love them because you fail to say it. 10. Be present. You can abandon your children without leaving the room. You know that, right? You can escape into something other than what you’re surrounded with and who you’re surrounded by. Put the phone down. Turn the TV off. No iPads or text messages. Just be with your kids. Time’s too short, and they’re too precious, to be consumed every moment with something else.

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804-231-3958 (Office) • 804-908-3958 (Cell) Vincent Ellis White isn’t.” These words changed the life of White when he was 16 years old. Since then, the Richmond native has become an inspiration to a rapidly growing audience with a book and a stage play that has made even hardened ex-cons stand up and weep. The realization that the frequently incarcerated father he knew, troubled, or not, was not his bloodkin filled his teenage years with anger and confusion. He currently (continued on page 9 )

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6 • June 17, 2015

Op/Ed & Letters

The LEGACY

Incarcerated fathers and the children left behind CLIO CHANG Fatherhood is a theme that President Barack Obama has emphasized multiple times during his presidency. It’s an issue he has personal ties with because his own father was absent during most of his childhood (which formed the subject of his memoir, “Dreams from my Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance”). The president echoes this sentiment again in his 2008 Father’s Day speech: If we are honest with ourselves, we’ll admit that too many fathers are missing — missing from too many lives and too many homes. They have abandoned their responsibilities, acting like boys instead of men. And the foundations of our families are weaker because of it. In this speech, Obama states that half of all black children in the U.S. today live in single-parent households—the president here intends to demonstrate fault on behalf of black fathers. He finds it disconcerting that this number has risen so substantially in his lifetime. Yet, what Obama fails to mention is that many of these “missing fathers” are in prison. In 2007, 52 percent of prisoners were parents. This amounts to 1.1 million absent fathers and 120,000 absent mothers—impacting 2.7 million children—within the prison system alone. That’s more prisonThe LEGACY NEWSPAPER Vol. 1 No. 18 Mailing Address 409 E. Main Street 4 Office Address 105 1/2 E. Clay St. Richmond, VA 23219 Call 804-644-1550 Online www.legacynewspaper.com

induced, single-parent children than three times the population of San Francisco. The price of parenting behind bars The rhetoric of “missing fathers” is misleading when it comes to imprisoned parents. Although Obama attacks black men specifically, he fails to mention that 1 in 9 black children have a parent in prison, compared to only one in 57 white children. While 13 percent of America’s population is African American, 40 percent of all incarcerated parents are black. Obama’s omission shifts fault and stigma onto the prisoners, even though two-thirds of imprisoned parents have committed nonviolent crimes, and many are victims of harsh and punitive drug sentencing laws. Imprisoned parents are not voluntarily absent from their children’s lives. Over 60 percent of prisoners are assigned to prisons more than 100 miles from their original place of residence. The simple obstacle of distance makes it impossible for many incarcerated parents to continue fulfilling parental responsibilities. Unfortunately, the will alone of prisoners to uphold personal responsibility is not enough to pay for the $80 bus rides. Parental imprisonment and poverty More than half of imprisoned parents are the primary wageThe LEGACY welcomes all signed letters and all respectful opinions. Letter writers and columnists opinions are their own and endorsements of their views by The LEGACY should be inferred. The LEGACY assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. Annual Subscription Rates Virginia - $50 U.S. states - $75 Outside U.S.- $100 The Virginia Legacy © 2015

earners for their families. Incarceration can lead to extreme financial distress for the entire family, with dire implications for children. With breadwinning parents out of the picture, our country’s egregious child poverty rates are exacerbated. Fathers are especially important in this regard—on average, a family’s income drops by 22 percent when his or her father is incarcerated. Child poverty already induces toxic stress on children, inhibiting their neurological development. Poverty induced by an incarcerated parent comes with additional stigmas, thus leading to little social and community support. Children with imprisoned parents also do worse in school, an important indicator of economic mobility. Twenty-three percent of children with incarcerated fathers are expelled or suspended, compared to 4 percent of children without. Parental imprisonment threatens the well-being of children physically, psychologically, and socially. It impacts the economic and educational status of the children themselves, both important indicators of future economic mobility. For example, children from

low-income families that don’t earn college degrees have a 45 percent chance of remaining low-income throughout adulthood. More research should be done on the effects of parental incarceration on their children since this issue is becoming increasingly pertinent for so many families. A prisoner bill of rights for parents? To address the relationship between incarceration and child poverty, the San Francisco Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership (SFCIPP) created a bill of rights in 2003. Perhaps the most compelling component of the project are the shared personal narratives that humanize the parental imprisonment experience. One victim of parental imprisonment, Dave, states: I was nine when my mom got arrested. The police came and took her. I was trying to ask them what was going on and they wouldn't say... they arrested her and just left us there. For two or three weeks I took care of my one-year-old brother and myself. I tried to make breakfast in the morning and I burnt my hand trying to make toast.

(continued on page 7 )

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June 17, 2015 • 7

P.T. Hoffsteader, Esq.

Thanking daddy

As I look back over my life I realize how blessed and fortunate my sisters and I were. For a large part of our childhood we grew up in a twoparent household. We were able to go to bed every night and wake up every morning knowing our parents were right down the hallway. The best thing about that, for me, was knowing that I could sleep soundly because my daddy was there to protect us from any harm. My daddy was our provider and our protector. Although he was stern and sometimes hard on us he was also a nurturer. His toughness prepared me for this turbulent world. I knew if I could deal with the one and only David T. Johnson there wasn’t a person on this earth I couldn’t deal with because he was the toughest of the tough. Daddy showed me how a man should love God, how a man should lead, how a man should take care of his family and put them first, how a man should make sacrifices without compromising ethical positions andhow a man should fight for his children. My daddy taught me how to think with an open-mind and most importantly how to be in the world but not of the world. All these elements of love helped groom me into the woman I am. I’m so proud of you daddy. I’m even more proud that you are my dad. Please know that every sacrifice you made and all the help you offered, during my childhood and even adulthood, never went unnoticed and is appreciated beyond

measure. Above all else, be assured that beyond a shadow of a doubt that even though I’m a big girl now, I will always be daddy’s little girl. I love you daddy! A. Michelle Simon

Enjoying fatherhood

Fatherhood is like jazz: if you don’t understand it, no one can explain it to you. As trite as it sounds, having a child really does change everything. It comes with its hardships, sure, but if you pay attention, I think it rounds out the human experience in a way that armchair philosophy and even mysticism cannot. It makes us more of who we are, not less. I marvel at the experience of fatherhood. I contemplate it, analyze it. Sometimes I even struggle with it and dread some of the harder parts of it that are yet to come. But right now I’m mostly just enjoying it. Eric Zawadski

Dad, my hero

I was his princess, and he was my hero. We’ve had our fair share of arguments and misunderstandings over the years, but that’s a normal part of every relationship. Now, we have a deeper level of affection and appreciation for one another. Not only because I’ve matured, but also because I can finally understand that everything he has done has always been in my best interest. If anyone has taught me anything about working hard, it’s dad. When

he comes home with his face a different shade compared to his chest and he is sweating profusely, I know he has given it his all. He never fails to get up and out the door every single day because he wants to do the best to provide for our family. His strong work ethic has taught me that getting what you want in life means working for it and earning it. Dad has shown me what it means to push through and be resilient. Despite any hardships he may have faced, his priority has always been our well-being above his, so he makes sure he is in the best condition to be able to do so. Samantha Bun (from page 6) Children of prisoners deserve to be informed, well cared for, and able to sustain a relationship with their parents. These are basic tenets of children’s rights that are often overlooked. “Prisoner” is not the main role of the incarcerated—they are also mothers and fathers who deserve to retain a presence in their children’s lives. If we widen the scope of prison reform, constituents should demand that prison be avoided altogether for a parent (and frankly, anyone) convicted of a nonviolent crime. A successful example of this shift can be seen in drug courts, which give drug offenders intensive treatment and require regular visits to a judge, but allow families to stay together while parents rehabilitate. Drug courts fall under a larger

arena of prison alternatives called community corrections. These include specialty courts, pretrial release, probation, and parole—most of which allow prisoners to remain with their families. However, due to a lack of funding and the use of incarceration as a primary sanction when parolees break the rules, these alternatives don’t always function as intended. More work should be done to identify best practices within prison alternatives, in order to shift away from mass incarceration. There is no magic bullet to ease the problems that come with having an incarcerated parent. However, we should push for alternatives to incarceration and implement policy that helps to alleviate the negative consequences for children whose parents have lost their parental agency. We should also be wary of political rhetoric, such as Obama’s Father’s Day speech, that misrepresents the concept of “missing” black fathers.

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8 • June 17, 2015

Keeping the Faith Trust the coach This year I’ve been coaching Little League baseball. It has been a lot of fun, for the most part, because 12-year-olds experience the whole “Field of Dreams” mystique in a way that is lost on older players. It is also a marvelous thing to watch these young boys mature in the game as they learn to hit and field; to play as a team and not devour another player when he makes a mistake; to control one’s emotions (and they are often more accomplished at this than most of their parents in the stands); and to persevere in difficulty. They also learn a little about faith, because in their natural state, they have very little of the stuff. How can I say such a thing? Well, they don’t trust their coaches, evidenced by the fact that they refuse to follow our instructions. “Run!” the coach says. But they won’t budge. “Stay!” I scream, but inexplicably, they run. The admonition, “You can’t hit a fastball thrown above your hands,” is repeated to them for the umpteenth time in a game, but they keep swinging as if swatting at swarming flies. This is more than a lack of discipline on their part. Twelve-yearolds, with minuscule experience on the field and with life, think they know more about playing the game than we three old men who are coaching them. It all comes down to faith, for the question put to these players time and time again is this: Will you trust me enough to do it my way? That’s a lesson, not just for prepubescent boys playing baseball.

That’s a lesson for everyone. Life will always come down to doing things your way or living God’s way. There is nothing else. You will trust you what you can do, what you can see, what you can predict, how far you can go - or you will trust God - in what he can do. Sure, you can go all “Invictus” with life and be “the master of your fate and the captain of your soul.” Admittedly, it will be invigorating to face the storms alone, to navigate the waters solo, and to call your own shots; at least for a while, but eventually it’s simply exhausting. Or you can hand the responsibility for your life over to God and allow him to direct and do with it as he pleases. I think this is what Jesus was getting after when he said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” He wasn’t talking about self-inflicted punishment or depriving oneself of anything that is the least bit joyful. He was saying, “Don’t trust your own ego. Live the self-surrendered, self-sacrificed life.” Or if baseball had been Jesus’ field he might have said, “Don’t play the game your way. Trust the coach!” In another phrase that Jesus used - and instructed us to use in what we now call the Lord’s Prayer - the life of faith is summarized in a single phrase. And if you can just once in life utter this prayer with sincerity, it will likely be enough: “Thy Will Be Done.” Humanity has been managing its own destiny for more than a few millennia now, and while our knowledge and technical proficiency continue to grow, our measure of wisdom and common sense seems as stunted as ever. We have never, at least not for more than a generation, relinquished the clutching grasp we have on our perceived destiny. Yet, we aren’t really steering anything. We are strangling ourselves. We

RONNIE McBRAYER & MORE

manage only to hurt others, our planet, ourselves, and our future with greater speed and efficiency. So the decision is left to make, a daily choice though it may be, either to continue with our destructive ways or entrust the control of life and life’s events to God, trusting him

with all outcomes. If we truly believe, we will choose the latter - the life of surrender - because we are what we do, not what we say we believe.

McBrayer is a syndicated columnist, pastor, and author/ronniemcbrayer.me.

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June 17, 2015 • 9

CENSUS: Single-father homes on the rise Wire Report More fathers are going solo in raising kids. It’s a change that single fathers say shows greater acceptance by American families and courts that sometimes the best place for children is with dad. The 2000 census found: In 2.2 million households, fathers raise their children without a mother. That’s about one household in 45. The number of single-father households rose 62 percent in 10 years. The portion of households headed by fathers with children living there doubled in a decade, to 2 percent. Single fathers say the numbers help tear down a long-standing conception that single fathers tend to abandon their kids, or at least not take as good care of them as single moms, said Vince Regan, a consultant who is raising five kids on his own. “In time, it goes a long way to helping society think that single fathers do help their kids and want to be part of their lives,” he said. Thomas Coleman, executive director of the American Association for Single People, attributed the rise in single dads to a variety of reasons, including more judges awarding custody to fathers in divorce cases and more women choosing their jobs over family life. The percentage increase in single-

(from page 5) motivates individuals needing to transcend similar emotional barriers, just as he did. The now successful author/founder of the book and a touring stage play, “Finding Chris, My Father” shares a story that gives a very candid and emotionally compelling look at the issues of fatherhood, bullying, and domestic violence. His lectures and counseling seminars have generated similar quests among readers who seek to heal long open wounds. “My story brings people together and motivates the masses. It evokes hope.”

father households far outpaced other living arrangements. The “Ozzie and Harriett” household, where both parents raise the children like on the old TV show, increased by 6 percent, and singlemother homes were up by 25 percent. Father-headed households are still only a small percentage. Married couples with children makeup 24 percent of all households. They were 39 percent of all homes in 1970. Single-mother homes made up 7 percent of households in 2000, up from 5 percent over 30 years ago. Single fathers "need help just as much as single mothers," said Darryl Pure, a psychologist who has had sole custody of his three children for four years, but they have a harder time asking. “There’s often a fear among single fathers that if the mother steps in, she’ll regain custody, so single, custodial fathers don’t go after child support as much as single mothers do, and I know a lot of fathers that are really impoverished,” Pure said. The Census Bureau counts single fathers in a category that could allow other adults, such as the child’s grandparents, to be present, but bureau analysts said research shows that most of the men in the category are raising a child alone.

10 â&#x20AC;˘ June 17, 2015

The LEGACY

George Mickie, Jr. Never could I ever image that I could feel love like this. The first day when I laid my eyes on you I knew my world would change forever. We had an instant connection when you grabbed my finger. I knew it then and I know you felt it too. I love you so much and could not imagine my life without you. I am so proud to be your dad. My son, my boy, my namesake. George B. Mickie III, daddy loves you man.

Terry Reedy: Being a dad means being a provider, protector

and positive role model. A dad not only gives of himself but shows love, patience and kindness. This is who Terry is for his family. Terry always puts his familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs above his own. We are blessed and very fortunate to have him. With Armelia, Josiah and Joshua Without hesitation my husband stepped in and opened his heart, and home to Whitney and Tomasita. Jimmie stepped up not because a court ordered him to, or because he felt obligated. He stepped up because to him it was a privilege bestowed upon him by God to make a positive difference in our children's lives. He instantly took on the role of nurturer, protector, provider, and role model to them and has not looked back since.

Jimmie Walker Jr.

Jmmie L. Walker Jr. went from not having any children to being a father to a 13-year-old, 17-year-old and a newborn in a span of nine months.

Shortly after my mother adopted two young girls she became terminally ill. These young girls who had been discarded by so many in

their young lives now had to face the possibility of losing the person who took them in and showed them the real meaning of love and family.

We have since been blessed with a beautiful baby boy. Jimmie is the epitome of a good father. Being a good father requires one to embark on a journey of extreme sacrifice and total selflessness. A good father's love for his children supersedes any worldly distractions, possessions, or aspirations that would keep him from being the strong, loving, revered, driving force that his family needs him to be. If our son grows up to be half the father and man his Daddy is, I can call myself truly blessed. - Kristi, Lilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Jimmie, Tomasita and Whitney

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June 17, 2015 • 11

Bernice Butler

Khaliq Lewis: Khaliq is pictured with his youngest child Khamran. The two enjoy playing in the park, playing basketball and eating water ice.

Mike and Kennedie Simon Fathering a little girl is a huge responsibility that Mike Simon is mastering day-by-day. Always putting his little girl before himself, Mike makes sure his daughter, Kennedie, has everything she needs and wants. He never misses an opportunity to show her the value of being a little lady and how she should be treated as a woman when she enters adulthood. Mike is the true definition of what a dad is. He is an outstanding provider, a nurturer and leader to his family. Mike enjoys taking silly pictures with his daughter, as well as attending father/daughter dances and her school performances. He loves watching her cheer and sing in the church choir.

I am blessed to have a man that I not only call dad but also my hero. As I reflect on the chapters of my life, whether face-to-face or on the phone my dad always was there for me. He always told me how proud he was of me. When he received compliments about the things I was doing in the community, he would say that I make his heart proud. One of the happiest moments in both of our lives was when I got married. My father would Bernice Butler is pictured with his always tell me to find a daughter Towanda Darden man that is going to love you for you. To have my dad show up when I was getting my makeup done was the happiest day of my life. Smiling at me he said, “I am here baby girl.” My wedding day was stressful but when my dad hugged me I knew that I was about to experience the best day of my life. Right before we were ready to walk down the aisle I saw tears in my dad’s eyes. He said, “Baby girl, you’re beautiful.” I said, “Daddy, I look like you.” On this Father’s Day I honor my dad, Bernice Butler, and thank him for raising me to be the woman I am today. Happy Father’s Day Daddy!

Alwakco Sumler I have a direct positive effect on my kids’ lives. Out of my four kids, only two are biologically mine. My oldest daughter’s mother adopted a little girl at the age of four and I am there for her. My youngest daughter’s mother had another child and the dad was absent so I stepped in as well. I enjoy going to restaurants and amusement parks with them as well as taking them shopping and to school events. My children bring me daily laughter, good times and smiles. I would do anything for them. I love being a dad.

12 • June 17, 2015

The LEGACY

A great dad, protector and provider My husband, Gary C. Hughes, is THE dad, hands down. When we married four years ago, after being best friends since 2002, he inherited my adult daughter and her three sons, my grandsons. Gary had a son so between us we became one blended family, covering every age group possible. Mind you, Gary is younger than me and this is his first marriage, so he had a lot to adjust to just starting out. My husband did not grow up with his dad, although Gary reached out to him while a young man and was able to build a relationship with his dad before he died, something he treasures to this day. Gary had a great older brother and other men in his life who would instill in him the qualities that make

a good man a great father. Gary loves my daughter as his own, his “babygirl” and even as an adult she has been able to bond with him like she never has with her birth dad. He is “PG” (Papa Gary) to the grandsons, who do not have the benefit of their own dad involved. For Dad and Donuts Day, school stuff, anything the boys need, Gary is there. There are many times when my daughter calls him first when she has an issue, something to celebrate, or just to talk. We’ve had stuff happen - for example, when the oldest grandson and his mom needed a break, Gary didn't hesitate to go get him and he stayed with us for six months, with Gary taking him back and forth to school in Henrico and we lived in

(from page 2)

family. Cherish memories and try to establish a “Family Day.” Many restaurants have Family Night with free face painting, balloons, cheap food, etc. Most children’s museums have a “Free Night” on the first Thursday, Friday or Saturday of every month. Find free events for you and your children to do together. Pack a picnic lunch, grab a good movie and have a picnic in the living room. Whatever you choose to do, go out of your way to enjoy your time together. Living well is truly the best revenge! BONUS TIP: If you really have to do so, consider finding a pro bono attorney to help you file child support, medical support or educational support. Poverty is increased when children don’t get child support so do it for the kids, not for yourself. But remember that you deserve to spend some money on yourself. A happy mom makes happy kids. D.C. Livers is an award-winning journalist, blogger and author. Livers is managing editor for the Historical Black Press Foundation and founder of Black Bloggers and Podcasters Society. She is also owner of DC Livers & Associates, a social media company at www.DCLivers.com

Father’s Day Monday is not the beginning a bad phase for you and your kids. Most importantly allow them to feel whatever they feel. Your local library also has good books to help you cope. 7. Take lots of photos of you and your children together, frame them and hang around the house to remind them you are a family which deserves respect. 8. Don’t let him live rent-free in your head. Hating him won’t help you pay the light bill or put food on the table. Anger will shorten your life and raise your blood pressure. Who needs the drama? Besides, it’s unlikely that he will even notice how stressed you are so do your best to remember to take care of you. 9. Practice self-care. Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Little things matter. Find a TV show you can watch with one of your mommy friends after the kids are in bed. Talk with each other during commercials. Having some “mommy time” will help you offset the stress of parenthood. 1o) Be grateful. It’s not that you’re saying, “Thanks for your sperm” but let’s face it: The kids wouldn’t be here without him. So, be grateful for your

Gary C. Hughes Richmond. Whatever is needed to keep our family good, my husband delivers, in love and commitment. And that goes for godchildren, nephews, nieces, even children of friends. He is a great dad to his own son and works diligently to co-parent with his son’s mother. I admire how he maintains a level head when working through difficult situations with his son’s mom and never loses sight of what matters. He genuinely cares about the kids he coaches in football; for example, he could have gone on to better offers this year but he gave his word to the kids he coaches and their parents he would be back for one more year-and he means it. He is the youngest of four sons - yet he is the one that is there for his elderly mother every day. When she became sick and needed care, he set up all of her rehab and had her house

taken care of, without any help from me. If Gary says it, you can bank on it. I went to his last game and was in tears at the love and respect I saw shown to Gary, by the kids and their parents. Gary inspires me to be the best I can be simply by allowing me to be me. He is a wonderful husband and protector, and when I think of a man who always puts his family first, it is my husband. Gary told me once that being a father and husband is something he is proud of and it means everything to him. He shows this to us in everything he does. Soon he will graduate college, after going back after nearly 20 years out, and continue on pursuing his goal of coaching college football. Yet in all he has said and done, he always reminds me that all he does is for his family. - Glynis Boyd Hughes

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June 17, 2015 • 13

14 • June 17, 2015

The LEGACY

The myth of the absent black father TARA CULP-RESSLER The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published new data on the role that American fathers play in parenting their children. Most of the CDC’s previous research on family life — which the agency explores as an important contributor to public health and child development — has focused exclusively on mothers. But the latest data finds that the stereotypical gender imbalance in this area doesn’t hold true, and dads are just as hands-on when it comes to raising their kids. That includes African-American fathers. In fact, in its coverage of the study,

the Los Angeles Times noted that the results “defy stereotypes about black fatherhood” because the CDC found that black dads are more involved with their kids on a daily basis than dads from other racial groups: In some cases, the differences between black fathers and white or Latino fathers weren’t statistically significant. Nonetheless, the fact that there’s no dramatic drop-off for African-American fathers is still a surprising revelation for some people. Considering the fact that “black fatherhood” is a phrase that is almost always accompanied by the word “crisis” in U.S. society, it’s understandable that the CDC’s

Route 635 Bridge Replacement over N&W Railroad Southampton County Willingness to Hold a Public Hearing Find out about the proposed Route 635 Bridge replacement and approach work. The limits of the project are from 0.974 miles north of Route 622 to 0.038 miles south of Route 460, for a length of approximately 0.162 miles. Closure of Route 635 during the construction period is under consideration by VDOT. Review the project information and current environmental documents at VDOT’s Hampton Roads District Office located at 1700 N. Main Street, Suffolk, VA. 23434, telephone number 757-925-2500 or 1-888-723-8400, TTY/TDD 711. The environmental document will be available for public review upon request to VDOT’s District Environmental Office, telephone number 757-925-2631. You can also review the project information at VDOT’s Franklin Residency Office located at 2316 Meherrin Road in Courtland VA. 23837, telephone number 757-346-3076. Please call ahead to ensure the availability of appropriate personnel to answer your questions. If your concerns cannot be satisfied, VDOT is willing to hold a public hearing. You may request that a public hearing be held by sending a written request to Mr. Pete Reilly, P.E. District Preliminary Engineer, Virginia Department of Transportation, 1700 N. Main Street, Suffolk, VA. 23434 on or prior to July 2, 2015. If a request for a public hearing is received, notice of date, time and place of the hearing will be posted. In compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106 and 36 CFR Part 800, information concerning the potential effects of the proposed project on properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places is provided in the environmental documentation. VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact VDOT’s Civil Rights Division at 757-925-2519, TTY/TDD 711. State Project: 0635-087-576, P101, R201, M501, B664 UPC 93078 Federal Project: BROS-087-5(027)

results seem innovative. But in reality, the new data builds upon years of research that’s concluded that hands-on parenting is similar among dads of all races. There’s plenty of scientific evidence to bust this racially-biased myth. The Pew Research Center, which has tracked this data for years, consistently finds no big differences between white and black fathers. Gretchen Livingston, one of the senior researchers studying family life at Pew, wasn’t at all surprised by the new CDC data. “Blacks look a lot like everyone else,” she pointed out. Although black fathers are more likely to live separately from their children — the statistic that’s usually trotted out to prove the parenting “crisis” — many of them remain just as involved in their kids’ lives. Pew estimates that 67 percent of black dads who don’t live with their kids see them at least once a month, compared to 59 percent of white dads and just 32 percent of Hispanic dads. And there’s compelling evidence that number of black dads living apart from their kids stems from structural systems of inequality and poverty, not the unfounded assumption that African-American men somehow place less value on parenting. Equal numbers of black dads and white dads tend to agree that it’s important to be a father who provides emotional support, discipline, and moral guidance. There’s one area of divergence in

the way the two groups approach their parental responsibilities: Black dads are even more likely to think it’s important to financially provide for their children. Dr. Roberta L. Coles, a sociology professor at Marquette University, has also researched black fathers for nearly a decade. Her most wellknown work includes “The Best Kept Secret: Single Black Fathers” and “The Myth of the Missing Black Father: The Persistence of Black Fatherhood in America”. Like Pew, Coles has also found that even though black dads may be less likely to marry their kids’ mothers, they typically remain involved in raising their children. In a past interview Coles explained that she’s invested in continuing to challenge the prevailing stereotypes in this area. “It’s important to get it out there that that’s not the whole picture,” Coles noted. “People need to know there are men out there trying to do their best.” That’s the same reason that Kenrya Rankin Naasel published “Bet On Black”, a collection of essays in which African-American women share their stories of being raised by great fathers. “For years, we’veall been bombarded with statistics that scream our men are not up to the important task of fathering,”she said. “Ultimately, I hope that Bet On Black challenges the rhetoric about our families and changes the conversation to one that celebrates rather that denigrates.”

June 17, 2015 • 15

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What does being a dad mean?

U.S. Route 58 Corridor Study Southampton County Citizen Information Meeting Monday, June 29, 2015 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. With Father’s Day just around the corner, here are a few thoughts on what being a dad means. Being a dad: •Requires that you know there’s a difference between protecting and preventing. •Involves the transition from being someone who was selfish, to one who is selfless. •Accepting the fact that it’s really no longer about yourself anymore. •Means remembering that we have not inherited this planet from our ancestors, rather we are only borrowing it from our children. •Demands that you always keep in mind that one generation plants the trees, while the next gets the shade. •Asks that you always keep in mind the greater good is far more important than the perceived greatness of having goods. •Involves being able to walk a mile in pint-sized shoes. •Requires that you be comfortable with being a hero to someone but respectful of the power that being a hero entails. •Means that just as soon as you’ve figured some aspect of parenting out, you have to learn another one as the kids keep changing too. •Involves knowing that your kids are watching and listening to every thing you do or say. •Requires that you know how to build a snow-fort, which no army could ever get past, followed by knowing how to make the best hot chocolate ever once you come back inside. •Teaches you how to survive with

less sleep, since your kids will get you up during the night when they are younger and keep you up at night once they are older. •Means that you make mistakes along the way, and that while you think you’ve just ruined your child for life in the process, you discover they’re actually more resilient that you think. •Requires you to remember that once upon a time you did the same senseless and stupid things as a kid that your kids do today, and yet you somehow still survived. •Teaches you that you don’t actually need to go to the gym when your kids are young since they are more than happy to act as substitute weights to perform chest presses, arm curls, push ups and sit ups. •Prepares you for hearing the word “again” each and every time you do something with the kids that is fun for them but physically draining for yourself. •Quickly teaches you that no matter how many times you say “just this once” it will have no bearing whatsoever on how many you’ll be asked to do it. •Has one particular advantage over being a mom in that stress induced gray hairs on dads are actually viewed as positive and distinguished. •Requires that you are just as skilled with a spatula as you are with a screwdriver •Is at the same time both the scariest accomplishment ever achieved (or ever will achieve) as well as the greatest accomplishment ever.

Southampton County Administration Building 26022 Administration Center Drive Courtland, VA 23837 Come see preliminary information for the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) U.S. Route 58 Corridor Study. The purpose of the study is to help Southampton County, the Town of Courtland, and VDOT in identifying and developing strategies necessary to support future growth along this portion of the corridor. The area of interest for this study includes the segment of U.S. Route 58 from S.R 35 (Meherrin Road) to U.S. Route 58 Business (Camp Parkway). Citizens will be able to speak with study team representatives regarding the project anytime between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. If you have questions regarding the meeting, contact VDOT at 1-757-925-2500 or 1-888-723-8400. Provide your written or oral comments at the meeting or submit them by July 10, 2015, to Mr. Jerry Pauley, VDOT Hampton Roads District Planner, 1700 North Main Street, Suffolk, VA 23434. You may also e-mail your comments to hamptonroadsinfo@vdot.virginia.gov. Please reference “US Route 58 Corridor Study” in the subject heading. In compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106 and 36 CFR Part 800, information concerning the potential effects of the proposed project on properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places is provided in the environmental documentation. VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you have questions or concerns about your civil rights in regards to this project or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact the project manager listed above.

16 • June 17, 2015

Calendar

6.27, 7 p.m.

The 2nd Annual Moo & Brew, a fundraiser for CrossOver Healthcare Ministry, Virginia’s largest free clinic will be held at 6001 River Road, Richmond. For the second year, the Young Professionals Council of CrossOver Healthcare Ministry is holding a fundraising event on the James River. This event features local beer from Lickinghole Creek, great food by 250 Sports Grill and live music from CPR. All proceeds from this event go directly to CrossOver Healthcare Ministry. - CrossOver Healthcare Ministry provides free health care to the regions low-income uninsured residents. - CrossOver is Virginia’s largest free clinic providing comprehensive services to more than 7,000 individuals annually. - CrossOver provides services to individuals who are at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level and have no insurance, including Medicaid or Medicare. - In addition to family medicine, CrossOver offers 20 sub-specialty services including dental, vision, mental health, case management, obstetrics & gynecology, podiatry, orthopedics, & physical therapy. - CrossOver receives no direct federal funding and does not accept insurance.

National Megan’s Law Helpline & Sex Offender Registration Tips Program Call (888) ASK-PFML (275-7365)

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COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

A reading partnership A partnership with the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation adds excitement to summer reading for students in Chesterfield County Public Schools. Elementary students who record their reading minutes online (library.chesterfield.gov/events/summer-reading/) will be entered to win prizes on individual, classroom and school levels. The grand prize will include a back-to-school Redskins Reading Rally to celebrate the school with the highest participation. “Reading is fundamental for success in education,” said Superintendent Marcus Newsome. That’s why we encourage every student to read throughout the summer.” Chesterfield County Public Schools offers additional summer resources at mychesterfieldschools.com/instruction/summer-programs/: suggested reading lists for elementary, middle and high school students, links to a wide variety of learning resources for grades K-12 and a camp guide compiled by the Parent-Teacher Resource Center.

6.29, noon

Hopewell’s 9th Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Grant's Headquarters begins from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. at Petersburg National Battlefield Grant’s Headquarters at City Point, Cedar Lane and Pecan Ave. The event is free and open to the public. Juneteenth National Freedom Day Celebration is a historic event that follows the Emancipation Proclamation and resulted in General Order Number 3, which informed the resistant state of Texas, that “slaves are free” June 19, 1865. June 20, 2015 marks Juneteenth National Freedom Day 150th Anniversary. The symbolic significance of this day celebrates how these historic events initiated the struggle for unification of this country and its people. Hopewell Juneteenth is a tribute to the Civil War 150th Anniversary marking the initiation to the end of slavery for both the African and American community, as a result of acts of freedom forged to unite our country as One Nation and One Humanity. In tribute to the 150th Anniversary of Juneteenth this year, Petersburg National Battlefield and the Washington Cultural Foundation and The Hopewell Black Heritage Committee encourages the local community from all ethnic backgrounds to come together to commemorate “Civil War to Civil Rights to Equal Rights”. The program provides cultural, historical and educational opportunities – tours & displays, presenting live performances, displaying original local art work, and promoting area non-profits with resources in their service to the community.

Ongoing

Submit your calendar events to calendar@legacynewspaper.com and include contact infomation that can be published.

Heroes Academy is offering FREE Financial Education Classes every Monday through the end of July from 7-9 p.m.. Classes can be done in person or on line. Everyone is welcome to attend – space is limited and you must RSVP for the class. Go to www.herorsvp.com to register for any or all classes.

June 17, 2015 • 17

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Be present on Father's Day GLENN MOLLETTE Sadly, too many Americans are growing up without the presence of a father. According to the U.S. Census Bureau 24 million children live in biological-absent father homes. The positive impacts of having dad around are numerous such as better social-emotional and academic functioning and fewer behavioral problems. Children in father-absent homes are almost four times more likely to be poor. In 2011, 12 percent of children in married-couple

families were living in poverty, compared to 44 percent of children in mother-only families.* Youths in father-absent households had significantly higher odds of incarceration than those in mother-father families. Youths who never had a father in the household experienced the highest odds. A study using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study revealed that in many cases the absence of a biological father contributes to increased risk of child maltreatment. The results suggest that Child Protective Services agencies have some justification in viewing the presence of a social

father as increasing children's risk of abuse and neglect. It is believed that in families with a non-biological father figure, there is a higher risk of abuse and neglect to children, despite the social father living in the household or only dating mother. * Other problems such as drug and alcohol abuse, childhood obesity and struggling with Education are also associated statistically with children who live in father-absent homes. Obviously there are cases where children have done very well. Statistically it has not been the norm. I'm glad mom and dad didn't abort me and I'm glad they stayed together. Looking back I know it took both of them working very hard

to raise five children. My dad was not perfect but there are many good things I can say about him. I wish he were still alive so I could say, “Happy Father’s Day.” I have had a lot of good mentors over the years. Mentors can do and be a lot. However, it's tough to replace a father. One of my sons has been with me the last few days. We've been on the basketball court a few times. We've sat on the back porch and chatted late at night. As always we have shared a lot of meals and spent time hanging out. On Father's Day he will head out to his next military assignment. We will stand in the airport and hug farewell.

18 • June 17, 2015

Classifieds

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EMPLOYMENT, ANNOUNCEMENTS, FOR SALE, SERVICES, FOR LET

Size: 10.20 inches (2 columns X 5.10 inches) One of theAd strong IF YOU USED THE BLOOD THINNER XARELTO and benefits of newspaper 2 Issues, June 17 & 24 -suffered ($112.20 internal per run) $224.40 bleeding,total hemorrhaging, required advertising is that Serving Roads Will hold a Public Hearing in the 5th Floor Conference Richmond Rm., City Hall, 900& Hampton Rate: $11 per column inch hospitalization or a loved one died while taking Xarelto newspapers offer a 409 Main St. #4 (mailing) East Broad St., Richmond, VA onE.July 1, 2015, to consider the following• 105 1/2 E. Clay St. (office) between 2011 and the present time, you may be entitled variety of ways to target under Chapter 114 of the Zoning Code: Richmond, VA 23219 Includes Internet placement Call 1-800-535-5727. to compensation. a particular audience. 804-644-9060 (office) • 800-783-8062 (fax) BEGINNING AT 1:00 P.M. Please review the proof, make any needed changes and return by fax or e-mail. ads@legacynewspaper.com Whether it’s zoning If your response is not received by deadline, your ad may not be inserted. 24-15: An application of Jonathan Gray Nystrom for a Certificate of inserts by zip code or Zoning Compliance for an eight foot (8’) tall accessory structure (fence) niche Ad Size: 7.70 inches (1 columnsusing X 7.70ainches) Okpublication X_________________________________________ at 2105 HANOVER AVENUE. to target a certain ethnic group or behaviorally 25-15: An application of Sean & Karen Killeen for a building permit to 17) - $84.70 construct a 2nd floor addition to a single-family dwelling1atIssue 3808 (June DOVER targeting a certain groupX _____________________________ Ok with changes Rate: $11 per column inch ROAD. on a newspaper website, newspaper products offer Includes Internet 26-15: An application of Burke King for a building permit to enclose a 1st placement REMINDER: Deadline is Fridays @ 5 p.m. a wide range of products floor open porch to a single-family detached dwelling at 1831 HANOVER Please review the proof, make any needed changes returnany by faxaudience or e-mail. to and target AVENUE. If your response is not received by deadline,an your ad may not be inserted. advertiser is looking to 27-15: An application of Sarah Kate Walston for a building permit to reach. Ok X_________________________________________ NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF RICHMOND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

The City of Richmond is seeking to fill the following positions: Accountant II, General Accounting (Multiple Positions) 25M00000098 Department of Finance Apply by 7/5/2015 Family Services Worker-Adult Services 27M00000967 Department of Social Services Apply by 06/28/2015 Gas & Water Service Technician Trainee 35M00000515 Department of Public Utilities Apply by 6/28/2015 Human Resources Consultant Class and Comp 12M00000031 Department of Human Resources Apply by 06/28/2015 Maintenance Technician III, Waste Water Treatment Plant 35M00000296 Department of Public Utilities Apply by 7/12/2015 Maintenance Technician III, Water Utility Division 35M00000276 Department of Public Utilities Apply by 7/5/2015 ********************************* For an exciting career with the City of Richmond, visit our website for additional information and apply today!

www.richmondgov.com EOE M/F/D/V

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Ok with between changes8XAM _____________________________ Copies of all cases are available for inspection and 5 PM To advertise, in Room 511, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Support or opposition may be offered at or before the hearing. email ads@ REMINDER: Deadline is Fridays @ 5 p.m. Roy W. Benbow, Secretary Phone: (804) 240-2124 Fax: (804) 646-5789 E-mail: Roy.Benbow@richmondgov.com

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CITY OF NEWPORT NEWS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Christian organization seeking personal assistant/ housekeeper.

On behalf of the City of Newport News, Virginia, the Purchasing Agent, or his designated representative, will accept SEALED PROPOSALS in the Office of Purchasing, City Hall, Fourth Floor, 2400 Washington Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607, until the time specified below for the following:

Duties consist of: Running errands, driving short & long distances on occassion, cleaning & organizing home, personal assisting in serving community housing and less fortunate individuals & others. Evening/flexible/hours with pay of $9 to $10 per hour upon experience. Background check and references Required.

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RFP #2015-6340-5208 - Veterinary Services Proposal Due Date: June 30, 2015 @ 5:00pm Specifications and proposal forms may be downloaded from our website at www.nnva.gov/purchasing . If you have difficulty opening the document, please call (757) 926-8721, or fax requests to (757) 9268038. The City reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, to award this contract in whole or in part, and to waive any informality in the RFP process. Offerors making errors may request withdrawal of their proposal by giving written notice, including original work papers, within two (2) business days of the RFP date. Gary Sightler Purchasing Agent

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AUCTIONS AUCTION- Southampton County/ City Of Emporia. Tax Seized Aviation Equipment. Online June 22-28. Sedley, VA. www. graycoservices.com. 804-943-3506 Gray Auctions Co. VA#1104 for Virginia Auction Co. VA#662. FORECLOSURE SALE Old Virginia Brick Company. Madison Heights, Salem, Roanoke Co. & Elliston, VA. (2) Manufacturing Facilities &(2) Land Tracts TUESDAY, 6/23: See Website for Locations/Times. Machinery, Equipment, Inventory. Online Only Auctions: BID 6/17–6/26. www. motleys.com • 1-877-MOTLEYS VA16 EHO ATTENTION AUCTIONEERS: Advertise your upcoming auctions in Virginia Newspapers for one low cost of $300. Your 25 word classified ad reaches OVER ONE MILLION Virginians! Call this paper or Adriane Long at 804-521-7585 (Virginia Press Services. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

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ATTN: Computer Work. Work from anywhere 24/7. Up to $1,500 Part Time to $7,500/mo. Full Time. Training provided. www. WorkServices23.com HELP WANTED / SALES EARN $500 A DAY: Insurance Agents Needed * Leads, No Cold Calls * Commissions Paid Daily * Lifetime Renewals * Complete Training * Health & Dental

Insurance * Life License Required. Call 1-888-713-6020. HELP WANTED / TRUCK DRIVERS Local/ OTR Drivers-No Experience Required! $40,000-$50,000 1st Year! Train 4 weeks or 10 weekends for CDL. Veterans in Demand! Richmond/ Fredericksburg 800-243-1600 or Lynchburg/Roanoke 800-6146500. NEED CDL DRIVERS??? ADVERTISE YOUR TRUCK DRIVER JOBS in Virginia Newspapers for one low cost of $300. Your 25 word classified ad reaches OVER ONE MILLION Virginians! Call this paper or Adriane Long at 804-521-7585 (Virginia Press Services.) MISCELLANEOUS AVIATION Grads work with JetBlue, Boeing, NASA and others – start here with hands on training for FAA certification. Financial aid if qualified. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-245-9553. SERVICES DIVORCE – Uncontested, $350 + $88 court cost. No court appearance. Estimated completion time twenty-one days. All telephone inquiries welcome - no obligation. Hilton Oliver, Attorney. 757-490-0126. Se Habla Español.

• 19

Please review the proof, make any needed changes and or e-mail. If your response is not received by deadline, your ad inserted. 156-612 HAMPTON SOLICITATION Ok X__________________________________

The Director of Finance or his designated representative will accept written responses the Procurement 1 Franklin Street, 3rd floor, Okinwith changes XOffice _______________________ suite 345 Hampton, VA on behalf of the Entity (ies) listed below until the date(s) and local time(s) specified.

REMINDER: Deadline is Fridays @ 5 p.m CITY OF HAMPTON Thursday, July 9, 2015 2:00 p.m. ET – RFP 15-55/A Retaining Wall Improvements on Route 60. A Non-Mandatory Pre-Proposal Meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. local time in the Public Works Conference Room, 22 Lincoln Street, 4th Floor Hampton, VA 23669. Friday, July 10, 2015 4:00 p.m. ET – RFP 16-01/E Seeking Telecommunication Consulting proposals from qualified Offerors to provide Risk Assessment Services.

Monday, July 13, 2015 3:00 p.m. ET – ITB 16-03/E Hampton Commonwealth Attorney Office Alternations. A Mandatory Pre-bid meeting will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. local time, Lobby of General District Court, 236 N. King Street, Hampton, VA 23669. Wednesday, July 22, 2015 Annual needs for Dumpster Refuse 2:30 p.m. ET – ITB 16-04/E and Recycling Collection and Disposal Services for the Department of Public Works Solid Waste Division.

For additional information, see our web page at http://www.hampton.gov/bids-contracts A withdrawal of bid due to error shall be in accordance with Section 2.24330 of the Code of Virginia. All forms relating to these solicitations may be obtained from the above listed address or for further information call; (757) 727-2200. The right is reserved to reject any and all responses, to make awards in whole or in part, and to waive any informality in submittals. Minority and Woman-Owned Businesses are encouraged to participate. Karl Daughtrey, Director of Finance

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