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WEDNESDAYS • May 1, 2019

Richmond & Hampton Roads

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Nation’s finest teacher ERICA NAONE

The walls of the Virgie Binford Education Center, which serves kids housed in the Richmond Juvenile Detention Center, are covered with images of famous African Americans — scientists, politicians, writers and others. Walking past the security checkpoint on the way to his classroom, Rodney Robinson explains that he posted the pictures to counteract the bare, institutional walls that had been there before. For the past four years, Robinson, who earned a master's degree from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education, has taught history of all types to students in sixth to 12th grades, often together in the same class. Many of the students who arrive at the center haven’t been to class regularly in years, for reasons including chronic absenteeism or chaotic life circumstances that have caused school enrollment to fall through the cracks. Robinson sees one of his main duties as helping them deal with trauma and confusion enough to reset and get on track. “It’s hard. A lot of our kids are far behind. I always say, ‘You don’t just end up here. It’s a path you travel,’” Robinson said. He works with other educators at the center to create a plan for the students. In the meantime, he works to change their relationship to the classroom. “When was the last time you received positive attention at school?” he often asks. He has assigned projects such as

Rodney Robinson, the 2019 National Teacher of the Year, stands in the hallway of the Virgie Binford Education Center, which he has decorated with photos of inspiring African Americans. PHOTO: Rodney Robinson researching the cultures behind Marvel’s popular “Black Panther” movie or researching universities. He also steers them toward books and historical perspectives that could help them learn to advocate for themselves. His work has earned increasing recognition. He was named Teacher of the Year for the Richmond region in September 2018 and the 2018-19

Virginia Teacher of the Year. On Wednesday, Robinson was named National Teacher of the Year. Robinson, who has taught in Richmond area public schools since 2000, was recruited to the Binford Education Center by its principal, Ta’Neshia Ford, a fellow graduate of the School of Education. Before taking charge of the center, Ford had worked with Robinson

at Armstrong High School in Richmond. “I saw firsthand his passion for at-risk students, his love of history and his mentorship for our male students,” she said. “It is so powerful to see his interactions with young men of color. As a historian, Rodney’s ability to bring full circle

(continued on page 4)


The LEGACY

2 • May 1, 2019

News New service for commuters to provide transportation choices The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), in partnership with five Virginia commuter assistance programs, is launching a new ride matching and commuter rewards service available to those who travel within the Commonwealth at commuteva.org. Commuters can discover all of the multimodal transportation options available in the Commonwealth using the new Commute!VA service. Options within the service include finding rides to carpools or vanpools, finding bus and other transit

miles they save. “This innovative ride sharing website in combination with the local commuter assistance program services and stops, finding park-and- apps will help transform commuting in the Commonwealth,” said ride locations and finding bike share DRPT Director Jennifer Mitchell. locations. “Commuters can now choose the Commute!VA also allows users optimal transportation option in to earn points for tracking their greener trips. Points earned through one convenient location, which will decrease traffic congestion, increase the new service can be redeemed for air quality, and improve mobility rewards such as discounts at select retailers, restaurants, attractions B:10”options for everyone. Plus, they and more. Commuters can also trackT:10”can be rewarded for taking the bus, carpooling, vanpooling, and even the money, emissions and travel S:10”

teleworking.” To get started, visit commuteva.org and download the app for the local commuter assistance program in your region. This service features the following partners: • Mid-Pen Rideshare in the Middle Peninsula region; • RideFinders in the Richmond region; •RideShare in the Charlottesville and Central Shenandoah regions; and •RIDE Solutions in the regions of Roanoke, New River Valley and Lynchburg.

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Payment of interest on CDs is based on term: For terms less than 12 months (365 days), interest may be paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or at maturity (the end of the term). For terms of 12 months or more, interest may be paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. A fee for early withdrawal will be imposed and could reduce earnings on this account. Special Rates are applicable to the initial term of the CD only. At maturity, the Special Rate CD will automatically renew for a term of 6 months, at the interest rate and APY in effect for CDs on renewal date not subject to a Special Rate, unless the Bank has notified you otherwise. 1,2. Due to the new money requirement, accounts may only be opened at your local branch. Wells Fargo reserves the right to modify or discontinue the offer at any time without notice. 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May 1, 2019 • 3

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF AN APPLICATION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY FOR THE DETERMINATION OF THE FAIR RATE OF RETURN ON COMMON EQUITY PURSUANT TO § 56-585.1:1 C OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA CASE NO. PUR-2019-00050 On March 29, 2019, Virginia Electric and Power Company d/b/a Dominion Energy Virginia (“Dominion” or “Company”) filed with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) an application (“Application”) for the determination of the fair rate of return on common equity (“ROE”) to be applied to its rate adjustment clauses pursuant to § 56-585.1:1 of the Code of Virginia (“Code”) and to measure earnings in the first triennial review proceeding in 2021 under Code § 56-585.1:1 A. Enacted in 2015, Code § 56-585.1:1 requires that: Commencing in 2017 and concluding in 2019, the State Corporation Commission, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, shall conduct a proceeding every two years to determine the fair rate of return on common equity to be used by a Phase II Utility as the general rate of return applicable to rate adjustment clauses under subdivisions A 5 or A 6 of § 56-585.1. A Phase II Utility’s filing in such proceedings shall be made on or before March 31 of 2017 and 2019. In addition, the ROE approved in this proceeding will be used in the Company’s triennial review proceeding commencing in 2021 to review Dominion’s earnings on its rates for generation and distribution services for the successive 12-month test periods beginning January 1, 2017, and ending December 31, 2020. The Company requests that the Commission approve an ROE of 10.75% for Dominion’s rate adjustment clauses approved under Subdivisions A 5 and A 6 of § 56-585.1 of the Code (“Subdivisions A 5 and A 6”), to be applied prospectively, effective with the date of the Commission’s final order in this proceeding. Dominion currently has a total of nine such rate adjustment clauses, and applications for two new rate adjustment clauses under Subdivisions A 5 and A 6 are pending Commission approval. The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing that, among other things, scheduled a public hearing on September 10, 2019, at 10 a.m., in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, to receive testimony from members of the public and evidence related to the Application from the Company, any respondents, and the Commission’s Staff. Any person desiring to testify as a public witness at this hearing should appear fifteen (15) minutes prior to the starting time of the hearing and contact the Commission’s Bailiff. The Company’s Application and the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing are available for public inspection during regular business hours at each of the Company’s business offices in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Copies also may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company: Lisa S. Booth, Esquire, Dominion Energy Services, Inc., 120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. If acceptable to the requesting party, the Company may provide the documents by electronic means. Copies of the public version of all documents filed in this case also are available for interested persons to review in the Commission’s Document Control Center, located on the first floor of the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies from the Commission’s website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case. Any person or entity may participate as a respondent in this proceeding by filing, on or before June 14, 2019, a notice of participation. If not filed electronically, an original and fifteen (15) copies of the notice of participation shall be submitted to Joel H. Peck, Clerk, State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. A copy of the notice of participation as a respondent also must be sent to counsel for the Company at the address set forth above. Pursuant to Rule 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”), any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2019-00050. For additional information about participation as a respondent, any person or entity should obtain a copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing. On or before July 12, 2019, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission, and serve on the Commission’s Staff, the Company, and all other respondents, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case, and each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. If not filed electronically, an original and fifteen (15) copies of such testimony and exhibits shall be submitted to the Clerk of the Commission at the address set forth above. Respondents also shall comply with the Commission’s Rules of Practice, including: 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service; and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2019-00050. On or before September 3, 2019, any interested person wishing to comment on the Company’s Application shall file with Joel H. Peck, Clerk, State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118, written comments on the Application. Any interested person desiring to file comments electronically may do so on or before September 3, 2019, by following the instructions on the Commission’s website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case. Compact disks or any other form of electronic storage medium may not be filed with the comments. All such comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2019-00050. All documents filed with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, all filings shall comply fully with the requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice. The Commission’s Rules of Practice may be viewed at: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case. A printed copy of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and an official copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing in this proceeding may be obtained from Joel H. Peck, Clerk, State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY


The LEGACY

4 • May 1, 2019

(from page 1) events of the past and present day is just amazing. He teaches through a lens that is very personal and profound.” Deep social consciousness has motivated Robinson’s teaching from the beginning. He first became a teacher after being encouraged toward the profession by his mother, who was denied an education by segregation and poverty in rural Virginia. He taught at Richmond middle and high schools but began to feel burned out from the pressures of dealing with high-needs kids without sufficient supporting resources. He said the call from Ford re-energized him. “Rather than just becoming jaded or leaving the profession, I decided what better way to understand the school-to-prison pipeline than to teach at an actual detention facility,” he said. Robinson’s time in the spotlight has put “a much-needed light on students with court involvement,” Ford said.

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With Robinson’s recognition as one of the nation’s best teachers, Ford said, “everyone can see that excellent teaching can be found in the least-expected places.” However, the nature of the work presents challenges. Students come to the center for periods of time dictated by their legal situations rather than what would be best for their education. As a result, Robinson might teach them for months, weeks or days. Rules intended to protect students’ safety and privacy prevent Robinson from forming the sort of long-lasting relationships that can make a teacher influential over time. He isn’t allowed to stay in touch with the kids or ask other teachers about how they’re progressing after they leave the detention center. “That’s very sad for me as a teacher because I want to know how you’re doing,” Robinson said. Robinson often recommends books to help his students learn about history and context that could shed light on their situation. He gave some suggestions for people who

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Robinson, second from right, stands with the principal of the Virgie Binford Education Center, Ta’Neshia Ford. Surrounding them are a group of Robinson’s students who are now educators. PHOTO: Rodney Robinson would like to understand more about what his students are going through. “Chokehold: Policing Black Men,” by Paul Butler “Locking Up Our Own: Crime and Punishment in Black America,” by James Forman Jr. “Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools,” by Monique W. Morris “A Stone of Hope: A Memoir,” by Jim St. Germain Outside the window of Robinson’s classroom, some students are playing a pickup basketball game. Robinson puts his hands over his face or shakes his head. “Some of the worst basketball games you’ll ever see are out there,” he said. This turns out to be a key part of his point about what these kids need. “We need more programs if we want to keep our kids off the streets and active and productive and out of the prison pipeline. We get horrible basketball games because we get kids that were never taught how to play basketball,” he said. The attention he has received as a finalist for National Teacher of the Year has given him the chance to give speeches to groups who will listen about the need to fund programs for at-risk kids, to build detention centers that are more conducive to learning, and to find positive role models for students throughout the school system. “One of my big platform issues

is getting more black males, more underrepresented males, into education,” Robinson said. “There are so many negative images of what a black male is supposed to be. And when you’re raised in a society and school system that doesn’t really value black males, it’s confusing.” As evidence of the impact of positive black role models, Robinson points to a recent study from Johns Hopkins University that found black students were 13 percent more likely to enroll in college if they had one black teacher by third grade. Doron Battle, an African American exceptional education teacher at George Mason Elementary School in Richmond, had Robinson as his U.S. and Virginia history teacher in 11th grade at Armstrong High School. Battle credits Robinson with influencing him to become and remain a teacher. The two stayed in touch over the years, and Battle often turns to Robinson for guidance. “There’s a way we’re cut from the same cloth,” Battle said. “He taught me, he came from the same culture and he understands what it takes to do the work. His sharing knowledge with me bridges and closes the gap.” While Battle said there are days “where you feel like you’re doing it in vain,” he added that seeing Robinson get recognition now is motivating and inspiring. “It’s like your homeboy scoring the winning touchdown. Every time I see it, I’m ecstatic, like, ‘Let’s go, Big Rob! Keep going!’” - VCU NEWS


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May 1, 2019• 5

Brown v. Board

Scholarship Committee

accepting applications

Virginia State Police Department’s K9 Gunner receives donation of body armor Virginia State Police Department’s K9 Gunner’s recently received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Gunner’s vest is sponsored by Margie Bandas of Richmond VA and is embroidered with the sentiment “In honor of Nicolas Castrinos, Richmond VA” Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, MA whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 3,300 protective vests in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a cost of over $5.7 million. The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate. The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $950. Each vest has a value between $1,744 – $2,283, and a five-year warranty and an average weight of 4-5 pounds. There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. For more information and volunteer opportunities, call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations at vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.

The Brown v. Board of Education Scholarship Committee of the Virginia General Assembly has a limited-time availability of applications for the 2019-2020 academic year. The committee is currently accepting applications through May 31 for the scholarship program established by the Virginia General Assembly in 2004 to provide educational opportunities for those who were denied an education in Arlington, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Prince Edward County, and Warren County when public schools closed to avoid desegregation during Massive Resistance between 1954 and 1964. Those eligible may live anywhere in Virginia; however, they must be current domiciled residents of the commonwealth of Virginia at the time of application and must have been a student in one of the named school divisions during Massive Resistance. The scholarship program is available to all eligible Virginians without regard to gender or race.

Awards can be used to cover the costs of tuition, fees, and textbooks at accredited Virginia public schools and institutions of higher education, and nonprofit career and technical schools, as approved by the committee. The scholarship award can be used for: - Transitional education programs to prepare for success in GED and adult education programs - GED certificate - Adult high school diploma - College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit - Career-technical skills training at public two-year colleges or nonprofit career and technical schools - Two-year or four-year undergraduate degree programs at accredited Virginia public and private institutions, part-time or full-time - Master’s, doctoral, and professional degree programs, as approved by the Committee Applications can be downloaded at brownscholarship.virginia.gov or by contacting: Lily Jones at the Division of Legislative Services, Pocahontas Building, 900 E. Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219, 804698-1850, or ljones@dls.virginia.gov.


6 • May 1, 2019

Op/Ed & Letters

The LEGACY

A dime for every dollar CHARLENE CROWELL If you’re like me, every time you hear a news reporter or anchor talk about how great the nation’s economy is, you wonder what world they are living in. Certainly, these journalists are not referring to the ongoing struggle to make ends meet that so much of black America faces. For every daily report of Wall Street trading, or rising corporate profits, you’re reminded that somebody else is doing just fine financially. To put it another way, ‘Will I ever get past my payday being an exchange day…when I can finally have the chance to keep a portion of what I earn in my own name and see how much it can grow?’ When new research speaks to those who are forgotten on most nightly news shows, I feel obliged to share that news – especially when conclusions find systemic faults suppress our collective ability to strengthen assets enough to make that key transition from paying bills to building wealth. “Ten Solutions to Close the Racial Wealth Divide” is jointly authored by the Institute for Policy Studies, Ohio State University’s Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, and the National Community Reinvestment Coalition. This insightful and scholarly work opens with updates on the nation’s nagging and widening racial wealth divide. It then characterizes solutions offered as one of three approaches: programs, power, and process. According to the authors, programs refer to new government programs that could have a major impact on improving the financial prospects of low-wealth The LEGACY NEWSPAPER Vol. 5 No. 19 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

families. Power refers to changes to the federal tax code that could bring a much-needed balance to the tax burden now borne by middle and low-income workers. Process refers to changes to the government operates in regard to race and wealth. “For far too long we have tolerated the injustice of a violent, extractive and racially exploitive history that generated a wealth divide where the typical black family has only a dime for every dollar held by a typical white family,” said Darrick Hamilton, report co-author and executive director of the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at The Ohio State University. From 1983-2016, the median black family saw their wealth drop by more than half after adjusting for inflation, compared to a 33 percent increase for the median white households. Keep in mind that these years include the Great Recession that stole nearly $1 trillion of wealth from black and Latinx families, largely via unnecessary foreclosures and lost property values for those who managed to hold on to their homes. Fast forward to 2018, and the report shares the fact that the median white family had 41 times more wealth than the median black family, and 22 times more wealth than the median Latinx family. Instead of the $147,000 that median white families owned last year, black households had $3,600. When Congress passed tax cut legislation in December 2017, an already skewed racial wealth profile became worse. “White households in the top one percent of earners received $143 a day from the tax cuts while middleThe 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 © 2016

class households (earning between $40,000 and $110,000) received just $2.75 a day,” states the report. “While the media coverage of the tax package and the public statements of the bill’s backers did not explicitly state that it would directly contribute to increasing the racial wealth divide, this was the impact, intended or otherwise.” With the majority of today’s black households renting instead of owning their homes, escalating rental prices diminish if not remove the ability for many consumers of color to save for a home down payment. As reported by CBS News, earlier this year, the national average monthly cost of fair market rent in 2018 was $1,405. Recent research by the National LowIncome Housing Coalition on housing affordability found that more than 8 million Americans spend half or more of their incomes on housing, including over 30 percent of blacks, and 28 percent of Hispanics. Homeownership, according to the Center for Responsible Lending, remains a solid building block to gain family wealth. But with an increasing number of households paying more than a third of their income for rent, the ability to save for a home down payment is seriously weakened. CRL’s proposed remedy in March 27 testimony to the Senate Banking Committee is to strengthen affordable housing in both homeownership and rentals. To increase greater access to mortgages, CRL further

advocates low-down payment loans. “The nation’s housing finance system must ensure access to safe and affordable mortgage loans for all creditworthy borrowers, including low-to-moderate income families and communities of color,” noted Nikitra Bailey, a CRL EVP. “The lower down payment programs available through FHA and VA, provide an entry into homeownership and wealth-building for many average Americans. “Government-backed loans cannot be the only sources of credit for low-wealth families; they deserve access to cheaper conventional mortgages.” “Year after year, the annual Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data reveals how consumers of color, including upperincome black and Latinx households are disproportionately dependent on mortgages that come with higher costs. Our nation’s fair lending and housing finance laws require that the private mortgage market provide access for lowwealth families. We need additional resources for rental housing to address the affordability crisis that many working families face.” There’s really no point in continuing to do the same thing while expecting a different result. When the status quo just isn’t working, change must be given a chance. Crowell is the Center for Responsible Lending’s deputy director of communications. She can be reached at charlene.crowell@ responsiblelending.org.


www.LEGACYnewspaper.com

May 1, 2019• 7

P.T. Hoffsteader, Esq.

Measles!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed there have been 626 individual cases of measles diagnosed across 22 states in the U.S. since the first of this year. We are on track to have the highest number of measles cases in the U.S. in 25 years, and for many—this disease of the past is becoming a threat of the present. “626 cases are far too many. These cases are not just numbers—they represent sick children, missed days of work, and an incredible financial strain on our tax dollars that must be pulled away from other public health priorities. The image of a young child covered in the measles rash and suffering from an incredibly high fever is heartbreaking. No parent wants to see their child in pain, and all want to protect their children from harm. Even so, some wellintentioned parents have chosen not to protect their children from this devastating disease based on discredited and false information. In doing so, they are putting their children, themselves and others in

their communities at risk. Simply put, vaccines are the best defense against the threat of vaccinepreventable diseases and play a vital role in protecting the health of communities. Immunization has been one of the most successful and effective public health measures available to populations worldwide, with an unparalleled record of disease reduction and prevention. The success of vaccines, however, has made it is easier to take our health for granted. Most Americans don’t remember the dangerous impact of vaccine-preventable diseases that have been made so rare and have allowed fear of the vaccine to displace fear of the illness. NACCHO is the voice of the nation’s nearly 3,000 local health departments who are on the front lines of tracking and responding to these preventable outbreaks. Our members in hard-hit communities are working tirelessly to halt the spread of measles in their area by educating the public, offering measles vaccinations, conducting outreach within their communities, and monitoring and tracking the spread of disease. They will continue to do so until these outbreaks can be brought under control. But it is up to all of us to redouble our efforts to educate our family members, friends and neighbors about the role we must all play in preventing these outbreaks before they start. Our nation’s children should not have to suffer from a serious illness we have known how to prevent for years. Theresa Spinner

Overcoming suicide

Suicide is now the second-leading cause of death for teens (after accidental injury). Further, a new study shows that the number of children and teens in the U.S. who visited the ER for suicidal thoughts and attempts doubled between 2007 and 2015. It’s time to untangle the causes of mental health issues in teens and start saving lives. Modern life creates a perfect storm that can lead to teen depression, anxiety, and sometimes, suicide. To stop it, we must understand where their pain is stemming from. How did we get here? A few insights. Babies arrive half-baked. When babies are born, nature’s work is done. Their nurturing in the first six months—the other half of being baked—wires them for life. For the last few generations, babies have not gotten the deep connection they need with parents, and this has led to anxiety, insecurity, and fear later on. We’ve turned into adrenaline junkies. As a society, we’ve always relied on emotional closeness, tenderness, and love to trigger dopamine, a pleasure chemical. But in today’s age of instant gratification, we rely on quick hits of excitement and adrenaline, which also trigger dopamine, to get our emotional satisfaction. As we become busier, we have even less time to spare. Closeness and tenderness take too long to manifest and so adrenaline wins out time and time again. As parents, we’ve become

preoccupied. Parents no doubt love their kids, but also live in the modern world of distraction and busyness. Therefore, many parents today are preoccupied, rushed, and unintentionally “neglectful.” When babies look up at their parents and get a “busy signal,” they internalize it for life. Kids are missing the everything will be okay feeling that comes from their parents’ closeness, bonding, and reassurance. This sets them up for success, self-reliance, and confidence later in life. Kids aren’t learning to cope. People who can take life’s inevitable hits reach into themselves when things get hard and come up with heart. They look for relief in the wrong places. Sadly, the parental preoccupation remains. Staying distracted from our feelings is not a long-term solution. We have to really process them to get better. Feelings must be felt all the way through, in the same way you need to drain an abscess to heal. Ultimately, we must get off the adrenaline high and return to bonding. Excitement can’t take the place of intimacy. We have to stop believing that everything is okay when it’s clearly not. Understanding the complex factors that are leading to increased mental illness and suicide is the first step to helping stop this crisis. Then, we can respond with empathy and understanding to save the lives of teenagers everywhere. Dr. Mark Goulston


8 • May 1, 2019

The LEGACY

Faith & Religion Sharp rise in the share of Americans saying Jews face discrimination The public sees widespread discrimination against several racial, ethnic and religious groups in the U.S. And while most of these views are little changed over the last several years, the share of Americans saying Jews face discrimination in the U.S. has increased substantially since late 2016. Today, 64 percent of Americans say Jews face at least some discrimination – a 20-percentagepoint increase from 2016; the share saying Jews face “a lot” of discrimination has nearly doubled, from 13 to 24 percent. Democrats remain more likely than Republicans to say there is discrimination against Jews, but the shift in these views is evident in both parties. The recent survey by Pew Research Center, conducted among 1,503 adults, also finds majorities continue to say there is a lot or some discrimination against Muslims, blacks, Hispanics, gays and lesbians, and women. Muslims, in particular, are seen as facing more discrimination than other groups in society; 82 percent say Muslims face some discrimination, with 56 percent saying they encounter a lot of discrimination – highest among nine groups included in the survey. Majorities say several groups in the U.S. – including Muslims, blacks, Hispanics, gays, women and Jews – face at least some discrimination Wide partisan gaps in views of discrimination against many

Discrimination against Jews, a religious group, has roughly doubled since 2016 groups. While overall views about discrimination against most groups in U.S. society are little changed since 2016, already wide partisan divides in many of these views have grown wider. For example, in December 2016, 57 pecent of Democrats and Democratic leaners, compared with 20 pecent of Republicans and Republican leaners said that blacks faced a lot of discrimination – a 37-percentagepoint gap. That has increased to 50 percentage points in the current survey: 69 pecent of Democrats now say blacks face a lot of discrimination, compared with 19 pecent of Republicans. Majorities in both partisan groups say there is at least some discrimination against many groups, including Muslims, blacks, gays and lesbians, and Hispanics. But the share of Democrats who say each of these groups face discrimination is significantly higher than the

share of Republicans who say the same. For instance, 92 pecent of Democrats, compared with 69 percent of Republicans, say Muslims face at least some discrimination. In contrast, Republicans are about twice as likely as Democrats to say that evangelical Christians (70 percent vs. 32 pecent), whites (58 vs. 25 percent) and men (48 vs. 27 percent) are subject to at least some discrimination. Growing partisan differences in views of discrimination - Widening partisan gaps in perceptions of discrimination against many groups. Partisan differences in views of how much discrimination several groups experience have widened in recent years. Democrats have consistently been more likely than Republicans to say most groups face a lot of discrimination. Since 2016, however, the share of Democrats who say blacks face a lot of discrimination

has increased, while Republicans’ views are little changed. Since 2013, when a similarlyworded question asked about discrimination against African Americans, the change is even more striking. Six years ago, just 28 percent of Democrats said African Americans faced a lot of discrimination; today, more than twice as many Democrats say blacks face a lot of discrimination. (Over this period, an increasing share of Democrats also say that racial discrimination is the main reason some blacks cannot get ahead.) Since 2016, there also have been sizable increases in the shares of Democrats who perceive a lot of discrimination against Hispanics (14 percentage points) and women (11 points). Republicans’ views of discrimination are little changed in recent years, with a few exceptions. Somewhat fewer Republicans now see a lot of discrimination against gays and lesbians than did so six years ago (22 pecent now, 30 pecent then). As result, the partisan gap in these views has grown from 16 percentage points in 2013, when 46 pecent of Democrats and 30 pecent of Republicans perceived a lot of discrimination, to 35 points today (57 pecent of Democrats, 22 pecent of Republicans), There also is a wider partisan divide in views of whether evangelical Christians face a lot of discrimination. Currently, just

(continued on page 9)


www.LEGACYnewspaper.com

May 1, 2019• 9

(from page 8) 8 pecent of Democrats say this, little changed from December 2016. By comparison, 30 pecent of Republicans hold this view, up from 21 percent in 2016. The partisan gap in views about discrimination against whites is little changed from 2016; Republicans remain more likely than Democrats to say there is a lot of discrimination against whites (21 vs. 6 pecent). Among members of both parties, the shares saying there is a lot of discrimination against Jews has roughly doubled since 2016 – from 15 to 28 percent among Democrats and from 9 to 20 pecent among Republicans. Overall, whites are less likely than blacks to say that blacks face at least some discrimination (77 pecent

vs. 91 pecent). Among whites, there to say that there is at least some is a wide partisan gap in views of discrimination against whites in the discrimination against blacks (91 U.S. (44 pecent of whites say this pecent of white Democrats and compared to 29 pecent of blacks and Democratic leaners say there is at 33 pecent of Hispanics). Yet while least some discrimination against 60 pecent of white Republicans say blacks in our society, compared with society discriminates against whites, 66 percent of white Republicans). only 24 pecent of white Democrats White Republicans and Democrats share this view. far apart in views of discrimination While majorities of both men and against racial and ethnic groupswomen say there is at least some A similar pattern is seen for discrimination against women, this Hispanics. Whites overall are less view is more widely held among likely to say that Hispanics face women (76 pecent) than it is among discrimination (73 pecent of whites men (62 pecent). Both men and say this, compared with 86 pecent women are substantially less likely of Hispanics). However, 90 pecent of to see discrimination against men. white Democrats say that Hispanics Men are slightly more likely than face at least some discrimination women to say there is a lot or some compared with 59 pecent of white discrimination against men (43 Republicans. pecent of men, 36 pecent of women). B:9.75” When asked about discrimination Democratic women most likely to T:9.75” against whites, whites are more see ‘a lot’ of discrimination against S:9.75” likely than blacks or Hispanics women. Within partisan groups

there are no gender gaps in views about discrimination against men: About half of Republican men (51 pecent) and a similar share of GOP women (44 pecent) say that there is at least some discrimination against men. Both Democratic men (29 pecent) and Democratic women (26 pecent) are much less likely say this. In views of discrimination against women, fairly comparable shares of Republican women (58 percent) and men (47 pecent) say women face at least some discrimination. Democrats – both women (86 pecent) and men (81 pecent) – are far more likely than Republicans to see discrimination against women. However, a greater share of Democratic women (51 percent) than Democratic men (35 percent) say women face “a lot” of discrimination in our society.

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10 • May 1, 2019

The LEGACY

Richmond honors emergency comm. staff member to get tested. Jackson also volunteers through Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Glen Allen, where she is the sponsor of ushers ages 5-12 and works with the security and evangelism ministries. Once a month, she helps feed the less fortunate with the church. “I just go out and talk to people and serve people,” she said. “It gives them an opportunity to share and for us to pray with them.” In addition to her work with DEC, Sisters Network Central Virginia and Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Jackson enjoys spending quality time with her six grandchildren. “We do everything they’re not supposed to do: Grandma time,” she said.

of employees to about 100. The collective work of these staff members meets and exceeds national industry standards. Next month, the department expects to complete the final step to becoming accredited by Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). In early 2019, the department began spotlighting one employee each month who serves the community, both on and off the job. This program, “#I Am Richmond 911,” seeks to raise awareness of the sometimes-overlooked but crucial role that emergency communications serves in helping to save lives and protect property and the environment in Richmond, as well as the contributions of its employees to the community. L: Deborah Jackon & Stephen Willoughby

CONTRIBUTED REPORT Having beaten cancer twice, Deborah Jackson knows that encouragement from others is important to survival. And she wants to share that with others. A payroll specialist for the Richmond Department of Emergency Communications (DEC) since August 2014, Jackson has been chosen as the department’s “#I Am Richmond 911” honoree for April. At work, she helps to ensure that pay and hours are accurate for the department’s employees, including 911 call-takers and dispatchers, technology staff, supervisors, administrators and others. “I love what I do,” Jackson said. “I love what the DEC employees

do for the city of Richmond, and I want to make sure that they get what they deserve. I love to have the opportunity to smile at and greet the emergency communications officers when they come in, because you don’t know what kind of difficult calls they might get that day.” Outside of work, she shares her story of survival as a breast cancer awareness advocate with Sisters Network Central Virginia Inc., the first national African American breast cancer survivorship organization, where she serves on the executive board. She speaks at engagements throughout the city of Richmond and the commonwealth of Virginia, educating men and women about breast cancer and encouraging them

She said it is important for her to give back to let others know that they are not alone. “For what I’ve been through, I have this joy that I want to spread. There are a lot of sad people in the world. If I touch one person, it makes a difference. There is light at the end of the tunnel.” Working around the clock to answer and dispatch 911 calls for the city of Richmond are about 60 emergency communications officers. Additional employees with the Richmond Department of Emergency Communications install and maintain the city’s public safety communications systems. Support and administrative staff members bring the department’s total number

“It takes a unique individual with compassion and a true desire to help others to work in emergency communications,” said Stephen Willoughby, director of the Richmond Department of Emergency Communications. “Our emergency communications officers must have the necessary skills and aptitude to gather essential information from individuals on what is most likely the worst day of their lives and to manage emergency services for law enforcement, fire, and medical services so that the right assistance is provided as quickly and efficiently as possible. They would not be able to do that without the support of our technology division and administrative staff, as well. “I am proud of the work of each of the employees of the Richmond Department of Emergency Communications, and I congratulate our #I Am Richmond 911 honorees for the work they do every day to serve the citizens of Richmond and their communities.”


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12 • May 1, 2019

The LEGACY

SNAP participants may buy groceries online in New York For the first time, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants will be able to select and pay for their groceries online, during a two-year test (pilot) launched today in New York State. In making the announcement, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue highlighted online purchasing’s potential, along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) commitment to program integrity by looking carefully at the pilot. Lessons learned from this pilot are expected to inform future efforts to expand online purchasing in SNAP. “People who receive SNAP benefits should have the opportunity to shop for food the same way more and more Americans shop for food – by ordering and paying for groceries online. As technology advances, it is important for SNAP to advance too, so we can ensure the same shopping options are available for both non-SNAP and SNAP recipients,” Perdue said. “We look forward to monitoring how these pilots increase food access and customer service to those we serve, specifically those who may experience challenges in visiting brick and mortar stores.” The system is developed to allow online purchasing only by SNAP households with electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards issued by New York for this start of the online pilot project. Online retailers will be limited to delivery in the pilot areas in New York only. Information regarding expansion will be available after this launch is determined successful and other pilot states indicate their readiness to implement. Amazon and Walmart will participate in the initial pilot launch today with ShopRite joining early next week. ShopRite and Amazon are providing service to the New York City area and Walmart is providing online service in upstate New York locations. Additional retailers are slated to participate in the pilot in coming months. The pilot will eventually expand to other areas of New York as well as Alabama, Iowa, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington. The pilot will test both online ordering and payment. SNAP participants will be able to use

(continued on page 14)


www.LEGACYnewspaper.com

May 1, 2019• 13

Homeless persons cannot be punished for sleeping in absence of alternatives, 9th decision establishes People experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the west coast states of the Ninth Circuit can sleep more safely, without facing criminal punishment for simply trying to survive on the streets. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected an en banc petition by the city of Boise in Martin v. Boise (formerly Bell v. Boise), leaving in place its September 2018 ruling that homeless persons cannot be punished for sleeping outside on public property in the absence of adequate alternatives. In so holding, the court of appeals permitted the homeless individuals who have received criminal citations under Boise’s policy to proceed with their constitutional claims against the city. The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, which filed the case in 2009 with cocounsel Idaho Legal Aid Services and Latham & Watkins LLP, hails this decision as being essential to encouraging cities to propose constructive alternatives to homelessness. “Criminally punishing homeless people for sleeping on the street when they have nowhere else to go is inhumane, and we applaud the Court for ruling that it is also unconstitutional,” said Maria Foscarinis, executive director at the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty. “It’s time for Boise to stop trying to hide its homelessness problem with unconstitutional ordinances, and start proposing real solutions.” The case challenges Boise’s enforcement of its Camping and Disorderly Conduct Ordinances against persons experiencing homelessness who need to sleep in public in the absence of adequate housing or shelter. Last September,

This case is part of a nationwide movement against the criminalization of homelessness, spearheaded by the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty and more than 850 groups and individuals who have endorsed the Housing Not Handcuffs Campaign. a panel of the Ninth Circuit agreed with the central premise in the suit, holding that “as long as there is no option of sleeping indoors, the government cannot criminalize indigent, homeless people for sleeping outdoors, on public property, on the false premise they had a choice in the matter.” Following that ruling, the city of Boise petitioned the Ninth Circuit to rehear the case en banc. Recently, the court rejected that request, thereby affirming that within the western states that make up the Ninth Circuit, “the Eighth Amendment preclude[s] the enforcement of a statute prohibiting sleeping outside against homeless individuals with no access to alternative shelter.” “Today, the court says that people experiencing homelessness

cannot be punished for sleeping or sheltering on the streets in the absence of alternatives,” said Eric Tars, legal director at the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty. “But our hope is that tomorrow, cities will begin to create those alternatives—getting homeless people into housing is a win-win approach, benefitting both the individuals helped and the communities that no longer have to deal with the negative impacts of people living in public spaces, at lower cost than cycling people through the criminal justice system.” The case gained national attention in 2015 when the United States Department of Justice filed a Statement of Interest brief in the case, arguing that making it a crime for people who are homeless to sleep

in public places unconstitutionally punishes them for being homeless. “The outcome of court’s decision will support cities who are addressing real solutions to the complex issues faced by homeless individuals and families rather than just create more barriers and fill more jails with persons who only needed a place to sleep for the night,” said Howard Belodoff, of Idaho Legal Aid Services, Inc. “Boise can be one of those cities—it has the resources, it just needs to apply them correctly.” Judge Berzon, in her opinion, notes that the decision, while important, is unlikely to impose dire consequences on cities. “The distressing homelessness problem…has grown into a crisis

(continued on page 17)


14 • May 1, 2019

(from page 12) their benefits to purchase eligible food items, but will not be able to use SNAP benefits to pay for service or delivery charges. For more information, please visit the SNAP Online Purchasing pilot webpage. The 2014 Farm Bill authorized USDA to conduct and evaluate a pilot for online purchasing prior to national implementation. The pilot phase is intended to ensure online

The LEGACY transactions are processed safely and securely. USDA anticipates all eligible and interested retailers who can meet the requirements to process online SNAP transactions will eventually be able to take part, though the timeline is dependent on the progress of the pilot and any regulations which may need to be issued. USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) works to reduce food insecurity and promote nutritious

diets among the American people. The agency administers 15 nutrition assistance programs that leverage American’s agricultural abundance to ensure children and low-income individuals and families have nutritious food to eat. FNS also co-develops the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which provide science-based nutrition recommendations and serve as the cornerstone of federal nutrition policy.

Looking back Four decades ago, the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) at the Medical College of Virginia established an annual brain injury rehabilitation conference for professionals throughout the country. Known as the “Williamsburg Conference” for its location of over 25 years, the event actually originated in Richmond and this spring, the conference will return to its roots. The 2019 conference will take place May 6-7 at The Westin Richmond. The location isn’t the only change – VCU formed a new partnership with the Brain Injury Association of Virginia (BIAV) to co-host this year’s event. The theme of the conference – Heading Forward Together – reflects these new changes. Anne McDonnell, BIAV’s executive director, believes the partnership with VCU is a natural fit. “Working with VCU to uphold the tradition of the annual brain injury rehabilitation conference while at the same time introducing new ideas to invigorate the event and attract new attendees is a collaboration that just makes sense. BIAV is the only statewide association dedicated exclusively to advancing education, awareness, support, treatment and research to improve the quality of life for people affected by brain injury and VCU is an internationally-recognized brain injury research pioneer.” While some things are new, conference goers can expect the same level of excellence they are used to. With 30 unique sessions to choose from presented by experts from around the country, a fun night out in Scott’s Addition, and a celebration of industry leaders, this two-day event is a must-attend for professionals in the brain injury field. Details are available online at biav.net/events .


www.LEGACYnewspaper.com

May 1, 2019• 15

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16 • May 1, 2019

The LEGACY

Calendar

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

5.4, 10 a.m.

Come out to the 30th Newport News Children’s Festival of Friends at Newport News Park. This festival features over 100 hands-on activities and attractions including make-and-take crafts, pony rides, trackless train, moon bounce, slide, obstacle course and fitness activities (gymnastics, obstacle courses, and tennis), just to name a few! Guests can enjoy educational exhibits on science experiments and gardening. Children can also see a variety of farm animals, along with sheep shearing demonstrations. All activities are provided by city departments and community organizations that provide services for children. There is a $5 parking fee per vehicle. Festival admission and all activities (including all rides) are free. Food vendors will sell a variety of items including cupcakes, gourmet popsicles, kettle corn, shaved ice, funnel cakes, wood fired pizza, waffles, seafood, gourmet cotton candy, barbeque and Puerto Rican food. Pets are not permitted in the festival area. Newport News Park is located at the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Ft. Eustis Boulevard. For more information, visit www. nnparks.com or call 757-926-1400.

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5.7, 2 p.m.

The Henrico County Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Department of Forestry are hosting a workshop on the hazards of the emerald ash borer. Larvae from the exotic beetle feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. Since its discovery in 2002, emerald ash borers have destroyed millions of ash trees across North America. The workshop will be held at the Henrico County Cooperative Extension Office in the Human Services Building, 8600 Dixon Powers Dr. Attendees will learn more about the beetle, how to manage ash trees and what to do with wood from ash trees. The workshop is free and open to the public. For more information or to RSVP call 804-501-5160.

Ongoing MCV Foundation PRIVATE is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. The funds contributed will provide its patients with education, resources, housing assistance and serve as a link to the community on Sickle Cell Awareness. We hope that you will honor this effort with your presence and/or financial donation.

Sex Offender Helpline

The helpline provides support to communities on issues related to accessing sex offender registration information; responsible use of information; sexual abuse prevention resources; and accessing crime victim support services. The tips program provides the public an opportunity to report registrants who are failing to comply with registration requirements.

Tips can also be provided at

www.parentsformeganslaw.org. This program is not intended to be used to report police emergencies.

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Submit your calendar events by email to: editor @legacynewspaper.com. Include the who, what, where, when & contact information that can be printed. Deadline is Friday.


May 1, 2019• 17

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(from page 13) for many reasons, among them the cost of housing, the drying up of affordable care for people with mental illness, and the failure to provide adequate treatment for drug addiction. The crisis continued to burgeon while ordinances forbidding sleeping in public were on the books and sometimes enforced.” “We are pleased that the Ninth Circuit held that the Constitution ‘prohibits the imposition of criminal penalties for sitting, sleeping, or lying outside on public property for homeless individuals who cannot obtain shelter,’” said Michael Bern, lead pro bono counsel from Latham & Watkins, who argued the case before the Ninth Circuit. “As the Department of Justice recognized earlier in this case, ‘[c] riminalizing public sleeping in

cities with insufficient housing and support for homeless individuals does not improve public safety outcomes or reduce the factors that contribute to homelessness.’ With this decision, we hope that cities can redirect their efforts to identifying John stands near the corner of Laburnum Avenue and Brook Road in Richmond.

meaningful and constitutional solutions to the problem of homelessness.” This case is part of a nationwide movement against the criminalization of homelessness, spearheaded by the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty and more than 850 groups and individuals who have endorsed the Housing Not Handcuffs Campaign.


18 • May 1, 2019

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The LEGACY is looking for a reliable, highly-motivated, goal-driven sales professional to join our team selling print and digital advertising in the Richmond and Hampton Roads areas. Duties include: Building and maintaining relationships with new/existing clients Meeting and exceeding monthly sales goals Cold calling new prospects over the phone to promote print and online advertising space

Qualifications: Proven experience with print (newspaper) and/ or digital (website) advertising sales; Phone and one-on-one sales experience; Effective verbal and written communication skills, professional image and; Familiarity with Richmond and/or Hampton Roads areas. Compensation depends on experience and includes a base pay as well as commission. The LEGACY is an African-American-oriented weekly newspaper, circulation 25,000, with a website featuring local and national news and advertising. E-mail resume and letter of interest to ads@ legacynewspaper.com detailing your past sales experience. No phone calls please.

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May 1, 2019• 19

www.LEGACYnewspaper.com

156- Procurement 426 HAMPTON SOLICITATION

ANOUNCEMENTS Veteran seeking pardon. American Legion member. Proclaimed innocence since 2001. Assessed low risk. Parents only son. Please sign online at www. change.org/p/ralph-s-northam-clemency-for-jeffreygardner

CITY OF HAMPTON Thursday, May 16, 2019 1:30 p.m. ET ITB 19-61/CLP Provide concessions, catering, vending and food preparation services at the Hamptons Golf Course and the Woodlands Golf Course

AUCTIONS ATTN. AUCTIONEERS: Advertise your upcoming auctions statewide or in other states. Affordable Print and Digital Solutions reaching your target audiences. Call this paper or Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@ vpa.net

Tuesday, May 21, 2019 2:00 p.m. ET ITB 19-58/TM Emergency generator service and repair. Pre-bid and site visit to be held May 7, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at 231 Springfield Drive Hampton, VA 23669. We will meet in the conference room Thursday, May 23, 2019 4:00 p.m. ET RFP 19-57/EA 2020 Hampton Visitor Guides

LARGE ESTATE AUCTION OF VINTAGE VEHICLES, MILITARY MEMORABILIA, TRACTORS, TOOLS AND MORE. Live and Online Auction. Saturday, May 11 | 9 am – 3 pm | Amelia, VA. | 1-877-MOTLEYS | www.MOTLEYS.com

Thursday, May 30, 2019 4:00 p.m. ET RFP 19-59/EA Jail Security Doors and Locks System Holding MANDATORY pre-proposal conference and site visit on May 10, 2019 at 10:30 a.m., 1928 W. Pembroke Ave, Hampton, VA 23669 Thursday, May 30, 2019 3:00 p.m. ET ITB 19-62/CLP Hampton Flashing Yellow Arrow Improvements (UPC 109687) VDOT Project No: U000-114-316, P101, C501 Federal Project No: HSIP-5A 03(823); HSIP-5A 03(971) A Mandatory Pre-bid Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. (ET); Public Works Conference Room, 4th Floor, Hampton City Hall located at 22 Lincoln Street. The work under this project consists of replacement of the five-section protected-permissive left turn signal head to the “flashing yellow” signal for eighteen (18) signal locations Citywide. This is a Federal funded project. There is a DBE goal of 0%.

ANTIQUES SHOW/SALE BIG ANTIQUES & Collectibles Show/Sale, May 10-11, 64th Shenandoah Antiques Expo, Expoland, Fishersville, VA (I-64,Exit 91), 300 dealers, five buildings & outside. Fri. & Sat. 9-5. www. heritagepromotions.net, 434-846-7452. EDUCATION/CAREER TRAINING AIRLINES ARE HIRING – Get FAA approved hands on Aviation training. Financial aid for qualified students - Career placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance SCHEV certified 877-204- 4130 HELP WANTED / DRIVERS NEED CDL Drivers? Advertise your JOB OPENINGS statewide or in other states. Affordable Print and Digital Solutions to reach truck drivers. Call Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804521-7576, landonc@vpa.net REAL ESTATE FOR SALE ATTN. REALTORS: Advertise your listings regionally or statewide. Print and Digital Solutions that get results! Call Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@vpa.net SERVICES DIVORCE-Uncontested, $395+$86 court cost. No court appearance. Estimated completion time twenty-one days. Hilton Oliver, Attorney (Facebook). 757-490-0126 Se Habla Espanol. BBB Member. https://hiltonoliverattorneyva.com.

Place your “For sale”, “Wanted”, and “Service”... ads here.

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY NOTICE

For additional information, see our web page at http://www.hampton.gov/bids-contracts

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia's policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the commonwealth.

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.

We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap. For more information or to file a housing complaint, call the Virginia Housing Office (804) 367-8530 or (888) 551-3247. For the hearing-impaired, call (804) 367-9753, or e-mail fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov

Minority-Owned, Woman-Owned and Veteran Businesses are encouraged to participate. Karl Daughtrey, Director of Finance

Advertise here 804-644-1550 ads@ legacynewspaper.com


Destined to Succeed Whatever your child wants to be is within reach when you are involved. Your engagement in their education will prepare them for the future.

To learn more about the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and how you can advocate for your children, visit us at www.nnpa.org/essa Sign-up for our ESSA alerts at www.nnpa.org/essa

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