Richmond Free Press April 30-May 4, 2020 edition

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APRIL 30-MaY 2, 2020

Revival linked to COVID-19

Deaths of 6 Metro Revival attendees may be connected to the coronavirus

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

A three-night revival in early March that brought more than 1,200 people from across the Richmond area to Cedar Street Baptist Church of God in Church Hill each evening appears to have helped spread the coronavirus in the AfricanAmerican community.

Concerns about a connection

Related stories inside; Photo Feature on B2 between the virus and the 2020 Metro Revival sponsored by the Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Richmond & Vicinity from March 9 through 11 have been rife among participants and Cedar Street church members.

Those concerns have now been validated by a Richmond Health District official and the release of information that had

Dr. Avula stated that been shared largely only one of the deaths among Africanhas been confirmed American ministers as resulting from who are members of COVID-19. the conference and “That may be the those who participatcase,” said one memed in the revival but ber of Cedar Street not made public. church. “No one has “There were provided a cause of some small outDr. Avula death for most of breaks within the larger outbreaks among the those who have died, and their revival choir and another group deaths might be from unrelated from Cedar Street Baptist,” Dr. reasons. We just don’t know, Danny Avula, director of the but it has worried us.”

Dr. Avula said the link beRichmond City and Henrico County public health districts, tween the virus and the revival stated April 24 in an email re- turned up after one sick Chessponse to a Free Press query. terfield County resident tested “Multiple lab-confirmed positive.

Public health investigators positive cases were identified from this church or from found the connection based on exposures at the revival,” Dr. interviews with people who had come in contact with the Avula stated.

While church members Chesterfield resident, Dr. Avula shared information with the said. The Virginia Department of Free Press about six participants Health, through its local offices, who have died since the revival, then worked with the organizer of the revival to notify the pastors and others who attended.

The Cedar Street church members who spoke with the

Racist memorabilia puts Trammell in the hot seat

By Reginald Stuart

Please turn to A4

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

City Council President Cynthia I. Newbille listens intently during a news conference Tuesday before the opening of an outdoor COVID-19 testing site near Creighton Court in the East End. Behind her, medical personnel from the Richmond City Health District suit up to administer the tests.

Dozens turn out for free testing at city sites

By Ronald E. Carrington

Please turn to A4

Federal unemployment checks ease money worries for newly laid off during pandemic

As a longtime member of Richmond City Council, Reva Trammell has come to be known as a reliable and outspoken advocate for the poor and elderly in the city’s 8th District. She has a reputation

By Jeremy M. Lazarus for challenging her political peers to govern and enact policies that protect Just a few weeks ago, journalist-turned-bartender and server the least powerful.

Lyndon German was feeling desperate.

So she was stunned recently when In the past year, the 26-year-old Mechanicsville native has a photo she posted on Facebook that seen his reporter jobs in Hopewell and Petersburg end as a result Ms. Trammell included a “Mammy Jar” sitting atop of newsroom cutbacks, and now his restaurant job in a popular her kitchen cabinet went viral, igniting a Twitter storm about local café has disappeared as a result of COVID-19. the jar, its meaning and her racial insensitivity.

“My roommate worked in a mall operation, and she also was The “Mammy Jar,” an Aunt Jemima-like caricature, is a ce- laid off” after non-essential brick-and-mortar operations were ramic figure of an obese black woman wearing an apron, with forced to close, Mr. German said. “We worried about where a kerchief on her head and her hands on her hips.

The photo, enlarged to focus on the jar, was tweeted by RVA Dirt, and has drawn comments from scores of people, including Ms. Trammell’s City Council colleague, Dr. Michael Jones, 9th District, who said she needed to account for the racist iconography in her home.

Ms. Trammell issued a statement of apology. She declined a Free Press request for an interview.

“The figurine was given to me about 35 years ago and it has been on top of the kitchen cabinet ever since,” her brief statement read. “I never thought much about it, but I do now realize that it is a hurtful item to many people,” she stated. “For that reason, I have taken it down and discarded it. I apologize for the hurt I may have caused.”

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press Mayor Levar M. Stoney, whom Ms. Trammell often publicly criticizes during City Council meetings, also com- Virginia Union University running back, Andre Mack, 23, works out with his 5-year-old mented on Twitter, saying: “I nephew, Ka’Reem Moore, on Tuesday in the 700 block of 30th Street in Church Hill. The was raised by a woman who youngster wants to play football like his uncle, a junior at VUU. The coaching and workout worked in the homes of white sessions also keep Mr. Mack in shape until the Panthers practice again in August, according

Working it out

Please turn to A4

Ronald E. Carrington/Richmond Free Press

At the Hillside Court testing site, participants received COVID-19 kits that containing a face mask, hand sanitizer, a reminder lapel button and condoms.

Zohao Maziri took short, painfully slow steps Monday as she fought the cool, windy weather to get tested for COVID-19 at Hillside Court on Richmond’s South Side.

The 34-year-old Henrico County resident, a retail worker, began showing symptoms six days earlier of the virus that has infected nearly 15,000 people statewide and claimed the lives of 522 others.

Her pain was evident in her eyes that peered out just above the colorful mask she wore to cover her nose and mouth. State officials have urged people to wear face masks in public to stop the spread of infection.

“I have body aches, difficult breathing and weakness, as well

to Mr. Mack. Until then, Mr. Mack is finishing his college courses online and having Zoom meetings with his teammates.

the money would come from to the pay the rent and other bills. I tried looking for a job, but I didn’t find a lot of opportunity in this environment.”

For the moment, however, the desperation has disappeared now that unemployment money is hitting both their bank accounts.

Across the country, millions of unemployed people are suddenly in better shape Mr. German financially thanks to Congress’ creation of a $600-a-week unemployment benefit that will last through July 31.

Those payments are not just for ordinary workers but also are going to members of the so-called “gig economy” who work as independent contractors in performing work not on a standard payroll.

The $600 a week is big jump from the typical unemployment available in most states. In Virginia, the maximum payment is less than $400 a week, with most people qualifying for about Please turn to A4

Oprah to keynote #Graduation 2020 Free Press wire report

Just when high school and college seniors across the country were starting to think all was lost for their graduation ceremonies canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, one of the richest and most influential women in the nation comes to the rescue: Oprah Winfrey.

The 66-year-old media tycoon and global philanthropist is joining with Facebook and Instagram to give the Class of 2020 a star-studded, Please turn to A4

A2

April 30-May 2, 2020

Richmond Free Press

Local News

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond Workmen use a bucket truck to install panels at the 154-unit Jackson Ward Apartments, left, in the block bounded by Duval, 1st, 2nd and Jackson streets. The complex now surrounds a greenspace, right, the now unfenced Saint Joseph’s Memorial Park.

The 23-year-old park includes a statue of Mary, Jesus’ mother, and the bell that hung in the belfry of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church that once stood on the property.

It was the first Catholic church built for black parishioners in Virginia. Much of the remaining construction involves retail space being installed at 1st and Jackson streets.

An initial 72 apartments are now filled with former residents of Fay Towers in the nearby Gilpin Court public housing community, with 82 mostly one-bedroom units

Witness signature dropped for absentee ballots during pandemic Absentee voters who receive their ballots by mail likely will not need to have a witness present when they cast their vote at home in Virginia’s June 23 primary election to choose candidates to run for the U.S. Senate or the U.S. House of Representatives.

Attorney General Mark R. Herring announced Tuesday that he agrees with a federal lawsuit seeking the temporary suspension of the state’s current requirement that voters casting mail-in ballots have someone present as they open the letter containing the ballot and sign the envelope in which the ballot is returned.

Mr. Herring stated he is submitting a settlement agreement to U.S. Judge Norman K. Moon and anticipates the judge’s approval on Monday, May 4, four days before the Friday, May 8, start of mail-in or in-person absentee voting.

However, the Virginia Republican Party is challenging the settlement, citing the Mr. Herring potential for fraud, and urging Judge Moon to at least order a voter to write the last four digits of his or her Social Security number on the return envelope as a protection.

If approved, the settlement would end the lawsuit the American Civil Liberties Union filed in Lynchburg on April 17 on behalf of the League of Women Voters and three individuals seeking to overturn the witness requirement during the current virus emergency.

The suit alleged the requirements would put the health of voters and witnesses at risk and should be dropped to prevent disenfranchisement of those living alone who would seek to use the mail-in ballot.

The settlement would require local registrars to count the mailed in ballots in envelopes that are not signed by a witness.

Unsigned ballots ordinarily would be invalid.

“This agreement is a win for Virginians because it will protect both their health and voting rights,” Mr. Herring stated. “No Virginian should have to choose between their health and their right to vote during this pandemic.” — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

City Council gives OK for Voter Registrar’s Office move Richmond City Council cleared the way Monday night for the city’s Voter Registrar’s Office to move to 2134 W. Laburnum Ave. to provide needed room for voting and for storage of voting machines.

Voter Registrar Kirk Showalter said Tuesday the lease still needs to be signed. However, if all goes well, she expects the move to be accomplished in late July and early August after computer wiring updates are completed.

She said the space should be ready for the anticipated surge in early voting ahead of the November presidential election.

Ms. Showalter said she is in talks with GRTC about extending bus service to the building. – JEREMY M. LAZARUS

City Hall grants parking ticket amnesty until Aug. 31 City Hall is giving a break to people with outstanding parking tickets.

First, towing and booting of cars with three or more unpaid tickets has been suspended while the state of emergency is in force and City Hall remains closed.

Additionally, people with unpaid parking tickets will have until Monday, Aug. 31, to pay them without additional penalties, the city Department of Public Works has announced.

For people who got tickets on or after March 16, the city is only requiring payment of the fine listed, DPW spokeswoman Sharon North stated.

For those with tickets issued before March 16, the amount will not be increased with a nonpayment penalty or interest, Ms. North stated.

Ms. North warned, however, that the city effort does not include any fees charged by the state Department of Motor Vehicles to release a hold on the renewal of annual vehicle registration or securing license plates because of unpaid parking tickets.

This is the latest step for the city, which has halted issuance of any new parking tickets for failing to pay the time charge at a parking meter or a marked space, primarily in Downtown. That moratorium will remain in force until City Hall reopens.

City Hall is scheduled to be closed until Monday, May 4, but that could be extended if the governor’s coronavirus-related state of emergency is not lifted by then.

People still can get tickets or be towed for other parking infractions, such as blocking a driveway or alley or parking in a bus stop, beside a fire hydrant or in a lane of traffic.

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

being offered to the public. The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority partnered with the Washington, D.C.-based Enterprise Community Development on the $32 million mixed-use development. Work began in summer 2018, with completion

expected later this spring. Enterprise also has begun development of another 51 units at the former Baker School building in Gilpin Court, which also will be for the remaining residents of Fay Towers, which will be vacated.

GRTC gets $32 million infusion from federal CARES Act, keeping rides free

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Free fares on GRTC buses will continue through June 30 and could be extended at least through Dec. 30, according to information provided April 21 to the transit system’s board.

The city’s public transit system suddenly is flush with cash — with at least $32 million in stimulus funding from the federal CARES Act — and has less concern at the moment about maintaining service without the $500,000 a month in fare income, the board was told.

Julie Timm, chief executive officer of GRTC, explained that the federal infusion of cash, along with other new funding, should ensure the essential transportation service can keep running without fares as long as the drivers and maintenance staff continue to show up.

Richmond got a taste of what would happen if the unionized drivers stop working when at least 46 drivers called in sick Sunday and stayed home Monday, forcing GRTC to cut back to hourly service on regular routes most of Monday.

Pulse service also was slowed, although most of the drivers assigned to the rapid transit system came to work, GRTC spokeswoman Carrie Rose Pace stated. CARE Van service was not affected, she added.

Despite claims from GRTC that the protest amounted to an illegal work stoppage, Maurice Carter, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1220, said the sickout was not sanctioned. He said drivers arranged the protest on their own to call attention to GRTC’s failure to heed a union request for greater driver health protection by requiring all passengers to wear masks or mouth and nose coverings.

The drivers also have requested a 50 cents an hour increase for hazardous duty pay during the coronavirus pandemic.

Drivers returned to work Tuesday to the relief of the company, but Mr. Carter said the union would continue to negotiate on the mask issue and for hazardous pay.

In a last-ditch effort Sunday evening to prevent the sickout, Ms. Timm issued a memo to company employees announcing that she was awarding bonuses of $300 to $500 for drivers and other workers that would appear in May checks. She did not address the mask issue.

Ms. Timm stated the bonuses are the best the company could do for now in rejecting an April 20 request from Mr. Carter calling for drivers to receive time-and-a-half for all hours worked. He later requested $6 an hour. The case for hazard pay improved Wednesday when Mr. Carter reported the first driver to test positive for for COVID-19. The driver is

Henrico County also is planning to cut about $4.2 million, or 50 percent, from its current $8.4 million GRTC subsidy in the upcoming 2020-21 fiscal year.

Receipt of the federal money is huge for GRTC, which currently operates on a $55.6 million annual budget. Those federal dollars also are far in excess of the costs, including overtime, which GRTC has had to absorb from COVID-19. Those costs are projected to hit $194,000 by June 30, GRTC staff reported.

Ms. Timm told the board that GRTC also anticipates receiving an additional $15 million between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021, from the new Central Virginia Transportation Authority that the General Assembly created to support public transit, fund new road development in the Richmond area and provide extra funding for street paving and other road needs in Richmond and eight other localities.

The CVTA’s funds are to be generated by a hike in the gas tax and from a 7/10ths of 1 percent increase in the sales tax, although the sales tax increase has been delayed until Oct. 1 because of recession concerns.

Before the virus hit, GRTC had been projected to receive about $26 million a year through the CVTA, with Henrico and Richmond relying on that projection to cut their subsidies.

GRTC already has received Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press nearly $1.17 million extra from not 50 cents.” the state that enabled it to eliminate fares Mr. Carter said he believes GRTC has in mid-March after a state of emergency the money, noting that the national union was imposed and to cover initial costs reports the company is to receive $35.8 incurred because of the coronavirus. million in federal relief, $3.8 million more Without the federal and state support, than Ms. Timm indicated.

Ms. Timm said GRTC, which has no The new federal dollars are on top of savings or lines of credit, would have other financial aid the company has re- been hard-pressed to keep buses rolling. ceived or projects to receive through other She said GRTC is being cautious about sources, which is helping GRTC stand the federal funds, based on a worst case out among the nation’s transit systems scenario in which the company receives in its ability to persevere in the face of little or no money from the CVTA in the the pandemic. first 12 months.

Ms. Timm said she plans to present Ms. Timm told the board that Richto the board an option to keep the free mond’s ridership is down only by about rides in place at least through December 30 percent because of the stay-at-home in the proposed 2020-21 budget she will order, a contrast to other places that present in May and possibly through the are reporting 80 percent to 95 percent entire next fiscal year that will end June drops in transit ridership. She said that 30, 2021. She said the idea is to keep indicates the importance of bus service in place rear-door boarding and other to low-income area residents. She cited changes that reduce interaction between data that only 25 percent of GRTC riddrivers and passengers just in case there ers have annual incomes above $50,000, is a resurgence of COVID-19 in the fall, while 54 percent have annual incomes of as some medical experts have warned. $25,000 or less.

GRTC’s suddenly swollen bank acWhile doctors, nurses and ambulance count is expected to quell concerns among first responders are getting the most recogmembers of Richmond City Council about nition, the Rev. Benjamin P. Campbell of Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s plan to cut the Richmond, chairman of the GRTC board, city’s subsidy for GRTC by $7.9 million, said bus drivers are among those who are or 50 percent, in the new 2020-21 fiscal showing what it takes to keep a society year that begins July 1. functioning in emergency conditions. in quarantine, he said, but it shows the risk drivers face.

Despite the influx of funds, Ms. Timm stated that GRTC could struggle if the economy plunges into a recession. She said the company needs to be careful with the extra money to avoid layoffs and service cuts if there is no recovery.

The drivers, who make between $15.50 and $23.84 an hour, are generally unimpressed with the bonus.

“The bonus is nice but it won’t amount to much after taxes,” one driver said.

“We deserve better. Kroger is paying their workers an extra $2 an hour, and we deserve at least a $1 an hour increase,

RRHA submits revised annual plan to HUD; details not public

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Seven months after getting a rejection letter, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority has submitted changes to its 2020 annual plan in a bid to win approval from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

RRHA has not publicly shared the amendments and edited version that it submitted to HUD. The discovery of RRHA’s action came to light as the result of the persistence of Michael Sarahan, an activist and former assistant city attorney. He was notified of RRHA’s submission on April 9 in an email from HUD official Robert Davenport, director of the Richmond Field Office.

Mr. Davenport is the official who rejected RRHA’s original plan submission last September as not meeting HUD guidelines for public and tenant participation in its development.

RRHA “has submitted documents to HUD for review,” Mr. Davenport wrote to Mr. Sarahan, though Mr. Davenport also noted the documents were not open to the public as “they are pre-decisional and under review.”

Mr. Davenport told Mr. Sarahan to check back in four months to learn if the paperwork would be publicly available.

RRHA officials have not responded to Free Press queries seeking information about its proposed changes.

Several months ago, Damon E. Duncan, RRHA’s outgoing chief executive officer, asserted that the changes that RRHA would need to make were technical in nature.

But in his rejection letter to RRHA, Mr. Davenport stated the changes needed were considered significant, signaling that RRHA might need to hold public hearings on its amended proposal.

RRHA has not announced any plans to hold such hearings.

Richmond Free Press

April 30-May 2, 2020

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Richmond Free Press

A4 April 30-May 2, 2020

News

Federal unemployment checks ease money worries for newly laid off during pandemic Continued from A1

Facebook photo

A “Mammy Jar” sits atop a kitchen cabinet in a photo City Councilwoman Reva M. Trammell posted of herself and a friend on her Facebook page. The ceramic figure was circled in the photo by someone who saw the post on social media.

Racist memorabilia puts Trammell in hot seat Continued from A1

people. This image isn’t just ‘hurtful to many people.’ Call it what it is — just plain racist against Black people. Now that you know better, do better.”

Since its appearance after the Civil War in the mid-1800s, the mammy has been used as a stereotype of the African-American woman, according to arts and culture, history and sociology authorities.

The mammy character “served the political, social and economic interests of mainstream white Americans” before the end of legalized racial segregation, according to studies of racist artifacts by the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia at Ferris State University in Michigan.

The mammy has been produced in cookie jar forms, as ashtrays, toys, postcards and candles, among other things. Once discarded as unwanted, undesirable memorabilia of a bygone era, it is now considered by some to be a prized collectible like the black lawn jockeys rooted in the era when many jockeys were black men.

Ms. Trammell’s possession of the mammy cookie jar with its racial history is not so unusual, said Dr. David Pilgrim, an applied sociologist and creator of the Jim Crow museum who also serves as chief diversity and inclusion officer at Ferris State University.

“Hundreds of thousands of Americans have racist objects in their homes” Dr. Pilgrim told the Free Press, noting that includes wellknown personalities around the nation who own mammy figures.

“People collect for different reasons,” Dr. Pilgrim said. He offered a list of reasons why mammy figures are considered desirable, ranging from their rising value in recent years to harvesting the objects to destroy them to gathering them for nostalgia’s sake.

“For some people, mammy represents a non-offensive, almost nostalgic reminder of the past,” said Dr. Pilgrim, an Alabama native who grew up in New York City’s Harlem, graduated from Jarvis Christian College in Texas and earned his Ph.D. at Ohio State University. “For me, it symbolizes the residue of enslavement and racial segregation.”

He said he would not make any assertions about Ms. Trammell whom he does not know nor has he ever met, noting that he has read media reports about her having a Mammy Jar. “Good people do bad things, and some of the bad things they do are racist,” he said.

“The question is how humble we are … A person is judged by the totality of their work,” he said, not an act itself. “Good people make mistakes,” he said.

“The way I look at it is it’s an opportunity to have a deep, even painful, discussion about race.”

In her brief statement, Ms. Trammell did not suggest a need for more conversation about race in her majority black district.

“My track record is one of deeply respecting my African-American 8th District family and all others,” she stated. “I dearly love all of my citizens and I am dedicated to serving the fine citizens of Richmond’s 8th District of all races and backgrounds.

“I pray that everyone stays safe during this Coronavirus pandemic. Let’s move forward together.”

Revival linked to COVID-19 Continued from A1

Free Press on condition of anonymity said no such notice was given to them. All had taken part in the revival.

“All we know is that Cedar Street was closed and was being disinfected,” another member of the church said.

The revival featured Dr. Lance D. Watson, pastor of The Saint Paul’s Baptist Church, and took place just before Gov. Ralph S. Northam declared a coronavirus-related state of emergency on March 12 and urged everyone to limit gatherings to 10 or fewer people.

Although Gov. Northam did not issue an official order until March 23 banning large gatherings, including church services, most churches in the area canceled Sunday services on March 15 and began holding them online after that. Only a small fraction ignored the warnings that holding traditional services could spread the virus.

Based on the health district’s investigations, Dr. Avula stated in a follow-up message that church services were not a major source of the spread.

“Early on, church gatherings accounted for a few of our confirmed cases, but most churches shut things down by the second (and definitely the third Sunday) in March,” he stated.

“We are still getting our arms around the data, but I feel like our cases (in Richmond and Henrico) fall into a few large buckets,” he stated.

Those large buckets include: Initially, travelers to other communities who got infected and then brought it back to the Richmond area; residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities; and people who have ongoing exposure through the workplace.

He noted those findings are being backed up in the new testing being conducted in public housing and other low-income communities in Richmond and Henrico.

He stated Monday that health district testing last week at the Southwood Apartments in South Side indicates that the workplace may be a bigger contributor to the spread of the virus. He noted that of the 69 people tested at the affordable housing complex near Southside Plaza, 12 people tested positive, or 17.4 percent.

Across the state, about 15 percent of those tested are found to be positive for the virus, he said.

Within Richmond, about 60 percent of those who have tested positive for COVID-19 and 93 percent of the people who have died are African-American.

$250 a week or less based on their regular earnings.

With the state benefit added to the federal payment, the total benefit is now putting between $850 and $1,000 a week into many families’ accounts — a raise for many, although not for all workers hit by recent layoffs.

Still that money is meaningful for the nearly 500,000 people who have filed for unemployment in Virginia and the more than 26 million who have filed across the country, boosting unemployment to near 17 percent of the workforce since midMarch. That’s a record surge and huge reversal after unemployment nationally had fallen below 4 percent.

The unemployment figures are even worse for African-Americans, whose occupations are among the hardest hit during the pandemic and whose percentage of unemployed people has long been double that of the white population.

Scott Garrett, co-owner of Lift Coffee Shop in Downtown that is now closed, has been impressed at the help the federal unemployment benefit is providing to his employees. But he, like other business owners, expects that to yield a potentially

sharp increase down the road in the premium for unemployment insurance he pays to help fund the state program.

Mr. Garrett said he had to lay off 13 employees when the shop was shut down because of the coronavirus precautions under the governor’s executive order. He said many of his employees now “are making more than they did when they were working.”

That’s the case for Elton Christian, who was laid off as a cook when the Hull Street restaurant where he worked closed.

His wife, Audrey Christian, said, “I’m definitely feeling better about our situation.”

Before the federal unemployment checks began arriving, she said she was waking up in the middle of the night worried about how she would cover health insurance premiums that had become unaffordable with just one income.

She struggled at first to get her husband enrolled on the unemployment website. But with help from state Sen. Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey, the roadblock was lifted and now she said the unemployment checks, which amount to more than her husband’s regular paychecks, have temporarily eased her money worries.

She was not alone in facing glitches to

sign up for unemployment as computer systems in states across the country were overwhelmed by the sudden surge in applications — from a few thousand to tens of thousands.

That was the case for the Virginia Employment Commission, which took in 493,501 applications for unemployment benefits in the five weeks between March 16 and April 18, with more than 100,00 applications pouring in during at least one seven-day period.

The department appears to have overcome the glitches, with complaints about signing up now easing as the number of filings has fallen to around 83,000 a week.

Mr. German had no problems filing for benefits. He said the money is “a relief,” even though he knows he’ll have to include the unemployment benefits as income on next year’s tax return and the payments will come to an end weeks from now.

He is keeping his fingers crossed that the pandemic will end, the economy will crank up and he can go back to work because August and September and the rest of the year are coming, he said, and he doesn’t want to start worrying again about where to find the rent money.

Wait continues for federal stimulus check Laverne Cousins, like millions of others, is still waiting for her $1,200 stimulus check.

The 31-year-old Richmond native is disabled and survives on $803 a month she receives through Social Security’s disability and supplemental income programs and food stamps.

“I really need the money,” Ms. Cousins said. “Everything I get now is going to pay rent and utilities. There’s nothing left over. I haven’t been able to buy any clothes or shoes or anything else. It’s just hard, and this check would be such a godsend.”

She may finally get her federal stimulus check in a week or two.

The IRS, which is distributing the money that Congress approved in March, said it has taken time to interconnect computer systems and upload files from Social Security to automatically deliver checks to recipients even if they do not file taxes, like Ms. Cousins.

The tax agency has indicated in response to inquiries

from individuals, members of Congress and reporters that the distribution is likely to start during the first week of May for those receiving some type of Social Security benefits.

Ms. Cousins could be among those who receive their checks early as she has a direct deposit bank account for her monthly Social Security payments.

However, those who still get paper checks from Social Security may not receive the stimulus payment until July or August, the IRS has noted, because of the extra processing time required.

Those individuals will be in the same boat as people who paid the IRS by check for taxes owed or get a paper refund check rather than using direct deposit. These individuals also are still waiting.

The IRS has largely completed issuing checks to people who paid taxes in 2019 and/or 2020 and listed a direct deposit account on their tax forms. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

Dozens turn out for free testing at city sites Continued from A1

as a difficult time working, Ms. Maziri said. “I have been self-quarantining with my husband, but he has no symptoms.”

The test completed, Ms. Maziri slowly shuffled her way out of the building in Hillside Court, the wind attempting to topple her with every small step she took.

She said she was told to follow the instruction sheet given to her by the city Health District and that her test results would be back in three to five days. She said she didn’t know if she would be hospitalized.

Among the instructions on the sheet: • Stay home until you no longer have a fever without use of fever-reducing medication or other symptoms for three days.

• Distance yourself from others while you are sick. As much as possible, stay in a specific room away from other people in your home.

• Avoid sharing personal and household items such as drinking cups and utensils; use a separate bathroom, if available.

• Restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care.

• Do not go to work, school or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing or taxis.

• Please monitor your symptoms. If they worsen, call your health care provider/ primary care doctor and tell them your symptoms. If you do not have a primary care doctor, please contact an urgent care center near you.

• Seek prompt medical attention at a local emergency room if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing, unable to keep fluids down).

With African-Americans being dis-

proportionately stricken and killed by COVID-19 in Virginia, public health officials responded by scheduling a series of free public testing events in low-income and predominately African-American communities in Richmond and Henrico County that began last week.

In Richmond, where about 60 percent of the 303 positive cases for the coronavirus and 13 of the 14 deaths have been African-Americans, 69 people were tested at the city Health District’s first event in Richmond held last week at Southwood Apartments in South Richmond. Twelve of them tested positive for the coronavirus, officials said.

On Monday, Ms. Maziri was one of 42 people tested at Hillside Court, where people of all ages, some using walkers and canes, lined up in front of the testing building before the 10 a.m. opening.

On Tuesday, those numbers grew, with 115 people tested for the virus in a shopping center parking lot near Creighton Court public housing complex in the East End. Gov. Ralph S. Northam, Mayor Levar M. Stoney and City Council President Cynthia I. Newbille arrived at that test site early to see the operation and to urge people in high-risk communities to get tested.

“I hope we’re in the peak of it now, with 800-plus new cases today,” Gov. Northam said. “I just hope those numbers start going down.”

He attributed the increase, in part, to the state’s growing testing capacity, which has reached about 4,000 per day.

Still, only about 1 percent of 8.5 million Virginians have been tested. According to the state Health Department’s data, 85,307 people in the Commonwealth have been

tested for the coronavirus.

At Hillside Court, Emmett Jafari brought his two grandchildren to get tested. His teenage grandson, he said, has mild headaches and other COVID-19 symptoms.

“There is so much you don’t know about this” virus, Mr. Jafari said. “I wanted to make sure I was safe than sorry.”

Ivy Turnage, 56, and Donna Barnes, 60, also wanted to make sure they are safe from the virus. Ms. Turnage said she has headaches and has lost her sense of taste, but not her sense of smell.

While Ms. Barnes said she was exposed to the virus at an assisted living facility, where she works.

“The only symptoms I had was being more tired than normal,” she said. “I just want to make sure.”

They both said getting a test would calm their fears, even as they wait several days for the results.

Everyone tested was given a COVID-19 kit containing a mask, hand sanitizer, information about the virus and condoms.

Health officials said the state lab, Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia health systems provided the testing materials, while the team that helped administer the nasal swab tests were members of the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps.

Testing will continue from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 30, at the Calhoun Center in the Gilpin Court public housing community.

Walk-up testing is available, although officials request that people call the health district’s hotline at (804) 205-3501 to make an appointment. The testing is targeted to the uninsured and underinsured who are showing symptoms of the virus.

Oprah to keynote #Graduation 2020 Continued from A1

multi-hour graduation event beginning 2 p.m. Friday, May 15, with Ms. Winfrey delivering the commencement address.

Called #Graduation2020: Facebook and Instagram Celebrate the Class of 2020, it may not be the pomp and circumstance students in the Class of 2020 were expecting, but the sparkling details released Tuesday by organizers make it sound bigger and better.

Ms. Winfrey, who is known for her parties — everything from her ritzy “Legends Ball” to her luxurious garden, birthday and pajama parties — will be bringing some of her friends who also will offer words of wisdom and inspiration to the Class of 2020. Among them will be champion gymnast Simone Biles, comedian-actress Awkwafina and actress Jennifer Garner. Miley Cyrus and Lil Nas X will perform.

More special guests also are expected.

“As students head toward graduation, it’s not the day they might have imagined — no processions, no diploma handoffs, no parties,” Marne Levine, Facebook’s vice president of global partnerships, business and corporate development, wrote in a blog post announcing the event. “But graduating is a tremendous achievement, and worth pausing to celebrate even in these circumstances.”

The #Graduation2020 event will be broadcast on Facebook Watch, with some segments posted to the @instagram account on Instagram, along with the social media accounts of the contributors, according to the announcement.

Before then, the platforms also will roll out graduation-themed stickers, filters and effects, along with ways families and friends can host private virtual celebrations using the new Facebook Rooms feature.

Richmond Free Press

April 30-May 2, 2020

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Richmond Free Press

A6 April 30-May 2, 2020

Local News

Corrections officers’ union calls for testing of all inmates and staff at Virginia facilities

By George Copeland Jr.

Mr. Baylor

A union representing state correctional officers is calling on Gov. Ralph S. Northam to immediately begin coronavirus testing for all officers, staff, residents and incarcerated people in facilities run by the Virginia Department of Corrections and the state Department of Juvenile Justice.

The National Coalition of Public Safety Officers sent a letter to Gov. Northam on Tuesday requesting widespread testing to counter the steady rise in positive cases of COVID-19 in state facilities that are placing inmates, staff and visitors at risk.

“We must test everyone in these facilities and those who regularly enter,” said Donald Baylor, Virginia Director for NCPSO, in a news release. “These facilities are a microcosm of the community at large with one main difference — social distancing is not an option for officers and staff.

“I get calls every day from officers who are scared, afraid to speak out but still want to stand their post,” Mr. Baylor stated. “They just want to

… (know) everything has been done to protect them and everyone else in these facilities.”

The NCPSO is affiliated with the Communications Workers of America, which represents officers and staff at correctional facilities in Virginia.

As of Tuesday, 430 people have tested positive in the state’s adult and juvenile facilities, including 60 cases at Central Virginia Correctional Unit #13 in Chesterfield County and 72 at the Virginia Correctional Center for Women in Goochland County.

According to the union official, 30 of the 66 correctional staff members who have tested positive for coronavirus work at the Goochland women’s facility.

Of the 346 inmates who have tested positive, two have died, while seven are being cared for in hospitals.

Last week, DOC officials announced new measures to stem the growing number of positive cases, including increased testing of inmates and a focus on point prevalence testing at Deerfield Correctional Center in Southampton County, where 65 inmates and nine staff members have

State education official disputes findings of state inspector general

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

apparently was conducted by a contractor from outside the Virginia Inspector General office, found that Ms. Walker Michael C. Westfall has re- promoted her credentials and ported that a top official in the availability as a consultant on state Department of Education a website that still exists and set up a private consulting another that has since been business that used resources taken down. developed through her state job The report states that “in and tweeted an announcement reviewing both websites, it is after setting up two websites clear that Ms. Dozier Walker to advertise her busihas posted a number ness. of pictures, docuMr. Westfall’s ofments and at least fice, which investione video that (were) gates waste, fraud created by VDOE. and abuse of state Some photos show resources, found Ms. Dozier Walker at the actions of Leah various conferences Dozier Walker viowhile working in an lated VDOE policies, official capacity (for) Ms. Walker that she lacked the VDOE.” required department approval Ms. Walker described that to set up a private consulting allegation as “inaccurate” in her business and that her actions response to the Free Press. created an apparent conflict The report also found that of interest.

Ms. Walker’s state duties “were However, Ms. Walker, either identical or nearly identiVDOE’s director of equity cal to the consulting services and community engagement listed on the websites.” and a key figure in promoting While the report noted that diversity in the department one of her websites included a and school systems, disputes disclaimer that she would not the inspector general’s report accept work that conflicted with produced Feb. 26 following an her state duties, the report found investigation. it “debatable” whether that “The allegations against would “negate any appearance me are appalling and untrue,” of a conflict of interest.”

Ms. Walker stated in response The investigation also turned to a Free Press query. “I have up a social media post that Ms. worked in public service for Walker issued via Twitter at 1:54 20 years and have never been p.m. Aug. 26, 2019, during state accused of wrongdoing. office hours. The tweet stated “I have not abused my po- that she had “started new job sition or misused government at Leading Impact Now (Owner resources. I have filed a formal and Founder).” grievance with the Department The tweet was issued after of Education disputing the va- the State Corporation Comlidity of the OSIG investigation mission accepted her applica… I have provided substantial tion to create Leading Impact facts to challenge the findings in Now LLC. the investigation,” Ms. Walker The report also states that continued.

Ms. Walker had a state employThe report states that the ee during office hours to proof probe began after the inspec- and make suggestions about a tor general’s office received logo she had commissioned for a complaint in September on her outside business. its hotline.

According to the report, The investigation, which Ms. Walker had unexplained

absences from the office totaling 95.5 hours, or the equivalent of more than two weeks, between Jan. 1 and Sept. 3, 2019 — during a period when, the report notes, her annual salary was raised by $14,000 a year, from $88,300 to $102,219.

However, Ms. Walker disputed that finding in her Free Press response, stating that “65 percent of my job duties are external to the office.”

The report notes, however, that no evidence turned up on whether Ms. Walker had gained any contracts. The report also includes Ms. Walker’s statement that the company had not obtained a business license or federal tax identification number and so was not actually “established.”

“I have not operated a business or been an employee of any entity outside of the VDOE,” Ms. Walker stated in her response to the Free Press.

The report also notes that VDOE did not have an approved form on file from Ms. Walker seeking permission to have a private business nor any documentation regarding an apparent conflict between her state duties and the business she had set up.

Mr. Westfall’s office issued 12 recommendations, including that Ms. Walker reimburse the state for the unexplained 95.5 hours of unexplained leave, adhere to VDOE policies, gain permission from supervisors for changing hours and refrain from actions that create an appearance of a conflict.

The inspector general’s report also recommended that Ms. Walker remove all VDOE resources from any commercial websites that she has registered for an outside business.

Ms. Walker, who previously worked for the Richmond city government, called it “an honor and tremendous responsibility to serve as the first ever director of equity and community

tested positive and one inmate died.

Point prevalence testing previously was instituted at the Haynesville Correctional Center in Richmond County on the Northern Neck and the Harrisonburg Men’s Community Corrections Alternative Program, with 106 incarcerated people — the highest number in a state facility — testing positive at Haynesville.

The letter comes a day after DOC officials unveiled a plan for the early release of inmates with a year or less left on their sentences in an effort to lower facility populations and ensure safety. Those qualifying for release must meet certain criteria, including having a viable home plan, an approved medical condition, no sexual violence offenses and a low to medium risk of recidivism.

While Mr. Baylor acknowledged the efforts taken by the DOC, he stressed that measures taken by the state aren’t enough “to protect everyone in all facilities,” particularly because many of those who test positive show no symptoms of the virus.

“We asked last week about widespread testing and were told at that time there was not a plan,” Mr. Baylor said. “Well now is the time.”

Census deadline to be changed; jobs still available

engagement at the Virginia Department of Education.”

Named to the post in 2018, she stated, “My commitment to disrupting systemic racism, advancing equity and removing barriers to opportunity in our public education system remains steadfast.

“My advocacy on behalf of Virginia’s vulnerable and marginalized students, especially during this unprecedented period of statewide school closure and disrupted education, is unwavering,” she continued.

Ms. Walker concluded, “These attempts to discredit my professional reputation will not disrupt my focus or alter my commitment to championing equity and social justice in public education.”

The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the 10-year census, officials report.

Only about half of the households in the United States have completed their response to the census online or by calling (844) 330-2020, well below average.

The U.S. Census Bureau is moving to push the deadline for responding from July 31 to Oct. 31 to provide more time for people to complete the census.

The Census Bureau expects to start sending out canvassers in November to reach people who do not respond.

As a result, the actual counts may not be ready until well into next year, delaying redistricting of election districts for federal, state and local offices, officials said.

Steve Wilborn, the Richmond Branch NAACP representative on the RVA Complete Count Census Committee, reported Monday that fewer than 50 percent of city residents have completed the census.

Mr. Wilborn said the Census Bureau is still taking applications for canvassers, also called enumerators, who would earn $24 an hour. For details on the jobs and to apply, go to www.2020census.gov/jobs.

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Richmond Free Press

April 30-May 2, 2020 A7

CONGRATULATIONS to these outstanding principals - recipients of the

2020 R.E.B. AWARDS for Distinguished Educational Leadership

Melissa Reams Greenfield Elementary School Chesterfield

Quentin Ballard Stonewall Jackson Middle School Hanover

Joy Reed Harold Macon Ratcliffe Elementary School Henrico

Michael Powell John B. Cary Elementary School Richmond

These educators exemplify leadership by supporting their teachers, inspiring their students and building positive relationships between their school and community.

The awards program is administered by the R.E.B. Foundation and the Community Foundation. It is designed to recognize public school principals who go beyond the day-to-day demands of their position to create an exceptional learning environment. The Foundations, together with the public school systems of the City of Richmond and Counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico, recognize the 2020 award recipients.

Richmond Free Press

Storm clouds in Downtown

Editorial Page

A8

April 30-May 2, 2020

Prudence and leadership We took a principled — and now seemingly prescient — stance against the $1.5 billion Coliseum replacement and Downtown redevelopment plan that was pushed so hard by Mayor Levar M. Stoney and Dominion Energy CEO Thomas F. Farrell II, leader of the Navy Hill District Corp.

While it seems eons ago, City Council’s rejection of the expensive plan took place on Feb. 10, just two and a half months ago.

But as the city now grapples with multimillion-dollar budget gaps brought on by major losses in revenue because of the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, we are even more thankful that the project was voted down by the level-headed members of City Council.

Already, city budget officials are anticipating a $38.5 million shortfall in the city’s general fund budget that is to go into effect on July 1.

Mayor Stoney and City Council also don’t know how badly the current 2019-20 budget will be hit by the loss of tax revenue from businesses, restaurants, entertainment and other venues that have been shut down during the emergency order. Nor do they know how long it will take customers to feel safe patronizing these public places once the order is lifted and business — and city tax revenue — goes back to “normal.”

Until an effective coronavirus vaccine is in place, the financial impact of COVID-19 on our city possibly will be felt for months, and potentially for a year or two.

Imagine if our city — and the Richmond taxpayers — were on the hook for the next 30 years for the $600 million construction cost of a new 17,500-seat Coliseum. Our poorly resourced public schools are struggling now with the latest news that they may only have a $6 million budget increase for 2020-21.

Some of the businesses that committed to moving into the new office towers may be in the midst of furloughs and cutbacks as a result of COVID-19, pushing even further out the projected tax gains the city was expected to reap. Additionally, the pandemic may have forced developers to modify or scrap their plans for the big convention center hotel and apartments that were included in the development.

So the rosy picture painted by the Navy Hill District Corp. and consultants might not have come to pass.

Thankfully, we the people have been spared what likely would have become another empty promise.

In the meantime, we are relying on the leadership of Mayor Stoney, City Council and the city’s top budget officials to adroitly steer Richmond through the rocky shoals created by the pandemic. We don’t want Richmond to wind up shipwrecked — like U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell is suggesting should happen to states — or for the city’s most vulnerable residents to be tossed overboard by any budget reductions that must be made.

We urge the administration and City Council to be creative, compassionate and transparent in this process.

The lack of transparency and the need for greater public input were cited in rejecting the Coliseum plan. We don’t want that to hamper prudent decisions about the city budget.

COVID-19 testing We appreciate that city health officials are now announcing the days and locations for COVID-19 testing for people in the city’s public housing communities.

We believe not giving people that basic, but important information created an artificial barrier to testing for a population at high risk and who are disproportionately being impacted by the coronavirus.

City health district officials have reported that all but one of the 14 deaths in Richmond from COVID-19 were African-Americans, an overwhelming percentage in a city that is 47.8 percent African-American.

As more details have been released to the public, the number of people showing up at the city health district’s testing events have grown. Last week, 69 people were tested at Southwood Apartments in South Richmond, the city’s first event targeted to the underserved population. On Tuesday, 115 people were tested at Creighton Court. Mayor Levar M. Stoney, City Council President Cynthia I. Newbille and Gov. Ralph S. Northam showed up early to tour the operation.

We hope the number of people tested will continue to grow. We urge people to participate in the free testing events. It will help protect individuals and their families and curb the community spread of this dangerous and fatal virus.

Something to think about

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

All Americans deserve better

If we didn’t know before, we now know that we have a failed federal government. The man in the White House is so bad that we don’t really need to look for failures down the line.

There was a time black people could look to the U.S. Supreme Court for justice. At times we were able to go around our local and state officials and appeal to the feds. The Supreme Court and executive branch are out of the question now. We already know their decisions won’t be in our favor.

When we hear the words, “Make America Great Again,” we know President Trump is not talking about making America great again for us. That would be acting like America was once great for black people.

We can’t look to the federal government for justice in a disaster like the coronavirus. Black people are bearing the brunt of the tragic virus more than anyone. Some want to blame our lifestyle without considering that we’ve never had a chance to heal from the wounds of our circumstances and what many are still going through.

Dr. E. Faye Williams Add to that, white America gave us Donald Trump, who has shown us time and again there’s not a dime’s worth of difference between him and former Ku Klux Klan Grand Wizard David Duke.

At least David Duke was honest.

He once said, “Our clear goal must be the advancement of the white race and separation of the white and black races.”

We see the devastating impact of COVID-19 on black people so it’s no surprise that

we aren’t seeing an increase in testing or any other measures to treat black people. We have a president who’ll allow us to be the lowest in benefits, but highest in the death rate during this crisis.

We see unadulterated greed ruling the day when it comes to our people in every aspect of life. President Trump has chosen not to treat vulnerable communities fairly.

Despite all the lying and silly behavior from the one who calls himself our best ever at everything that no one has ever done before, there’s still good in America. The doctors, nurses, nurses’ aides, food preparers and deliverers, transportation officials, janitors, first responders and so many others risk their lives to comfort, treat and assist others at great risk to themselves.

Let us thank God for them and work for ways to reward them. Those of us who’ve had the luxury of benefitting from

The coronavirus and achievement gap The coronavirus has upended our way of life, especially in urban America, where social distancing has replaced the laughter of children playing on the street, the excitement of preparing for graduation and prom and the frenzy of last-minute test preparation.

Instead, educators are being forced to think creatively about how to efficiently deliver instruction to their students, especially because they cannot have physical contact with them.

Many teachers are more than up to the task. Dedicated educators are emailing and snail mailing homework assignments and lesson plans, collaborating on assignments by telephone, engaging with colleagues using all kinds of technology. And many of them miss their students and continue to work as collaboratively as they can.

But the digital divide matters with much of our education, work and communication taking place remotely. Andrew Perrin, a researcher at the Pew Research Organization, has studied the digital divide. He notes that while African-Americans, Hispanics and white Americans have nearly equal access to smartphones (about 80 percent of each population), white people are more likely than African-Americans and Hispanics to have desktop or laptop computers.

This differential access has implications for students and the achievement gap. While anyone can access the internet through a smartphone, some learning is better facilitated with a larger screen. The computer access gap is likely to be reflected in the achievement gap.

African-American and Hispanic households are less likely to have home-based broadband

than white Americans. The broadband issue is significant when some classes are being streamed, or when people need to use electronic connections like Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Cisco WebX, that require more bandwidth than students may have. Furthermore, the closure of libraries hits the African-Ameri-

Julianne Malveaux can community harder than others because African-Americans are more likely than either to use the library internet for a job search, but others are likely there for educational purposes.

There’s more. Parents who don’t have the luxury to stay at home also may not be able to take time to help with homework. We know that African-Americans, especially African-American women, are more likely to work in lower-paying service jobs and may find it grueling to help with homework after a long day’s work.

Some institutions and individuals are stepping up to the plate, asking friends, churches and others for help in finding computers, purchasing internet access for students, developing partnerships with corporations and more. While these efforts are necessary and appreciated, a systemic approach to the achievement gap, and the way the coronavirus may have exacerbated it, makes sense.

There are opportunities to address the digital divide and the achievement gap through coronavirus relief money. About $3 billion in emergency education aid will be available to state governors, and according to Politico, U.S. Education Secretary Betsey DeVos said governors can use the money as they will. She suggests they use it for online learning.

Governors should use some of these dollars to narrow the achievement gap by targeting

those who are on the wrong side of the digital divide. That will make it clear that even during a time of crisis, we can still concern ourselves with equity issues, particularly as they affect young people.

Every child will have her education altered by adjustments made because of the coronavirus. Race, class, income and access—and all are correlated—will determine how the changes impact the learning function. Young people who already may have been behind with verbal and mathematical deficiencies may find the gap widening.

Whether educators are dealing with college and graduate students, whether they are dealing with those precious preschoolers or college-bound high school students, the success of the fall 2020 semester will require planning and some remediation.

Because it is clear that internet access is essential for both youngsters and adults, doesn’t it make sense to provide every schoolage child with a fully loaded laptop? Doesn’t it make sense for cities, especially, to be fully wired with broadband? What does it take to make education a national priority?

The Rev. Jesse Jackson founded the National Rainbow PUSH Coalition and appointed me president of the education branch of the organization, PUSH Excel Board. In a board call, he raised the question, perhaps rhetorically, of whether the coronavirus will widen the achievement gap.

Any crisis that hits this country will both illustrate and exacerbate inequality. The issue is not whether coronavirus widens the achievement gap. The issue is what we can do about it.

The first step is to urge governors to be mindful of the achievement gap when they apportion their share of that emergency education aid.

The writer is an economist, educator and author.

The Free Press welcomes letters The Richmond Free Press respects the opinions of its readers. We want to hear from you.

We invite you to write the editor. All letters will be considered for publication. Concise, typewritten letters related to public matters are preferred. Also include your telephone number(s). Letters should be addressed to: Letters to the Editor, Richmond Free Press, P.O. Box 27709, 422 East Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23261, or faxed to: (804) 643-7519 or e-mail: letters@richmondfreepress.com.

their services must treat them as the special people they are and work for our nation to honor them in some way when this tragedy is over.

That is our challenge. Let us show our gratitude by being better neighbors, better friends.

Let’s share what we have with those who have little or nothing. Let’s take better care of our seniors.

I’ve asked each of our chapters of the National Congress of Black Women to adopt a senior citizens’ home.

I challenge all to rise above the man in the White House who blames everybody else for the bad but takes credit for the good done by others — while doing nothing to make America great for all of us.

The writer is national president of the National Congress of Black Women.

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Richmond Free Press

April 30-May 2, 2020 A9

Letters to the Editor

Goal of COVID-19 testing is to protect Richmonders and their families The COVID-19 pandemic is wreaking havoc across the globe and hitting the United States especially hard. And the hardest hit racial demographic in the U.S. is African-Americans, who are both contracting the disease and dying from the disease at a much higher rate than any other group.

In Richmond, African-Americans account for more than 60 percent of all infections. As of last Friday, 13 of the 14 deaths from the virus reported in our city were of African-Americans.

Why are we seeing this disparity?

One reason is that systemic racism has historically led to a lack of access to affordable housing, healthy foods, affordable health care, quality education and economic mobility. The result is black people are more likely to suffer from underlying health issues like heart disease, diabetes and respiratory illnesses, which can lead to serious complications if infected by this virus.

But another critical factor that makes this pandemic so deadly across our nation is the lack of equitable access to COVID-19 testing and adequate follow-up care for those who test positive.

A few weeks ago, the Richmond City Health District started collecting race-related data so that we can know locally how the disease is impacting our city. More importantly, we worked with RCHD to ensure our most vulnerable residents who may not have access to COVID-19 testing have the opportunity to get tested if they choose.

Last week, RCHD began free, COVID-19 testing in the city’s Southwood community and, this week, testing will continue in the city’s public housing communities, ensuring that our historically forgotten communities are centered and protected during this pandemic. As testing becomes more available, we also will strive to test asymptomatic individuals in at-risk communities, knowing community spread of

the coronavirus in vulnerable populations can have more dire consequences.

But as testing becomes more accessible, it is critically important that members of our at-risk communities actually take advantage of it. To do so means overcoming the very real and valid concerns that have informed the historic mistrust of the government within our community.

As I’ve stated before, people of color— African-Americans in particular—have been exploited and abused by government

Mayor Levar M. Stoney throughout history in the name of science and medicine. From the Tuskegee experiment to Henrietta Lacks, we have been misguided and mistreated.

I can assure you that this is not one of those times. Misinformation is contagious, and it is spreading faster than this virus on the internet, in social media and in some of our housing communities.

Let me be clear: The goal of this testing is to protect. Knowledge is power, and providing the opportunity to know whether a loved one may be carrying the virus will help people help themselves and protect their family and their community by getting the care they need.

To this end, we have a strategy in place to connect those who test positive for COVID-19 with the appropriate resources and health care service providers to get them the care and support they need to recover. As I told members of the Richmond Tenants Organization in a call last week, we’ve seen this disease

kill generations within a family. We need to act to keep it from claiming more lives.

Testing is absolutely voluntary and free of charge. If you live in a Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority public housing community, are experiencing symptoms and would like to take the test to know whether or not you have the virus, you now have the ability to do so.

There will be no injections of any kind. This is not a vaccine. This is a test that only involves a swab of your nostril to determine whether you are carrying the virus. If you test positive and you are uninsured or underinsured, our community health workers will work with you to get you the care you need and provide you with the proper follow-up support.

Each person who shows up at one of the RRHA community resource centers to get tested will be provided a mask and hand sanitizer to ensure your health and safety during your interaction with health care workers.

So if you live in an RRHA community and are showing symptoms, I strongly encourage you to call the city health district’s hotline at (804) 205-3501 and make an appointment to get tested.

Finally, I urge everyone to continue to practice social distancing to the best extent possible and to stay at home, if you are able, to help reduce the spread and impact of this virus, especially on our most vulnerable community members.

I understand there are challenges that may make this difficult, but as with this free testing, we will continue to do everything we can to protect and keep you safe.

Now more than ever, we need to take care of each other.

And working together, I know Richmond will get through this.

We are RVAStrong!

The writer is mayor of the City of Richmond.

We need to protect children Coronavirus and public tantrums from human trafficking Slavery has been abolished for more than 150 years nationwide since the enactment of the 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Despite this ban on slavery, human trafficking has become a $150 billion criminal enterprise. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defines human trafficking as the “use of force, fraud or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.”

And who are the individuals that fall victim to the hands of these traffickers?

According to the International Labor Organization, 1 out of 4 victims is no other than our nation’s children.

The Richmond Justice Initiative reports that experts estimate more than 100,000 children are trafficked each year.

It’s a common misconception that human trafficking only occurs in foreign countries. The fact is that human trafficking exists in every country, including the United States. Because of the 'LVMWXMER :MPPEKI SJ 'IRXVEP :% % 2SR (IRSQMREXMSREP ,SYWMRK *EGMPMX] 1 bedroom apartments for 62 and older Conveniently located in Mechanicsville with handicap accessible units available.

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intersection of Interstates 64, 95, and 295 in Richmond, the Richmond area has become a playground for traffickers to exploit our children.

It isn’t enough anymore to just write about the increasing number of children lured into the dark depths of human trafficking. We must push our community to advocate toward the enactment of policies that combat human trafficking head on.

Policies and legislation like the Runaway and Homeless Youth Trafficking Prevention Act of 2019 set out to expand and improve the quality of services offered to children who find themselves at the mercy of these human traffickers.

More specifically, the bill will allow $75 million to be used toward intensifying supports and the identification of these

young people.

Your efforts to push for enactment of this legislation are so critical. The underground nature of human trafficking makes it difficult to quantify the number of children exploited. Human traffickers also are using social media platforms to recruit our vulnerable children.

As a community, we need to open our eyes and acknowledge that our children are being trafficked. And it will take a community effort to fight against it and win our children back.

Push for policies that protect our children and ensure that they experience a healthy environment in which to grow because, as we know, it takes a village to raise a child.

MARCHELLE WILLIAMS Richmond

Re “Timeout for COVID-19,” Richmond Free Press April 23-25 edition: Most people have an understanding of the unusual virulence of COVID-19 and the need to limit exposure and spread.

My daily life has changed dramatically, but you won’t find me on the Capitol grounds whining about closures and demanding that America reopen. I consider it my civic duty to do all I can to prevent contracting and spreading this virus, which can range from being asymptomatic to deadly.

It would have been nice if the United States had a president who, instead of spending at least 1½ months denying the threat of this virus and doing nothing, had responded like South Korea. That nation recognized the impending public health threat, initiated widespread testing, contact tracing and social distancing.

The United States and South Korea both had their first known cases of coronavirus on Jan. 20. We took divergent paths. From Jan. 22 and into March, President Trump continued to lie to the American people saying, “We have it totally under control” (Jan. 22) and “The 15 cases within a couple of days is going to be

close to zero” (Feb. 26).

Meanwhile, by the end of February, more than 94,000 people had been tested in South Korea.

In contrast, only 3,300 had been tested in the United States. South Korea did not have to shut down to the extent that we have. We missed the window of opportunity for control.

So here we are, still without widespread testing, a much greater infection and death rate than South Korea — or most anywhere for that matter — and no realistic possibility of contact tracing at this point. Our only alternative is socially and economically painful closure and isolation to flatten the curve of infection in hopes of not overwhelming the medical system.

Hopefully, we will get to a point where the infection rate drops enough and testing becomes more available to allow for contact tracing and control of spread. Only then can we start to reopen in a careful way until we have a vaccine.

However, as long as we have willfully ignorant, selfish people refusing to isolate and having public tantrums demanding that everything open now, that day will be a long way off.

CAROL BUCKINGHAM Richmond

INVITATION TO BID: Amended Public Notice RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING AMENDMENT TO THE 2019-2020 CONSOLIDATED ACTION PLAN May 11, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

Richmond City Council will hold a public hearing on the City’s 2016-2020 Consolidated Plan and its FY 2019 Annual Action Plan (City FY2020) on Monday May 11, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. (this is a change in date from previous notice, no public hearing was held on April 27, 2020) in Council Chambers located in City Hall, 900 E. Broad Street. The Richmond City Council will hold a public hearing on an amendment to the 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan and FY 2019-2020 budget for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and carryover funds from FY 2018-2019 HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) program. The additional funds are reprogrammed federal entitlement dollars allocated to the City from the U. S. Department of Housing & Urban Development to implement the housing and community development priorities and activities identified in the 5-year Consolidated Plan.

Copies of the amended 2019 Annual Action Plan are available for public review online at www.richmondgov.com or citizens can request a hard copy or electronic copy from the Department of Housing & Community Development, 1500 E Main ST, Suite 400. The City of Richmond does not discriminate on the basis of disability status in the admission of, or access to, or treatment in its federally assisted programs or activities.

Virginia Relay Center - TDD Users - 1-800-828-1120.

Citizens and interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and give their views regarding the use of CDBG or HOME funds for the amended Annual Action Plan. The hearing shall be conducted according to measures adopted

by City Council in Ordinance No. 2020-093. The Council meeting notice will describe how the public may participate in or otherwise offer comment before or during the meeting.

The City will arrange for reasonable accommodations for non-English speaking persons or those persons with visual, hearing, or mobility impairments when notified within five (5) business days of a meeting. Those unable to attend the meetings may send their comments and views in writing (through the close of business on May 7, 2020) to: Mr. James Hill of Housing and Community Development, 1500 E. Main Street, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23219-3571 or by e-mail to james.hill@richmondgov.com. Comments may also be sent by facsimile (804) 646-6358.

Skanska USA Building is bidding remaining bid packages for the Alderman Library Project in Charlottesville, VA; these packages starting construction in summer of 2020. The project is 130,000 sq. ft. of new construction and 100,000 sq. ft. of renovation.

The balance of BP-2 work is posted through Building Connected, including remaining packages for all trades on the exterior envelope through interior finishes, Including new construction and restoration scopes of work. Bids for these packages will be due by 5/22/20.

For information/pre-qualification/ bid list information or other questions, please contact: Chris Rhodes: Chris.Rhodes@skanska.com 615 337 4823 Shane Wood: Shane.Wood@skanska.com 434 400 8523 John Kozlowski: John.Kozlowski@skanska.com 919 941 7934

CONSOLIDATED PLAN PUBLIC NOTICE On Friday May 8, 2020, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will hold a public hearing conference call on items relating to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s administration of the 2020-2021 Action Plan including the Cares Act. The public hearing will be held at 1:00 PM until 1:30 PM. Individuals can access the hearing by calling (919) 709-3684 (PIN: 193 271 115#).

DHCD will take comments on the proposed 2020-2021 Action Plan including goals and objectives for housing and community development; the proposed use of funding; the method for distributing for $10,662,286 in HOME Investment Partnership funds; $3,008,913 in Emergency Solution Grant (ESG) funds; $1,224,634 in Housing for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) funds, $6,168,995 in National Housing Trust Funds, and $18,711,859 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.

DHCD will also take comments on the Cares Act funding proposed used and methods of distribution for $10,993,780 in CDBG, $10,375,562 in ESG, and $178,219 in HOPWA funds.

Copies of the plan document may be requested by calling (804) 371-7100, (804) 371-7122, or (804) 371-7084 TDD. Persons requiring special accommodations should call (804) 371-7110. The Plan will appear on the agency’s web site at https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/consolidated-plan. Comments can also be submitted online.

The Department will receive written comments and testimony on the proposed 2020-2021 Action Plan and Cares Act funding through the close of business on May 8, 2020 at the following address: Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Attention: Lyndsi Austin Main Street Centre 600 East Main Street, Suite 300 Richmond, Virginia 23219

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Richmond Free Press

A10 April 30-May 2, 2020

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

Coach Gilbert leaves Lady Panthers for Detroit Mercy Virginia Union University’s next women’s basketball coach has a tough act to follow.

A nationwide search is now underway to replace Coach AnnMarie Gilbert, who resigned after posting a 135-18 record over five seasons with the Lady Panthers.

Coach Gilbert is leaving VUU to become head coach at University of Detroit Mercy, a member of the NCAA Division I Horizon League.

“I have been extremely blessed at Virginia Union.

I hope to bring that same success to Detroit Mercy,” Danielle Dawson she said last week in her announcement news conference.

In 2017, the Lady Panthers reached the NCAA Division II finals. The Lady Panthers were prepared to compete in their fifth straight NCAA Tournament before the event was canceled because of the coronavirus.

The Lady Panthers also excelled in the class-

room during Coach Gilbert’s tenure, and III levels, and her excellence as a posting an overall 3.3 GPA. recruiter,” Vowells said.

Danielle Dawson, a VUU asBefore coming to VUU, Coach sistant coach since 2019, will Gilbert was head coach at Division serve as interim head coach III Oberlin College and Division until a full-time replacement I Eastern Michigan University. is installed. Coach Dawson She also had been an assistant at has previous experience as Michigan State University. an assistant at Radford and Under Coach Gilbert, VUU Delaware State universities. had the CIAA Player of the Coach Gilbert is leaving Year for four straight one of the NCAA’s most sucseasons—Kiana cessful programs for one Johnson, Lady Walkthat is struggling. The er, Alexis Johnson University of Detroit and Shareka McMercy Titans are 9-80 Neill. over the past three seaVUU won the sons, including 3-27 CIAA TournaCloach Gilbert this past winter. ment in 2016, Detroit Mercy Athletic Director Robert Vow- 2017 and 2019 under Coach Gilbert. ells believes Coach Gilbert can turn the team’s The Lady Panthers were 23-4 this past season fortunes around. despite the loss of star guard McNeill for most “AnnMarie was our first choice because of of the season. McNeill was leading the NCAA her depth of experience on the Division I, II Division II in scoring before suffering a season-

ending knee injury in December.

The next VUU coach can expect to benefit from the return of McNeill, the 2019 CIAA Player of the Year, and her twin sister Shameka, an All-CIAA this season.

In the meantime, Coach Gilbert is ready to get to work in the Motor City. Detroit Mercy is a private Catholic school formerly known as the University of Detroit until 1990.

“Michigan is a recruiting gold mine, rich with talent,” Coach Gilbert told the Detroit media.

“I look forward to building a winning culture, instilling a spirit of excellence and restoring pride in Titans basketball.”

Now the VUU administration faces the challenge of finding a replacement. The search committee will include administrators as well as some active players, including captain Bianca Lockamy.

“We wish Coach Gilbert all the best as she joins the Detroit Mercy program,” said Joe Taylor, VUU’s vice president of intercollegiate athletics and wellness. “We thank her for her valuable contributions to our athletics program.”

VUU and VSU announce 2020-21 football schedules

CIAA football starts in September, but Virginia Union University fans won’t see their Panthers at home until October.

VUU Coach Alvin Parker will begin his third season with four straight road games, starting with Saturday, Sept. 5, at Hampton University on Labor Day Weekend.

The Hampton Pirates will be looking for revenge after losing to VUU in the opening 2019 campaign.

From Hampton, VUU will travel to Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, N.C., for a game on Sept. 12. Lenoir-Rhyne was 13-1 last season, including a Coach Parker 28-11 victory over the Panthers.

In an oddity, VUU will play ElizaVirginia Union University beth City State University twice—first in the Down East Viking Classic in Panthers Rocky Mount, N.C, Sept. 19, and 2020 football schedule again Oct. 31 in Richmond.

Sept. 5 at Hampton University, 6 p.m.

After the long road trip in SepSept. 12 at Lenoir-Rhyne University, 6 p.m. tember, the Panthers will play five Sept. 19 at Elizabeth City State University in Rocky of its final six games on the VUU Mount, N.C., 4 p.m. campus on the university’s newly Sept. 26 at Johnson C. Smith University, 1 p.m.

Oct. 3 Shaw University, 6 p.m. installed artificial field.

Oct. 10 Lincoln University, 1 p.m., homecoming The new playing facility will Oct. 17 at Chowan University, 1 p.m. be called the Willie Lanier Field Oct. 24 Bowie State University, 1 p.m. at Hovey Stadium, honoring the Oct. 31 Elizabeth City State University, 1 p.m.

NFL Hall of Famer who played at Nov. 7 Virginia State University, 2 p.m.

Hovey Field for Maggie Walker High Nov. 14 CIAA Championship game in Salem School next door in the 1960s.

Virginia State University will open and close its 2020 football regular season just as it did 2019.

Coach Reggie Barlow’s Trojans will open at Norfolk State University and close with I-95 rival Virginia Union University.

A new addition to the schedule is a trip to Tuskegee University in Alabama to play the Golden Tigers on Sept. 12. The Golden Tigers of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference were 5-5 last season.

Tuskegee replaces the University of North Carolina-Pembroke Coach Barlow as VSU’s other non-CIAA opponent, along with Norfolk Virginia StateUniversity State of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

Trojans VSU is 31-10 overall and 22-6 2020 football schedule under Coach Barlow in the last Sept. 5 at Norfolk State University, four seasons. The Trojans were 6 p.m.

8-2 a year ago and 6-1 in the Sept. 12 at Tuskegee University, TBA CIAA, finishing as runner-up to Sept. 19 Johnson C. Smith University, 6 p.m.

Bowie State University in the Sept. 26 at Fayetteville State University, TBA Oct. 3 St. Augustine’s University, 6 p.m.

CIAA Northern Division.

Oct. 10 Elizabeth City State University, 2 p.m.

VSU lost 44-21 to NSU at Oct. 17 at Bowie State University, TBA Dick Price Stadium to open last Oct. 24 Lincoln University, homecoming, 2 p.m. fall’s campaign and finished with a Oct. 31 Chowan University, 2 p.m. thrilling 27-24 overtime win over Nov. 7 at Virginia Union University, 2 p.m.

VUU on Nick “The Kick” WoolNov. 14 CIAA Championship game in Salem folk’s 34-yard field goal.

Chase Young, Washington’s first NFL draft pick, plans to ‘Terrorize the Chase Young is all business on the football field — and thinking about business off the gridiron.

As the No. 2 overall pick by the Washington pro team in last week’s NFL draft, Young plans to wreak havoc at defensive end while also becoming an entrepreneur.

On Feb. 26, the 21-year-old filed an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the catch phrase “Terrorize the Moment.”

The Ohio State University AllAmerican hopes to use the phrase under a trademark as the merchandising brand of everything from hats, to hoodies, jackets, pants and more.

Young has said “Terrorize the Moment is about the two seconds between the snap and pulverizing the quarterback.”

He got the idea for a trademark from the Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar

Jackson and Mark Ingram, who created “Truzz”— meaning “Trust us to get it done” — as a merchandising brand.

Nicknamed “Predator” for his rugged style, Young is a 6-foot-5, 265pound package of speed, power and aggression. It’s been said he “plays like his dreadlocks are on fire.”

Following a family tradition, he was pursuing a degree in criminology at Ohio State. Both his father, Greg, and two uncles were in law enforcement.

Young earned All-American honors and was a Heisman Trophy finalist mostly for his habit of making life miserable for quarterbacks.

In three seasons as a Buckeye, he had 31 sacks — 13.5 in 2019. Ohio State went 13-1 this past season and won the Big 10 championship before losing in the national semifinals to Clemson University.

Former Highland Springs players drafted into NFL

NFL fans in Highland Springs now have local connections to the New York Jets and the Philadelphia Eagles.

A pair of former Highland Springs High School Springers had their names called in last week’s NFL draft.

Offensive lineman Mekhi Becton was chosen by the Jets as the 11th overall pick in the first round.

Defensive back K’Von Wallace was selected by the Eagles as the 127th overall pick Mekhi Becton in round four.

Becton played at the University of Louisville; Wallace at Clemson University.

Listed at 6-foot-7 and 364 pounds, Becton dazzled scouts at the NFL Combine by running the 40-yard dash in 5.1 seconds.

Becton was All-ACC at Louisville while winning the conference’s Jacobs Blocking Trophy. His heavy lifting up front helped the Cardinals average 34 points per game.

Wallace became a leader for a Clemson squad that posted a 55-4 record during the past four seasons. The Tigers were national champs in 2016 and 2018.

Wallace played in 59 games as a Tiger, matching the school record.

Becton figures to be a day one starter for the Jets at left tackle where he will offer protection for quarterback Sam Darnold and running back Le’Veon Bell.

Wallace appears to have a strong chance of making the Eagles roster as a versatile defensive back and special teams operator.

The Eagles won the NFC East last season before losing to the Seattle K’Von Wallace Seahawks in the Wild Card Playoff.

Highland Springs has made many contributions to the NFL over the years. Other Springers who have played in the NFL include Marcus Burley, Ron Burton, Jim Davis, Victor “Macho” Harris, Waddey Harvey, Ed Perry, Greg Taylor, Emanuel McNeil and Brian Washington.

Receiver/kick returner Greg Dortch is a Los Angeles Ram. Wide receiver Felton Davis is a member of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Davis and Dortch were teammates of Wallace and Becton while wearing the Springers black and gold.

There was a bump in the road.

Young was suspended for two games in 2019 when the NCAA learned he had obtained an unauthorized loan to cover the costs of his girlfriend’s travels to the 2019 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.

At Ohio State, Young lined up for one of the nation’s perennial

powerhouses.

But that luxury won’t be the case in Washington. Young has his work cut out for him trying to uplift a flailing Washington franchise. The Washington team was 3-13 a year ago while being outscored 435 to 266.

Coincidentally, Young becomes Washington’s second straight top draftee from Ohio State and also from the greater D.C. area.

A year ago, the Washington team

Moment’ picked Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins as its first selection.

Haskins graduated from The Bullis School in Potomac, Md. Young, born in Upper Marlboro, Md., went to Ohio State from DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Md. Young is a man of many talents.

While in high school, he also starred in basketball, sang in the school chorus and learned to play saxophone, piano and violin.

Basketball came naturally. His father played the sport at Bowie State University.

But these are all side stories, interesting to read but of little meaning once the football season begins.

The only business Washington fans care about is taking care of business on NFL Sundays.

Memories of Tommie Aaron in Richmond live on The former Richmond Braves drew headlines in 1977 by making Tommie Aaron the International League’s first African-American manager.

A season later, Richmond and Aaron made headlines again, this time by winning the city’s first IL pennant following a 24-year, twofranchise wait.

Richmond joined the IL in 1954 and was a Yankees farm club before Atlanta arrived in 1966.

Aaron, a native of Mobile, Ala., was a popular figure at the old Parker Field, and not just because he was the younger brother of historic slugger “Hammerin’ Hank” Aaron.

In 1967, the 6-foot-3 “Tee Aaron,” as he was often called, earned the IL Most Valuable Player honors for Richmond, splitting time between first base and the outfield. In so doing, Aaron was not only the city’s first MVP, but the first championship skipper as well.

The 1978 regular season was nothing special. The Richmond Braves were 71-68 and 13.5 games behind first place Charleston, W.Va., a Houston affiliate, in the final standings.

Aaron’s squad didn’t hit full stride

until the postseason Governor’s Cup playoffs. The Braves upset Charleston in the semifinals, three games to two, before topping Boston affiliate Pawtucket, R.I., four games to three, in the final.

That set up a gala celebration on the old Boulevard. Richmond clinched the league title at Parker Field with an 8-5 victory over Pawtucket on Sept. 16, 1978.

The Braves showed diversity in the dugout with fan-favorite Aaron and also on the field. Richmond players of color included outfielders Terry Harper, Eddie Miller and Larry Whisenton and second baseman Chico Ruiz. The fleet Miller led the IL in stolen bases in 1978 with 36. All would go on to play in the big leagues.

Harper, from Douglasville, Ga., played in the majors from 1980 to 1987 with Atlanta, Detroit and Pittsburgh.

Miller, from San Pablo, Calif., advanced to play with Texas, Atlanta, Detroit and San Diego between 1978 and 1984.

Whisenton, “The Whiz,” from St. Louis, played with Atlanta in 1982.

Ruiz, from San Juan, Puerto

Rico, played with Richmond all or parts of Tommie Aaron 12 seasons and saw big-league action two seasons in Atlanta.

Aaron is in the big league record books along with his big brother. Tommie (13 homers with Milwaukee and the Atlanta Braves) and Hank (755) set record for the most homers (768) by brothers.

Tragically, Tommie was diagnosed with leukemia in 1982 during spring training and died in 1984 at age 45.

The Richmond Braves established the Tommie Aaron Memorial Award for team MVP until the franchise left for Georgia in 2009.

Until the arrival of the San Francisco franchise and the Richmond Flying Squirrels in 2010, The Diamond also was known as “Tommie Aaron Field,” with a sign in the right field corner.

When Parker Field was replaced

by The Diamond in 1985, there were chunks of history the bulldozer and dynamite couldn’t erase.

Tommie Aaron memories, as player and manager, still bring smiles to the city ball team’s longtime fans.

April 30-May 2, 2020 B1

Richmond Free Press

Section

Happenings

B

Personality: Michelle Johnson Spotlight on board chair of Senior Connections

While the coronavirus affects all people regardless of gender, race or class, the elderly have seen an outsized impact in their lives. In this tense time, many are relying on the services of Senior Connections, the Capital Area Agency on Aging, “Too often, we hear that families do not know where to turn for help and resources during times of illness, disability and transition,” says Michelle Johnson, chair of Senior Connections’ board of directors. “I want families to know about available resources before they need them and to be able to find and use resources easily.”

Ms. Johnson is the county administrator of Charles City County, one of eight localities in the regional planning district that started Senior Connections in 1973 in the wake of the growing numbers of aging adults and their caregivers who needed assistance. It is part of a network of 25 area agencies on aging around the state and more than 700 such agencies across the country providing a range of services, resources and information to older and disabled adults.

Ms. Johnson was elected chair of Senior Connections’ board in July 2017 and was re-elected to a two-year term in July 2019.

The services Senior Connections performs run the gamut, from meals and transportation, to legal consultation, care coordination and disability support socialization, to volunteer and employment opportunities. The agency helps more than 24,000 older adults and caregivers yearly, with more than 3,600 receiving direct services.

As both a county administrator and caregiver for her father, Ms. Johnson is well aware of the need for support when it comes to seniors.

“I want to help Senior Connections reach older adults in need of services and contribute to policies that make it easier for families to care for older relatives and friends based on their individual needs and desires,” Ms. Johnson says.

With the outbreak of the coronavirus, Senior Connections has been busy fielding new requests for help from seniors for emergency food, in-home care, housing assistance and personal supplies.

The agency’s staff and volunteers have been busy providing information about COVID-19 to area residents, along with information about food and health care programs.

So far, in collaboration with Feed More, the area’s food bank, Meals on Wheels is

delivering weekly to nearly 800 older adults and more than 700 members of Senior Connections’ Friendship Cafes are receiving meals once a week.

The agency’s annual Empty Plate fundraising campaign currently is underway to help with the need for food for seniors.

The agency also is considering undertaking a housing stability project looking at the needs of older women to help them stay in their homes and to ensure stable communities.

For Ms. Johnson and Senior Connections, this time of high need also is an opportunity to engage with people and encourage a community attitude in alignment with Senior Connections’ mission: “To empower older adults to live with dignity and choice.”

Meet an advocate for seniors and the disabled and this week’s Personality, Michelle Johnson: Occupation: County administrator for Charles City County since June 2017.

Date and place of birth: Oct. 3 at Richmond Memorial Hospital.

Current residence: Charles City County.

Education: Virginia State University, business and accounting; Leadership Metro Richmond and the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute. Currently participating with Virginia Commonwealth University Minority Leadership Institute.

Family: Son, Victor.

No. 1 volunteer position: Chair of the board of directors, Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging.

When and why Senior Connections was founded: It was started in December 1973 following the enactment of the federal Older Americans Act in 1965. Senior Connections, the Capital Area Agency on Aging, was founded by the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission, now Plan RVA, on behalf of the localities that make up Virginia Planning District 15 — the counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Powhatan and the City of Richmond. It was founded to promote programs, services, support, information, advocacy and volunteer opportunities for the growing population of older adults and caregivers. Information about resources is available for individuals of all ages.

My role with Senior Connections: I serve as chair of the 21- member Board of Directors,

tergenerational efforts.

a policy group responsible for the budget and program oversight. Members represent the localities in which they live and/ or work. Along with me, seven other members are appointees of local governments and the rest are at-large members with many areas of expertise. Members represent public, private and nonprofit groups from business, education, health care and government. The agency also has an advisory board that assists the board of directors with planning and advocacy.

Why I became involved with Senior Connections: As a caregiver for my father and administrator for Charles City, I had personal and professional knowledge of the challenges that older adults and caregivers face in providing and receiving support. I want to help Senior Connections reach older adults in need of services and contribute to policies that make it easier for families to care for older relatives and friends based on their individual needs and desires. Too often, we hear that families do not know where to turn for help and resources during times of illness, disability and transition. I want families to know about available resources before they need them and to be able to find and use resources easily.

What Senior Connections means to me: Senior Connections affords the opportunity to support the region’s more than 170,000 older adults — individuals age 60 and older — with the knowledge that this population will more than double by 2030. Senior Connections means the opportunity to support and engage with older adults and individuals of any age, including recognizing in-

What Senior Connections does for older adults: Senior Connections provides older adults with a diversity of home and community services.

These services, such as meals, transportation, personal care, respite support, help with legal documents, care coordination, information/assistance and emergency supports, help older adults and individuals with disabilities maintain their health and prevent or delay the need for more costly services.

These services also help enhance the quality of life for older adults and their ability to remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible.

Senior Connections also provides health, wellness, socialization, volunteer and employment opportunities for older adults.

There are 24 other area agencies on aging in the Commonwealth and 700 throughout the United States.

The focus is to support individuals based on individual needs and to prevent isolation while promoting connections.

Information about issues and resources is provided to thousands of individuals each year at forums, health fairs and educational events, as well as through distribution of brochures and the newsletter “Engage at Any Age” that is distributed with Fifty Plus.

Senior Connections works closely with the local groups and government agencies, including senior advocates, departments of social services, parks and recreation and other groups.

Additionally, numerous older adults are assisted by the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) and the Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) with prescription drug plan enrollment and help with Medicare, Medicaid and other benefits. Senior Connections also promotes health and wellness through programs such as the chronic disease selfmanagement program called Live Well Virginia and Matter of Balance for fall risk prevention.

Number of older adults in Senior Connections’ programs: Senior Connections touches the lives of more than 24,000 older adults and caregivers each year.

More than 3,600 people receive direct services such as information and assistance, meals, transportation through Ride Connection, in-home care, care

coordination and other services and supports.

We could do more if: More people joined with us in recognizing the positive aspects of aging, the transformative perspectives of aging and adopting the philosophy that we are all aging all the time.

We should embrace and enjoy our age and our aging. We need to plan ahead and learn about resources available through Senior Connections and other resources. The agency is expanding outreach to help more people learn about available resources.

How Senior Connections is financed: Federal and state funds are used for home and community services through the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services. Senior Connections also receives matching funds from the counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Powhatan and the City of Richmond. Additionally, funding is provided by local foundations and corporations as well as individual contributors.

Senior Connections also has conducted the Empty Plate fundraising campaign for the past 17 years. This year’s campaign is underway and contributions are welcome and will be used for unmet needs to fill empty plates to address COVID-19 concerns.

What it takes to become a Senior Connections volunteer: A desire to serve others, honor older adults and generously share expertise, experiences and interests.

Senior Connections’ COVID19 response: For those receiving services from Senior Connections prior to the pandemic, we are helping them stay as safe and secure as possible by providing information and assistance.

We are receiving new requests from older adults who have not received services from Senior Connections in the past. Most of these requests are for Meals on Wheels, emergency food, inhome care, housing assistance and personal supplies.

With generous support from the Virginia Department for the Aging, local funders and individuals, we are addressing these needs. With the help of staff and volunteers, we are staying in touch with information about COVID-19 and benefits such as the Supplemental Food Assistance Program, or SNAP, Medicare and Medicaid. Meals on Wheels are being delivered once a week to almost 800

older adults in collaboration with Feed More. Additionally, more than 700 older adults who are members of the Friendships Cafés are receiving meals once a week. Assistance also is available for essential trips, in-home care, personal supplies, emergency food and help finding resources.

Upcoming projects: Senior Connections wishes to conduct a housing stability project with a focus on older women. This project will help older women who are experiencing transitions that put them at risk of losing their homes. This is a prevention project with opportunities for older women who need resources, benefits, financial counseling and other assistance to remain in their homes and communities with long-term stability.

How I start the day: With a guided meditation and prayer giving thanks and wishing the best for Charles City County and our residents, including older adults and caregivers. I am deeply passionate about serving Charles City County, a community that helped to shape my life.

If I had more time, I would: Visit friends more.

A quote that I am inspired by: “Success isn’t about how much money you make; it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.”

Kindergarten taught me: How to not follow the rest of the group, but create my own path to the sandbox.

Best late-night snack: Hot tea with two peppermints, honey and cinnamon.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Grow vegetable and flower gardens.

Persons who influenced me the most: My parents. They taught me to be an individual, to be strong and to always take care of others with no expectations.

Book that influenced me the most: “Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead” by Nell Scovell and Sheryl Sandberg.

What I am reading now: “The Little Black Book of Success: Laws of Leadership for Black Women” by Elaine Meryl Brown, Marsha Haygood and Rhonda McLean.

Next goal: To create a food pantry for the underserved population in Charles City County, a need that has been highlighted

by COVID-19 and my service with Senior Connections.

B2 April 30-May 2, 2020

Richmond Free Press

Happenings

Front Porch Portraits: Life in the time of the coronavirus

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Rudolph and Hattie Powell are used to being on the go, but are busy now from the safety of their home in the West End. Mrs. Powell is a retired Richmond teacher and Mr. Powell is the retired director of 4-H programs in Virginia and a contributing photographer at the Richmond Free Press.

“We make more phone calls to church and organization members and send a lot of cards and emails to the sick and bereaved,” the couple said. Because of the pandemic, they have “more time to listen to music, read and FaceTime with the grandchildren.”

As the stay-at-home order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 stretches into weeks, Richmond Free Press photographers Sandra Sellars and Regina H. Boone continue to document this time of social distancing and the impact it has on local people.

They asked Richmonders to step outside for a photo on their front porch or in their front yard, adhering to social distancing guidelines.

They also asked those they photographed what they view as the silver lining in all of this. Here are their thoughts as they live in the time of the coronavirus.

Photos by Regina H. Boone and Sandra Sellars / Richmond Free Press.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Ashley Williams, with her dog, Sebastian, a pit bull-spaniel mix, on the front porch of her East End home, is happy to stay in during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her family, she says, has experienced health scares in recent weeks, both related and unrelated to the coronavirus. “I have always valued family and friends, yet the communication with loved ones is even more cherished than before,” said the founder of BareSOUL Yoga. The experience also has shifted how she connects with people and the community — through online offerings and resources. The silver lining? “I am able to appreciate, explore and enjoy my home.”

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Sarah Choi gets to spend more time with her son, Maximino Guertler Choi, at their Lakeside home in Henrico County without the interruption of day care. The 46-year-old marketing consultant sees that as her silver lining during this time.

Her son, she said, is 2½ and exploding with new words and expressions each day.

“It’s amazing to be the first person to witness his progress,” she said.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Gail Harris, a therapist, cook and photographer, stands on the steps of her North Side home. She likes that the world has slowed down. “We’re becoming humane,” she said. “I hope we get from this a heightened sense of senses … I hope we continue to feed one another with truth. I hope we listen. I mostly hope we see our neighbors, friends, family and the world at all times, not just when we’re scared and dying.”

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Paul Rucker, a visual artist, musician and composer, sits with his cello on the steps of his home in Downtown. He is an iCubed Arts Research Fellow at Virginia Commonwealth University. The pandemic, he said, “offers those, especially with privilege, a time for reflection. I think this is an opportunity to evaluate and move in new directions. This is not a time for fear.”

Richmond Free Press

April 30-May 2, 2020

B3

Obituary/Faith News/Directory

State executioner who turned against the death penalty dies at 67 Free Press staff, wire report

would get a haircut and a final meal before being strapped For 17 years, Jerry Bron- into the electric chair or to a son Givens carried out death gurney for administration of sentences as Virginia’s chief lethal drugs. executioner. The Richmond During his tenure, 62 people native then spent the rest of were executed at the direction his life crusading against the of a court and his superiors at death penalty. the state Department of CorrecMr. Givens’ dual roles in tions, including such notorious capital punishment are being convicts as James and Linwood remembered folBriley, who led a lowing his death gang that killed on Monday, April 11 people, and 13, 2020, at a RichSyvasky Poyner, mond area hospiwho killed five tal. His family said women. his death was due Then a propoto complications nent of the death from the coronavipenalty, Mr. Givrus. He was 67. ens talked about A football star the impact. “You Mr. Givens at Armstrong High feel for the conSchool, Mr. Givens grew up in demned man’s family and the Creighton Court in the city’s victims’ family,� he told one East End. He was a prison guard interviewer in 2007. in 1982 at the State Penitentiary, He acknowledged in another then located in Richmond, when interview that his mindset at he was assigned to death row work was far different from and was tapped to join the home, where he was a husband, execution team he would end father and churchgoer. up leading.

Mr. Givens’ role as execuA religious man, Mr. Givens tioner ended and his transformarecounted in his 2012 memoir, tion into an anti-death penalty “Another Day Is Not Promised,� advocate began in 1999 when that those set for execution he was convicted of money

Good Shepherd Baptist Church 1127 North 28th St., Richmond, VA 23223 s Office: (804) 644-1402 Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, Pastor “There’s A Place for You�

Due to the COVID-19 Corona Virus All regular activities have been suspended until further notice.

Visit https://youtu.be/qqzhnIEQyQc for inspirational messages from Pastor Smith “The Church With A Welcome�

3HARON "APTIST #HURCH 500 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222 www.sharonbaptistchurchrichmond.org (804) 643-3825 Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor

SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2020 Morning Worship 11:00 AM Drive-In Service in our Parking Lot

See you there!

Triumphant

Baptist Church

laundering and perjury and became an inmate in state prison. Prosecutors successfully claimed that he knew he was using money from drug dealing when he partnered with a friend to buy a car.

He was released after four years and began to organize protests, lobby legislators, meet with family members of the incarcerated and those they had injured and to encourage corrections officers not to follow in his footsteps to carry out death sentences.

While he upheld his oath not to tell anyone about his work while he was a state employee, he later broke his silence.

A truck driver after his release, Mr. Givens “was one of the very few executioners who was willing to speak publicly about his experience and how his experience changed him,� according to Michael Stone, executive director of Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.

Along with serving on VADP’s board, Mr. Givens also became a well-known speaker on the subject, Mr. Stone said. “He was a passionate critic and opponent of the death penalty.�

He took that passion to the State Capitol, and some legislators credit his testimony with ending a move to extend the death penalty to accomplices.

Mr. Givens also served on the board of advisers for the national Death Penalty Action, which opened the door to his working with corrections officers. DPA officials said Mr. Givens would tell them to avoid the duty, saying, “I know, I’ve done it, and I’m warning you, this will be a lifelong burden.�

In 2019, his connection to DPA earned him a speaking invitation before the World Congress Against the Death Penalty in Brussels, Belgium.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Sadie T. Givens of Henrico County; stepsons Terence Travers of Henrico County and Devry Travers of Woodbridge; two sisters; a brother; five grandchildren; and a great-grandson.

1858

¹4HE 0EOPLE´S #HURCH²

Baptist Church

1408 W. Leigh Street ¡ Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 358—6403

Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, Pastor

All church ac�vi�es are canceled un�l further no�ce.

Be safe. Be blessed.

We Embrace Diversity — Love For All! Come worship with us!

Sunday School – 9:45 AM Sunday Services – 11:00 AM Via Conference Call (515) 606-5187 Pin 572890# Also Visit Us On Facebook Sunday Service – 11:00 AM 2604 Idlewood Avenue Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 353-6135 www.riverviewbaptistch.org Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Hewlett, Pastor Rev. Dr. Ralph Reavis, Sr. Pastor Emeritus

$R +IRKLAND 2 7ALTON 0ASTOR

Worship Opportunities Sundays: All Sunday services have been suspended for the remainder of the month. Join us for online streaming this Sunday at 10 AM. Visit our WEBSITE, look under “/NLINE 3ERVICES,� and access the “0ASTOR S -ESSAGE.�

Bible Study Opportunities Thursdays: All Bible Study sessions have been suspended for the remainder of the month.

-OUNTAIN 2OAD s 'LEN !LLEN 6IRGINIA /FlCE s &AX s WWW STPETERBAPTIST NET

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church

1701 Turner Road, North Chesterfield, Virginia 23225 (804) 276-0791 office (804)276-5272 fax www.ndec.net

Remember...

At New Deliverance, You Are Home!

See you there and bring a friend.

(near Byrd Park)

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church

e with Reverence elevanc R g in Rev. Dr. Joshua Mitchell, Pastor-Elect bin â?– om

SUNDAYS â?–

WEDNESDAYS Bible Study 7:00 p.m.

Bishop G. O. Glenn D. Min., Pastor

Mother Marcietia S. Glenn First Lady

SUNDAY 8:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Service

WEDNESDAY SERVICES Noonday Bible Study 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Sanctuary - All Are Welcome!

Wednesday Evening Bible Study 7:00 p.m. (Bible Study)

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SATURDAY

THIRD SUNDAY 10:30 a.m.

Children’s Church Higher Achievement

8:30 a.m. Intercessory Prayer

823 North 31st Street Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 226-0150 Office

Weekly Worship: Sundays @ 10:30 A.M. Church School: Sundays @ 9:00 A.M. Bible Study: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 P.M.

"APTIST #HURCH

St. Peter Baptist Church

(804) 359-1691 or 359-3498 Facebook Fax (804) 359-3798 sixthbaptistrva www.sixthbaptistchurch.org

Church School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

2901 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 648-2472 ~ www.mmbcrva.org Dr. Price London Davis, Senior Pastor

“Reclaiming the Lost by Proclaiming the Gospel�

400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

Twitter sixthbaptistrva

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Wednesday Bible Study 7p.m.

2IVERVIEW

Tithing Opportunities Download the Tithe.ly giving app for Apple and Android devices. Your gift is safe/secure and goes directly to our church.

Sunday Service will not be held in our sanctuary.

Join us for 11:00 AM Worship by going to our website www.sixthbaptistchurch.org

Staying Connected!

Sunday Service 10 a.m.

Transportation Services (804) 859-1985

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Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus

Rev. Dr. Adam L. Bond, Pastor-Elect

Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Sr., Pastor

Drive-thru giving will be available the 1st and 3rd Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church. (Bowe Street side) You also may give through Givelify.

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Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

2006 Decatur Street Richmond, VA 23224 zbcoffice@verizon.net

Follow us on Facebook for “A Word from Moore Street’s Pastor� and weekly Zoom worship info.

Pastor Kevin Cook

A 21st Century Church With Ministry For Everyone

Zion Baptist Church

Church School 8:45 a.m.

“MAKE IT HAPPEN�

216 W. Leigh St. • Richmond, Va. 23220 Tel: 804-643-3366 • Fax: 804-643-3367 Email: ebcofďŹ ce1@yahoo.com • web: www.richmondebenezer.com

Ebenezer Baptist Church is suspending all regular activities and worship services indeďŹ nitely.

Please check our website, http://www.richmondebenezer.com or our Facebook page

Moore Street Missionary

Morning Worship ~ 8 a.m. “DueEarly toSunday the Corona Virus Pandemic, School ~ 9:30 a.m. services are cancelled, until notice.

Morning Worship ~ 11further a.m.

4th Sunday UniďŹ ed Worship Service ~ 9:30 a.m.

Please join us, by visiting BRBCOnline.org Bible Study: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. or YouTube Baptist Church).�

Sermons (Broad AvailableRock at BRBCONLINE.org

151

Ebenezer Baptist Church

The Rev. Lois Bias, co-pastor of Bringing God’s Word To Life Church in South Side, is COVID-19 ready as she prepares to distribute bags of food at a drivethru operation she and a team of members set up last Saturday morning outside the church on Bryce Lane. The 23-year-old church is a distributor for Feed More, which provided most of the items, Rev. Bias said. The church also received donations from a nearby KFC restaurant and Wawa stores, she said. At least a dozen members participated with Rev. Bias and her husband, the Rev. Ellis Bias, in packing the groceries, setting up the drive-thru and giving away the food to area residents.

5106 Walmsley Blvd., Richmond, VA 23224 804-276-2740 • 804-276-6535 (fax) www.BRBCONLINE.org

“Due to the Corona Virus all services at Triumphant Baptist Church are suspended until further notice.�

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Grocery drive-thru

Broad Rock Baptist Church

2003 Lamb Avenue Richmond, VA 23222 Dr. Arthur M. Jones, Sr., Pastor (804) 321-7622

Join us on Sundays at 12 noon via Conference Call: years of Christian Serv ating Code:273149# 1(503)300-6860 r b e i ce el

Jeremy M. Lazarus/Richmond Free Press

You can now view Sunday Morning Service “AS IT HAPPENS� online!

Also, for your convenience, we now offer “full online giving.�

Visit www.ndec.net.

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Hebrew 12:14 (KJV) www.ndec.net Tune in on Sunday Morning to WTVR - Channel 6 - 8:30 a.m.

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (NDCA) NOW ENROLLING!!!

6 weeks to 4th grade Before and After Care For more information Please call

(804) 276-4433

Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

Richmond Free Press

B4 April 30-May 2, 2020

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, May 11, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following ordinances:

To advertise in the

Richmond Free Press call

644-0496 Follow the Free Press on @FreePressRVA @RichmondFreePressUSA

City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, May 4, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, May 11, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2020-100 To close, to public use and travel, a portion of an alley in the block bounded by East Canal Street, Foushee Street, Cary Street, and South 1st Street consisting of 680± square feet, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2020-101 To close, to public use and travel, certain alleys in the block bounded

by East Jackson Street, North 8th Street, East Leigh Street, and North 7th Street consisting of 8,665± square feet, upon certain terms and conditions.

The meetings will be held through electronic communication means pursuant to and in compliance with Ordinance No. 2020093, adopted April 9, 2020. The meetings will be open to participation through electronic communication means by the public and closed to in-person participation by the public. Less than a quorum of Richmond City Planning Commission members and Richmond City Council will assemble in City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, and most members and other staff will participate by teleconference/ videoconference via Microsoft Teams.

The meetings will be streamed live online at the following web address: https://richmondva. legistar.com/Calendar. a s p x . To w a t c h a meeting’s live stream at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “In Progress” in the farthest right hand column entitled, “Video”.

The agenda for the Richmond City Council meeting is accessible through the City’s legislative website at the following web address: https://richmondva. legistar.com/Calendar. aspx.To view the agenda at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “Agenda” associated with the May 11, 2020 Richmond City Council Formal meeting listed in the calendar.

Interested citizens who wish to speak at the Richmond City Council meeting will be given an opportunity to do so by following the “Formal Meeting Access and Public Participation Instructions” attached to the May 11, 2020 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda.

Citizens are encouraged to provide their comments in writing to CityClerksOffice@ richmondgov.com in lieu of calling in. The person responsible for receiving comments in writing is Candice D. Reid, City Clerk. All comments received prior to 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 11, 2020, will be provided to Council members prior to the meeting and will be included in the record of the meeting.

Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at http:// www.richmondgov.com/ CityClerk/index.aspx.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

Ordinance No. 2020-094 To amend Ord. No. 2019188, adopted Jul. 22, 2019, which authorized the Chief Administrative O ff i c e r t o s u b m i t a Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as an application for the receipt of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) funds, Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) funds; accepted funds from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the total amount of $7,480,634.00; and appropriated $7,480,634.00 for various projects, for the purpose of re-appropriating surplus funds, appropriating received program income, and adjusting certain project activities.

Ordinance No. 2020-102 To amend the schedule of classifications and assigned ranges incorporated into section I of the Pay Plan adopted by Ord. No. 2018-319 on Jan. 14, 2019, for the purpose of revising the wording of certain classification titles and changing the pay ranges of certain classification titles, and to amend section III(B) (6) of the Pay Plan to revise the classification and assigned ranges for persons occupying unclassified positions in the courts for whom compensation is not fixed directly or indirectly by statute adopted by the General Assembly of Virginia. (COMMITTEE: Organizational Development, Monday, May 4, 2020, 5:00 p.m.)

This meeting will be held through electronic communication means pursuant to and in compliance with Ordinance No. 2020093, adopted April 9, 2020. This meeting will be open to participation through electronic communication means by the public and closed to in-person participation by the public. Less than a quorum of Richmond City Council will assemble in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, and most Council members and other staff will participate by teleconference/ videoconference via Microsoft Teams.

Audio of the meeting will be streamed live online at the following web address: https:// richmondva.legistar.com/ Calendar.aspx. To listen to the meeting’s live audio stream at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “In Progress” in the farthest right hand column entitled, “Video”.

The agenda for the Richmond City Council meeting is accessible through the City’s legislative website at the following web address: https://richmondva. legistar.com/Calendar. aspx.To view the agenda at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “Agenda” associated with the May 11, 2020 Richmond City Council Formal meeting listed in the calendar.

Interested citizens who wish to speak at the Richmond City Council meeting will be given an opportunity to do so by following the “Formal Meeting Access and Public Participation Instructions” attached to the May 11, 2020 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda.

Citizens are encouraged to provide their comments in writing to CityClerksOffice@ richmondgov.com in lieu of calling in. The person responsible for receiving comments in writing is Candice D. Reid, City Clerk. All comments received prior to 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 11, 2020, will be provided to Council members prior to the meeting and will be included in the record of the meeting.

Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at http:// www.richmondgov.com/ CityClerk/index.aspx.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, May 18, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2020-103 To r e z o n e c e r t a i n properties in the areas surrounding the Science Museum of Virginia, Allison Street, and the Virginia Commonwealth University and the Virginia Union University Broad Street Bus Rapid Transit station areas.

Ordinance No. 2020-104 To amend the official zoning map for the purpose of designating certain street blocks as “priority streets” and certain street blocks as “streetoriented commercial streets” in the areas surrounding the Science Museum of Virginia, Allison Street, and the Virginia Commonwealth University and the Virginia Union University Broad Street Bus Rapid Transit station areas.

Ordinance No. 2020-105 To amend and reordain City Code §§ 30-433.2 (concerning parking lots in the UB Urban Business District, 30440.3 (concerning yards in the B-4 Central Business District), 30-446.2 (concerning parking lots in the B-7 Mixed-Use Business District), and 30-950.2— 30-950.5 (concerning Plan of Development Overlays), for the purpose of implementing the recommendations of the adopted Pulse Corridor Plan.

Ordinance No. 2020-106 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1701 North 21st Street for the purpose of two single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions.

The property is situated in an R-5 Single-Family Residential District. The City of Richmond’s current Master Plan designates a land use category for the subject property as Single Family Low Density.

Primary uses are singlefamily detached dwellings at densities up to seven units per acre. Includes residential support uses such as schools, places of worship, neighborhood parks and recreation facilities, and limited public and semi-public uses. The proposed density of the project is approximately 12 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2020-107 To authorize the special use of the property known as 2126 Rosewood Avenue for the purpose of an accessory dwelling unit. The property is situated in an R-6 Single-Family Attached Residential District. The City of Richmond’s current Master Plan designates a future land use category for the subject property as Single Family Residential at Medium densities.

Primary uses for this category are singlefamily and two-family dwellings, both detached and attached, at densities of 8 to 20 units per acre.

Includes residential support uses such as schools, places of worship, neighborhood parks and recreation facilities, and limited public and semipublic uses. The proposed density of the project is approximately 33 units per acre.

The meetings will be held through electronic communication means pursuant to and in compliance with Ordinance No. 2020093, adopted April 9, 2020. The meetings will be open to participation through electronic communication means by the public and closed to in-person participation by the public. Less than a quorum of Richmond City Planning Commission members and Richmond City Council will assemble in City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, and most members and other staff will participate by teleconference/ videoconference via Microsoft Teams.

The meetings will be streamed live online at the following web address: https://richmondva. legistar.com/Calendar. a s p x . To w a t c h a meeting’s live stream at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “In Progress” in the farthest right hand column entitled, “Video”.

The agenda for the Richmond City Council meeting is accessible through the City’s legislative website at the following web address: Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

https://richmondva. legistar.com/Calendar. aspx.To view the agenda at the web address provided, find and click the link that reads, “Agenda” associated with the May 26, 2020 Richmond City Council Formal meeting listed in the calendar.

Interested citizens who wish to speak at the Richmond City Council meeting will be given an opportunity to do so by following the “Formal Meeting Access and Public Participation Instructions” attached to the May 26, 2020 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda.

Citizens are encouraged to provide their comments in writing to CityClerksOffice@ richmondgov.com in lieu of calling in. The person responsible for receiving comments in writing is Candice D. Reid, City Clerk. All comments received prior to 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2020, will be provided to Council members prior to the meeting and will be included in the record of the meeting.

Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at http:// www.richmondgov.com/ CityClerk/index.aspx.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER LORRANDA JOHNSON, Plaintiff v.

ANTOINE JOHNSON, Defendant.

Case No.: CL19002265-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who has been served with the Complaint by posted service appear here on or before the 9th day of June, 2020 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Counsel VSB# 27724 The Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER KENNETH BEW, Plaintiff v.

JEANNE BEW, Defendant.

Case No.: CL20001281-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 1st day of July, 2020 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER CORBIN COTTINGHAM, Plaintiff v.

TONIQUE JOHNSON, Defendant.

Case No.: CL20001313-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 1st day of July, 2020 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 Virginia: In the Circuit Court of the CIty of Richmond Continued on next column

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john marshall courts building linda sheryl kennedy, Plaintiff, v. david elmo kennedy, Defendant.

Civil Law No.: CL20-1448-3 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of the abovestyled suit is to obtain a divorce from the bonds of matrimony from the defendant on the grounds that the parties have lived separate and apart without interruption and without cohabitation for a period of more than one year, since May 15, 1991.

And it appearing by Affidavit filed according to law that David Elmo Kennedy, the above-named defendant, is not a resident of this state and that due diligence has been used by or in behalf of plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city the defendant is, without effect.

It is therefore ORDERED that the said David Elmo Kennedy do appear in the Clerk’s Office of the Law Division of the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond, 400 North 9th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23819, on or before June 16, 2020 and do whatever necessary to protect their interest in this suit.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk I ask for this: Rudolph C. McCollum, Jr. VSB #32825 P.O. Box 4595 Richmond, Virginia 23220 Phone (804) 523-3900 Fax (804) 523-3901

described as 1615 North 27th Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0000864/060, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Mary E. White.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, MARY E. WHITE, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that MARY E. WHITE, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JUNE 11, 2020 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

CO. OF VIRGINIA, an entity listed as inactive in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, Beneficiary of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 04-33780 on October 8, 2004, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/ or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that TERRANCE L. JONES, TAWA N N A J . J O N E S , NANCY ANN ROGERS, TRUSTEE of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 04-17304 on May 26, 2004, THEMIS V. STRATIOU, upon information and belief deceased, Beneficiary of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 04-17304 on May 26, 2004, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, DARYL T. PAGE, TRUSTEE of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 0433780 on October 8, 2004, BENEFICIAL MORTGAGE CO. OF VIRGINIA, an entity listed as inactive in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, Beneficiary of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 0433780 on October 8, 2004, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JUNE 11, 2020 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

Plaintiff, v.

DOROTHY LUCILLE FLIPPEN, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL20-625 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2624 Lancelot Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0090301/013, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Dorothy Lucille Flippen.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, DOROTHY LUCILLE FLIPPEN, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that DOROTHY LUCILLE FLIPPEN, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JUNE 11, 2020 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND LATOYA ANTIONETTE NEBLETT, Plaintiff v.

JOHNNY (NMN) WILLIAMS, Defendant.

CL No. 20-1502-7 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is for the Plaintiff to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the Defendant on the ground that the parties have continuously lived separate and apart without cohabitation for a period of more than one year.

A n a ff i d a v i t h a v i n g been filed that the present residence of the Defendant is unknown to the Plaintiff and that diligence has been used by the Plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city Defendant is located, without effect, it is ORDERED that the Defendant appear before the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond on the 27 day of May, 2020, at 5:oo and protect his interests.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ATILIO LARIOS, Plaintiff v.

RITA LATHAM Defendant.

Case No.: CL20000677-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who is a nonresident, appear here on or before the 18th day of May, 2020 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Counsel VSB# 27724 The Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER DWAYNE PARKES, Plaintiff v.

SHANEL PARKES, Defendant.

Case No.: CL20000377-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who has been served with the Complaint by posted service appear here on or before the 18th day of May, 2020 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Counsel VSB# 27724 The Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

property VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

MARY E. WHITE, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL20-1143 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly Continued on next column

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

TERRANCE L. JONES, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL20-267 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 5433 Blue Ridge Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0100230/019, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Terrance L. Jones and Tawanna J. Jones.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, TERRANCE L. JONES and TAWANNA J. JONES, who have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known address, have not been personally located and have not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that TERRANCE L. JONES, TAWANNA J. JONES, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JUNE 11, 2020 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

TERRANCE L. JONES, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL20-266 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 5409 Blue Ridge Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0100230/005, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Terrance L. Jones and Tawanna J. Jones.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, TERRANCE L. JONES and TAWANNA J. JONES, who have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known address, have not been personally located and have not filed a response to this action; that NANCY ANN ROGERS, TRUSTEE of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 04-17304 on May 26, 2004, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to her last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; that THEMIS V. STRATIOU, upon information and belief deceased, Beneficiary of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 04-17304 on May 26, 2004, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that DARYL T. PAGE, TRUSTEE of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 04-33780 on October 8, 2004, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that BENEFICIAL MORTGAGE Continued on next column

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

HARRIETT B. DAVIS, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL20-337 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2603 Fairfield Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0120318/001, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Harriett B. Davis.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, HARRIETT B. DAVIS, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that STEPHANIE L. LEWIS, Registered Agent for LSG ENTERPRISE, LLC, which may be a creditor with an interest in said property, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to her last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that HARRIETT B. DAVIS, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, STEPHANIE L. LEWIS, Registered Agent for LSG ENTERPRISE, LLC, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JUNE 11, 2020 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Continued on next column

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

LEON A. FORD, et al.

Defendants.

Case No.: CL19-5807 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2404 Alexander Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0080885/017, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Leon A. Ford.

An Affidavit having been filed that FREMONT R E O R G A N I Z I N G C O R P O R AT I O N f k a FREMONT INVESTMENT & LOAN, an entity withdrawn from the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, Beneficiary of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 05-44017 on December 12, 2005, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that FREMONT REORGANIZING C O R P O R AT I O N f k a FREMONT INVESTMENT & LOAN, an entity withdrawn from the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, Beneficiary of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 0544017 on December 12, 2005, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JUNE 11, 2020 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

custodY Virginia: In the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court HENRICO County Commonwealth of Virginia, in re CEDILLO CEDILLO, JOSE SAUL, Case No.: JJ106440-01-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Grant sole legal custody of jose saul cedillo cedillo pursuant to code 16.1-241 (A3).

It is ordered that the defendant rutilIo delsid appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before May 27, 2020, 9:00 AM.

Thank you for your interest in applying for opportunities with The City of Richmond.

To see what opportunities are available, please refer to our website at www.richmondgov.com.

EOE M/F/D/V Freelance Writers: Richmond Free Press has immediate opportunities for freelance writers. Newspaper experience is a requirement.

To be considered, please send 5 samples of your writing, along with a cover letter to news@richmond freepress. com or mail to: Richmond Free Press, P. O. Box 27709, Richmond, VA 23261. No phone calls.