Richmond Free Press December 13-15, 2018

Layaway joy in Atlanta A5

Richmond Free Press © 2018 Paradigm Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

VOL. 27 NO. 50

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

www.richmondfreepress.com

Pushback

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

As Mayor Levar M. Stoney and representatives of the Navy Hill District Corp. stump throughout the city to marshal support for the $1.4 billion plan to replace the Richmond Coliseum, resistance is beginning to appear.

While specifics of the project are still undisclosed, the mayor

paints a vivid, broad picture of a project firing up Downtown development, spinning off thousands of new jobs, creating contracts for black businesses and generating new taxes.

But others see Mayor Stoney and the project as pushing back investment in modernizing schools for more than 15 years and stripping away tax dollars needed to boost everything from youth recreation to paving streets in exchange for a luxury arena.

‘Fund our Future’

By George Copeland Jr.

Ty Logan has his eyes set on a bright future and wants the State of Virginia to properly support it.

“When I grow up, I want to be a doctor. I want to be a lawyer. I want to be an astronaut,” the junior at Richmond Community High School said.

“I want more investing into our education right now. I want the state to care about our learning, not test scores” The call for more state funding for Richmond Public

Related story on A5 Schools and public school systems around the state was championed by hundreds of students, parents, elected officials and supporters last Saturday as they gathered at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in the East End and marched to the State Capitol in Downtown.

The “March for More,” as the event was called, is the first of several planned to draw attention to the current level of financial support for K-12 education and to request that more money be ponied up for schools by the Virginia General Assembly, which convenes in January.

The rally at the Mosby Street school had the same sense of urgency as the larger Richmond Please turn to A4

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Hundreds of people, including students, teachers, parents and concerned residents carry signs seeking increased state funding for public education in Virginia during last Saturday’s March for More that ended at the State Capitol.

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Meet president of Coalition Against Urban Violence B1

DeCEMBER 13-15, 2018

Individuals, coalitions raising questions, opposition to mayor’s $1.4B Coliseum development plan The drumbeat of opposition has begun growing louder ahead of City Council’s rescheduled meeting on Monday, Dec. 17, when the nine members are to vote on a proposal to create a citizen commission to review the city’s most expensive development proposal — a commission the mayor opposes as does the leader of the Navy Hill plan, Thomas F. “Tom” Farrell II, Dominion Energy’s chairman, president and chief executive officer.

A coalition of 22 organizations is calling on Mayor Stoney and City Council to reject the Coliseum development project as a speculative venture that would push investment in public schools to the sidelines.

“We demand a city that prioritizes the needs of its residents over corporate interests,” the coalition stated in a news release last week.

Separately, former City Council E. Martin Mr. Griffin “Marty” Jewell has created the Richmond Civic League that has begun placing newspaper ads that describe the project as “the largest deception in Richmond history.”

And last Friday, political author Jeff Thomas wrote a lengthy, scathing review of the Coliseum proposal titled, “The Last Gasp of Massive Resistance: Richmond’s 2019 Coliseum Scheme,” that he posted on the Blue Virginia website.

But the most trenchant review appears to have come from Justin Griffin, a 29-year-old attorney who represents small businesses and has largely avoided public controversies.

He never expected to take on the mayor on this issue. In fact, he said he was intrigued when he first heard of the big plan to bring a new Coliseum, a new hotel, 2,900 apartments, offices and retail space in the blocks near City Hall.

As a former Nashville resident, Mr. Griffin has seen how city investments in a pro hockey arena and other attractions in his hometown — the country music capital of the world — has triggered an explosion in development in a once decaying downtown.

However, the Tennessee transplant has not found the same Please turn to A4

Letter to VUU board offers insight into theology school, university problems

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Dr. Corey D.B. Walker may continue to teach after stepping down as vice president and dean of Virginia Union University’s Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at the end of December.

VUU issued a statement to students and faculty last week that Dr. Walker and the school “have agreed on a transition plan for Dr. Walker to remain … as a professor and scholarin-residence.”

“He will conturer and author in tinue to teach in the theology field the areas of religion has not publicly conand society,” the firmed such an agreestatement continued. ment. Dr. Walker “This new role will indicated he planned afford Dr. Walker to take a position at the opportunity, as another seminary in requested, to live Richmond when he Dr. Walker his call according announced Nov. 30 to his academic pursuits and that he would resign his VUU aspirations. leadership posts at the end of “We are elated that he has the year. agreed and will continue serving The Free Press has not his alma mater.” received a response from Dr. The renowned scholar, lec- Walker for a request for com-

Highland Springs wins state football title again

ment.

VUU also announced it would name an interim dean soon and would begin a national search in January for Dr. Walker’s successor. The search is to be led by Dr. Boykin Sanders, a distinguished professor and chair of the faculty at the theology school, and Dr. Howard-John Wesley, a member of the VUU Board of Trustees and pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria.

Dr. Walker, a graduate of the VUU theology school, returned 17 months ago to succeed Dr. John W. Kinney, who stepped down as vice president and dean after 27 years on June 30, 2017, but remains a member of the

theology school’s 19-member faculty.

As the Free Press reported last week, Dr. Walker’s decision surprised students and fellow professors. He hinted in his announcement that his decision was prompted by a disagreement with VUU President Hakim J. Lucas over his management.

According to a studentwritten letter to the Board of Trustees that was provided to the Free Press, Dr. Walker’s decision was the result of changes initiated by Dr. Lucas that appear to reduce the graduate theology school’s Please turn to A4

City Councilman Parker C. Agelasto out of the woods?

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

It’s a 4-peat!

By Fred Jeter

The Highland Springs High School football team members are running out of fingers to display their bling.

The Springers captured their fourth consecutive Class 5 state championship title last Saturday with a 37-26 victory over Stone Bridge High School of Ashburn in Northern Virginia.

The game was played at Hampton University’s Armstrong Stadium.

The Springers’ 2019 battle cry is already prepared: “One for the thumb,” borrowing a line from 1981 NFL Pittsburgh Steelers who, coincidentally, also dominated the gridiron wearing black and gold.

A fifth straight ring would be venturing into uncharted territory. All Coach Loren

Johnson’s Springers have left to conquer is the history book.

Highland Springs joins Hampton High School (1995-1998) and Phoebus High School of Hampton (2008-2011) as the only schools in Virginia High School League history to “4-peat.”

Five consecutive titles has never been done.

Coach Johnson played football at Virginia Tech and coached at Lord Botetourt High School near Roanoke and Stonewall Jackson High School in Manassas before becoming the coach at Highland Springs High in 2008.

His program in Eastern Henrico County has evolved from the “Beast of the East” to Please turn to A4

Pressure appears to be lifting for Richmond City Councilman Parker C. Agelasto to resign his seat despite moving from the 5th District he represents to the city’s 1st District.

Two key city officials, the Richmond voter registrar and the city attorney, have backed away from the issue of whether Mr. Agelasto’s move disqualifies him from remaining on City Council, leaving it uncertain whether any mechanism exists to enforce a requirement in the Virginia Constitution and state code that he, like other state and local officials, must live in the district he serves.

As it stands now, Mr. Agelasto is on track to remain in office through the end of his term in 2020. He has said he will not run for re-election.

City Voter Registrar Kirk Showalter Mr. Agelasto declined to hear a complaint filed by three 5th District residents seeking to have her consider revoking Mr. Agelasto’s voter registration because he no longer lives in the district.

Ms. Showalter stated in a Dec. 6 written response that under current state law, she has no authority to hear an allegation that Mr. Agelasto is “improperly registered” in the 5th District as a result of his move.

She noted that both state law and the state Constitution “allow Please turn to A4

A2 December 13-15, 2018

Richmond Free Press

Local News

A wind-blown blanket of snow covers the parked cars and pavement on a North Side street. The wintry scene is just one example of the impact of Sunday’s storm that dropped nearly a foot of snow on the area — the largest amount on record for Metro Richmond for a snowfall prior to Dec. 10, and the second largest snowfall for December since 1908. The

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

snow led to the closure of area public schools through at least Wednesday and caused GRTC in the first two days to run only limited service and shut down service early, stranding some riders. Government offices and operations were mostly closed on Monday, but were back in business Tuesday.

Some employees plowed the streets to help begin the return to normalcy. Please see more photos, B3.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

City Council to take up affordable housing Grade snafu flunks ‘A’ student and homeless issues at Dec. 17 meeting

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Michael Donovan was surprised when his son brought home a report card for the first nine weeks at Lucille M. Brown Middle School that showed the sixth-grader had an F in Spanish.

“That’s extremely unusual because he is a very solid student,” said Mr. Donovan, who began making inquiries of the teacher and the school counselor.

His inquiry appears to have uncovered a problem that Richmond Public Schools is now seeking to deal with as it also begins work on correcting hundreds of error-filled student transcripts that turned up after a state audit.

Mr. Donovan said the counselor did some research and responded that “the teacher had entered my son’s grade as a 78, but somehow ‘the system’ changed it. It turned out the 78 was not correct either, and he had an A in the class.”

While his son’s grade has been corrected, Mr. Donovan sent out a Facebook post Nov. 30 reporting what happened to alert other parents that their children’s grades possibly could be incorrect.

The responses to Mr. Donovan’s Facebook post show that his son was not alone, though it is unclear how widespread the problem is.

RPS spokeswoman Kenita Bowers confirmed that Mr. Donovan turned up a previously unnoticed problem.

In response to a Free Press query, Ms. Bowers stated, “This was not caused by the system changing grades but, instead, it was a data entry error. We are currently reviewing protocols with staff and putting parameters in place so that this does not continue to be an issue going forward.”

Richmond’s governing body is planning to provide a $1 million increase to a City Hall loan pool that assists developers in generating affordable housing and to boost the city’s role in tackling the issue of homelessness.

The City Council also will consider requiring housing developers that receive city subsidies in the form of money or land to support apartment or home development to set aside at least 15 percent of any new units for affordable housing.

Approval of these items would represent victories for Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson, 6th District, who has spearheaded the proposals.

City Council, which moved its next meeting to Monday, Dec. 17, because of this week’s snow, is expected to direct the $1 million increase to the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which provides loans to projects that seek to maintain current affordable housing or build new units.

The proposal is listed on the consent agenda, indicating that it has overwhelming support.

First cleared through the Land Use, Housing and Transportation Committee, the legislation calls for steering $1 million of the money the city collects from tax-delinquent properties to the AHTF, doubling the amount of money in the fund.

Ms. Robertson several years ago won council approval for an annual appropriation of $1 million to the AHTF, but has said that amount is too small and has ambitiously sought to find ways to create a far larger loan pool.

“If this fund is going to have an impact in meeting the need for affordable housing, we need to build it up to at least $20 million,” she told the Free Press.

She initially proposed to steer all of the funds above expenses collected from tax-delinquent properties that the City Attorney’s Office handled. In the 2017-18 fiscal year that ended June 30, the office auctioned 136 properties and had owners pay off past due taxes on 84 others, resulting in the collection of $5.9 million, including $1.7 million in legal expenses.

Separately, the council is scheduled to debate on Dec. 17 Ms. Robertson’s proposal to require apartment developers who receive direct city support to ensure that 15 percent of the residential units are “reserved for affordable housing.”

Steel fabrication company to open in South Side

A York, Pa., company is creating 70 jobs for welders, machine operators, truck drivers and others in Richmond after re-opening a factory and warehouse in South Side that most recently was used to build large bridge components.

Kinsley Companies has begun advertising for a range of industrial and manufacturing workers as it seeks to start fabricating steel in the former home of Williams Bridge Co. at 700 E. 4th St., between Gordon and Dinwiddie Williams shut down 18 months ago and put the 27-acre property that lies just west of Interstate 95 on the market.

Crews from Kinsley’s construction arm have started renovating the buildings and preparing to install new equipment for fabricating steel products, according to Taryn Khun, a company spokesman.

Kinsley paid about $7.1 million in mid-November to acquire the property in seeking to expand its operations and sales in Virginia and North Carolina. The company is investing $12.5 million to get the buildings ready for operations, according to court records and Richmond BizSense, an online business publication that first reported on the company’s entry into this market.

Begun decades ago as a concrete subcontractor, Kinsley has grown into a multifaceted regional building firm with seven divisions that handle everything from residential and commercial building development to highway and bridge construction.

The Richmond facility will be the company’s fourth steel fabrication plant, and officials said that the operation is projected to produce 20,000 tons of product yearly after it opens.

The property, which also houses other industrial businesses, has been an industrial site for 100 years. At one point, the site was home to a city equipment and vehicle maintenance shop and, during World War II, it housed a Navy training school for diesel engine mechanics Before Williams acquired the property in the late 1980s, Bristol Steel & Iron Works operated on the property. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

Public meetings on city parking improvement postponed Public meetings on proposals to improve parking in Carytown, Downtown, Manchester and Scott’s Addition are being rescheduled for mid-January as a result of the snowstorm, organizers announced Tuesday.

The meetings that were to be held this week to showcase recommendations for change will take place Monday, Jan. 15, through Wednesday, Jan. 17, although specific times and locations have not been set.

While the proposal cleared the Land Use committee, it moved forward without a recommendation for approval, remains controversial and is less certain of winning the crucial five votes needed to pass.

On the homeless front, Ms. Robertson, with help from others on council, also is poised to win her fight to require City Hall to come up with a strategic plan “to eliminate homelessness.”

Under Ms. Robertson’s proposal on the consent agenda, the city’s chief administrative officer would be required to develop and submit the city’s new homeless strategic plan to the council by Oct. 1, 2019, and to update it every two years thereafter. The CAO also would be required to report annually to a council committee, Government Operations, on the progress being made in carrying out the plan.

The legislation that Ms. Robertson is co-sponsoring with City Council members Andreas D. Addison, 1st District, and Kim B. Gray, 2nd District, is seen as increasing city involvement in dealing with the problem, rather than leaving the solutions to Homeward, CARITAS, Commonwealth Catholic Charities and other nonprofits that provide many of the services to those lacking shelter.

Under the proposal, the CAO would be required to create an inventory of available housing and shelters as well as information on the cost of each operation; provide a yearly assessment of the need and the cost to provide more shelters; set out goals and objectives for increasing shelters; and identify potential sites.

The CAO also would be required to recommend new standards or amendments to planning and zoning rules to allow, for the first time, development of shelters in various parts of the city.

The city’s zoning regulations currently are mostly silent on homeless shelters, Ms. Robertson said.

In addition, the CAO would be required to allow the participation of state, regional

and Richmond nonprofits and residents in the development of the plan and provide council with a list of the participating organizations and residents.

In addition, the plan would have to lay out for the first time policies, procedures and standards of service governing the provision of shelter in city-owned buildings.

The proposal also would require the CAO to provide the council within 45 days a schedule with specifics for creating the strategic plan and the expected completion date.

Ms. Robertson began pushing her idea after watching with dismay the ad hoc process that took place this year as the city sought to find a new location for the overflow shelter it has operated in recent years in the old Public Safety Building near City Hall.

First, Mayor Levar M. Stoney joined Commonwealth Catholic Charities in its unsuccessful effort to relocate homeless services into the up-and-coming Manchester neighborhood. Then, facing a deadline to get the shelter open, the shelter was located in a hard-to-reach building in Shockoe Valley across from the Richmond Justice Center.

Ms. Robertson said that she and the neighboring Eastview community were never consulted ahead of the decision to use the Annie Giles Community Resource Center, formerly the Conrad Center.

Both the CCC service center that failed and the current space for the city’s overflow homeless shelter are in her district. She said she got an earful from constituents who feel their neighborhoods are taking the brunt of the problem. They want other areas of the city to pitch in.

In her view, the city needs to take a leadership role in developing a holistic approach to services for those who lack shelter, rather than leaving it to the nonprofits that seek to provide individuals with a temporary place to sleep, with medical and dental care, with counseling and with help in finding work and a permanent place to live.

New City Council chief of staff?

Richmond City Council soon could be looking for a new chief of staff.

Lou Brown Ali, who has held the post since 2011, may be on her way out.

Asked Tuesday, she confirmed that she might be resigning, “but I’ll learn more about that later.”

Ms. Ali reportedly has sent a resignation

email to the council.

City Council is scheduled to hold a closed session next Monday, Dec. 17, to consider Ms. Ali’s employment.

Ms. Ali, who earlier served as city clerk, was appointed chief of staff to succeed Daisy Weaver, who retired. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

VSU accredited for 10 years by SACS Virginia State University, despite shrinking enrollment, has secured reaccreditation for a full 10 years, it was announced Tuesday.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools reaffirmed VSU’s accreditation at its annual meeting Tuesday in New Orleans after finding the university complied with all of its standards.

The decision came three years after VSU spent a year on SACS’ warning list.

“Accreditation is a very important confirmation of a university’s academic stature and quality of academic programs and student services,” VSU President Makola M. Abdullah stated in reporting the good news.

“This affirmation speaks volumes of the dedication of our board, adminis-

Dr. Abdullah

tration, faculty and staff in providing our students with a quality education,“ he continued.

Dr. Abdullah also praising Provost Donald E. Palm III, and Vice Provost Tia Minnis for leading the

accreditation effort.

He stated that a significant part of VSU’s 10-year accreditation process involved SACS’ review and approval of the school’s new initiative known as BOLT, or Becoming Outstanding Leaders of Tomorrow. To be implemented next fall, BOLT is designed to equip undergraduates with leadership skills and experiences, Dr.

Abdullah stated.

Even with the high marks from SACS, VSU is struggling to attract students as it reported enrolling this fall the fewest number of students in 18 years.

The school reported to the State Council of Higher Education a 2018 fall enrollment of 3,996 undergraduates and 389 graduate students.

The total fall enrollment of 4,385 students represented a 7 percent drop from 2017 when VSU reported enrolling 4,713 undergraduate and graduate students and the smallest total enrollment since 2000 when 4,353 students signed up for classes.

The school’s enrollment peaked at 6,208 in 2012 and has fallen steadily since. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

Richmond Free Press

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Richmond Free Press

A4 December 13-15, 2018

News

‘March for More’ seeking increased funding for public education Continued from A1

March For Our Lives rally last spring against gun violence following the school massacre in Parkland, Fla. That rally also stepped off from Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, with marchers making the 1.2 mile trek to the State Capitol.

“I have lost multiple students to gun violence, including one last weekend,” RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras said, “and yet I have a social worker that has 1,000 students on her caseload.”

Mr. Kamras was joined Saturday by other high-profile supporters, including Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney, members of the Richmond, Henrico and Lynchburg school boards and 4th District Congressman A. Donald McEachin, with 7th District Congresswomanelect Abigail Spanberger sending her regards from Washington.

“We cannot expect our children to learn and lead when they are forced to study in buildings that are dilapidated and obsolete,” Mr. McEachin said, pledging to advocate for more funding on the state and federal levels.

Mr. Kamras noted that a 9 percent decrease in public education funding statewide since 2008 has come as Virginia’s student population has grown by 5 percent, leaving schools underfunded and teachers and staff overwhelmed in a state that ranks 33rd nationally in teacher pay.

“We’re closing out the second decade of the 21st century, and we’re running our schools on tech from the end of the 20th century. Is that right?”

Mr. Kamras asked the rally participants.

“No!” came the booming answer from the crowd.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

“I want you to be in their face each and every day when the General Assembly is there,” Mayor Stoney told the crowd as the trek to the Capitol was about to begin. “I want them to hear Virginia! I want them to hear Richmond!”

The crowd, led to Capitol Square by the RPS All City Band, was energized and motivated even in the chilly December air. People carried a wide variety of signs: “Commit to Kids,” “Money for Education, Not a Coliseum,” “Boost the Budget,” “Fund Our Future” and “Knowledge is Power.”

The signs spoke to the diversity of those assembled, from Virginia Educators United, the Justice and Reformation for Marcus-David Peters Movement, the Richmond Branch NAACP and other groups.

Richmond schools Superintendent Jason Kamras addresses the marchers from the steps of the State Capitol last Saturday. Among those on the podium with him are, from left, Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney, who led the March for More effort, 4th District Congressman A. Donald McEachin and Shadae Thomas Harris, chief engagement officer for Richmond Public Schools.

As part of its legislative package, the Richmond City Council unanimously approved in October a resolution requesting increased funding for public education from the state during the 2019 General Assembly session.

“Virginia is a great state, and we can and we will do better,” Richmond City Council President Chris Hilbert, 3rd District, told the crowd. “But you know when that will happen? When we demand better,” he said. “We’re not going to cut our way to educational excellence.”

Attending the rally with Mr. Hilbert were council Vice President Cynthia I. Newbille, 7th District, and Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson, 6th District.

Mr. Kamras and Rodney Robinson of Richmond noted that the lack of increased state sup-

port for public education stands in sharp contrast to the millions in state funding being spent on the construction of a new General Assembly Building underway at 9th and Broad Street and to attract Amazon’s second headquarters to Northern Virginia.

Both projects have been celebrated by state figures and politicians, including Gov. Ralph S. Northam and former Gov. Terry McAuliffe.

The irony wasn’t lost on those attending the rally, as Mr. Robinson lambasted the state’s priorities in focusing their economic resources on “the world’s richest man, (Amazon founder, chairman and CEO) Jeff Bezos” while neglecting the state’s crumbling education infrastructure.

“No student should be forced to learn in these conditions,” said Mr. Robinson, who was recently named Virginia’s Teacher of the Year for his work with teens at the Virgie Binford Education Center in the Richmond Juvenile Detention Center.

He said the failure of state legislators to approve more education funding would be remembered on Election Day 2019, when all 140 seats in the Virginia General Assembly will be up for election.

“We will boot you out of office because our kids deserve better!” he said to cheers.

Although Mayor Stoney and Mr. Kamras have been warned by area lawmakers that a significiant increase in funding was unlikely, Richmond Delegates Delores McQuinn and Jeff Bourne and Delegate Schuyler VanValkenburg of Henrico County, D-Henrico attended Saturday to show their support for Richmond’s goals.

Another rally led by teachers is planned for Jan. 28.

Questions, opposition to $1.4B Coliseum development plan Continued from A1

kind of vision in the Stoney/Farrell development plan.

Instead, he said he was disappointed after carefully reviewing the figures in the expensive study Mayor Stoney is relying on to sell the project. Mr. Griffin now is publicly challenging the project through a critical Facebook site he created, Citizens of Richmond Against the Dominion Coliseum.

According to Mr. Griffin, the mayor’s numbers do not stack up. He points out that Mayor Stoney’s own study undercuts the mayor’s claim that the project over 30 years would generate $1.2 billion in new taxes for the city above the cost of the new arena and other public elements.

According to the city, $350 million is to be borrowed, with repayment over 30 years to run an estimated $620 million in principal and interest. That amount would be less if the loan is paid off faster.

The mayor has said the project would generate $1.7 billion in new city taxes over 30 years, with at least $1.2 billion left for the city to use after the arena is paid off.

Instead, Mr. Griffin found the study by Hunden Strategic Partners of Chicago projects the 30-year creation of just $283.5 million in new tax revenue over and above the cost of the new arena — or as Mr. Griffin noted, “about a billion less than Mayor Stoney is saying.”

The Hunden study suggests the project would generate $9.4 million to $15.6 million in new revenue for the city, compared to the glowing $40 million a year average the mayor is promoting, Mr. Griffin said.

In his view, “the rhetoric coming from the mayor’s office is deceptive if it is on purpose, or it just shows a lack of understanding if it is not,” he said.

The mayor can only get to his number, Mr. Griffin said, by taking tax dollars that would have gone to the city anyway and redirecting those taxes to the arena project.

He said that is like “buying a Tesla when you haven’t taken care of your food and shelter needs.”

Mr. Griffin noted that the Hunden study paints the rosiest scenario it can to justify the project in putting out those figures, which he said are not supported with any explanations.

He cites the company’s directory that shows Hunden employs marketers and does not list any accountants or economists on its staff. By contrast, Mr. Griffin is a University of Tennessee

Letter offers insight into VUU problems Continued from A1

independence.

The letter states that Dr. Walker had not received permission from Dr. Lucas to fill the “six critical administrative posts” that are vacant, out of a total of 12 positions, because of a hiring freeze.

The letter also claims that Dr. Lucas has downgraded the dean position by requiring Dr. Walker to report to the provost rather than reporting directly to the president.

In addition, the letter alleges that Dr. Lucas has shifted use of $1 million that the theology school received from the Lilly Foundation last year to other purposes.

VUU was among 24 seminaries and institutions awarded a grant through the foundation’s “Thriving in Ministry Initiative” in December 2017. The grant was aimed at enabling VUU’s seminary to link young pastors with experienced clergy who could serve as role models, mentors and guides through the challenges in community ministry.

In addition, the letter alleges that VUU has created financial hardships for its students by withholding part of the federal financial aid those students counted on to pay for food and housing.

According to the letter, VUU waited until the end of November to issue only half of the amount the federal student loans and grants provided for room and board to undergraduates, but has yet to distribute such funds to the majority of graduate students.

The undergraduates are to receive the remaining money when classes resume after the winter break, but graduate students remain uncertain about their money, the letter states.

The letter also alleges that Dr. Lucas has weakened VUU’s academic standing by replacing full-time faculty with terminal degrees with less qualified adjunct faculty.

As a result, the letter calls for a board investigation “regarding these critical issues that impact … our institution.”

VUU officials have not yet responded to a request for comment.

graduate in accounting, with a minor in economics.

“If one of my clients brought me a business plan like this, I would have to tell them that we have a lot more work to do,” Mr. Griffin said.

He is not alone in suggesting that the figures don’t add up.

Developers who have spoken with the Free Press have noted that the Hunden study would require at least 30 new restaurants to fill up much of the planned retail space — a huge number for this area and an unresolved question about the project.

Others have pointed out that Hunden is projecting a faster rental of projected new office space than has previously occurred in the Downtown, where 10 percent vacancy has been the norm.

They also point out that Hunden is painting a rosy picture of apartment demand with the study’s assumption that filling the 2,900 new apartments would go smoothly and avoid any competitive problems with the wave of apartments being created in South Side, Scott’s Addition and other parts of the city.

Questions also are being raised about Hunden’s projections that the new arena would host 91 events a year, up to four times the average for other major arenas in Virginia, and would generate annual attendance of nearly 800,000 people a year, as much as triple the numbers for similar large arenas in North Carolina and Virginia.

However, unlike Mr. Griffin, such experts in commercial development are only willing to talk without being named to

avoid tangling with Mayor Stoney and Mr. Farrell.

Mr. Griffin is not keeping mum. Having decided to stay in the city after earning his law degree at the University of Richmond, Mr. Griffin sees the project as “diverting time, energy and resources away from our young people.”

He said his review of the numbers suggests that the project “is a financially irresponsible gamble, a get-rich scheme like so many of the previous projects. We are gambling guaranteed revenue on hopes that things will go well, rather that putting our money towards what should be our No. 1 priority, fixing the schools.”

As he expressed in a Facebook post, for too long, “the leadership of Richmond has suffered from misplaced priorities. … Instead of prioritizing fixing core services, the mayors of Richmond focus on huge projects to make themselves a legacy.

“While the city focuses on mega-deals that ultimately always fail, our schools have the lowest graduation rate in the state and they operate in buildings that are falling apart. On top of that, we have terribly maintained roads and a City Hall that is run inefficiently,” he continued.

He argued that a new coliseum “will not raise the graduation rate by a single point. It will not help a single kid learn to read.

It will not prepare one more kid for the working world.”

Building a new coliseum, he wrote, would result in “leaving behind yet another generation of young people … It is disgusting.

It is immoral. It is wrong for Richmond. That is why I care.”

Councilman Agelasto out of the woods?

Continued from A1

voters who move away from the address at which they are registered (to) remain qualified voters of their former precinct for as long as two federal elections under certain circumstances.”

As a result, state law bars her from considering Mr. Agelasto’s case as long as it is based on his move from one precinct to another.

The Richmond Electoral Board already had determined that it lacked authority and had left the matter in the hands of the registrar.

Ms. Showalter indicated the General Assembly likely would need to consider changes to the language of state law or the City Charter to clarify the issue of residency when it comes to an elected official.

Michael G. Brown, a 5th District resident and former head of the state Board of Elections who filed a complaint with Ms. Showalter’s office about Mr. Agelasto’s move, expressed disappointment.

He said he is unlikely to pursue the only other avenue he believes is available

to resolve the issue, which is to secure the signatures of 1,200 district voters, or 10 percent of those who cast ballots in the district in 2016, and take the issue to court.

Separately, City Council has found it can bypass the issue based on advice that City Attorney Allen L. Jackson provided to City Council President Chris A. Hilbert on Nov. 21 and which Mr. Hilbert then distributed to members of the council.

The Free Press obtained a copy despite Mr. Hilbert’s denial on Dec. 3 that he had received an opinion from Mr. Jackson.

Mr. Jackson wrote that the “qualification of an individual to continue to hold elected office in city government does not present a legal matter for the City Council.”

He cited a sentence from a May 2014 Virginia attorney general’s opinion to explain that view: “[t]here is a presumption that a domicile once acquired subsists until a change is proved, and the burden of proving the change is on the party alleging it.”

As a result of that opinion, Mr. Hilbert has advised his council colleagues that the issue of Mr. Agelasto’s service could be left

to parties outside of city government.

That eases problems for the council, which largely has ignored residency issues involving two other City Council members, Council Vice President Cynthia I. Newbille, 7th District, and Michael J. Jones, 9th District.

Dr. Newbille publicly lists her residence as a rented property in Church Hill, but is said to live with her husband in Eastern Henrico. Despite whispers, she has not faced any public challenges concerning her residence.

Dr. Jones also has claimed his residence as a leased apartment in the 9th District, although he is said to spend significant time at a home he is said to own in Chesterfield County.

The founding pastor of a church that has sanctuaries in Henrico and Chesterfield counties, Dr. Jones overcame a residency challenge in 2016 when he ran for office and has not faced any questions since. At the time, he showed his apartment lease to State Police officers who were asked to investigate his residency, and that was sufficient for the agency to drop the case.

Highland Springs win fourth straight title Continued from A1

the “Best of the Best.”

“It’s a tremendous feat,” Coach Johnson said in his postgame news conference.

“This puts us in the same conversation with the Mike Smiths (Hampton High’s coach) and Billy Dees (Phoebus High’s coach.)”

The Springers finished the season 15-0 and are 57-3 during their four-year, magic carpet ride, having gone 14-1 each of the past three seasons.

Despite being set to lose 28 seniors from this year’s powerhouse team, don’t underestimate Highland Springs in 2019.

Reinforcements are on the way.

The Springers’ junior varsity team went undefeated this fall for the fourth straight year. Also, the Springers’ continued success has helped make Highland Springs a preferred destination for transfers.

Success on such a high level is an unending process.

“When we get on that bus, the depth chart will start” for 2019, Coach Johnson said.

“Preparation will start immediately.”

There were stars aplenty in the Saturday’s championship.

Quarterback D’Vonte Waller completed 16 of 27 passes for 277 yards and two touchdowns. Tremayne Talbert made five receptions for 132 yards, including a 39yard touchdown catch to get the scoring started.

Antwane Wells added five catches for 94 yards. Ahmad Foster-Powell was the team’s leading rusher with 84 yards on nine carries.

Until the recent stardom, the Springers’ only state title came in 1961, prior to the start of VHSL playoffs. Until 1970, state championships were voted on by sports writers, VHSL officials and news agencies.

Based in Charlottesville, the VHSL has been keeping statewide football records since 1920, when Newport News High School was named champ.

In nearly a century, no school has ever won five titles in succession. Highland Springs is on the threshold of history.

All that’s missing is “one for the thumb.”

• The Springers weren’t the only Richmond area team to bask in the glow of a state championship.

Joining Highland Springs High in the victory lane is Chesterfield County’s Manchester High School.

Finishing the season 15-0, the Lancers routed Freedom High School of Woodbridge 49-7 in the state 6A finals at Hampton University to win its first state crown in school history.

Manchester tied the VHSL record for the most points (819) in a season — 819 — to match Hampton High School’s 1996 tally.

Manchester Coach Tom Hall is now in his 20th season.

The Lancers’ key players include quarterback Brendon Clark, who has signed with the University of Notre Dame; offensive lineman Will Pritchard, who is heading to Virginia Tech; and defensive lineman Hakeem Beamon, who is going to Penn State University.

Richmond Free Press

December 13-15, 2018

A5

News Holiday surprise

Tears flow as Tyler Perry pays off layaway bills for 1,500 people in Atlanta Free Press wire reports

Entertainment mogul Tyler Perry knows how to wish his Atlanta neighbors a Merry Christmas — the filmmaker paid off all the customers’ items held on layaway at two local Walmart stores.

Mr. Perry, 49, announced the holiday layaway-giveaway on Instagram on Thursday, Dec. 6. He reportedly paid a total of $434,000 to free the customers’ layaway items that had been held with a deposit. Then he said, “pick ’em up.”

“If you have a layaway at either place and it was in there as of 9:30 this morning, then I have paid for all of your layaways for Christmas. So Merry Christmas,” a grinning Mr. Perry said in a video message.

“I know it’s hard times and a lot of people are struggling,” Mr. Perry explained in the video. “I’m just really, really grateful to be able to be in a situation to do this. So God bless you.

Go get your stuff.”

Tears were flowing throughout the stores as people realized what he had done.

“My mom didn’t know how she was going to pay because of the bills and she was going to have to take out a loan,” one child told an Atlanta television station. “She started to cry and

so did I because we were so thankful.”

The multitalented actorproducer-director-writer said in the social media post that he tried to make the payments anonymously. “But you know how nothing stays secret these days, so I’m just going to go on and tell you,” he said.

LeMia Jenkins, a spokesperson for Walmart, told People.com that Mr. Perry’s beneficent act paid for items for 1,500 people.

“Tyler Perry’s generous Mr. Perry donation is making an unbelievable difference for so many families, and we can’t thank him enough for his kindness,” Ms. Jenkins said in a statement. “The heartfelt excitement and joy we’re seeing from our customers as a result of his holiday gift has been touching.”

After news broke about Mr. Perry’s kind act, other stars

sought to secure a spot on Santa’s “nice” list by doing a good deed this holiday season.

Following Mr. Perry’s lead, singer Kid Rock, 47, said he would pay off the layaway items of hundreds of Walmart customers in Tennessee.

Store manager Tom Meyer told The Tennessean newspaper in Nashville that Kid Rock spent $81,000 to pay the balances of 350 customer accounts at a local Walmart store. Mr. Meyer called it a “pretty Nashville proud moment.”

“Great idea!” Kid Rock said on Twitter in a nod to Mr. Perry.

Conservative national radio talk show host Glenn Beck told listeners on Monday that he was so “inspired” by Mr. Perry that he and his family stopped by a Walmart outside Dallas to settle customers’ accounts before heading to a Christmas party last Saturday at their church. The Beck family ended up staying in the Walmart for two hours.

Mr. Beck, 54, said on his show that his children agreed to “forego big Christmas gifts” this year to spread holiday cheer to others.

A Walmart spokesperson said Mr. Beck spent about $27,000.

He also challenged other media personalities to do the same.

Gov. Northam announces plan to boost education spending Free Press wire, staff report

Just days after a major march in Richmond calling for more state dollars for public education, Gov. Ralph S. Northam announced Tuesday that his next proposed budget will include $268.7 million in additional school funding, including increased spending for new school construction, at-risk students and money to boost teachers’ pay.

Gov. Northam said higher than expected state revenues mean Virginia can afford to raise teacher salaries by 5 percent next year, up from an already approved 3 percent pay raise that is scheduled to take effect July 1.

The boost from 3 percent to 5 percent would cost the state $88 million.

The governor said Virginia is lagging behind the national average for teacher pay by about $9,000 a year and is paying for it with high teacher turnover.

“Virginia has slipped in its ability to compete for teaching talent,” said Gov. Northam,

a Democrat. He said the proposed new school construction. The governor pay increase would be the single said the $80 million would cover all largest pay boost for teachers in active requests on the state Literary 15 years.

Fund loan’s priority waiting list, but Virginia splits education spendthat the list hasn’t been updated since ing with local governments, whose 2013 and some of the projects have share of total costs has increased been completed. It represents only a since the Great Recession in 2008. portion of school construction needs The state’s per student funding has across the state.

Gov. Northam dropped by 9 percent between fiscal Gov. Northam said he also wants 2009 and 2019 when adjusted for inflation, to increase the state’s rainy day fund by several according to the Commonwealth Institute for hundred million dollars by the end of his term Fiscal Analysis. in 2022.

Gov. Northam also is proposing increased The governor plans to pay for his proposal spending for at-risk students by $35 million a through increased revenues from a variety of year. The supplements to school systems would sources, including higher-than-anticipated lotbe based on the number of students receiving tery proceeds and a U.S. Supreme Court ruling free or reduced lunch and can be used to add that broadened the state’s ability to tax online guidance counselors, fund dropout prevention, purchases. The Northam administration also reading or English language programs or to add is counting on a significant windfall from last truancy officers. year’s federal tax overhaul, which could lead His budget also will include $80 million for to Virginians taking fewer deductions on their the state fund that provides low-interest loans forT:11”state income taxes.

Gov. Northam will introduce his full budget plan next week and it’s almost certain to undergo significant changes by the Republican-held General Assembly next year. Republicans have already criticized Northam’s plan to extend tax credits for families making about $50,000 or less, saying it unfairly penalizes middle class taxpayers.

Education officials, including the Virginia Education Association, hailed the governor’s proposal as a good starting point to address what they say are urgent problems in education funding.

GOP Delegate Chris Jones of Suffolk, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said education funding has been a priority for House Republicans and they are “glad to see the governor building” on previously enacted pay raises.

“However, we have to remember this is just one piece of the broader package that we will consider as we put together our proposals,” Delegate Jones said.

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Richmond Free Press

A6 December 13-15, 2018

News

Jury recommends neo-Nazi spend life behind bars for death at Charlottesville rally Free Press wire report

A Charlottesville jury says the man who killed 32-year-old paralegal Heather Heyer and injured nearly 40 other people with his car during a neo-Nazi rally last year should spend the rest of his life in prison.

James A. Fields Jr., 21, an avowed neo-Nazi, drove his car into a group of counterprotesters during a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville on Aug. 12, 2017.

After deliberating for about four hours over two days, the jury found him guilty Friday, Dec. 7, of first degree murder in Ms. Heyer’s death and convicted him of nine other charges, including aggravated malicious wounding and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

On Tuesday, the jury recommended he serve life in prison, plus 419 years, and pay $480,000 in fines.

“In the end, the hands of justice say that he needs to be kept away from society for a while, and I’m content with that,” Susan Bro, Ms. Heyer’s mother, told reporters at a news conference outside the court on Tuesday.

Charlottesville Circuit Court Judge Richard Moore set March 29 for sentencing.

In Virginia, juries recommend sentences, which often are imposed by judges. However, under state law, judges can impose less time than recommended, but not more.

Mr. Fields faces a second trial on federal hate crime charges,

Steve Helber/Associated Press

Susan Bro, mother of 32-year-old paralegal Heather Heyer, hugs her husband, Kent Bro, on the steps of the Charlottesville courthouse Tuesday after a jury recommended that the avowed neo-Nazi who killed her daughter in August 2017 spend the rest of his life in prison.

In this photo from Aug. 12, 2017, newspaper photographer Ryan M. Kelly captures the moment when driver, above, James A. Fields Jr. plows into the crowd of counterprotesters during a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville.

Ryan M. Kelly/The Daily Progress/Associated Press

which could result in the death penalty.

Mr. Fields traveled from his home in Maumee, Ohio, to attend the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, which was organized in part to protest the removal of a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. He then consciously sped down a narrow street in Charlottesville’s downtown in his Dodge Challenger, running over and flipping into the air many of the counterprotesters who were headed home after the rally was broken up by police.

On Monday, the jury heard emotional testimony from Ms. Bro and from several people who suffered severe injuries. Ms. Bro told the jury that she does not hate Mr. Fields. She likened the trauma she and her family members have suffered in the 15 months that followed the attack to surviving “an explosion” that has forever changed their lives.

“Heather was full of love, justice and fairness,” she said. “Mr. Fields tried to silence her. ... I refuse to let him.”

On Monday, Mr. Fields’ lawyers raised questions about how his mental health factored into his decision-making that fateful day.

During the trial, the defendant’s attorney, John Hill, argued that Mr. Ms. Heyer Fields panicked and was scared when he drove his car into the crowd after hours of violent fights had broken out in the streets between rally attendees and counterprotesters.

Mr. Hill told jurors that his client “feared for his safety,” and at one point was remorseful that people had gotten injured.

Prosecutors, however, argued that Mr. Fields was angry that day over the fighting taking place between the two sides. Prosecutor Nina-Alice Antony pointed out that the defendant twice posted on Instagram before the rally an image of a group of people getting struck by a car.

“This case is about his decision to act on that anger,” Ms. Antony said.

Prosecutors also played surveillance video showing Mr. Fields driving his car slowly toward the group, reversing and then speeding into them.

A psychologist testifying for the defense said Mr. Fields has a long history of mental health issues, including bipolar disorder.

After the jury recommended its sentence, Ms. Bro stood on the steps of the Charlottesville courthouse. With a shaky but clear voice, she pleaded for help in addressing hate and supporting social justice. She also said she plans to attend Mr. Fields’ upcoming federal hate crimes trial.

“The larger issue is, what do we do with hate in this country,” Ms. Bro asked. “If you make the choice (to hate), expect to deal with the consequences.”

She said the Heather Heyer Foundation, set up in her daughter’s memory, plans to award about 10 scholarships this year to college students pursuing social work or other degrees.

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Richmond Free Press

December 13-15, 2018

You can defend yourself against viruses.

Every year, your friends and neighbors lose time at work, time at school, time with their families and money at the doctor’s office thanks to the flu, pneumonia and other viruses. Why put yourself and others at risk? Get vaccinated at VCU Health.

The Flu

Influenza — one of the most contagious illnesses known to man — is caused by viruses in the nose, throat and lungs. A person with the flu typically spreads the disease through coughing and sneezing.

Common symptoms: • Sudden fever • Headache • Cough • Sore throat • Body aches • Fatigue

Pneumonia

Preventative care: • Get a flu shot • Wash your hands frequently • Cough and sneeze into your elbow and not your hands • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

Pneumonia is among the leading causes of death in Virginia. It inflames the lungs, which may fill up with liquid.

Causes: • Bacteria • Viruses • Infections • Inhaling various chemicals

Preventative care: • Get a pneumonia shot • Wash your hands frequently • Don’t smoke • Be aware of your general health

Common symptoms: • Cough (green, yellow or bloody mucus) • Fever • Shaking chills

Shingles Caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, shingles leaves painful rashes and blisters on the patient’s skin. About one of out of every three people will develop shingles in their lifetime, and doctors recommend shingles vaccines for those 50 and older.

1:3 Symptoms: • A painful rash and blisters on one side of the face or body • Fever • Headache • Chills • Upset stomach

Community Immunity When enough people in an area get vaccinated, germs and viruses can’t travel as easily from person to person. The more people in a community who are vaccinated, the less likely a disease, virus or infection is to strike that community.

And now that it’s virus season — come to VCU Health and get your family vaccinated today!

To set up an appointment to get vaccinated, call 804-828-7929. © 2018 VCU Health. All rights reserved. Sources: American Lung Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Virginia Department of Health; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

A7

Richmond Free Press

Fall meets winter in the West End

Editorial Page

A8

December 13-15, 2018

Richmond Coliseum redux The more we learn about the proposed Coliseum development in Downtown, the more we don’t like it.

We are skeptical about the figures and arguments trotted out to convince City Council and Richmond residents to support the $1.4 billion plan. And we question the assumptions used by project proponents, led by Dominion Energy CEO Thomas F. “Tom” Farrell II, and backed by Mayor Levar M. Stoney, in claiming it will be a success.

For example, project backers claim Richmond needs a new 17,500-seat coliseum to attract major acts and to stop the current 47-year-old arena’s yearly $1 million drain on taxpayers.

But as Free Press staff writer Jeremy M. Lazarus reported in the Nov. 29-Dec. 1 edition, a study by the city’s consultants, Hunden Strategic Partners, found that the Richmond Coliseum averaged more events per year than Virginia’s four other indoor arenas combined from 2013 to 2018. The Coliseum also hosted more events than larger arenas in Greensboro and Raleigh, N.C. So why does Richmond need a new Coliseum? Why wouldn’t a less expensive renovation or makeover be adequate, particularly in this time of tight money? Why tear it down and start over?

When it comes to the Coliseum plan, proponents claim the development of a new arena, a new convention center hotel, office buildings, restaurants, 2,500 new housing units and renovation of the Blues Armory into a food market and entertainment venue will create thousands of construction jobs, 9,000 permanent jobs after construction and generate $1.7 billion in new tax revenue for the city.

We remind our readers that these are only projections with flimsy underpinnings by consultants and others hired to make the project look appealing. What if the project doesn’t proceed at a pace expected? What if inflation and costs are higher than anticipated? What if the economy isn’t as robust as what these numbers are based on? Will the resulting jobs and tax revenue be as rosy as proponents state?

Richmonders are experiencing firsthand what happens when a project is oversold. Just look at the bill of goods sold to the City Council and Richmond residents with the Washington NFL team training camp on West Leigh Street. Earlier this year, city taxpayers learned that we are stuck with an $11.25 million bill to pay off the debt on the 6-year-old building over 15 years.

Why? Because the training camp, including the building that is partially occupied by Bon Secours medical offices, is failing to generate enough revenue to pay for operations and to pay off the $8.85 million the city advanced in 2012 to develop it.

Imagine what could happen with the $1.4 billion Coliseum development despite all the promises and glowing projections.

Outsiders examining the stated numbers say the project will generate an average of only $9.4 million in new tax revenue annually over 30 years for the city, not the average of $40 million a year that the mayor has touted. That’s a major discrepancy.

Unfortunately, proponents also are using certain AfricanAmerican community leaders, including Virginia Union University President Hakim J. Lucas, Virginia State University President Makola M. Abdullah and Richmond NAACP President James “J.J.” Minor III, to parrot the arguments they have put forward — that private financing will be used for the development; that the developers will receive no special tax breaks or incentives; that private investors will take the hit if something goes wrong; that the project is committed to investing $300 million with minority-owned businesses; and that the project will contain 680 units of affordable housing.

“Affordable housing?” some Richmonders have asked. “Affordable for whom? What exactly does affordable mean?”

We believe the public has a right to know roughly what Mr. Farrell and Mayor Stoney mean by “affordable housing.”

Roughly how much would rents in the redeveloped area be each month? And what tenants would get those places?

Virginia Commonwealth University students? Medical and dental students living Downtown? People from public housing? Low-wage workers? Who would benefit from the label “affordable housing?”

We also are quite uncomfortable with Mayor Stoney’s resistance to City Council creating a commission or bringing in experts to review the plans. And we don’t like Dr. Lucas, Dr. Abdullah and others stating that any review by City Council and residents must be done quickly to avoid any additional costs added by fluctuating markets, steel prices and other uncertainties.

This is a $1.4 billion arrangement in which the City of Richmond would be handing over the vision, leadership and development rights of a major swath of Downtown to a private entity — Mr. Farrell’s Navy Hill Foundation and its for-profit arm, Navy Hill District Corp. The plan should be thoroughly examined by the concerned residents of Richmond and the City Council, regardless of Mr. Farrell’s and Mayor Stoney’s time schedule.

What we find most troubling about the project is that any new real estate tax money generated within an 80-block area in Downtown, which would include the new development, would go at least for the next 18 years to pay for the new, larger Coliseum, rather than being put in city general fund coffers to pay for education, school construction, police and fire services and infrastructure repair and improvement.

That, we believe, is a major drawback. It shortchanges the significant and urgent needs of Richmond’s 24,000 public schoolchildren and puts on the backburner what should be the city’s No. 1 mission — to improve or replace the dozens of decrepit school buildings and to boost the educational quality of Richmond Public Schools.

We believe an improved public school system is essential to the success and future prospects of our Richmond Public Schools students. An improved RPS also will draw new businesses, residents and investment into our city.

City officials must be honest with the taxpayers about what the priorities are in Richmond — schools or a plan that certainly will enrich private interests.

Downtown development should not be about what is best for Mr. Farrell and his friends, but what is best for the city and its residents, including its schoolchildren, while analyzing all of the city’s needs.

It is said that change without insight, consideration and introspection is just chaotic movement. Richmond cannot afford any more chaos.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Where is the white church?

In 2019, we will commemorate 400 years since the first 20 enslaved people were transported by ship from Africa by white slave traders and landed in Jamestown, Va. Now, four centuries later, race remains a central dividing line. For example, the racial wealth gap exposes a stark difference. The median wealth of white households (median means half are above and half below) is $134,430, or 12 times greater than that of black households at $11,030.

This is virtually all about equity in a home, the leading source of middle-income wealth.

African-Americans still suffer from de facto segregation after years of being redlined from decent neighborhoods. In the financial collapse, AfricanAmerican households suffered the most. Black unemployment rose twice as much as white unemployment in the Great Recession of 2008.

Middle class black families, lacking inherited wealth, were targeted for the most aggressive and leveraged home loans. When the bust came, they were the most at risk and suffered the greatest loss of homes.

The wealth gap is not erased by education, by full-time

employment or by getting the right occupation. The typical black family with a head of household working full time has less wealth than a white family whose head of household is unemployed. Median wealth for a black family whose head has a college degree is about ⅛

Jesse L. Jackson Sr. that of a median white family similarly educated.

African-Americans constantly are told to pull themselves up by their bootstraps. In the black church, for example, ministers repeatedly preach the need for discipline, self-reliance, faith and hard work. Yet even those who succeed still remain behind.

The divide has deep historical roots: 246 years of chattel slavery (1619-1865); only 12 years of Reconstruction (18651877); 19 years of Black Codes, KKK and white citizen council violence (1877-1896); 58 years of legal apartheid with nearly 5,000 African-Americans lynched; and, even since the 1954 Brown decision, ongoing racial discrimination.

The nation is facing many morally relevant social, economic and political crises — voter suppression, income and wealth inequality, criminal justice reform and climate change — that now pose an existential threat to the next generation. Why does the white church remain so silent

in the face of these mounting crises and denial of justice and opportunity?

In Birmingham, Ala., in 1963, with dogs biting children, highpressure fire hoses knocking down peaceful protesters, bombers blowing up churches and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in jail, many white church leaders chose to attack Dr. King’s nonviolent methodology rather than to fight for a non-discriminatory Public Accommodations Act. One would have thought when the four little girls were killed in the bombing of the16th Street Baptist Church that white churches would have at least held prayer services or services of reconciliation. Instead, most attacked Dr. King as an outside agitator, as if he had set the bombs.

Recently in Alabama, I witnessed a stark contrast. One extreme was the excitement in anticipation of the SEC championship football game between the University of Georgia and the University of Alabama. When a young African-American athlete, Jalen Hurts, replaced an injured Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback, every Alabamian of every political persuasion, right, left and center, was pulling for him.

With Hurts’ remarkable display of skill, Alabama won the game. He not only won the game, he arguably beat (late Alabama governor and segregationist) George Wallace and the legislators who earlier locked black people out of the

Hope and change Do you remember how much we looked forward to hope and change when President Obama was running for office?

As I talk with people daily, they long for those days and wish the former president and his wife, Michelle Obama, could return to the White House. Some even wish they could return with Mrs. Obama as president.

But let’s be real: I doubt that the Obamas would want to return after all they had to endure. They’ve given us as much hope and change as we should expect of them. Now, we must find our hope and change someplace else.

In an email conversation with my good friend Frank Watkins, he was clear in showing us where we might find a bit of hope and change. But it won’t come from the White House anytime soon.

And it won’t be before January, when the Democratic Party takes over the U.S. House of Representatives and will be able to stop some of the craziness we’re having to endure.

Some of the things Frank said: “Republicans want policies and programs that they argue will stimulate the economy from the top down — supply-side economics — and by spending lavishly on the military to

provide national security. They want to give tax cuts to the rich and corporations. Eighty-two percent of their tax cuts in the 115th Congress went to the top 1 percent and 63 percent went to the top 0.01 percent, with the idea that jobs and income will trickle down to the middle class, working Americans and the poor. Republicans want to reduce spending (except for the

Dr. E. Faye Williams military) and government at all levels (except when it comes to controlling a woman’s body and choice) and/or destroy (e.g., Steve Bannon) the Administrative Accounts (MSA) for health care; vouchers for private and parochial schools; gradually eliminating all public and subsidized housing and privatizing it, beginning with Section 8 housing; privatizing retirement accounts through Wall Street investments; contractors — i.e., there were more private contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan than U.S. military personnel. These priorities have always resulted in increased budget deficits and an expansion of the national debt.”

On the other hand, we look forward to the hope and change the Democrats can and should bring to us. “That should include policies and programs that stimulate the economy from the bottom up,” Frank Watkins said. “Democrats (should) want

investment in the present and the future based on everyone and all businesses and financial institutions paying their fair share of taxes so the nation can make investments in jobs and job training, education, infrastructure, health care, housing, inner city public transportation, modernization of all forms of rail transportation, modernization of airports and air travel, a significant raise in the minimum wage ($15 per hour and indexed to future inflation), voting rights, voter education and voter participation, investments in the environment in the form of clean ups and renewable energy, investments in science, technology, space exploration and more.

The result would be economic stimulation and more balanced growth that would create good paying jobs both now and in the future and would result in added tax revenues so we can increase investments in popular government programs (e.g., Social Security and Medicare) and services, all of which would reduce dependency on many government ‘welfare’ programs (e.g., unemployment compensation, food stamps) and a faster reduction in the nation’s budget deficits and national debt.”

If the Democrats do the above, with the help of a few others, we’ll get back a measure of the hope and change we knew before Nov. 6, 2016.

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

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.

University of Alabama. He beat Bull Connor who unleashed the dogs on demonstrators and the KKK on Freedom Riders. He beat the KKK bombers who watched as the church was decimated and four little girls were murdered.

The other extreme was witnessed in Hoover, Ala., where E.J. Bradford was shot in the back by a policeman. That police officer is still on the payroll.

The patterns and prejudices of the old South are hard to overcome. Here once more, the white church has the opportunity and the responsibility to stand up, to serve as a Christian witness.

White voices of moral authority and inclusive leadership are needed now as much or more than ever. That is why the silence seems so deafening.

The writer is founder and president of the National Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

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December 13-15, 2018

A9

Letters to the Editor

Why Baugh should go to church Re Letters to the Editor, “Why I don’t go to church,” Free Press Nov. 29-Dec. 1 edition: In response to letter writer David Baugh saying he finds church to be irrelevant, I would encourage him to find a Biblebased church and consider becoming a member and attending on a regular basis — not only worship service, but Bible study, seminars that address the issues of his concern and taking an active role in a ministry of his choice.

The pastor plants the seed; as listeners, or Apollos, we water; and God makes it grow.

As a public servant, Mr. Baugh surely has seen the needs of the community up close and personal. I would encourage him not to stop but keep attending worship service. He would be a great asset.

See you next Sunday in service!

GLADYS FORD Henrico County

u

I am a regular reader of the Richmond Free Press and of the “Letters to the Editor.” Sometimes there are well thought out and spot on letters. Perhaps as we end the year, the Free Press may consider republishing the “Best Letters of the Year.”

I would like to recommend David P. Baugh’s letter, “Why I don’t go to church,” as the “Best Letter of 2018.”

Mr. Baugh has always been one to speak his mind and his letter was spot on. I applaud him for expressing his thoughts about the current state of the Christian church.

DON BLAKE Glen Allen The writer is president and chairman of the board of the Virginia Christian Alliance.

Do black lives matter?

On Sunday, Dec. 2, two young men were shot on Raven Street in the East End. One, a juvenile, was found around 9 p.m. with an apparent gunshot wound and was taken to the hospital. About two hours later, police were called back to the same block and another young man, 17, was found. He had been shot and killed.

Where are the protesters when you need them? They are only around when there is a police shooting of a black person when they need to be protesting in their own backyards.

in their county so that they can puke their way through the politicians who ask for their votes and then proverbially stab them in the back. The citizens of Richmond also could use one!

What’s wrong with this picture?

The minister who spoke at Aretha Franklin’s funeral was absolutely right! Black-on-black crime has escalated and no one is protesting about that, so no one cares.

I am sick and tired of being awakened by gunfire and sirens and blue lights. We have yet another Richmond Police Command RV now right at the bus stop where kids have to come out to go to school. I wonder what their parents tell them. How do you explain to a kindergarten or elementary child about the killings and shootings going on right up under their little noses?

The late Alicia Raisin, the city’s “Ambassador of Compassion,” coordinated and arranged vigils for the unfortunate people being killed. Where is our advocate to stop the violence?

When someone gets killed in these Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority projects, someone should get out there and protest the violence of black-on-black crime. Or does anyone care?

It seems black lives don’t matter.

NAOMI GAYLE SAUNDERS Richmond

DEBORAH DRIVER Richmond

Virginia for sale?

Many elected officials should have “For Sale” signs outside their office doors. They also should make it known that they are discriminatory in who gets to buy them. They are “For Sale” to the white corporate and banking sectors only.

The executives of Dominion Energy can have these elected officials to build them a compressor station in Buckingham County and a Coliseum in Richmond for Christmas.

The white male banking executives at Wells Fargo were able to commit all sorts of illegal banking activities that harmed millions of customers, and have not gone to prison as a result. Was this a result of “amazing grace” or “bought politicians?” Why are politicians like Hillary Clinton, U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring and Gov. Ralph Northam not demanding that these banking executives serve some serious prison time for their serious crimes?

The citizens of Buckingham County should demand that a large vomiting station be built

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Stories by Fred Jeter

CIAA Basketball Tournament eyeing move beginning 2021 The CIAA Basketball Tournament might have a new host city in 2021.

Following the athletic conference’s fall board meeting in Charlotte, N.C., it was announced Friday, Dec. 7, that Norfolk and Baltimore are in contention to host the tournaments, from 2021 thorough 2023, along with Charlotte.

In a prepared statement, CIAA officials said the conference would continue to research the situation and render a decision “in a timely manner.”

Also during the fall meeting, it was determined that Salem, Va., will continue to serve as host for the CIAA football championship game until at least 2024. Salem has hosted the event since 2016.

The basketball tournament has been in Charlotte since 2006 and will remain there until at least 2020. The CIAA is headquartered

in Charlotte. CIAA affiliate Johnson C. Smith University also is in Charlotte.

Neither Baltimore nor Norfolk has a school currently in the CIAA. Morgan State University in Baltimore was a CIAA member from 1929 to 1970. Norfolk State University was in the CIAA from 1962 to 1996. Both universities left to join the MEAC. The MEAC Tournament currently is held at the Norfolk Scope.

Representatives from the cities of Charlotte, Baltimore and Norfolk made presentations to the CIAA committee, which was attended by presidents and chancellors of member institutions on Dec. 4 through 6.

There are 13 CIAA member institutions,

including first-year entry Claflin University of Orangeburg, S.C. Other members are located in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina.

The annual tournament is a high-dollar event featuring a weeklong series of social and cultural activities in addition to the men’s and women’s basketball games. Many alumni, friends and supporters of the schools book hotel accommodations a year in advance and loyally attend the event each year.

Estimates report that Charlotte enjoyed an economic impact of some $50 million from last winter’s CIAA Tournament, with an estimated 140,000 visitors converging on the Queen City.

Virginia Union University won both the men’s and women’s CIAA basketball titles last year.

The CIAA tournament began in 1946 in Washington and continued at Turner’s Arena there until 1951. It has moved to numerous cities since.

Baltimore hosted in 1952. The tournament enjoyed a successful run in Greensboro, N.C., from 1964 through 1975, with crowds in excess of 15,000 per session.

Hampton hosted 1976 through 1978. Norfolk hosted 1979 to 1985, and again from 1988 to 1990.

Richmond hosted from 1986 to 1987 and again from 1991 through 1993.

Game attendance has dwindled in more recent years, but the overall weeklong schedule of events remains popular.

Maggie Walker’s Austin Wade stands out in two sports

It’s not so unusual for a high school athlete to play two sports.

What is unusual is to be playing both sports at the same time.

That’s the rare case with senior Austin Wade at the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School.

The track and basketball standout is what the Green Dragons’ Activities Director Paige Hawkins refers to as “that unique twosport, same-season athlete.”

The 5-foot-10, 170-pound son of John and Catrenia Wade of Chester is the school’s unofficial “king of spring,” counting his bouncy ways in basketball and track and field.

“Austin is our captain and senior leader,” says Maggie Walker basketball Coach Keith Beagle. “He’s our go-to guy.”

Through four games for the 2-2 Dragons, Wade is averaging about 12 points, while adding plenty of steals, assists, sticky defense and boundless energy.

“Another thing about Austin,” said Coach Beagle, “is that he doesn’t show much emotion. He’s so quiet and humble. You wouldn’t know if we were up by 20 or down by 20.”

For Wade, no mouthpiece is necessary. He lets his fast feet and all-round athleticism do the talking.

On the track, Wade is a state-caliber triple jumper, while also running sprints and relays for Coach Jim Holdren’s perennial powerhouse.

Wade was fourth in the State 2A triple jump last spring and third at last winter’s 2A indoor championships.

With all that, he finds time to be a straight-A student with a clear plan to major in biomedical engineering in college.

His day starts with a predawn wake-up alarm and 17-mile drive from Southern Chesterfield to the high school on Lombardy Street in North Side.

The Green Dragons’ basketball practice starts at 6:30 a.m.

Track drills come after the final school bell of the day.

“It used to wear me out, but I’ve gotten use to it,” said the soft-spoken Wade.

There are some concessions.

“I play or practice basketball every day. I only do track

Austin Wade

U.S. Military Academy photo

The Army Black Knights celebrate their 17-10 win last Saturday over the Navy Midshipmen.

Gary Steele,Calvin Huey broke color barrier on Army-Navy football teams The U.S. Military Academy’s football team, Army, is known as the Black Knights, but it wasn’t until 1966 it had its first African-American player.

Gary Steele, a military brat whose father was a Buffalo Solider, broke the color barrier in West Point, N.Y., as a star tight end.

In three seasons wearing Army’s disGary Steele tinctive black uniforms (thus the reason for the moniker), Steele caught 66 passes for 1,111 yards and seven touchdowns.

Army went 23-7 during Steele’s career, while beating the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., or Navy, two of three years.

At 6-foot-5, 220-pounds, Steele was drafted by the NFL Detroit Lions but never pursued the pro gridiron. Instead, he earned the rank of colonel while serving in the military 23 years, with two tours of duty in Vietnam.

In track and field, he set Army’s high jump record with a 6-foot-9-inch leap that stood for decades.

Steele was one of 15 African-Americans in Army’s 1965 plebe (freshman) class of 1,100. Plebes were not eligible for varsity football at the time. ─ Navy’s first African-American player came along two years earlier, in 1964, when Calvin Huey suited up as a wide receiver.

A native of Mississippi, Huey transferred to Annapolis from Oakland City College in California, where he was a junior college All-American quarterback.

In 1964, Huey caught four touchdown passes from Heisman Trophy winner Roger Staubach. Also in 1964, Huey also became the first black athlete to play in the annual Army-Navy Game.

Huey later went on to serve two tours of duty in Vietnam, earn a Ph.D. in chemistry and return to the U.S. Naval Academy as a member of the faculty. ─ Buffalo Soldiers were established by Congress in 1866 at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., as the first peacetime, all-black regiments in the U.S. Army. Buffalo Calvin Huey Soldiers fought in American-Indian Wars, the Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, the Philippine-American War and the Mexican Border War. The U.S. military was not fully integrated until 1948, when President Harry Truman signed an executive order establishing the President’s Commission on Equality of Treatment and Opportunity in the Armed Services.

Army’s Black Knights Before a worldwide television audience, AfricanAmericans were at the forefront of Army’s 17-10 football victory over Navy on Saturday, Dec. 8, in Philadelphia.

Quicksilver quarterback Kelvin Hopkins Jr. from Charlotte, N.C., scampered for both touchdowns.

Ball carriers Kell Walker of Decatur, Ga., and Darnell Woolfolk of Endwell, N.Y., combined for 118 yards rushing.

Walker also caught two passes for 30 yards.

Kicker John Abercrombie of Phoenix booted a 33-yard field goal and two extra points.

Linebacker Ken Brinson of Kennesaw, Ga., had the strip sack, and ensuing fumble recovery, in the closing minutes to secure the victory.

There’s more to come. Now 10-2, the Black Knights will play the University of Houston on Dec. 22 in the Lockheed Martin Armed Services Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas.

practice three days a week,” he said.

Most track meets are on Saturdays.

Wade studied in the gifted program at Matoaca Middle School before applying to Maggie Walker in the eighth grade.

“I wanted to challenge myself academically as much as possible,” he said.

Asked about his primary focus, Wade said, “Our school is known for government and international studies, but I’m more of a math-science guy.”

Maggie Walker today is not your grandparents’ Walker. It opened in 1939, during segregation, as one of two Richmond schools for African-Americans. Walker merged with John Marshall in 1979 as a high schol complex.

Following a major renovation, the Walker building became home to the Governor’s School in 1998. The third floor is reserved for memorabilia from the original high school.

The school’s demographics have changed dramatically. In fact, Wade, along with sophoFew schools can match the more Rashad Seaborne, basketball honor roll of Maggie L. are the lone AfricanWalker High School. The Green Americans on Coach Dragons’ list of alumni reads like a Beagle’s hoops roster.

Who’s Who of Richmond hoops.

In a 79-45 home Bob Dandridge, who went on to loss to Lee-Davis High star at Norfolk State and then to help School on Dec. 4, Wade win two NBA titles, tops the list.

Richard Jones and Clyde Austin attempted something few paced the Dragons to Virginia High 5-foot-10 players would School League crowns. even consider — a slam David Franklin became the first dunk, in traffic, no less.

African-American player at East His above-theCarolina University. rim theatrics went for Jesse Dark and Jabo Wilkins naught when his downbecame early pioneers in Virginia ward trajectory shot C o m m o n we a l t h U n i ve r s i t y ’s struck the back rim success. and ricocheted over the Ball-handler deluxe Cravelyn Williams would lead the way at backboard.

Virginia Union University.

Theball“slippedonthe Rudy Cunningham, aka “Rudy way up,” Wade explained the Reject,” is renowned as perhaps with a modest smile. the area’s best-ever shot blocker.

It was a rare misTim Lewis led the State AAA in cue for the versatile scoring before heading off to Virginia teen who provides two Tech. sports for one season The list goes on and on and on. of talent.

Green Dragons remembered

December 13-15, 2018 B1

Richmond Free Press

Section

Happenings

B

Personality: Gilbert W. Wilkerson Sr.

Spotlight on president of Coalition Against Urban Violence Christmas is a time for faith, family and counting blessings.

But for someone who has had a loved one tragically taken from them through violence, the season can be full of pain and sorrow.

Gilbert W. Wilkerson Sr., president of the Coalition Against Urban Violence, knows the pain many Richmonders and Virginians face. His older brother, Innis Wilkerson was murdered in Danville in 1994.

He was 50.

“Although I had a father, my brother was the family protector and the godfather of the family,” Mr. Wilkerson says of his brother. “We lived in a rough area and no one would mess with us because of him.

“It was tragic because of his loss,” he continues. “It has taken me a while to get over grieving for him.”

Mr. Wilkerson will join other families and friends of homicide victims at the coalition’s 28th Annual Holiday Memorial for Survivors of Homicide at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 13, at the “River of Tears” sculpture on the first floor of Richmond City Hall, 9th and Broad streets.

“We dedicated the statue in 1996,” says Mr. Wilkerson, who has been active with the organization for more than 25 years. “It was a big deal because it is the only statue dedicated to murder victims’ families in Virginia as well as in the United States.”

Ribbons with the names of lost loved ones will be placed on the statue.

Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham, Virginia Commonwealth University Police Chief John Venuti, the Richmond Commonwealth’s At-

torney’s Office Victim-Witness Services and others will join in the program, which is free and open to the public.

Mr. Wilkerson encourages survivors to attend.

“During these times, you want to remember them and the love you have for them,” he says.

“After my brother was killed, I attended the event” in 1994, Mr. Wilkerson recalls. It was held at the time on the front steps of the John Marshall Courts building in Downtown. It later was moved to City Hall.

At the event, he met coalition founder Linda S. Jordan, whose 19-year-old son, William Jordan III, was murdered in Richmond in 1990.

“I wanted a place where I could come to remember and memorialize my brother, but there was not an event of this type in Danville,” Mr. Wilkerson says.

He says it has been beneficial for so many people because it has created an extended family and support system for survivors, turning a time of turmoil into something positive.

He wants to make the annual memorial event more visible in the metro area.

He understands the range of emotions families are dealing with.

“Trust in God and that will get you through,” he says, offering a healing message to those families new to the grief.

“I had to forgive the person who murdered my brother,” he continues. “To be free and have a successful life and get beyond that, you have to forgive that person, but you can’t forget your loved one. You celebrate your lost loved one’s life.”

Meet an advocate who works

Want to go?

What: 28th Annual Holiday Memorial for Survivors of Homicide, an event for families and friends to remember homicide victims.

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13.

Where: At the “River of Tears” statue, first floor, Richmond City Hall, 900 E. Broad St.

to help others with their grief and this week’s Personality, Gilbert W. Wilkerson Sr.: Occupation: Judge’s assistant, Richmond Circuit Court.

Duties of position: Security and liaison between judges and attorneys so that trials proceed on time and flow effectively.

No. 1 community involvement: President, Coalition Against Urban Violence.

Place of birth: Leaksville, N.C. Current residence: Glen Allen.

Education: American National University.

Family: Wife, Gloria; children, Gilbert II, Galen, Garris and Gariel.

Who founded coalition and when: Linda S. Jordan founded the coalition in 1991 after her son was murdered.

Number of coalition members: 150 to 200 members.

the grief and suffering of our family victims during the holidays.

Importance of annual holiday memorial: To keep the memory of our loved ones alive, celebrate Christmas together and allow others to see how violence affects families and the community.

View of Richmond Police efforts to solve homicides: The homicide unit works the hardest to catch the person responsible and bring closure.

But, sometimes, the public holds the key to solving a lot of our crimes.

Why it’s held during the holiday season: Most families like to spend Christmas together, and because there is a person missing, this ceremony provides a sense of closeness.

What needs to be done to reduce homicides: Fathers need to spend more time being involved in the homes and parents need to be better example of how we treat people with respect and dignity.

Coalition’s view of available services for relatives: There are never enough services for relatives because of the number of family victims, and the time it takes to heal from the loss.

View on gun control: Background checks are a start.

Keeping illegal guns off the streets is another way of curbing violence. Tearing down stigmas between one community and the other also. We are all Richmonders.

Impact of homicide on children: The impact on children can be catastrophic and lasting, leaving nightmares and a sense of loneliness that never goes away.

What ceremony means to them: A time to remember and reflect on their loved ones in a public arena and bond with others who suffered a loss also.

Coalition’s view of Richmond Police: Always supportive.

The officers work hard to bring closure to the suffering families. They also understand

Level of violence in city: The city used to lead the nation in murders. Today, it’s a lot better because of good police work and people stepping up to share information. Still, one murder is one too many.

How can that be reduced: Violence can be alleviated when we start in our own homes as examples of instruments of peace.

Role community should play: The community should be more proactive in requesting

better lighting, more police tools to fight crime and standing in solidarity to stamp out violence.

How I start the day: I start the day with Bible reading in the morning and a bowl of oatmeal. Then I plan on how I’m going to maneuver traffic on Interstate 64 so I can get to work on time.

A perfect day for me is: Doing what I want when I want.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Riding Code 3 (with lights and sirens on) with police officers.

How I unwind: Reading and restoring my antique Volvo.

A quote that I am inspired by: “Men sleep peacefully in their beds at night because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.” — George Orwell.

Best late-night snack: Yogurt with granola mixed in — OMG!!

Best thing my parents ever taught me: Respect for others and to be kind to all.

Person who influenced me the most: My mom.

The book that influenced me the most: “Common Sense” by Thomas Paine.

What I’m reading now: “Abraham Lincoln: A Biography” by Benjamin P. Thomas and “Ontology or the Theory of Being” by Peter Coffey.

The one thing that I’ve learned in life: Keep my mouth shut as much as possible.

My next goal: Complete at least one of the five books that I’m writing.

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11/13/18 5:20 PM

Richmond Free Press

B2 December 13-15, 2018

Happenings

‘Be conscious … of making a positive impact,’ VCU fall graduates told

By Thomas Kidd

Christy Coleman, chief executive officer of the American Civil War Museum, offered graduates firsthand insight on what their future paths may hold during Virginia Commonwealth University’s fall commencement ceremony last Saturday at the E.J. Wade Arena at the Siegel Center.

“Congratulations to all of you. You’ve made it,” Ms. Coleman told the more than 2,900 graduates. “But the inevitable — what happens next — looms,” she added.

In addition to the immediate concerns of securing employment and beginning the process of paying off student loans, the keynote speaker urged graduates to allow room in their straightand-narrow plans to discover their passion and purpose.

The historian then shared the messy journey she traversed to ultimately find her passion.

“I wanted to attend the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at The College of William & Mary, study constitutional law and make plenty of money,” she told those in attendance.

However, one summer working as a living-history interpreter in Colonial Williamsburg where she portrayed an auctioned slave redefined her idea of herself and success.

“What I recognized was that I was giving voice to the voiceless — that my presence was challenging the fiction we tell ourselves about our nation’s founding and that making money could no longer be my prime motivator,” Ms. Coleman said.

Being a voice for the voiceless continues to fuel her as

head of the museum at historic Tredegar on Richmond’s riverfront. Since taking the position in 2008, Ms. Coleman has been successful in asserting the perspective of slaves and their immediate descendants alongside the usually whitewashed narratives of the Confederacy, the Civil War, Emancipation and Reconstruction. In fact, earlier this year, Time magazine featured Ms. Coleman on a list of “31 People Who Are Changing the South.”

In addition to her work with the museum, the 54-year-old Hampton University alumna also presided over Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s appointed Monument Avenue Commission that made recommendations about the monuments to Confederates along the tree-lined street.

The commission recommended that the statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis be removed and that contextual signs be added to the four remaining Confederate statues. No changes, however, have been undertaken.

“Whether you find yourself

on the straight and narrow, or whether you find yourself in situations so messy that you can’t find your way out, be conscious and desirous of making a positive impact in the lives of others,” Ms. Coleman told the graduates.

VCU President Michael Rao echoed the keynote message, charging graduates to take what they have learned and go out and transform the world.

“James Baldwin said, ‘The world is before you, and you need not take it or leave it as it was when you came.’ As you enter the world, I ask you to keep those words in mind,” Dr. Rao said.

During the ceremony, Ms. Coleman was awarded an honorary degree, acknowledging her outstanding contributions to society.

Also at the ceremony, VCU recognized Darlene B. and George P. Emerson Jr. as well as Laura B. and Harold E. Greer Jr. with the Edward A. Wayne Medal that honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions or provided exemplary services

to VCU. The Emersons were recognized for their support of the VCU Massey Cancer Center; the Greers for demonstrating steadfast financial support and as faculty members. Dr. Greer was VCU’s first professor of Latin American history and Ms. Greer taught courses in the VCU School of Business.

The Presidential Medallion, honoring the contributions of a member of the university community, was awarded posthumously to Dr. Jan Chlebowski, a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology who also served as the School of Medicine’s associate dean for graduate education. Dr. Chlebowski, who taught at VCU for 39 years, died on March 10 at the age of 74. His brother, Dr. Rowan Chlebowski, accepted the honor.

Photos by Ava Reaves

Virginia Commonwealth University fall commencement speaker Christy Coleman offers graduates words of advice during a ceremony last Saturday at the Siegel Center. Left, graduates celebrate their new degrees during the ceremony.

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December 13-15, 2018 B3

Happenings

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Brrrrr!

The first snowfall of the season last Sunday resulted in people heading outdoors in the cold to clear snowy walkways and parking spots so that people and cars could safely maneuver.

Above, a snow plow removes several inches of snow covering the parking lot of the Virginia Housing Development Authority at 601 S. Belvidere St., while, below, two restaurant employees in Scott’s Addition try to stay ahead of the falling flakes by shoveling and salting a sidewalk. Right, the marble statue at the Virginia War Memorial stands in contrast to the falling snowflakes

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Several hundred new winter coats were distributed to people of all ages last week by two different organizations, just in time for the snowfall last Sunday.

Below, Michael Reilly, executive director of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, enjoys laughter with youngsters at the FRIENDS Association for Children’s Church Hill location on North 26th Street after his department donated new coats to the nonprofit child and family agency last Friday. The coats were from Operation Warm and the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, which are helping VDFP to expand statewide a program offered for several years in Northern Virginia. With Mr. Reilly is Richmond

Coats for winter

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Fire Chief Melvin Carter.

Right, Treasure Rain Stanback-Washington models a new coat she selected at the Share the Warmth campaign last Saturday at the Brookhill Azalea Shopping Center in North Side. More than 300 new coats were distributed during the event sponsored by Moments of Hope Outreach in conjunction with Clothes4Souls and Macy’s department store. Below, volunteer Danielle Nogale unpacks coats for people to make their selections as the organization gave away coats, shoes, fresh vegetables and canned goods. Based in Hanover County, Moments of Hope is dedicated to helping the homeless and people in poverty.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

State NAACP to push ‘Energy from God’ bill

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Schools, churches, mosques and synagogues across Virginia could go solar, if the Virginia State Conference NAACP has its way.

Under a legislative proposal the civil rights organization is advancing dubbed the “Energy from God” bill, a $1 billion, three-year pilot program would be created to equip buildings devoted to public education and religion with solar panels, particularly in low-income urban and rural areas.

The state NAACP is teaming up with Food and Water Watch, a Washington-based environmental group, and supportive legislators to

promote a bill the advocates argue on promoting solar for schools and could cut power costs. churches and look forward to seeing the Funding for the pilot program draft legislation,” Dominion Energy would not come from state tax- spokesman David Botkins stated in payers but from the renewable response to a Free Press query. energy reserve funds that “Dominion Energy is Dominion Energy and committed to having enough other power companies solar built or under dehave established, accordvelopment in Virginia by ing to NAACP officials. the end of 2022 to power The organization reports 750,000 homes, which receiving expressions of could also include churches support from Republicans and schools,” Mr. Botkins and Democratic members continued. “We are proud to Mr. Frierson of the General Assembly. have the fourth largest solar Dominion Energy also is not dis- portfolio of investor-owned utilities missing the idea. in the nation.”

“We are always happy to work with Under 2017 legislation, Dominion legislators and stakeholder groups has been allowed to use excess earnings

to improve the power grid and expand solar and wind power operations, instead of just issuing refunds.

“Dominion and other Virginia power companies already have renewable energy reserve funds, and all we are asking is to shift a part of the money to this program,” said Jesse Frierson, who heads the state NAACP’s lobbying effort.

He said Roanoke Democratic Delegate Sam Rasoul and other interested legislators view the pilot program as a beneficial way to expand the use of solar.

The bill that is expected to be introduced in the January session of the General Assembly would lay out a grant application process for schools

and religious organizations.

Mr. Frierson said the bill would call for the establishment of a communitybased board or oversight committee to review the applications and select the grant winners, with support from a state agency that would act as the program’s fiscal agent.

Under the plan, the grants would be deposited into banks or other financial institutions that are set up to serve underserved communities, he said.

The legislation also would require Dominion Energy and other power companies to reach into areas of high unemployment to employ and train people for traditional positions such as linemen and for jobs in renewable energy, he said.

Richmond Free Press

B4 December 13-15, 2018

Obituary/Faith Directory

Rev. Dennis E. Thomas, former pastor of First African Baptist Church, dies at 62

Triumphant

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

had not chosen the ministry.

As a teenager, he played with a number of groups and often mentioned that he auditioned for Stevie Wonder before heading off to college.

Survivors include his wife, Naomi Thomas, and his brother, John L. March Jr., also of Philadelphia.

  

1408 W. eih Sree  ichmo a. 0 804 5840



 Church School Worship Service

8:45 a.m.

10 a.m.

1 p.m.

 e ercies iisr  a.m. ul ile Su :0 p.m. ie oore Sree o 

Sunday 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Worship Service

Sundays: Morning Worship Church School Morning Worship

1858

216 W. Leigh St. • Richmond, Va. 23220 Tel: 804-643-3366 • Fax: 804-643-3367 Email: ebcoffice1@yahoo.com • web: www.richmondebenezer.com 11:00 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

Every 3rd Sunday 2nd Sunday, 11 a.m.

Mon. 6:30 p.m.

Tues. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Wed. 6:45 p.m.

Wed. 4:30 p.m.

Wed. 6:00 p.m.

Thurs., 11:45 a.m.

8:30 a.m. ....Sunday School 10:00 a.m. ...Morning Worship

Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, Pastor “There’s A Place for You” Tuesday Sunday 10:30 AM Bible Study 9:30 AM Church School 6:30 PM Church-wide Bible Study 11:00 AM Worship Service 6:30 PM Men's Bible Study (Each 2nd and 4th) (Holy Communion Thursday each 2nd Sunday) Wednesday (Following 2nd Sunday) 6:30 PM Prayer Meeting

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

Early Morning Worship ~ 8 a.m.

Sunday School ~ 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship ~ 11 a.m.

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

Bible Study: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Sermons Available at BRBCONLINE.org

Pastor Kevin Cook

Upcoming Events & Happenings

Sunday Morning Worship Christmas Celebration

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

2040 Mountain Road • Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 Office 804-262-0230 • Fax 804-262-4651 • www.stpeterbaptist.net

Sixth Baptist Church Theme for 2018-2020: Mobilizing For Ministry Refreshing The Old and Emerging The New We Embrace Diversity — Love For All! A 21st Century Church

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

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church

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

CeleBRating 95years As A Church

SunDaY, DeCemBeR 16, 2018 10:45 am — Worship Celebration

Weekly Worship: Sundays @ 10:30 A.M. Church School: Sundays @ 9:00 A.M. Monday, December 31, 2018 Bible Study: On Summer Break 9:00 p.m.

Doors open 8:00 p.m.

Come Join Us! Reverend Dr. Lester D. Frye Pastor and Founder

… and Listen to our Radio Broadcast Sundays at 10:15 a.m. on WQCN 105.3 FM

Jesus went throughout Galilee teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

- Matthew 4:23

To empower people of God spiritually, mentally and emotionally for successful living.

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

Mount Olive Baptist Church Rev. Darryl G. Thompson, Pastor

2018 Theme: The Year of Transition



8775 Mount Olive Avenue Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 (804) 262-9614 Phone (804) 262-2397 Fax www.mobcva.org

“Working For You In This Difficult Hour”

k

Write: I’ll Listen Ministry “Enthusiasm” P.O. Box 16113 Richmond, Virginia 23222

Joseph Jenkins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. 2011-2049 Grayland Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23220 (804) 358-9177

k

Joseph Jenkins, Jr., Founder (Dec. 19, 1938 - Dec. 9, 2006) Joseph Jenkins, III. • Jason K. Jenkins • Maxine T. Jenkins

Riverview

Baptist Church 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

SUNDAY SCHOOL - 9:45 A.M. SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE 11:00 A.M.

Facebook sixthbaptistrva

400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

(near Byrd Park)

(804) 359-1691 or 359-3498 Fax (804) 359-3798 www.sixthbaptistchurch.org drbibbs@sixthbaptistchurch.org

Bishop G. O. Glenn D. Min., Pastor Mother Marcietia S. Glenn First Lady

Sunday 8:00 a.m. Sunday School Rev. Dr. Price L. Davis, Pastor 9:00 a.m. Worship Service

Pre-Christmas Worship Service

Wed., December 19, 2018 at 7:00 PM Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Theodore T. Brown Pastor Quioccasin Baptist Church

We Pray God’s Ric for You & You 23rd & Church Founder’s Anniversary in The New Friday, Sunday, e the Dates Sav

All Eight Choirs And dAnCErs Don’t miss it!!

Twitter sixthbaptistrva

Morn

Watch Night Service

Come Worship With Us!

With Ministry For Everyone

Special Message by: Pastor Bibbs

Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.

11:00 AM Mid-day Meditation

Watch Night 2018

Thursdays: Mid-Day Bible Study 12 Noon Prayer & Praise 6:30 P.M. Bible Study 7 P.M. (Children/Youth/Adults)

2300 Cool Lane, Richmond, Virginia 23223 804-795-5784 (Armstrong High School Auditorium)

Mt. Vernon Baptist Church,West End

Good Shepherd Baptist Church

8 A.M. 9:30 A.M. 11 A.M.

Unity Sundays (2nd Sundays): Church School 8:30 A.M. Morning Worship 10 A.M.

Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus  Rev. Dr. James E. Leary, Interim Pastor

3:30 p.m. ... Combined Ushers Anniversary Speaker: ... Pastor Michael L.W. Moore

1127 North 28th St., Richmond, VA 23223-6624 • Office: (804) 644-1402

WedneSday 12:00 p.m. Bible Study 7:00 p.m. Bible Study

Worship Opportunities

“The People’s Church”

Sunday, december 16, 2018

3200 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23223• (804) 226-1176

Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, Pastor

Ebenezer Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor

“MAKE IT HAPPEN”

Serving Richmond since 1887

St. Peter Baptist Church

Bible Study - Wednesday - 7 p.m.

Communion - 1st Sunday

500 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222 www.sharonbaptistchurchrichmond.org (804) 643-3825

 ile Su

All ARe Welcome

Church School - 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service - 11:15 a.m.

Sunday Worship Sunday Church School Service of Holy Communion Service of Baptism Life Application Bible Class Mid-Week Senior Adult Fellowship Wednesday Meditation & Bible Study Homework & Tutoring Scouting Program Thursday Bible Study

He also was active in the Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Richmond and Vicinity, the Baptist General Convention and the Lott Carey Foundation. He also was in demand as a guest preacher and contributed to numerous religious articles.

Rev. Thomas, who was ordained in 1977, began his work in ministry while completing bachelor’s degrees at Eastern University near Philadelphia in sociology and religion with a minor in urban studies.

He later earned a master’s of divinity degree from Palmer Theological Seminary.

Before being called to First African Baptist Church, Rev. Thomas first served as an assistant minister at Pinn Memorial Baptist Church in Philadelphia and then spent nearly six years as pastor of Kaighn Avenue Baptist Church in Camden, N.J. He also was a terrific drummer who could have had a career in Christian music if he

Sharon Baptist Church



The Rev. Dennis Earl Thom- Thursday, Dec. 20, and before as has come to the end of his 41- the service on Friday. Burial will year career as a church leader, be in West Chester, Penn. preacher and musician.

Before leaving Richmond The former pastor of First to lead First Corinthian, Rev. African Baptist Church in Rich- Thomas served 20 years as pastor mond died Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, of First African Baptist Church in Philadelphia. He in North Side, one of was 62. the city’s oldest black At his death, he churches. had been pastor for “He was relational 12 years of First and relatable,” the Corinthian Baptist Rev. Dwylene Butler Church, the Philawrote in a Facebook delphia church his tribute. “And he grandfather and was willing to give uncle had led and a very inexperienced the church where he 20-something an opRev. Thomas had been baptized portunity when he and ordained and licensed as hired me as the church’s mina minister. ister of children and youth and His death was first reported Christian education. on Facebook. On Tuesday, the “He gave me space to be crechurch confirmed that Rev. ative and supported some of my Thomas had died, citing com- out of the box ideas,” continued plications involving his heart Rev. Butler, who recalled Rev. and the installation of stents a Thomas ordaining her at the month earlier to open up nar- church and becoming her father rowing arteries. in the ministry. “I don’t think he His life will be celebrated ever knew how much I loved for 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 21, at him to call me daughter.”

First Corinthian, 5101 Pine During his Richmond tenure, St., in Philadelphia. Viewings he taught at the Richmond are to be held at the church on Virginia Seminary for 16 years.

“The Church With A Welcome”

Wednesday Services

No Noonday or Night Bible Study during the month of December 2018

January 25th 7:30 p.m.

January 27th 9:00 a.m.

Lenten Season

Tune in on Sunday Morning to WTVR - Channel 6 - 8:30 a.m.

ChriStiaN aCaDEMy (NDCa)

Saturday

ENROLL NOW!!!

8:30 a.m. Intercessory Prayer

Accepting applications for children 2 yrs. old to 5th Grade

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.

Our NDCA curriculum also consists of a Before and After program.

Now Enrolling for our Nursery Ages 6 weeks - 2yrs. old.

For more information Please call (804) 276-4433 Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

Richmond Free Press

December 13-15, 2018 B5

Legal Notices

To advertise in the

Richmond Free Press call

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

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER MONICA HARPER, Plaintiff v.

DAVID HARPER, Defendant.

Case No.: CL18003774-00 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 28th day of January, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his 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 TAMMIE MCGHEE, Plaintiff v.

JAMES MCGHEE, Defendant.

Case No.: CL18002756-00 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 28th day of January, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his 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 STAFFORD ANDREW SPRINGER, Plaintiff v.

ADRAMAE SPRINGER, Defendant.

Case No.: CL18003773-00 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 28th day of January, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. 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

Continued from previous column

Continued from previous column

Continued from previous column

Continued from previous column

Continued from previous column

Continued from previous column

Continued from previous column

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 JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re JULIANA & AZARIAH THOMPSON-HUGHES Case No. J-88666-11-00, J-88668-11-10-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) Julius Edward Hughes (FATHER), of JULIANA THOMPSONHUGHES child, DOB 10/13/2010 & AZARIAH THOMPSON-HUGHES child, DOB 10/23/2011, “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Julius Edward Hughes (Father), to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 1/15/2019, at 2:20 PM, Courtroom #2 Virginia: in the circuit court FOR the county of chesterfield SYDNEY L. CASTRO, and Edwin R. Castro Petitioners v.

Eric R. Gutierrez Respondent.

Case No. CA18-84 In re: Aubree Elaina Gutierrez (D.O.B.: 12/11/2014) order of publication November 6, 2018

The goal of this suit is an adoption. WHEREFORE, an affidavit having been filed by the Petitioners, Sydney L. Castro and Edwin R. Castr, that due diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the location of the Defendant, Eric S. Gutierrez, it is ordered that Eric S. Gutierrez appear before this Court on January 7, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. and do what is necessary to protect his interests herein.

An Extract Teste: WENDY S. HUGHES, Clerk Mary Ashby Brown, Esquire (VSB #74718) Friedman Law Firm, P.C. Suite A Chesterfield, Virginia 23832 (804) 717-1969 (telephone) (804) 748-4161 (telecopier) mabrown@friedmanlawva.com Counsel for the Petitioners

Plaintiff, v.

ISAAC C. REID, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-5879 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1029 North 30th Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0000628/038, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Isaac C. Reid.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, ISAAC C. REID, upon information and belief deceased, or his 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 ISAAC C. REID, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 21, 2019 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 804-646-7940

corporation purged from the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 24, 2019 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 804-646-7940

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 TEMPLE M. TURNER, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 21, 2019 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 804-646-7940

devisees, assignees or successors in interest, MAGDALENE HOWELL, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, RICHARD J. SULLY, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, ROSA JEFFIERS, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, EDWARD A. SULLY, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, JOHN R. SULLY, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, ELIZABETH KENDRICK, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 21, 2019 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 804-646-7940

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1720 North 28th Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0000864/004, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, against Isabelle T. LaSane, Harry Roscoe Thomas, Jr, Charles R. Smith, Jr. and Curt L. Smith.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, ISABELLE T. LASANE and CHARLES R. SMITH, JR, 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 has not filed a response to this action; that said owner, HARRY ROSCOE THOMAS, JR, upon information and belief deceased, or his 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 ISABELLE T. LASANE and CHARLES R. SMITH, JR, HARRY ROSCOE THOMAS, JR, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 24, 2019 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 804-646-7940

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER MARIA RIDEOUT, Plaintiff v.

CLEMMIE LOVETT, Defendant.

Case No.: CL18003641-00 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 28th day of January, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his 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 NORRIS CARTAGENA FLORES, Plaintiff v.

SILAS FLORES CISNEROS, Defendant.

Case No.: CL18003642-00 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 28th day of January, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his 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

CUSTODY Virginia: in the circuit court IN the county of chesterfield In RE: William Jahir Cardenas Colindres A Minor Child Under 18 Years of Age Hearing Date: 11/27/2018 at 10:00 a.m.

DOB: 12/11/2014 Case No. CJ18C-90 order of publication

The object of the abovestyled suit is to grant sole and legal custody to Petitioner, Jeymi Colindres Varela of minor child, her son, William Jahir Cardenas, has not been involved in the life of the minor child since he was approximately two weeks old.

That the father of minor child’s whereabouts are unknown and therefore,

It appearing by affidavit filed according to law that the father of minor child, William Edwardo Cardenas, is not a resident of the State of Virginia and that his last known address is unknown, it is therefore ORDERED that William Edwardo Cardenas, appear before this Court on December 20 at 8:30 a.m., and do what is necessary to protect his interests in this suit.

I ask for this: Soulmaz Taghavi, Esq. (VSB #88036) NovoTaghavi, Ltd. 1500 Forest Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23235 (804) 614-6920 - telephone soulmaz@novotaghavi.com Counsel for Petitioner

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER JERRY WASHINGTON, Plaintiff v.

ANGELA WASHINGTON, Defendant.

Case No.: CL18003787-00 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 28th day of January, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Zayonna M. Hopkins and Dyree Toney Case No. J-093277-12 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) Shanika Nichols (Mother) of Zayonna M. Hopkins, child DOB 03/31/2013 and Dyree Toney, child DOB 05/01/2009. “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Shanika Nichols, to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 1/28/2019, at 2:00 PM, Courtroom #4

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

ELVIRA HAYWOOD, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-4429 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1001 North 3rd Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0000088/023, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Elvira Haywood, Hester Ferguson, Elerby Pringle, Chester Lewis, and Allice Mellett.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, ELVIRA HAYWOOD, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, HESTER FERGUSON, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and ELERBY PRINGLE, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that said owners, CHESTER LEWIS and ALLICE MELLETT, 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 ELVIRA HAYWOOD, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, HESTER FERGUSON, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, ELERBY PRINGLE, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, CHESTER LEWIS, ALLICE MELLETT, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 24, 2019 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 804-646-7940 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.

JOHN W. JAMES, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-5878 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1208½ North 32nd St, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0000721/013, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, John W. James.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, JOHN W. JAMES, upon information and belief deceased, or his 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 JOHN W. JAMES, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 21, 2019 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 804-646-7940

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

LUCILLE ROBINSON, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-5707 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2015 Selden Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0120285/009, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner/s of record.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, LUCILLE ROBINSON, 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 LUCILLE ROBINSON, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 21, 2019 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 804-646-7940 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

TEMPLE M. TURNER, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-5670 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2508 ½ Lamberts Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0080814/009, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Temple M. Turner.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, TEMPLE M. TURNER, upon information and belief deceased, or his 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 TEMPLE M. TURNER, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 21, 2019 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 804-646-7940

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

JESSIE THOMPSON, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-5256 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3007 Alpine Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0000983/019, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Jessie Thompson.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, JESSIE THOMPSON, 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 JESSIE THOMPSON, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 21, 2019 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 804-646-7940

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

DAVID A. DAY, SR, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-4717 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1806 Bainbridge Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0000242/005, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, David A. Day, Sr.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, DAVID A. DAY, SR, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; that H&W CORRUGATED, INC, a corporation not appearing in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and VIRGINIA JUDGMENT RECOVERY, a corporation purged from the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, which may be creditors with an interest in said property, 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 DAVID A. DAY, SR, H&W CORRUGATED, INC, a corporation not appearing in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, VIRGINIA JUDGMENT RECOVERY, a

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

TEMPLE M. TURNER, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-5669 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2508 Lamberts Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0080814/010, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Temple M. Turner.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, TEMPLE M. TURNER, upon information and belief deceased, or his 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

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

RICHARD S. SULLY, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-5837 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3011 Q Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0000628/004, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Richard S. Sully and Sarah L. Sully.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, RICHARD S. SULLY, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and SARAH L. SULLY, 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 MAGDALENE HOWELL, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, RICHARD J. SULLY, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, ROSA JEFFIERS, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, EDWARD A. SULLY, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, JOHN R. SULLY, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and ELIZABETH KENDRICK, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, who may have an ownership interest in said property, 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 RICHARD S. SULLY, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and SARAH L. SULLY, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs,

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

MACK W. AUSTIN, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-4866 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 5304 Parker Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0100139/003, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Mack W. Austin.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, MACK W. AUSTIN, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his 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 MACK W. AUSTIN, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 21, 2019 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 804-646-7940 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

EDWARD SMITH, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-5378 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1311 West Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0000573/010, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Edward Smith, Celia Smith, Ulysses Smith.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, EDWARD SMITH, CELIA SMITH, and ULYSSES SMITH, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that EVA SMITH MOSBY, who may have an ownership interest in said property, 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 EDWARD SMITH, CELIA SMITH, and ULYSSES SMITH, EVA SMITH MOSBY, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 24, 2019 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 804-646-7940 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

ISABELLE T. LASANE, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-4372 ORDER OF PUBLICATION Continued on next column

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

DAVID A. DAY, SR, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-4718 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1800 Bainbridge Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0000242/008, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, David A. Day, Sr.

An Affidavit having been filed that WALTER T. FENNER, JR and BERNICE W. FENNER, Beneficiaries of two deeds of trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instruments Number 00-18428 and 00-18429 on August 2, 2000, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that H&W CORRUGATED, INC, a corporation not appearing in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and VIRGINIA JUDGMENT RECOVERY, a corporation purged from the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, which may be creditors with an interest in said property, 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 WALTER T. FENNER, JR and BERNICE W. FENNER, Beneficiaries of two deeds of trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instruments Number 00-18428 and 00-18429 on August 2, 2000, that H&W CORRUGATED, INC, a corporation not appearing in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, VIRGINIA JUDGMENT RECOVERY, a corporation purged from the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 24, 2019 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 804-646-7940 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

RICHARD L. TAYLOR, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-4880 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1902 Maury Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0000290/008, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Richard L. Taylor.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, Continued on next page

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RICHARD L. TAYLOR, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that INGOMAR LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a cancelled Nevada entity, Beneficiary of an Assignment of Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 024517 on February 12, 2002, which may be a creditor with an interest in said property, 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 RICHARD L. TAYLOR, INGOMAR LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a cancelled Nevada entity, Beneficiary of an Assignment of Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 024517 on February 12, 2002, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 24, 2019 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 804-646-7940

Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

THELMA M. DORSEY, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-3049 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1312 North 36th Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0001544029, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Thelma M. Dorsey.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, THELMA M. DORSEY, is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, 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 THELMA M. DORSEY, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 24, 2019 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 804-646-7940

Circuit Court at Deed Book 438 page 1427 on May 15, 1995, DIANA GREENIDGE, Trustee of The Pentecostal Tabernacle Church, per a deed filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Deed Book 438 page 1427 on May 15, 1995, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 24, 2019 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 804-646-7940

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

ROBERT L. LEWIS, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-4868 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2611 Dale Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S009-0301/028, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Robert L. Lewis, Doretha Jasper, Gwendolyn Hawkins, David Robinson, Jr., Jennifer Robinson and Katina Robinson.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, ROBERT L. LEWIS, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his 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 ROBERT L. LEWIS, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 24, 2019 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 804-646-7940

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

JUANITA BURNS, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-4330 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1406 Bryan Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0000604010, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Juanita Burns.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, JUANITA BURNS, is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, 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 JUANITA BURNS, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 24, 2019 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 804-646-7940 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

JUANITA BURNS, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-4329 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1404 Bryan Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0000604/012, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Juanita Burns.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, JUANITA BURNS, is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, 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 JUANITA BURNS, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 24, 2019 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 804-646-7940

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

BEATRICE TAYLOR, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-5438 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2501 Porter Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0000696/012, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Beatrice Taylor, Thomas C. Taylor, Calvin Lorenzo Taylor and Richard Lewis Taylor.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, B E AT R I C E TAY L O R , T H O M A S C . TAY L O R , CALVIN LORENZO TAYLOR, and RICHARD LEWIS TAYLOR, 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 B E AT R I C E TAY L O R , T H O M A S C . TAY L O R , CALVIN LORENZO TAYLOR, RICHARD LEWIS TAYLOR, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 24, 2019 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 804-646-7940

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

MATTHEW J. DAVIS, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-5416 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2204 Fairmount Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0000616/016, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Matthew J. Davis and Dorothy P. Davis.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, MATTHEW J. DAVIS, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and DOROTHY P. 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; 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 MATTHEW J. DAVIS, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, DOROTHY P. DAVIS, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 24, 2019 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste:

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

WILLIE S. TAYLOR, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-5020 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1436 Rogers Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E000-0768/003, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Willie S. Taylor.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, WILLIE S. TAYLOR, 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 WILLIE S. TAYLOR, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 24, 2019 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 804-646-7940 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING

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

BERYLE PORTE, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-961 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2616 Newbourne Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0120318/009, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Beryle Porte and Diana Greenidge, Trustees of The Pentecostal Tabernacle Church.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, BERYLE PORTE, Trustee of The Pentecostal Tabernacle Church, per a deed filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Deed Book 438 page 1427 on May 15, 1995, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that said owner, DIANA GREENIDGE, Trustee of The Pentecostal Tabernacle Church, per a deed filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Deed Book 438 page 1427 on May 15, 1995, who is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, 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 BERYLE PORTE, Trustee of The Pentecostal Tabernacle Church, per a deed filed in the records of the Richmond

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Custodian

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS RFP# 154996-ABJ The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is requesting proposals from firms to provide Communications and Marketing Services.

All proposals must be received by 10:30 A.M. on January 11, 2019, at the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Central Office Mail Center – Loading Dock Entrance, 1401 E. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23219, Attn: Alice Braswell-Jones, Contract Officer.

For a copy of the Request for Proposals (RFP 154996-ABJ), go to the website: www.eva.virginia. gov (solicitations & awards) and reference the solicitation number.

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

JUANITA COUSINS, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-4270 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2005 Decatur Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0000345/015, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Juanita Cousins aka Juanita Crest McLaurin, Crest and Johnson, and to Linda Triplett aka Linda Rose Crest, Cousins and Triplette.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, JUANITA COUSINS, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that said owner, LINDA TRIPLETT, who is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, 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 JUANITA COUSINS, LINDA TRIPLETT, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 24, 2019 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 804-646-7940

An optional pre-proposal conference/teleconference will be held at 1:30 PM., December 18, 2018, at Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), VDOT Hospital Building, 1201 East Broad Street, First Floor, Conference Room B, Richmond, VA 23219.

Refer to RFP Section VIII. Optional Pre-Proposal Conference/Teleconference for more details.

The Department assures compliance with Title VI requirements of non-discrimination in all activities pursuant to this advertisement.

For questions or additional information email: alice. braswell-jones@vdot.virginia.gov .

Mount Olive Baptist Church in Glen Allen, Virginia is seeking a part-time Custodian (12-20 hours per week) during the evening hours and on weekends.

Day hours will be required periodically. Please visit the church’s website at www.mobcva.org to view the complete job announcement for this position.

A Criminal History Background Check is required.

First Baptist Church, South Richmond - Facilities Leader (Maintenance, Repairs, & Assisting with Custodian Supervision) The Spirit of Christ & Maintenance Project Coordination Experience Required Email resume & references to employment@fbctoday.org.

No calls or In-Person Visits Accepted Résumé Deadline: Friday, December 28, 2018

Mechanical Engineer in Richmond, VA.

Design/development of serial high speed cigarette machines. Advise on feasibility of reqd features, cost expectations, & potential problems.

Investigate & implement new components for existing/new products. Provide analysis & complete testing of prototype equipment. Mail resume to: J. Klele, Manager, Human Resources, Hauni Richmond, Inc., 2800 Charles City Rd., Richmond, VA 23231.

Virginia Board for People with Disabilities

Requests FFY 2019 Competitive Grant Proposals The Virginia Board for People with Disabilities, the state’s Developmental Disabilities (DD) Council, seeks to support local, regional and/or statewide projects that encourage inclusive communities and result in changes to policies, programs, and systems through the release of its Creating Inclusive Communities – Request for Proposal (RFP). The Board is seeking proposals that will (1) create, improve or expand informal and formal community supports for people with developmental disabilities and/or (2) address the need of underserved and inequitably served individuals within the overall population of people with developmental disabilities. The Board has approximately $500,000 available for multiple projects in Virginia, and funding for individual projects under this RFP may range from $10,000 to $150,000.

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

School Nurse – RN/BSN Department of School Health Services For application and full job description, access www.rvaschools.net. Richmond Public Schools will conduct a background investigation, tuberculosis screening and drug/alcohol testing as a condition of employment. EOE.

The Board also seeks to support a local, regional or statewide self-advocacy organization or program, through the release of its Strengthening SelfAdvocacy inVirginia RFP. Projects funded through this grant program must be designed to strengthen an existing self-advocacy organization or program, led by individuals with DD, by improving the organization’s skill set, structure and/or work to effect policy change. The Board has reserved total funding of up to $50,000 for one or more projects under this RFP and self-advocacy organizations or programs with statewide reach will receive preference.

The 2019 RFP, forms & other important documents needed to complete an application are available at https://www.ddsuite.org/index. The deadline for Letters of Interest is January 17, 2019 for grant projects that will begin August 1, 2019. Grants awarded by the Board are 100% federally funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Questions regarding the RFP submission process should be directed to Jason Withers, at (804) 786-9375 or by email at Jason.Withers@ vbpd.virginia.gov.

BID COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION ITB # 18-1790-11CLE – HVAC Renovations at Shady Grove ES and Freeman HS Specialty Center. Due 3:00 pm, January 22, 2019. Additional information available at: https://henrico. us/finance/divisions/ purchasing/.

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