Richmond Free Press March 14-16, 2019 Edition

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Meet 2019 Boys & Girls Club of Metro Richmond Youth of the Year B1

MARCH 14-16, 2019

Stand by your plan Mayor Levar M. Stoney pushes his proposed tax hikes despite opposition and criticism

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Mayor Levar M. Stoney plans to take his case for tax hikes to Richmond residents in coming weeks, even as his plan draws resistance and foes express gratitude to one of his outspoken opponents, 8th District City Councilwoman Reva M. Trammell, by showering her with bouquets of flowers.

Convinced that the city has no choice if it is to make progress, Mayor Stoney said he knows “I’ll take some hits.”

But he said he’s prepared for criticism if that is what it takes to boost the city’s revenue so it Mayor Stoney can work on getting streets in shape and get busy creating a public education system in which most students, not just 60 percent, learn to read, write, handle arithmetic and are prepared for careers and college.

Mayor Stoney also said the city must start providing better pay for its employees if it is to continue to attract qualified

people in explaining why his plan includes a 3 percent pay raise for city workers.

The mayor has scheduled four community sessions — one in each quadrant of the city — in coming weeks where he plans to discuss the budget and get an earful from citizens about how they see things.

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Free Press wire report

Please turn to A5

Please turn to A4

Artist wants money from city for damaged works, studio

Fallout continues from college admissions scandal LOS ANGELES Colleges and companies moved swiftly this week to distance themselves from employees swept up in a nationwide college admissions scheme, many of them coaches accused of taking bribes as well as prominent parents accused of angling to get their children into top schools by portraying them as recruited athletes.

That celebrities were among the accused parents — actresses Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman headline the list — created much buzz, but other parents charged included people prominent in law, finance, fashion, manufacturing and other fields — people who could afford the steep price.

At least nine athletic coaches and 33 parents were among those charged Tuesday in the scheme that federal authorities called the biggest college admissions scam ever prosecuted by the U.S. Justice Department.

Some parents spent hundreds of thousands of dollars, as much as $6.5 million, to guarantee their children’s admission at the nation’s most elite schools, officials said, including Yale, Stanford, Georgetown, Wake Forest, the University of Texas, the University of SouthMs. Loughlin Ms. Huffman ern California and the University of California at Los Angeles. All told, federal authorities said the parents collectively are accused of paying an estimated $25 million in bribes.

“These parents are a catalog of wealth and privilege,” U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling said Tuesday in announcing the results of the investigation code named Operation Varsity Blues.

The scandal is certain to inflame long-standing complaints that children of the wealthy and well-connected have the inside track in college admissions — sometimes through big, timely donations from their parents — and that privilege begets privilege.

Among the parents charged was Gordon Caplan, of Greenwich, Conn., co-chairman of the law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher based in New York. Mr. Caplan “will have no further firm management responsibilities,” the firm said in a statement Wednesday.

Telephone messages seeking comment have been left with Mr. Caplan, who is accused of paying $75,000 to get a test supervisor to correct the answers on his daughter’s ACT exam after she took it.

Hercules Capital, a Palo Alto, Calif., hedge fund, announced Wednesday it was replacing its leader, Manuel Henriquez, who has been arrested in New York City and released on $500,000

The mayor visited the Free Press on Monday to pitch his budget even as council members gathered a few blocks away to begin their review of the amended 2019-20 budget, which calls for a 9 cent increase in the property tax and imposition of

File photo

Richmond artist S. Ross Browne is frustrated with the city’s failure to pay for the damage caused to his South Side art studio by a busted fire hydrant. He poses in this 2013 photo after the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts purchased one of his works for its collection.

S. Ross Browne was painting in his South Side studio at 4 a.m. Nov. 1 when he heard an explosion outside.

The hydrant in front of his studio at 1100 Hull St. had burst.

Water was gushing down the sidewalk and street as if the James River has suddenly flooded South Side.

The gush of water then began flowing into the foundation of his building and started bubbling up through the concrete into his studio.

“Good thing I was up to start making calls. That water was enough to collapse the building,” said the award-winning artist who has won recognition for his figurative realism paintings that feature black people in Renaissance-style dress and armor.

Mr. Browne hustled to move his artwork and furniture to higher space, but could not keep the water from damaging 19 pieces that were sitting on the floor.

It took the Richmond Department of Public Utilities three hours to respond and turn off the water despite his repeated calls, he said.

Four months after the flood, Mr. Browne is still fighting the city to secure payment for $48,000 in damages he said he suffered.

“It’s frustrating,” he said. “I did nothing wrong, but my studio Please turn to A4

RPS attendance officers’ jobs on chopping block despite crucial need, service

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Mr. Eppes

With little public attention, the Richmond delegation to the General Assembly joined most Democrats and Republicans last year in voting to dismantle most of the 20year-old requirements imposed on Virginia public schools to prevent truancy.

The bill that became law doubled from five to 10 the number of days that a student could miss, allowed schools to wait another 10 days before meeting with parents, eliminated most of the authority of school attendance officers to be involved and allowed school districts to use volunteers instead of paid staff to work on attendance issues.

It remains unclear why the leader of House Democrats, Delegate Eileen

Business sense

Lauren Ferrell, 13, shows off inspirational handcrafted items she designed for her business, “Simply Inspired by Lauren.”

She and dozens of other young entrepreneurs were selling their wares Saturday at the Richmond Children’s Business Fair. Please see another photo, B2.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Filler-Corn of Fairfax County, wanted to defang the truancy law or why Richmond legislators so eagerly embraced the proposal to largely take the state Department of Education and school Mr. Peterson districts off the hook for enforcing the state’s compulsory attendance law.

But the impact is being felt in Richmond, which has long been a Virginia leader in truancy and dropouts. In the city of Richmond, 4,500 students, or about one in four, miss 10 or more days of class each year, according to state records. And nearly 600 students, or about one in three, who are enrolled in ninth grade fail to graduate four years later.

While he has not responded to a request for comment, Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras appears to have spotted the truancy law change, and with majority support on the Richmond School Board, is using it as part of his effort to cut $13 million from central office expenses.

The 2019-20 budget the School Board sent to the city recently calls for saving more than $500,000 by eliminating the 21 positions previously allotted for attendance officers, who have served on the front lines of truancy prevention since 2014 when RPS reclaimed the work from the Richmond Police Department.

Mr. Kamras wants to replace the attendance officers, who are out in the Please turn to A4

Garden at MLK Middle School is part of new city Food Justice Corridor

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Richmond’s new Food Justice Corridor is starting to take root.

On Saturday, nine new raised garden beds were installed in an interior courtyard at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, building on fledging steps begun last year.

A cadre of 10 volunteers spent more than four hours assembling the beds, filling them with dirt and planting peas, beans and onions — the initial crops.

Representatives of the Richmond Food Justice Alliance, Fit4Kids, Sun Path Family Farms, Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens’

urban agriculture initiative, Kinfolk Community Empowerment Center, as well as interested individuals pitched in.

Susan Roberson, director of Richmond Public Schools’ Nutrition Program, is thrilled.

“Not only will students get to see plants growing and help grow them, but hopefully, they’ll end up eating them to complete the farm-to-table cycle,” said Ms. Roberson, who was one of the volunteers.

Elizabeth Theriault, the city Health District’s chronic disease and food systems specialist, also spent time volunteering. She promotes healthy eating as part of the formula for helping resi-

dents reduce health challenges and is a big fan of the effort at the middle school.

The garden is the first to be planted this year and will complement gardens that are being developed in Gilpin Court and at Faith Community Baptist Church, according to Arthur Burton founder and director of the Kinfolk Community Empowerment Center.

More gardens are planned for plots on the campus of Armstrong High School, in Mosby Court and at other locations, Please turn to A4

Richmond Free Press

A2 March 14-16, 2019

Local News

From the ground up Church Hill North is going vertical three years after ground was broken for the development at the former site of Armstrong High School in the East End. Work began last fall on the first 105 apartments, including 45 units for seniors and 60 units for families, many of whom currently live nearby in the Creighton Court public housing community managed by the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

The Community Builders, a Boston-based nonprofit, is undertaking the development and investing about $26 million in the first phase from private and public sources, including city taxpayers, who already have spent $9 million to clear away the old school building and Slices of life and scenes install new utility lines. Interior streets also are being added. in Richmond The first units are expected to be ready for occupancy by Christmas, with a total of 256 apartments and houses to be built in the next three to five years.

A partner with RRHA, TCB also is preparing to move ahead with a second phase of 70 more family apartments and additional senior apartments at a projected cost of $29 million.

Down the road, TCB plans to build 35 single-family homes that are to be sold.

A mix of subsidized and market-rate units, the development is to feature multiple housing types, including one-story bungalows, two-story homes, duplexes, attached townhomes, stacked flats and three-story apartment buildings with elevators. The site also is to include playgrounds and open space.

The work is part of RRHA’s goal of providing replacement homes for residents of Creighton Court.

Cityscape

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

City, police officer ask for $30M lawsuit to be dismissed

City Hall and Richmond Police Officer Benjamin Frazer are asking the Richmond Circuit Court to throw out a $30 million lawsuit that a Richmond woman filed after being handcuffed during a police traffic stop.

In response to the suit Thelma N. Brown filed last month against the government and the officer, the city urged the court to find that the City of Richmond cannot be sued under the doctrine of sovereign immunity which bars suits against a government entity unless it has agreed to be sued.

In his own response, Officer Frazer responded with a denial that he did anything improper and separately argued that the case should be dismissed because he was doing his job and has qualified immunity from lawsuits as a law enforcement officer.

Ms. Brown alleged in her suit that Officer Frazer pulled her over around 11:30 p.m. Nov. 19 and detained her in handcuffs during the stop for having a headlight and tail light that were not functioning.

Her complaint alleges that she was subjected to “threatening and intimidating behavior” and then humiliated by being placed in restraints after being compelled to leave her vehicle.

Her suit is based on a claim that Richmond officers routinely use handcuffs on African-American drivers during stops and that the action is discriminatory.

She ultimately was given two summonses for the faulty light.

Both summonses were dismissed when she went to court in January. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

Ronald E. Carrington/Richmond Free Press

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for Virginia Commonwealth University’s new College of Health Professions is slated for 1:30 p.m. Monday, March 18, with tours available afterward. The $84.3 million building is located on Leigh Street in Downtown between 9th and 10th streets.

New VCU building to open Virginia Commonwealth University students soon will have new space to train for futures in occupational therapy, physical therapy, nurse anesthesia and other health fields.

Next Monday, March 18, the VCU College of Health Professions will cut the ribbon on its new $84.3 million home at 900 E. Leigh St. on the medical campus.

The 1:30 p.m. ceremony will be followed by tours of the 154,000-square-foot building that includes modern laboratories designed for patient simulation and diagnostic technology and flexible classrooms to promote distance learning.

The L-shaped building, which features an eight-story wing that faces west and a four-story wing that faces south, will go into use when the 2020 fall semester begins.

The college is now scattered over five buildings on VCU’s two campuses. With the new building, the college, which will mark its 50th year in 2020, will finally be in one place, with room for all of its nine academic units, a doctoral program in health-related sciences as well as the Virginia Center on Aging and the dean’s office.

Other disciplines to be housed in the building include gerontology or the study of aging, clinical laboratory science, patient counseling, patient therapy, radiation sciences, rehabilitation counseling and health administration.

Problems prevent lead abatement program from advancing

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Daniel Mouer has $2.7 million to spend on removing hazardous lead paint lingering in Richmond residences more than 40 years after it was banned.

But the project development manager at City Hall is struggling to find landlords and homeowners willing to let him do the work using money awarded to the city in 2017 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

As of Feb. 23, lead removal has been completed on 10 homes, Mr. Mouer said, well short of the 50 residences that were supposed to be completed in the first 12 months of the grant that became active in March 2018.

Mr. Mouer said the program has spent $10,000 to $20,000 per residence to abate the lead hazard, including repainting walls and replacing windows and doors.

The shortage of homes has made it harder to offer training to small contractors seeking to earn state certification in lead remediation to compete for jobs. “We haven’t had the work,” Mr. Mouer said.

However, in response to contractor complaints, the city is planning to hold its first lead supervisor training class for contractors and construction managers who want to operate certified lead paint abatement companies or to do the work for someone else.

The four-day program being offered without charge will be held Monday, March 25, through Thursday, March 28, at the East District Initiative Building, 701 N. 25th St., it has been announced Participants are required to register and pre-qualify with the training host, the Office of Community Wealth Building, to attend the 34 hours of training, according to Sherrilyn Hicks, the OCWB employment specialist who is taking applications.

The city promised to remove lead hazards from 150 homes when it was awarded the grant. But at the current pace, that might never happen, Mr. Mouer acknowledged.

He said HUD is not allowing him to reduce that promised number.

Mr. Mouer said he has done everything he could think of to get the word out. He has sent out information on the grant funding in utility bills, highlighted it using the city’s social media and other messaging.

He has attended community and civic association meetings and elsewhere to promote the program.

“So far, nothing has worked,” he said.

“When I talk with people in other communities with grants, they are just as puzzled as I am at the lack of response.”

To help, the Department of Housing and Community Development has temporarily assigned a member of its staff, James E. “J.J.” Minor III, who also serves as president of the Richmond Branch NAACP, to assist with outreach.

There are some strict guidelines to qualify for grant funding. Homeowners and tenants have to meet the low-income requirements, and the household must include a child under age 4 or a pregnant woman, among other things.

However, Mr. Mouer said he has not had much luck even when there are qualifying people and the residence is identified with a lead hazard after a child’s blood test shows high levels of lead.

Tenants express worry about being evicted or having their rent go up after the work is done, he said, while landlords express concern about lawsuits, even though the program addresses both concerns and there is a state law granting immunity to property owners involved in lead abatement.

Landlords also bridle at being required to allow current residents to remain for at least three years after the work is done, he indicated.

“We’re open for business, and we’re hoping more people will respond so we can use this money,” Mr. Mouer said.

For years, HUD has been providing lead grants to eliminate lead poisoning that can damage the growing brains and organs of babies and toddlers if they breathe lead-tainted dust or eat peeling paint in old homes.

If the source of the lead is not removed, including old windows and doors and aging walls, the lead can create irreversible damage in young children, causing behavior problems and even loss of control of bodily functions.

Like many older cities, Richmond has plenty of homes with lead paint. An estimated 70 percent of the city’s more than 90,000 apartments and homes were built before 1978, when the ban on lead paint went into effect, according to Mr. Mouer and Yvonne T. Johnson of the Richmond City Health District’s Lead-Safe & Healthy Homes Initiative, a partner on the grant.

Ms. Johnson said that every year, 10 to 20 Richmond children are identified with elevated lead levels. By law, young children must have their blood tested for lead. Labs

Giving to schools

Correction The last name of Dr. Liz Coston, an instructor at Virginia Commonwealth University, was misspelled in an article concerning a study about African-American interactions with Richmond Police officers that was published in the Feb. 28-March 2 edition.

The Free Press regrets the error.

and pediatricians must report their findings to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which notifies state and local health departments.

She said the department is monitoring about 50 children with high levels of lead in their blood and about 50 children with low levels of lead and working with their parents and property owners on finding the source and having it removed.

The public health district has authority to issue violation notices and even get a court order to condemn property after a lead hazard is identified, said Dr. Danny Avula, director of the Richmond and Henrico health districts. But rarely, if ever, has court action been needed.

“We try to work with those involved,” Dr. Avula said. “Our goal is to get the problem taken care of.”

Mr. Mouer is among those notified when the health district identifies a property, and he said the owners are notified about the grant.

But he said most of the owners are uninterested in the money the city has to offer.

Zakia Shabazz, who organized the national nonprofit United Parents Against Lead to spread information about lead poisoning, believes the city is not doing enough. She has been critical of the city’s informational brochures and the approach the city has taken.

However, she acknowledged that her ability to be involved has been limited because she had allowed her lead certifications to lapse.

“I’m working to get my certification again,” she said.

Mr. Mouer said he has listened to Ms. Shabazz and sought to use her information. He said he is open to any suggestions that would help rev up the lead remediation effort.

The grant is the first that HUD has awarded to the City of Richmond since 2003. The federal agency stopped such grants to the city for more than 13 years because Richmond was not able to meet its promises at the time for removing lead hazards.

Ms. Shabazz said she was able to get lead paint removed from 100 homes in three years after HUD in 2004 bypassed the city and awarded UPAL the grant.

However, she said that HUD, under pressure from local governments, stopped awarding lead grants to nonprofit groups like hers in 2008.

Details on the program: Mr. Mouer, (804) 646-7025 or Daniel.Mouer@Richmondgov. com or Ms. Johnson, (804)205-3727 or Yvonne.Johnson@vdh.virginia.gov.

Jeremy M. Lazarus/Richmond Free Press

Fifth-grader Kye’won Williams checks out some of the $1,000 in new school supplies Richmond City Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson delivered last Thursday to his school, Overby-Sheppard Elementary in North Side, as Principal Kara Lancaster-Gay, in the background, talks with other students. Ms. Robertson started the program in the fall and now has expanded it to deliver $1,000 in supplies to each of the three schools in the 6th District, which she represents. The other two schools receiving supplies last week were Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in the East End and Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary School in South Side. Ms. Robertson said her goal is to reduce the burden on teachers by replenishing school supplies during the second half of the school year. She provided everything from folders to pencils and glue sticks, plus specific items each of the schools requested, such as children’s clothing at Overby-Sheppard and snacks at Martin Luther King Jr. The funds for the supplies came primarily from money the city sets aside for each council member to use in their district.

Richmond Free Press

March 14-16, 2019

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News

Winston-Salem removes Confederate statue from old courthouse Free Press wire report

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. The city of Winston-Salem, N.C., removed a Confederate statue Tuesday from the grounds of an old courthouse, drawing applause from onlookers for the rare move in a state where such monuments are largely protected by law.

Construction crews in Winston-Salem spent more than an hour Tuesday morning attaching a harness and a cage-like metal frame to the statue of an anonymous soldier, then hoisted it from atop its pedestal with a large crane.

A small group of people watching clapped and cheered as the statue was taken down and placed on a flatbed truck. The column and base were then dismantled and removed piece by piece, with workers finishing up in the afternoon.

Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines said the statue temporarily will be put in storage before it is eventually moved to historic Salem Cemetery.

He said he didn’t have an estimate for the cost of the city-funded removal. “We realize that there are very strong feelings on both sides of this issue, so what we’ve tried to do is devise a solution that recognizes both sides,� Mayor Joines said in an interview.

He described the cemetery as “a very dignified and appropriate location for the statue.�

Wearing a cap and jacket with Confederate emblems, Howard Snow watched the workers’ progress throughout the morning, occasionally snapping pictures with his cellphone from a sidewalk. He said the removal was a waste of taxpayer money and an overall “travesty.� “I don’t see where it’s a nuisance or a bother to anybody,� said Mr. Snow, 62. “It’s been there 114 years and you’re going to tell me in one year all of a sudden it’s a problem? No, it’s not.�

But Chris Lutz, who blew on a vuvuzela horn as the statue came down, said he was pleased the city had made good on weeks of planning to relocate the statue. Protesters have decried the statue and other Confederate monuments

Skip Foreman/Associated Press

Workers make final preparations before removing a statue of a Confederate soldier from its base in Winston-Salem, N.C., on Tuesday. The statue is to be placed in a historic cemetery.

as racist symbols. “I’m excited that it’s down,� said Mr. Lutz, 27. “I thought it was going to be much longer, much more arduous.�

Winston-Salem had more leeway than most North Carolina cities because the old courthouse property had passed into private hands.

A 2015 North Carolina law all but prohibits

Alabama law protecting Confederate statues remains in effect during appeal Free Press wire report

MONTGOMERY, Ala. An Alabama law that prohibits cities from removing Confederate monuments will remain in effect while the state appeals a judge’s ruling that declared the statute constitutional, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled last month.

Justices granted the request of Attorney General Steve Marshall to stay a judge’s order striking down the law, Mr. Marshall’s office announced on Feb. 15. “The Supreme Court’s stay allows the Alabama Memorial Preservation Act to remain in effect until the Supreme Court resolves this appeal over the act’s constitutionality,� Mr. Marshall said in a

statement.

Mr. Marshall said he believes a judge erred when he ruled the law unconstitutional.

The 2017 Alabama Memorial Preservation Act prohibits relocating, removing, altering or renaming public buildings, streets and memorials that have been standing for more than 40 years. Cities can be fined for violations.

Jefferson County Circuit Judge Michael Graffeo ruled in January that the law violates the free speech rights of local communities and declared it void.

The state law doesn’t specifically mention Confederate monuments, but it was enacted as some Southern states and cities began

removing such monuments and emblems.

Alabama sued the city of Birmingham in 2017 after officials erected a wooden box that obscured the view of a 52-foot-tall obelisk honoring Confederate veterans.

In his order declaring the law unconstitutional, Judge Graffeo said it was indisputable that most citizens in the majority African-American city of Birmingham are “repulsed� by the memorial. He rejected the state’s claims that lawmakers had the power to protect historical monuments statewide.

Justices in February also agreed to stay any fines against Birmingham as the court case plays out over the law’s constitutionality.

the permanent removal of Confederate statues from public land. More than 90 Confederate monuments stand in public places other than cemeteries around the state.

In January, a judge denied a request by the United Daughters of The Confederacy to prevent the removal of the Winston-Salem statue from the grounds of the building that now houses apartments.

The approximately 30-foot high monument includes a granite statue atop a base and column and was dedicated in 1905. It depicts an anonymous soldier in a Confederate uniform resting his rifle stock against the ground.

North Carolina has been at the forefront of the debate over what to do with Confederate monuments as one of three southern states with the most statues, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. A tally shows Confederate monuments are located at contemporary or historic courthouses in about half of North Carolina’s counties.

The United Daughters of The Confederacy unsuccessfully argued in court papers that the sale of the Winston-Salem courthouse left the public monuments in the hands of Forsyth County, so removal would violate the state law.

But county officials have said they don’t own the statue and the current owner of the property agreed the statue should be removed.

City officials have said it’s impossible to preserve the monument or protect public safety at the downtown location. The statue has been vandalized several times in recent years, and critics and supporters have held rallies around it.

Elsewhere, two North Carolina Confederate statues have been torn down by protesters in recent months, including one at a historic Durham courthouse and another on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Those are among at least 18 Confederate monuments around the state that have been vandalized or damaged dating back decades, including one knocked over by a 1989 hurricane and later put back up, according to an Associated Press analysis of state records.

Before the 2015 monuments law was enacted, North Carolina municipalities had relocated Confederate monuments at least 20 times, including some moved multiple times.

Local governments have been all but blocked from moving statues under the law that allows relocation only in very narrow circumstances.

Among the last monuments moved by a local government before Tuesday was one relocated from near Charlotte’s old City Hall to a cemetery after it was vandalized in 2015.

The Southern Poverty Law Center said 115 Confederate statues have been taken down across the United States, a sign that they are losing favor.

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Richmond Free Press

A4 March 14-16, 2019

Local News

Mayor Stoney to stand by his plan Continued from A1

a 50-cent-a-pack cigarette tax.

The budget package totals nearly $1.6 billion when utilities, grants, internal spending, borrowing and federal and state spending on schools is included.

But the big focus is on two buckets, the general fund, into which taxes flow and which the mayor proposes to grow to $757 million in the fiscal year that will begin July 1. The other bucket is the capital budget that outlines city borrowing plans for parks, roads, buildings and other infrastructure.

The mayor wants to increase borrowing to nearly $97 million, in part to provide a one-time infusion of $16 million into street and sidewalk improvement and another one-time infusion of $19 million to enable RPS to repair and replace outdated equipment.

City Council last year approved a $713 million general fund budget for 2019-20, meaning the mayor’s proposal would increase city spending by nearly $44 million, with $24 million coming from the new taxes and the remaining $20 million coming from revenue growth.

Behind the scenes, council members are getting untold numbers of emails and social media posts of opposition to the tax hike, and it appears the mayor would lose if the vote were taken at this point.

While some council members are still holding fire, only one member, 9th District Councilman Michael J. Jones, has jumped on board. He has called the mayor’s plan to raise the property tax rate and impose a cigarette tax the only plan on the table to

Budget talks Mayor Levar M. Stoney announced this week that he will hold four community meetings to make his case for tax increases, take questions and listen to comments.

Here is the planned schedule: Tuesday, March 19 — 6:30 to 8 p.m., Woodville Elementary School, 2000 N. 28th St., East End. Thursday, March 21 — 7 to 8:30 p.m., Southside Community Center, 6255 Old Warwick Road, South Side.

Wednesday, March 27 — 6:30 to 8 p.m., Thomas Jefferson High School, 4100 W. Grace St., West End. Tuesday, April 2 — 6:30 to 8 p.m., Northside Family YMCA, 4207 Old Brook Road, North Side.

Details: Tameka Jefferson, Tameka.Jefferson@ richmondgov.com or (804) 646-6936.

address “our horrible streets” and “our deplorable schools.”

At least two council members, Ms. Trammell and 2nd District Councilwoman Kim B. Gray, are outright opponents.

1st District Councilman Andreas D. Addison also is opposed at this time. He has said that City Hall first must tighten its belt and pursue other options to address the budget priorities before increasing taxes.

Council Vice President Chris Hilbert, 3rd District, and Fourth District Councilwoman Kristen Larson also appear to be opposed to a big tax increase.

Three other members have not yet publicly stated a position — Council President Cynthia I. Newbille, 7th District, 6th District Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson and 5th District Councilman Parker C. Agelasto.

However, both inside and outside of City Hall, the mayor’s tax increase was viewed as being connected to his expected bid for re-election.

Including members of City Council, there is skepticism about pumping more money into Richmond Public Schools, which already has one of the biggest local education budgets in the state. They view the schools’ strategic plan, Dreams4RVA, which has been touted by the School Board and Superintendent Jason Kamras, as nebulous and lacking any timelines or benchmarks for achieving results.

At the same time, there are concerns that the real reason for the tax increase is to ensure the mayor has revenue to pay for replacing the Richmond Coliseum, even though the plan for doing so has been put on hold. In his meeting with the Free Press, Mayor Stoney denied there is any connection between his budget proposal and the Downtown redevelopment plan.

At this point, no one is advancing a proposal to reduce the number of employees in city government. City Hall continues to operate despite having an estimated 500 vacant positions. Each reduction of 100 vacant positions would generate an estimated $6 million in payroll savings.

The mayor has rejected the idea of job cuts, saying city government is short-handed. And no one on City Council has advanced a plan to shift currently budgeted funds to other needs.

Courtyard vegetable garden at MLK Middle School is part of new city Food Justice Corridor Continued from A1

possibly other churches, he said.

This is not the only effort to increase local food production.

Groups like Shalom Farms and Tricycle Gardens have been involved for some years in generating and moving produce into low-income neighborhoods of Richmond.

The Food Justice Corridor is aimed at getting residents to be equal partners in this effort, said Omari Al-Qadaffi, a community organizer and director of the Richmond Food Justice Alliance who also helped assemble the raised beds and fill them with topsoil.

The corridor is the brainchild of Mr. Burton, who started Kinfolk in a bid to empower and uplift residents of the Mosby Court public housing community.

During the past two years, Mr. Burton has worked with Mr. Al-Qadaffi and others to create a coalition of like-minded groups and individuals willing to use food growing as a way to involve residents in addressing the health and economic inequities that have plagued portions of the city, notably the East End. “We are seeking to use urban agriculture as a tool of community engagement,” Mr. Burton said. “The purpose is to make healthy food more available while also dealing with some of the ills, like violence, that remain challenges to overcome.”

He envisions residents using food growing as a tool of education and opportunity so they can become more selfsufficient.

His hope is that eventually enough fresh produce can be grown to meet community needs, with enough left over to sell to stores and people who want healthier, locally grown items.

If all goes well, residents also could create specialty canned, pickled and jellied products as a means to improve their family incomes, he said.

“We want people to have more control over their own destiny, and urban agriculture is one way to achieve that,” Mr. Burton said.

At this point, 24 government, nonprofit and faith-based organizations are working together to create the corridor under the umbrella Food Justice Alliance, also known as Community Unity in Action, according to the alliance’s online information.

“Most of the really exciting work happening in Richmond is the result of strong, trusting partnerships between organizations and communities that are willing to work together and imagine a new way forward together,” Mr. Burton said.

“The Food Justice Corridor is exactly this kind of partnership, with organizations and individuals working as partners to address food access, build community, reduce violence, inspire youths and so much more.”

Jeremy M. Lazarus/Richmond Free Press

Alia Chambers, co-founder of Sun Path Family Farms, and Sue Roberson plant seeds for peas and green beans Saturday in new beds at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in the East End.

RPS jobs on chopping block despite crucial need, service Continued from A1

community trying to carry out their assigned task of reducing truancy, with seven “attendance liaisons.”

While the duties are unspecified, the new liaisons apparently would work with principals, who under the 2018 legislation, are now the in-school officials with the most responsibility for truancy prevention.

John Butcher, a private statistician who uses state data to monitor RPS’ performance and who first noted the change in state law, calls the change a way for school systems like Richmond to wash their hands of students who don’t want to attend.

“Students who are not in school can’t be taught,” Mr. Butcher wrote in a trenchant commentary on the change. “Students who are truant frequently drop out. Students who have dropped out cannot lower the pass rates on state Standards of Learning tests.”

While the Richmond School Board has endorsed the plan, a backlash is starting to develop among City Council members worried that Richmond’s chronic truancy will only become worse with the loss of attendance officers, and that families

and children who have come to rely on the officers would find themselves with no one to lean on.

Several members of City Council, including Reva M. Trammell, 8th District, and Kim B. Gray, 2nd District, a former School Board member, issued strong criticism of the Kamras plan after five of the officers appeared before City Council on Monday night to plead for help.

Butler Peterson, an 18-year RPS veteran who has spent five years as an attendance officer, acted as spokesman for the officers, who were notified last week that their jobs were on the chopping block. So far, they have not been told if they can be considered for the liaison positions.

Truancy was always a schools responsibility, but during former Mayor L. Douglas Wilder’s tenure, he sought to give the issue a higher profile and handed it to police, who set up diversion centers and spent time rounding up young people. Interest waned, however, and RPS regained truancy control under Mayor Wilder’s successor, former Mayor Dwight C. Jones.

Mr. Peterson told the council that the officers, now reduced to 17, started the school year as usual, tracking down enrolled

Artist wants money from city for damaged works, studio Continued from A1

was shut down for two months. It took a company nine days just to dry the space out, running fans 24 hours a day.”

With help from a local foundation as well as the landlord, Mr. Browne reopened the studio in January after the water-damaged floors and walls were replaced.

During that time, he was forced to cancel programs that provide revenue. He also lost nine original ink on clayboard drawings that he had sold for $10,000 to a McDonald’s in Northern California, as well as 10 other works valued at $25,000, art supplies and a piece of furniture.

A spokesman for the Department of Public Utilities has not responded to a Free Press query about the situation.

To date, the city has refused to cover Mr. Browne’s losses despite its own internal report showing that the hydrant burst because it was improperly installed.

“How is that right or fair?” Mr. Browne asked. “The city caused the problem and

now doesn’t want to pay for it.”

The city’s position is spelled out in a letter Mr. Browne received from the city’s insurer, AIG. The Jan. 24 letter stated that PMA Management Corp., which serves as the city’s third party administrator for such claims, was denying Mr. Browne’s claim because “the city did not receive prior notice, reports or complaints” about the hydrant before it burst, removing the city’s liability.

PMA’s position is based on a city policy that the municipal government is not responsible if it is not notified in advance of a problem, though it is unclear how a citizen would know when a hydrant is ready to blow.

The company also is relying on city records that show the hydrant was never replaced and that the hydrant broke or burst for no reason, like an “act of God.” Mr. Browne, however, said he watched a crew replace the hydrant in April 2018 after a car damaged it and drove away.

And when Mr. Browne searched for records, he discovered that the Utili-

ties Department showed a hydrant was replaced, but listed its location as West 11th and Hull streets rather than East 11th and Hull streets, which is in front of his building.

A city report on the incident showed the replacement hydrant was not properly installed in April 2018. The crew that arrived to fix the problem on Nov. 1 reported that pipe connections from the hydrant to a tee pipe and to the city’s water main both were “not restrained” in violation of the city code, “so the hydrant had blown out at the (cutoff) valve.”

In other words, this was not an act of God, but faulty plumbing that the city approved and paid for, according to the report.

According to the report, the hydrant repairs took 16 hours to complete and required replacement of 260 square feet of sidewalk around the hydrant.

“If I have to, I’ll take it court,” Mr. Browne said. “But I’m just hoping the city will accept responsibility and do the right thing.”

students who were on the “no show list” and whose failure to attend not only would hurt their educational prospects, but could result in Richmond losing state funding due to having a smaller student body.

Now they are engaged in the day-to-day task of trying to catch up with students who have missed at least five days without an excuse.

“We conduct home visits in some of the most impoverished and high-crime neighborhoods in the city,” Mr. Peterson said.

“We are the boots on the ground. We are a lifeline for these families. We are the heartbeat of RPS.” He offered examples of the wraparound services and support that attendance officers provide, including ensuring that students in need have clothes to wear and that families are connected with services that the parents never knew existed or didn’t know how to contact.

Mr. Peterson recounted how an attendance team saved one bullied student from hanging herself and how others got three elementary students back to class after they were found panhandling on Midlothian Turnpike at the behest of parents who needed money to support drug habits.

One officer, he said, checks daily to ensure that youths who have cut classes are not playing on railroad tracks on South Side to keep them from getting killed.

“We see it all,” said attendance officer Breon Eppes, including teens who are defying parents and neglected young children whose parents are indifferent to education.

Rather than acting as police officers, Mr. Peterson said he and his colleagues spend most of their efforts building relationships with parents and the children, and they regularly get calls from other people concerned about children they know should be in school.

He said the attendance team rarely takes parents to court for failing to ensure their children attend class, and only in cases where parents are deliberately keeping their children out of school.

Mr. Peterson called on City Council to find funding to keep the attendance officers employed “so we can continue to make a difference. If we aren’t there, who will do what we do? There won’t be anyone. Our department is critical to enforcing the attendance policy for RPS.” Ms. Gray, who is considering offering budget language that would block RPS from eliminating the attendance officers, agreed.

“The work of the attendance officers is crucial,” Ms. Gray told her council colleagues.

She said she personally has seen the impact attendance officers make and cannot fathom how any responsible member of the School Board would want to eliminate staff who go where others fear to tread to find students and get them back in school.

Ms. Trammell also found it incomprehensible that the school system would lay off all of the attendance officers. She said that attendance officers often are the ones to respond to problems involving children.

“This is not right,” she said.

Richmond Free Press

March 14-16, 2019 A5

Local News

Descendants of Dred Scott, plaintiff in noted racist U.S. Supreme Court decision, to come to Richmond

By Alexandra Zernik Capital News Service

In Richmond, a city with a history of racism, descendants of Dred Scott and the judge who denied him his unalienable rights will come together in hopes of reconciliation.

Mr. Scott was at the center of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1857 decision that “persons of African descent, whether slave or free, could not be American citizens.” The ruling stripped AfricanAmericans of their right to petition for their freedom under any circumstance and was a factor that prompted the Civil War. Lynne Scott Jackson, the great-great-granddaughter of Dred Scott, will come to Richmond on Wednesday, April 3, to meet with Virginia leaders and walk a portion of the Richmond Slave Trail. She also will share her story of meeting Charles Taney, the great-great-grand-nephew of Justice Roger Taney, the U.S. Supreme Court chief justice who ruled that her ancestor could never be a citizen because of his race.

Ms. Jackson’s upcoming visit was announced on the 162nd anniversary of the decision by Virginians for Reconciliation, a group co-founded by former Gov. Bob McDonnell, that seeks to heal racial wounds.

The organization stated that Ms. Jackson and Mr. Taney might appear together “to discuss their powerful experience of healing

and reconciliation and a pathway forward for Virginia and the country.” Details will be announced later, the group stated.

“We have seen the remarkable power of forgiveness time and time again, as people are given permission to face truth and reality honestly in a safe context,” Ms. Jackson told Virginians for Reconciliation over the phone at their quarterly meeting, according to a press release issued by the organization.

Mr. Scott “Many obstacles and barriers fall quickly when we are able to communicate what has taken place between those whose families were once locked in bitter opposition on their fundamental right.”

“We are honored to have descendants of a courageous Virginian, Dred Scott, and Chief Justice Roger Taney coming to Virginia next month,” former Gov. McDonnell said at a meeting last week. “Separated by 162 years of history, these descendants have forged the path of truth-telling, forgiveness and redemption to serve as a shining example for Virginia’s road to racial reconciliation in 2019.”

Gov. Ralph S. Northam also is a member of Virginians for Reconciliation. He attended Wednesday’s meeting as well as the

group’s debut news conference in January. The two officials were joined by community leaders of religious, business, educational and other diverse backgrounds.

Racial reconciliation has taken on an special importance for Gov. Northam after the discovery of a racist picture published on his 1984 medical school yearbook page of two people, one in blackface and the other in full Ku Klux Klan garb. After initially apologizing for being in the photo, Gov. Northam a day later said he was not one of the two people but acknowledged that he wore blackface later in 1984 as he portrayed Michael Jackson in a dance contest as a medical resident in Texas.

The controversy led many politicians and groups to call on Gov. Northam to resign. Gov. Northam has said he will stay in office and will use his term to promote a discussion about racial healing.

Gov. McDonnell, himself, was in the public spotlight when he was convicted on corruption charges in 2014. His convictions were later overturned on appeal in 2016 by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Virginians for Reconciliation said in the news release that the organization hopes to adopt a “wide-ranging, creative agenda designed to build trusting relationships and confront age-old biases and practices that have plagued the Commonwealth far too long.”

Fallout continues from college admissions scandal Continued from A1

bail. Mr. Henriquez will still hold a seat on the board and serve as an adviser, Hercules officials said.

Mr. Henriquez and his wife, Elizabeth, of Atherton, Calif., were charged with participating in the scheme on four occasions for their two daughters. They were also charged with conspiring to bribe Gordon Ernst, former head tennis coach at Georgetown University, to designate their older daughter as a tennis recruit to facilitate her admission and with making a $400,000 contribution to a charity to help her get admitted to the school.

Georgetown said Mr. Ernst hadn’t coached there since December 2017 after an investigation found he violated university admissions rules. The University of Rhode Island says Mr. Ernst, who was hired as head women’s tennis coach in August, was placed on administrative leave.

At a court hearing Tuesday in Maryland, a federal magistrate freed Mr. Ernst on $200,000 bond. His lawyer, Michael CitaraManis, said his client isn’t a flight risk. Mr. Ernst had planned to attend a job interview in Toronto soon, he said, “although I don’t know the impact from these proceedings.”

Also among the charged parents was Homayoun Zadeh, an associate professor of dentistry at USC. His status at USC was unclear; his faculty profile has been removed from a website, and phone messages seeking comment were not returned.

Mark Riddell — an administrator for Bradenton, Florida’s IMG Academy, which was founded by renowned tennis coach Nick Bollettieri and bills itself as the world’s largest sports academy — was suspended late Tuesday after he was accused of taking college admissions tests.

Mr. Riddell didn’t return phone calls seeking comment.

Many of the coaches were quickly fired or suspended by the colleges.

Prosecutors said the colleges themselves are not targets of the continuing investigation.

Stanford fired sailing Coach John Vandemoer after he was charged with accepting $270,000 in contributions to the program for agreeing to recommend two prospective students for admission. Neither student came to Stanford, the school said.

USC fired senior associate athletic director Donna Heinel and water polo Coach Jovan Vavic. Court documents say Mr. Vavic was paid $250,000 and designated two students as recruits for his team to facilitate their admission.

He has been released on bond.

At Wake Forest, President Nathan Hatch said volleyball Coach Bill Ferguson, who was accused of taking a bribe, has been suspended.

The university’s outside counsel is conducting an internal review, PresiT:11” dent Hatch said.

Federal prosecutors said parents paid admissions consultant William “Rick” Singer millions of dollars to bribe their children’s way into college.

Some of the payouts went to coaches and administrators to falsely make their children look like star athletes.

Mr. Singer allegedly also hired ringers to take college entrance exams for students and paid off insiders at testing centers to correct students’ answers, authorities said.

Mr. Singer, founder of the Edge College & Career Network of Newport Beach, Calif., pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court in Boston. He is alleged to have set up a charitable foundation through which the money was funneled, allowing parents to take a tax credit for the payments.

In one case, a former USC women’s soccer coach and consultant allegedly worked together in 2017 to help a client’s child get into Yale in exchange for $1.2 million from the family. A false athletic profile created for the

student said she played competitive soccer and had been on China’s junior national development team.

The profile was sent to the coach of the Yale women’s soccer team and the student was accepted. Prosecutors said the Yale coach, Rudolph Meredith, received $400,000 from the consulting company after the student was accepted, even though he knew the student did not play competitive soccer.

Ms. Loughlin, who was charged along with her husband, fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, appeared in the ABC sitcom “Full House,” while Ms. Huffman starred in ABC’s “Desperate Housewives.”

Ms. Loughlin and her husband allegedly paid $500,000 to have their two daughters labeled as recruits to the USC crew team even though neither participated in the sport. Their 19-yearold daughter, Olivia Jade Giannulli, who has a popular YouTube channel, attends USC.

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Richmond Free Press

Spring blooms in North Side

Editorial Page

A6

March 14-16, 2019

The only plan on the table Mayor Levar M. Stoney has presented what he calls a “bold” new budget to Richmond City Council that goes all in for greater investment in public schools and road and street improvements.

His proposed 2020-21 budget, which would go into effect July 1, calls for taxes, taxes and more taxes. It includes a 9 cent hike in the city’s real estate tax rate, a 50 cent per pack local tax on cigarettes and a jump in water, gas and sewer rates.

According to the mayor, the added revenue will allow the city to pump $18.5 million more into Richmond Public Schools to fund its strategic plan, Dreams4RPS, and put $16.2 million toward improving city streets and sidewalks.

“There is no investment more important or worthwhile than the investment we make in our children,” Mayor Stoney said.

“Their future is our future.”

We remind our readers that none of the mayor’s proposals are new. In March 2018, Councilman Parker C. Agelasto proposed an 80-cents-a-pack tax on cigarettes, while in October, schools Superintendent Jason Kamras floated the idea of a 10 cent hike in the city’s real estate tax. Both ideas were shot down.

We supported the cigarette tax hike last year, and we support it now, even with the understanding that the $3 million it is expected to yield annually may drop over time as people stop smoking or stop purchasing cigarettes in the city.

It would be the first such tax levied on cigarettes in Richmond, whereas 92 other Virginia localities have been using a local cigarette tax to generate additional dollars for years.

We believe a tax on this unhealthy product can add to the well-being of Richmond’s schoolchildren by helping to fund critical needs.

But, we are not sold on Mayor Stoney’s real estate tax hike for several reasons. Even as the mayor has said — more money doesn’t always equate to better outcomes. And we want to see some real progress in student achievement, graduation rates and outcomes, along with greater accountability from Mr. Kamras and the School Board with the money they currently receive before Richmond taxpayers are asked to pony up more money for RPS. While $90 more a year for a house valued at $100,000 doesn’t sound like a lot with the mayor’s proposed tax hike, officials fail to acknowledge that many Richmond homeowners have seen their real estate assessments increase by 25 percent during the last year, pushing up their tax burden this year by an equal percentage. Adding another 9 cents to the tax rate would add insult to injury.

The onus now is on City Council to come up with a plan to both help generate more money for city schools while mitigating the tax burden on residents. City Council’s recent expansion of the tax relief program for the elderly and low-income households is a help, but not a cure-all.

Richmond currently has the highest tax rate in the region at $1.20 per $100 of assessed value. Because of the poor state of RPS, some residents flee the city for the suburbs once their children get to middle school. We don’t want to give Richmond residents another reason to leave — that the city is unaffordable.

It’s time for City Council to step up and show leadership in this regard, otherwise Mayor Stoney’s plan will be the only one on the table.

‘Something in the Water’

Planning to attend “Something in the Water,” the three-day music festival in late April spearheaded by Pharrell Williams in Virginia Beach?

According to the latest reports, the cheapest tickets are sold out, along with most of the hotel rooms on the oceanfront.

The event proves the drawing power of the talented and forward-thinking Mr. Williams, whose 2014 hit “Happy” was a seven-time platinum winner with more than 7 million copies sold in the United States alone.

“I don’t think we have seen an event sell out the market that fast ever before,” Russell Lyons, president of the Virginia Beach Hotel Association, told The Virginian-Pilot newspaper this week. “I am amazed.”

“Something in the Water,” which runs April 26 through 28, also is a testament to the economic buying power of the AfricanAmerican community. Mr. Williams pitched the event to Virginia Beach city officials as providing organized events and professional development opportunities for students from HBCUs. City officials said more than 32,000 tickets have been snapped up by fans since going on sale at noon Friday, March 8. The festival will feature Mr. Williams, a Virginia Beach native, and about 30 other high-octane performers, including Janelle Monáe, Teddy Riley, Missy Elliott, Travis Scott and the Dave Matthews Band.

Since the initial announcement, even more stars have been added to the lineup. Among them are Usher, Diddy, Gwen Stefani and Snoop Dogg.

Three-day, early-bird admission passes were available first, starting at $150, with organizers saying single-day tickets possibly would be available later, depending on interest.

But the cheap tickets were all gone within an hour, officials said. By this week, the lowest priced tickets available were $195 three-day general admission passes, with an added $49.44 fee.

The 3-day VIP passes that started at $450 sold out earlier this week.

The festival, which takes place during College Beach Weekend in the resort city, is vying with other events for area hotel space that weekend, which is driving up room prices.

A religious women’s retreat planned for the Virginia Beach Convention Center and the International Tattoo Festival at the Norfolk Scope together are expected to draw thousands of people as well.

Rooms were going for more than $300 a night during the music festival, which is a lot more than the typical $220 to $240 per night during the peak summer season.

Brad Van Dommelen, director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, told The Pilot the city has hosted large events, but nothing on the scale of “Something in the Water.”

It has been a long time since a Virginia regional event has created this much buzz and excitement, and we send wishes for Mr. Williams’ festival to be a fun, safe and profitable venture for all involved.

While Richmond doesn’t have an oceanfront to serve as a dramatic backdrop and drawing point for such an event, perhaps our local officials can take a few notes or even persuade Mr. Williams to visit Richmond and spark a vision for a potential blockbuster event here in the capital city.

Maybe we can find out what’s in the water to create a weekend hit for Richmond.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Young people and vaping

Nearly half a million people die every year from complications from smoking. About a tenth of them never put a cigarette to their lips; they die from exposure to second-hand smoke.

Death from tobacco is, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the leading cause of preventable death. But too many people, enticed by advertising, think that smoking is so “cool” that they embrace it. And the tobacco industry spent more than $9 billion on smoking advertising, or about a million dollars an hour.

For too many, cigarettes are a desperate addiction, encouraged by pernicious advertising. The addiction hits folks of color hardest. We are more likely to be exposed to heavy advertising, more likely to become addicted and more likely to die from complications of smoking addiction. Public policy can help ameliorate this challenge, perhaps, by further restricting who can buy tobacco and when. Because addictions start early, public policy can help by supporting efforts underway to limit the sale of nicotine to those under age 21.

Instead, unfortunately, some

would prefer to restrict the sale of vaping products in particular to keep them out of the hands of children. Why not just further limit the sale of all tobacco products? The companies that manufacture vaping products, like the market leader Juul, are to be commended for attempting to protect young people from the deleterious effects of their products. But their recently accelerated activism is only one

Julianne Malveaux small step toward ensuring that young people are protected from the harmful effects of smoking, and they cannot do it alone.

Recently, Scott Gottlieb, the head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, resigned for “family reasons.” At the same time, we learned that too many chains, like Walmart, Kroger and Walgreens, along with gas stations, are breaking the law by selling cigarettes and other nicotine products to young people.

But here’s the deal: It doesn’t make sense to regulate the sale of nicotine products like vaping without looking at the sale of nicotine products like cigarettes. Children (yes, despite their protests, I think of anyone under 21 as a child) shouldn’t be purchasing alcohol or tobacco — period. End of conversation.

They aren’t grown. They are susceptible to addiction. The law

should protect them and penalize those who make it easy for them to access these products.

But the law does not protect.

Instead, legislators selectively go after some products, while protecting others. If legislators understood the damage that nicotine and tobacco products do, especially to young people, they’d be rushing to outlaw them. Instead, because tobacco is big business, the industry is protected. Furthermore, products that attempt to ameliorate the harmful sides of smoking, like vaping, are subjected to unreasonable scrutiny, even outlawed.

To their credit, vaping companies are owning their role in possible addiction and standing for a ban on selling any nicotine products to children.

Part of this is personal for me. I’ve written before about my mom’s smoking addiction, which has led to her developing COPD and emphysema diseases in her ninth decade. But it’s more than personal. It’s about the ways that public policy can protect young people, even as they make poor choices.

Follow the money, goes the trope. Who benefits from youngsters buying tobacco and nicotine products? Why do legislators protect them? Why would legislators crack down on vaping but not cigarettes?

Who benefits? If we follow the money, we have to monitor the lobby. Who has power in this game?

Help end gun violence “Defenders of the status quo — advocates of the gun industry and the politicians paid to defend it — will tell you that events like these are virtual acts of nature, products of mental illness or bad parenting, beyond our ability to control. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Every day we fail to take action, we choose this fate. We tolerate politicians who fail to acknowledge this crisis and vote against our safety. We let our gun violence epidemic continue day after deadly day. – Former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, responding to the February 2018 mass shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. A policy supported by 92 percent of American voters has come before the U.S. Senate.

It’s supported by 89 percent of Republicans and 95 percent of Democrats.

But because it’s opposed by 100 percent of gun industry lobbyists, it will be a fight to pass it.

H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019, is the most significant gun safety bill approved by the U.S. House of Representatives in more than two decades. The legislation requires background checks on all firearm sales in the country.

Currently, only licensed dealers are required to conduct background checks on firearm purchasers.

Timing of the bill was especially significant for freshman Rep. Lucy McBath of Georgia.

This month would have marked the 24th birthday of her son, Jordan Davis. He was 17 when he was fatally shot in November 2012 by a man who opened fire on a car of unarmed teenage boys at a gas station in Jack-

Marc H. Morial sonville, Fla. “H.R. 8 will ensure mothers and fathers have one less reason to worry,” Rep. McBath said during debate on the House floor. “It will give students one less thing to fear when they walk into a school. Most importantly, it will make our communities and our nation a safer place to live. And every human being in America deserves that.”

More than 2,400 Americans have died in gun-related violence so far in 2019, an average of about 37 people per day, according to the Gun Violence Archive. Almost 480 children and teenagers have been killed or injured by guns this year.

Background checks have stopped more than 3 million illegal gun sales since 1994, according to the federal Department of Justice. But anyone who is not legally permitted to purchase a gun easily can acquire one at

a gun show, through an online seller or via a person-to-person “private” sale.

An investigation by the firearm safety organization Mayors Against Illegal Guns found that people who bought guns from the online seller Armslist.com were nearly four times as likely to have a criminal record that would prevent them from passing a background check.

Approximately 1 in 5 guns is sold in an unregulated transaction, and 80 percent of all firearms acquired for criminal purposes are bought through unlicensed sellers, according to the Center for Gun Policy and Research at Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health.

No one argues that universal background checks alone can end the epidemic of gun violence.

But it can restrict the illegal gun market. In states where private sales are regulated, there is less flow of guns from legal owners to criminals.

If the Senate fails to pass H.R. 8, it will be placing the financial interests of the gun industry above the interests of everyday Americans, including gun owners, who simply want to keep their families safe.

Please call your state’s senators at (202) 224-3121 and tell them to vote to make America safer.

The writer is the president and chief executive officer of the National Urban League.

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.

We always need to follow the money when we look at the ways that some products are offered to the market and others are restricted. We always need to follow the money when we realize that there are always beneficiaries in a society that has predatory capitalism at its roots.

We don’t need more children being exposed to addiction. We shouldn’t outlaw vaping products without outlawing the sale of tobacco to children.

I appreciate some manufacturers for joining many others in standing up against companies like Walmart, Walgreens and the others that are making big dollars selling tobacco and nicotine products to children. It needs to stop.

Legislators need to step up and protect our children from this destructive addiction.

The writer is an economist and author.

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Richmond Free Press

March 14-16, 2019

A7

Letters to the Editor C.L. Belle’s

Women, the draft and equality A federal judge in Texas ruled last month that the all-male draft in the United States is unconstitutional.

For many decades, there have been divisions in our military — the 442nd Infantry Regiment of Japanese Americans, the African-American Tuskegee Airmen, the African-American cavalry regiment known as Buffalo Soldiers and the American

Indian code talkers.

While Congress eliminated the draft in the early 1970s, all men ages 18 to 25 are still required by law to register with the Selective Service System. A U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 1981 stated that women could be excluded from the draft.

From 1981 to 2019 is an antiquity for a tradition of segregating women from

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draft registration.

Since so many progressives were elected to Congress in November, and millennials are taking it to the street for change, this should be the generation to make theirs an equality-for-all era.

RICK KNIGHT Henrico County

Virginia, change and the ERA People have said the Democrats have no central focus. I think we do — and that’s inclusion.

When I was a little girl, a lot of things seemed wrong. Why were there “colored” and “white” water fountains and bathrooms?

Why did some people have to sit in the back of the bus? Why could some people not go to restaurants and swimming pools?

Why could I not do some things because I was a girl?

While many of these outward signs of discrimination have been eradicated, there are still horrible feelings left inside, growing as cancers in this country that was founded by wealthy white men for wealthy white men.

Virginia was the first state to decimate theAmerican Indians and steal their land, and to barter human souls into slavery. Even white women were chattel property.

It would have been a wonderful contrast to Virginia’s past and a true victory for inclusion if Virginia could have been the 38th and last state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.

But once again, it was not to be. We will keep working.

We live in Blue Virginia now. I really would like to be equal under the law before I am under the ground.

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Join the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities and celebrate

Fix a Leak Week March 18 - 22, 2019

Upcoming Free Health Seminars

Leaks Can Run, but They Can’t Hide

We’ll be offering the following free health seminars at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s Kelly Education Center, located at 1800 Lakeside Avenue.

Registration is recommended. Free parking available.

March 21, 2019 | 5:30 p.m.

Colorectal cancer: The latest in prevention and treatment

Chase the “running” toilet!

Find it and enter to win a gift card.

Follow us on Twitter @UtilityBuddy for clues on each day.

Look for the clues and find the “running” toilet in these areas from from 12pm - 2pm Tuesday, March 19th

March 27, 2019 | 5:30 p.m.

Downtown Area

Treatments for multiple sclerosis: Making sense of the options

Wednesday, March 20th

Byrd Park

Register online at vcuhealth.org/events or call (804) 628-0041 for more information.

Friday, March 22nd Carytown Follow us on Twitter @UtilityBuddy for more information.

190314-Free Press.indd 1

2/27/19 1:16 PM

I-95/Belvidere St. Interchange Safety Improvement City of Richmond Design Public Hearing Thursday, April 11, 5:30 – 7 p.m.

VDOT Central Office Auditorium 1401 E Broad St. Richmond, VA 23219 Find out about the proposed project to reconfigure the interchange from Belvidere St. to I-95 south/I-64 east. This project will realign and improve the merge condition for the on-ramps to I-95 southbound.

The meeting will be held in an open forum style from 5:30-7 p.m. This format will provide the flexibility to allow participants to meet and discuss the proposed project directly with project staff members. Parking is available in the rear of the building.

Review the project information and National Environmental Policy Act documentation at VDOT’s Richmond District Office located at 2430 Pine Forest Drive in Colonial Heights, 23834-9002, 804-524-6000, 1-800-367-7623 or TTY/TDD 711. Please call ahead to ensure the availability of appropriate personnel to answer your questions.

Give your written or oral comments at the meeting or submit them no later than April 21, 2019 to Scott Chapman, project manager, Virginia Department of Transportation, 2430 Pine Forest Drive, Colonial Heights, VA 23834-9002. You may also email your comments to scott.chapman@vdot.virginia.gov. Please reference “I-95/Belvidere St. Interchange Improvements” in the subject line.

VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact the project manager listed above. *In the event of inclement weather on April 11, this meeting will be held on Thursday, April 18, 2019 at the same time and location above.

State Project: 0095-127-970,P101, R201, C501 Federal Number: NHPP-0951(361); UPC: 109320

Ashland to Petersburg Trail Study Public Information Meeting and Virtual Presentation Public Information Meeting – Open House Tuesday, March 26, 2019, 5 – 7 p.m.* Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School 1000 North Lombardy Street Richmond, VA 23220 Virtual presentation available beginning March 11, 2019 at www.ATPTrailStudy.org Find out about the Ashland to Petersburg Trail Study and help identify a preferred corridor for a multi-use trail within Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico counties, as well as the cities of Colonial Heights, Petersburg and Richmond, and the Town of Ashland.

Attend the public meeting and/or view the virtual presentation and give your input on active transportation needs in the study area; help identify potential multi-use trial corridor locations, destinations of interest, and other important criteria for VDOT to consider.

The meeting will be held in an open-house style format with no formal presentation given. VDOT representatives will be present to discuss the study and answer questions. The virtual presentation is available at www.ATPTrailStudy.org.

Give your written or oral comments at the meeting or through the virtual presentation and survey. You may also submit your comments by mail to Palmer Stearns, Project Manager, 2430 Pine Forest Dr, Colonial Heights, VA 23834 or email them to ATPTrailStudy@VDOT.Virginia.gov. Comments must be received

by April 9, 2019.

VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact the project manager listed above. *In the event of inclement weather on March 26, this meeting will be held on Thursday, March 28 at the same time and location above.

State Project: 9999-M11-598, UPC: 114714

Richmond Free Press

A8 March 14-16, 2019

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

NCAA bound

VSU men’s team plays No. 2 seed VUU Lady Panthers Notre Dame College Saturday take on Edinboro Friday If the Virginia State University men’s basketball team is to advance in the NCAA Division II playoffs, it will have to avoid a roadblock standing 6-foot-8 and weighing 240 pounds.

That roadblock is All-American candidate Will Vorhees of Notre Dame College of Ohio.

Vorhees has been billed as the Division II Zion Williamson, referencing the Duke University basketball star.

The VSU Trojans will face Vorhees & Co. in the NCAA Atlantic Region quarterfinals at noon Saturday, March 16, in Indiana, Pa. Vorhees averages 29 points and 12 rebounds.

In the Falcons’ 100-96 win over West Liberty University of West Virginia in the Mountain East Conference final, Vorhees had 29 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists.

Vorhees was the Mountain East Conference Player of the Year, as well as the tournament MVP. VSU is heading to Indiana University, located 58 miles east of Pittsburgh, with a full head of steam. As the CIAA Tournament champions, the Trojans are 27-4 overall and winners of 23 of their last 24 games.

The Trojans will try and counter Vorhees inside with Jahmere Howze, a 6-foot-6 senior and the CIAA Tournament MVP. Howze has

help in the paint from 6-foot-9 William Vedder, 6-foot-7 Armond Griebe and 6-foot-7 Andrew Corum.

This marks VSU’s third trip to the NCAAs in the past four years under Coach Lonnie Blow.

Moving forward Men’s NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional at Indiana University of Pennsylvania No. 3 seed Virginia State University plays No. 6 seed Notre Dame College of Ohio at noon Saturday, March 16, in the regional quarterfinals.

The semifinal games are Sunday, March 17, with the final on Tuesday, March 19. The regional winner advances to the Elite Eight in Evansville, Ind. The other first round region matchups: No. 1 seed Indiana University of Pennsylvania plays No. 8 West Chester University of Pennsylvania; No. 4 Mercyhurst University of Pennsylvania plays No. 5 Fairmont State University of West Virginia; and No. 2 West Liberty University of West Virginia plays No. 7 East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania.

VSU would not face the tournament host, the Indiana Hawks, until the final.

The Virginia Union University Lady Panthers basketball team was hopeful it would be playing on campus this weekend at Barco-Stevens Hall.

Instead, the Lady Panthers are packing for a 325mile trip to mountainous Glenville, W.Va., for the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional playoffs.

The CIAA women’s champions are seeded No. 2 in the NCAA regionals and will face No. 7 seed Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in the quarterfinals at 2:30 p.m. Friday, March 15. Host Glenville State College, the No. 1 seed, will play West Liberty University of West Virginia in he first round.

“We put in a bid” to host the regionals, said VUU Athletic Director Joe Taylor. “The (NCAA) committee has the last word and Glenville won out.”

Also playing in the Atlantic Regional is CIAAaffiliate Bowie State University of Maryland, seeded No. 6. The Bulldogs will face No. 3 Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the quarterfinals.

The semifinal games will be on Saturday, March 16. The regional championship game will be Monday, March 18, with the winner advancing to the Elite Eight in Columbus, Ohio.

VUU has hosted the regionals twice in the past and felt it was positioned to play at home again.

The deflating news came late Sunday night, when the NCAA announced pairings and game sites.

VUU was ranked No. 1 in the Atlantic Region in

the most recent poll released March 4, with Glenville State College ranked second. Since then, the VUU Lady Panthers have not played, while Glenville came on strong to win the Mountain East Conference Tournament.

That convinced the NCAA Tournament Committee to award Glenville the home floor advantage. The regional tournament will be played in Glenville State College’s 3,000-seat Waco Center that opened in 2014.

Life goes on for the Lady Panthers, albeit at high altitude and perhaps with the sound of banjo music in the background.

VUU is hopeful Shareka McNeill will find the nets in West Virginia as inviting as they were in North Carolina for the CIAA Tournament.

McNeill was named National Player of the Week for March 7 after scoring a record 134 points in three CIAA games in Charlotte, N.C. The 5-foot-6 guard averages 25.3 points, while hitting 101 3-pointers. McNeill was CIAA Player of the Year and also the MVP of the CIAA Tournament.

Edinboro University hopes to counter with 5-foot-5 guard Michaela Barnes, who is averaging 22 points.

It’s a rematch of sorts. VUU defeated Edinboro 79-58 on Nov. 10 in Richmond. VUU would not face host Glenville until the final.

VCU looking for NCAA berth through A-10 Tournament

Brooklyn, N.Y., has been described as “Broad Street North” when it comes to Virginia Commonwealth University basketball.

In four previous trips to Barclays Center for Atlantic 10 tournaments, the Rams are a combined 10-3, with one championship and three runnerup finishes.

Cupping a hand to ear, an onlooker might even hear the theme song to “Welcome Back, Kotter” wafting from the Rams’ bench.

Typically VCU takes the largest, loudest fan base to Brooklyn for the tournament. In the past, the cheering section has included filmmaker Spike Lee, who even attended former Coach Shaka Smart’s practice sessions.

Each time, VCU has used Brooklyn as a springboard to the NCAA Tournament.

VCU played at the Barclays Center from 2013 to 2016.

The A-10 Tournament moved to Pittsburgh in 2017 and last year was held at Washington’s Capital One Arena.

The current Rams team looks like it could win anywhere, even if games were moved to a double-decker tour bus or to a ferry to Staten Island.

VCU Coach Mike Rhoades’ squad will tote a 12-game winning streak and 25-6 overall mark to the sprawling borough.

VCU is 16-2 this season against its A-10 competitors, including 8-4 on the road. The Rams are clearly the favorite to capture the conference’s automatic NCAA

Brooklyn or bust No. 1 seed VCU is headed to the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. Schedule Friday, March 15: quarterfinals, noon; the VCU Rams play the winner of the Thursday, March 14, game between the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds. Game to be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.

Saturday, March 16: Semifinals at 1 and 3:30 p.m.; the VCU Rams would play in the 1 p.m. game, depending on the outcome of Friday’s game. To be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.

Sunday, March 17: Final, 1 p.m., CBS.

bid. Even if the Rams lose at the Barclays Center, they are likely to receive an NCAA at-large berth, probably seeded anywhere from No. 7 to No. 9.

Nearly local: Unlike in the past when the Rams had New York-born talent such as Melvin Johnson and Jonathan Williams,

this year’s team will have to settle for not so far away New England attractions.

Key spokes in the Rams’ wheels are 6-foot-7 sophomore center Marcus SantosSilva from Taunton, Mass., and 6-foot-6 junior forward Issac Vann from Bridgeport, Conn.

Ge’Shanti Atkins takes Maggie L. Walker to state semifinals

Call it the return of the Green Dragons.

The girls’ basketball team at the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School came so close to scratching a four-decade Green Dragons’ itch this season.

Under Coach Speedy Baughman, the team posted a 19-6 record en route to a regional title and the State Class 2 semifinals.

Despite a determined effort by junior Ge’Shanti Atkins, the season to remember ended March 5 with a 38-37 loss to Greensville County High School. One more victory would have sent the Green Dragons to the state final at the Siegel Center in Richmond.

It was easily Maggie L. Walker’s best season since the 1979 edition of the Green Dragons won the State Group AAA title — the highest enrollment classification at the time — under Coach Shirley Pinney.

Some clarification is in order.

For decades, Maggie L. Walker and Armstrong were Richmond’s high schools for African-American students.

On the male side, a lengthy list of great Dragons athletes included basketball star Bobby Dandridge, football legend Willie Lanier and tennis icon Arthur Ashe.

Maggie L. Walker High School was combined with John Marshall High School from 1979 to 1986 to form Marshall-Walker High, with the nickname the Cavaliers. There was also a time in which the building at 1000 N. Lombardy St. housed Community High School with no athletic program.

Since 1998, the “new Walker” — officially known as the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies — has served as a regional school for gifted students.

Still, according to the cliché, the more things change, the more they stay the same, Maggie L. Walker, then and now, share the Green Dragons nickname and green and white school colors. Like basketball teams from the “old” Walker, current Maggie Walker teams practice and play home games in an extremely cozy second-floor gym, with a low ceiling and bleachers only on one side.

Ge’Shanti Atkins

The “new” Walker has tried to maintain a link to the past with a third-floor museum celebrating feats from when the school was all African-American.

Also, some of the state championship banners won by the “old” Walker boys’ basketball teams now adorn the walls.

And while many remember the iconic boys’ teams at “old” Walker, not so much is known about the girls’ teams’ long-ago champs.

In 1977, the Green Dragons reached the state final before bowing to Robinson High School of Fairfax. In 1979, the Green Dragons took the next step, defeating Phoebus High School of Hampton 62-56 in the final.

Maggie L. Walker was Virginia’s first inner-city school to win a girls’state crown since the merger of the all-black Virginia Interscholastic Association and the allwhite Virginia High School League.

Which brings us to the present …

Under Coach Baughman, now in his 14th season on the sidelines, Maggie L. Walker has known hard times. There were too many seasons in which his team lost

twice as many games as it won.

Fortunes started to change a couple of years back when a talented group of freshmen, including Atkins, came out for the team.

Atkins had attended Wilder Middle School in Henrico County and would have gone to Henrico High School if she had not been accepted to the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School.

Coach Baughman didn’t know she was coming out for the team or anything about her until classes began in the fall of 2016. She wasn’t an overnight success.

While Maggie Walker has a stated “commitment to diversity,” African-Americans are a distinct minority at the school.

“It wasn’t a real easy adjustment for ‘G’ (Ge’Shanti) coming from Wilder,” Coach Baughman said. “As a freshman, she had a hard time fitting in. She didn’t know anyone and pouted some.”

Then came what Coach Baughman calls the “transformation story.”

“She came back like a different child and has turned into a great player for us.

She’s a slasher with the ball, relentless, and very coachable,” he said.

The 5-foot-7 Atkins made second team Region A as a sophomore and took first team honors this season, averaging 13 points, nine rebounds and five steals per night.

Atkins’ progress was speeded up by playing AAU ball for the first time last year in Coach Baughman’s James River Blaze program.

In the Green Dragons’ season finale, Atkins went down battling, scoring 14 points in the heartbreaking defeat to Greensville County High School at Southampton High.

There’s plenty momentum on Lombardy Street. Atkins will be back in 2019-20, along with returning starters Kaitlyn Campbell, Sarah Larkin and other promising athletes.

Talk about a hometown favorite. It’s only seven-tenths of a mile from Maggie Walker to VCU’s Siegel Center, site of the state finals. So near but so far. After so long, the Green Dragons are fired up to get there.

Santos-Silva averages 10 points and seven rebounds, while hitting a team best 60 percent from the field. Vann averages 11 points and is the team’s best freethrow shooter at 82 percent.

Block party: Corey Douglas is eighth among the Rams in minutes played, but first by a wide margin in blocked shots with 49.

The “D” in Douglas is for defense. He ranks fourth in the A-10 in that category while playing far less minutes than those statistically above him.

It’s not just the shots the 6-foot-9 Louisville native blocks that make a difference. It’s also the ones he alters and those he frightens foes from even trying.

The Rams have been overall brilliant on defense this season and lead the A-10 in points allowed per game, 61.2; field goal shooting percentage, 38 percent; and 3-point shooting, 27 percent.

Alumni report: Former Rams’ star Treveon Graham, now a member of the Barclays

Center-based Brooklyn Nets, won’t be able to see his alma mater in action. The Nets are playing in Oklahoma City on Wednesday, March 13, Salt Lake City on Saturday, March 16 and Los Angeles on Sunday, March 17.

Remember November: This will be VCU’s second trip to the Barclays Center this season. As part of the Legends Classic Nov. 19 and 20, the Rams defeated Temple University 57-51 before losing to St. John’s University 87-86.

Big Apple flashback: The Rams go way back with ties to the Greater New York area. In 1984, VCU defeated Northeastern University before losing to Syracuse University in the NCAA Regional at East Rutherford, N.J. Those Rams felt right at home with New York area talent, including starters Calvin Duncan of Linden, N.J., and Mike Schlegel of Bay Shore, N.Y., as well as reserve Don Franco, also of Linden.

NSU looking for MEAC title

The hometown advantage hasn’t worked previously for Norfolk State University in the MEAC Tournament.

But this season could be different.

The NSU Spartans have a lot going for them entering this week’s MEAC Tournament at the Norfolk Scope.

NSU’s credits include: • The MEAC regular season title with a Derrik Jamerson 14-2 conference record and 19-12 overall.

• Coach Robert Jones named MEAC Coach of the Year.

• The nation’s leading 3-point shooter, Derrik Jamerson, who shoots 51 percent from beyond the arc.

• Second team All-MEAC picks in Jamerson and Nic Thomas, and third team selection Steve Whitely.

• MEAC’s top shot blocker Jordan Battle.

• All-Rookie selection C.J. Kelly.

There’s more.

The MEAC field has been weakened with the departure of Hampton University to the Big South Conference. HU won the tournament six times, second only to North Carolina A&T State University’s 16 crowns. Hampton was the MEAC champion in 2015 and 2016.

NSU last won the title in 2012, when the MEAC Tournament was held in Winston-Salem, N.C. The event moved to Norfolk in 2013, just 1.1 miles from the NSU campus. NSU plays regular season home games on campus at Joseph G. Echols Hall.

Still, despite that apparent advantage, the best the Spartans have done at the Scope was a runner-up finish in the 2017 tournament to North Carolina Central University.

NSU is assured at least a berth at the National Invitation Tournament, or NIT, by virtue of its season title. The MEAC champion advances to the NCAA Tournament, likely with first round play in the First Four in Dayton, Ohio.

••• The MEAC Player of the Year is Howard University’s C.J. Cole, a 6-foot-1 sophomore from St. Anthony’s High School in Jersey City, N.J. The finance major was salutatorian of his high school graduating class.

Cole averaged 21.7 points and 3.8 rebounds for the No. 4 seed Bison. Also, he hit 76 3-pointers, passed for 94 assists and made 56 steals.

Cole’s Howard teammates include 6-foot-5 Charles Williams, who averages 18.4 points. Williams hails from Millwood School in Chesterfield County.

March 14-16, 2019 B1

Richmond Free Press

Section

Happenings

B

Personality: Zion C. Neverson Spotlight on 2019 Boys & Girls Club of Metro Richmond Youth of the Year For 72 years, The Boys & Girls Clubs of America Youth of the Year program has honored the nation’s most awe-inspiring young people and encouraged them to lead, succeed and inspire.

Zion Caliq Neverson joined the local Southside Boys & Girls Club on Bainbridge Street at age 10 when his mother could not pick him up after school from the Commonwealth Christian Academy.

“At first, I didn’t like it because I didn’t like meeting new people,” Zion says. “I liked staying in my social box where I knew specific people I wanted to hang out with.”

Zion confessed, with a little coaching from The Club’s staff, he grew out of being a big introvert that people barely noticed to an extro*vert who now freely gives guidance and inspiration to his peers.

He has inspired so many that Zion is the 2019 Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond Youth of the Year.

Zion was selected from a field of seven exemplary young people recognized for their leadership, service and academic excellence at the Science Museum of Virginia on Feb. 27.

When the award was announced, Zion couldn’t believe it and says, “I was in shock.”

In an interview with the Free Press at The Club, he recalled his family’s reaction. “My parents, Dorothy and Calvin Neverson, were proud of me and said, ‘It was a job well done and I deserve it.’ ” When Zion went up to the podium to accept the award, he didn’t say anything and just stood there.

“I couldn’t get a word out, and then I ran off stage,” the Neversons’ middle son explained, laughing with a little embarrassment.

But his shyness disappears as a leader of the Keystone Club, a teen service organization through the Boys & Girls Clubs dedicated to leadership and service. He participates in numerous community service projects and recently attended a leadership conference with his peers from around the nation.

At Commonwealth Christian Academy, Zion is a math tutor and is described as an excellent role model for younger students.

In the community, he also is active in Awana, a Christian youth organization that hosts food drives, community carnivals and other outreach programs.

In 2016, the Boys & Girls Clubs gave Zion the opportunity to participate in the Mayor’s Youth Academy for those ages 14 to 19, which is designed to develop Richmond’s future leaders.

Zion has plans for the future and says, “I want to either go to VCU or ODU. Since I was a child I always wanted to go to VCU. On the other hand, ODU is right by the beach. I love the beach, so at ODU I can go to the beach whenever I have time.”

His interest in sociology and child development stems from what he has been seeing on a daily basis — the effects adults and parents have on children.

“This is something we should take more seriously; what children see and experience affects them more when they get older.

This is the storyline they carry throughout their lives. Children

need consistent guidance and love,” Zion says.

He plans to major in sociology and child development to become a school counselor and eventually open a charter school or afterschool program.

For him, The Club is a second home where he feels safe and accepted, supported and mentored as he develops into the young man he is today. Commonwealth Christian Academy is where he has learned so much about himself and different people, as well as how he looks at different situations.

“In both places, I can see how others look at you as a leader and how they listen to you as they see you as a leader,” the 2019 Youth of the Year says.

The Commonwealth Christian Academy senior will compete for the Virginia State Youth of the Year title and a $5,000

college scholarship in April. If he wins, he will then compete for the Southeast Region Youth of the Year and an additional $10,000 college scholarship, renewable for four years up to $40,000.

This will place Zion in the running to advance to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year in Washington, D.C., in September, where he could win an additional scholarship of $25,000, renewable each year up to $100,000.

His advice to his club members and school peers is very clear, “Inspire, learn and take the time to observe the world around you.”

“Observation is what made me take off on my headphones and put down my cell phone, which are constant distractions.”

Meet this young achiever and this week’s Personality, Zion Caliq Neverson: Latest award: 2019 Boys & Girls Club of Metro Richmond Youth of the Year.

Date and place of birth: Aug. 15, 2001, in Chesterfield County.

Current residence: South Side.

Grade and school: Senior at Commonwealth Christian Academy.

Grade point average: 4.0.

Extracurricular activities: My extracurricular activities include Keystone Club, Ready2Win and the Mayor’s Youth Academy.

Family: Parents, Dorothy and Calvin Neverson, and brothers Naasir and Deshaun.

Reaction to news that I was named Youth of the Year: Shock and disbelief. I went up against seven amazing youths in my area who have overcome several obstacles to become leaders in their communities; an awesome bunch that I now consider family.

Number of award contestants: Seven nominees for Youth of the Year 2019.

When I got involved with Boys & Girls Clubs: I got involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs at the age of 10.

What The Club has meant to me: The Club has meant a lot to me. It’s actually a second home.

The Club is a place that I feel safe and accepted. My Club program director and mentor have been a great support with helping me develop into the young man I am today.

The most unforgettable experience in The Club: Our Keystone Conference 2018, which was held at Georgia State University in Atlanta.

We were able to participate in different seminars, meet other BGC members from around the country, and we got to meet Nick Cannon and Lil Yachty.

What motivated me to get involved in community service: I wanted to take part in my community and to be an ambassador for change.

My career ambition: To become a school counselor in the hopes of one day starting my own private school or afterschool program.

How I plan to accomplish it: I

plan to accomplish my goal by attending a college that allows me to work on my master’s degree while obtaining my bachelor’s degree.

How I start the day: I always start my day off with prayer and a little music. Prayer helps me clear my mind and focus on the day ahead. Music is my hype man for the day. LOL! A quote that I’m inspired by: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass … It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” — Vivian Green.

Three words that best describe me: Humble, consistent and determined.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Writing poetry that goes along with some of my artwork.

Best late-night snack: A warm Little Debbie Honey Bun. Best thing my parents ever taught me: To trust in God and to be observant.

The person who influenced me the most: I would have to say my Dad. My Dad is full of encouragement, wisdom and solid advice. My Dad has also made an impact on some of my friends’ lives as well.

Book that influenced me the most: “The Rose that Grew from Concrete” by Tupac Shakur. The book helped me understand that anything is possible if I set my mind to it.

What I’m reading now: “Visual Intelligence” by Amy E. Herman.

My next goal: My plan is to attend college locally to study sociology or psychology with a minor in child development.

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Richmond Free Press

B2 March 14-16, 2019

Happenings

2019 Richmond History Makers honored Five people and two organizations were honored Tuesday as the 2019 Richmond History Makers by The Valentine and the Capital Region Collaborative.

The community trailblazers were recognized for their contributions to the Richmond region at a celebration held at the Claude G. Perkins Living and Learning Center at Virginia Union University.

The winners were chosen by a selection committee made up of Leadership Metro Richmond graduates and former honorees.

The honorees and their categories of distinction are: • Charleita M. Richardson – creating quality educational opportunities Ms. Richardson, president and chief executive officer of Partnership for the Future, helps students with limited resources transition from high school to college and employment. The Richmond native and Richmond Public Schools graduate considers it a personal mission to help students reach their dream of going to college.

2019 Richmond History Makers honorees

financial opportunity centers that connect residents to resources and coaching for sustainable businesses and financial stability.

• Janine Bell and Richmond Triangle Players – advancing quality of life (two honorees in this category) Ms. Bell is the founder and artistic director of the Elegba Folklore Society, which offers African and African-American heritage experiences through annual festivals, performances, workshops, cultural history tours and visual arts. For 29 years, EFS has featured a pathway to enrichment, education and affirmation programming called “life changing.”

The Richmond Triangle Players, founded in 1993, is the longest continuously operating professional theater in the mid-Atlantic

devoted to LGBTQ works, artists and themes. The company has won local and national acclaim. Executive Director Philip Crosby has guided the company during the last decade, moving it from an itinerant company to a cultural anchor of the Scott’s Addition neighborhood.

• BikeWalkRVA – improving regional transportation This Sports Backers’ advocacy initiative is committed to making walking and biking safe, convenient and comfortable for people of all ages and abilities. The organization promotes construction of multi-use trails, protected bike lanes, sidewalks and safe neighborhood streets so that walking and biking are part of daily transportation in the region.

Young entrepreneurs

• Jill Hanken – championing social justice As a health attorney with the Virginia Poverty Law Center for more than 30 years, Ms. Hanken advocates for improvements and access to public health insurance programs, including newly expanded Medicaid coverage that will serve more than 400,000 Virginians. She also assists in leading the Health Care for All Virginians coalition and directs the Enroll Virginia navigator project offering application help for the federal marketplace and other health insurance coverage.

More than 60 young entrepreneurs who created a variety of products showed off their wares and services during the 2nd Annual Richmond Children’s Business Fair last Saturday at the Children’s Museum of Richmond on West Broad Street near Downtown.

Desiayah Dean, 11, of Newport News, second from left, makes and sells her own “slime.” Her creation catches the attention of 7-year-old Chase Fisher Jr. of Richmond, who attended the fair with his parents, Ulani and Chase Fisher. Desiayah’s mother, Rossie Dean, helps her with the sale.

• Dolly Hintz – promoting healthy communities Ms. Hintz helped establish the Hospital Hospitality House, now The Doorways, in 1984, and as president of the board in 1994, was instrumental in expanding the organization’s reach with the purchase of a former Downtown hotel to accommodate more families. As a result, more than 175,000 patients and their families from every state and 31 countries have received lodging and non-medical services in an emotionally supportive setting at little or no cost.

• Candice Streett – demonstrating innovative economic solutions As executive director of the Virginia Local Initiatives Support Corp., Ms. Streett, focuses on providing Richmond residents with thriving communities of choice and opportunity. For the past nine years, she has led LISC’s economic development work, designing three small business programs and launching four

UR to host author Lawrence Ross Best-selling author Lawrence Ross will discuss his new book on free speech issues at universities, “Blackballed: The Black and White Politics of Race on America’s Campuses,” on Tuesday, March 26, at the University of Richmond.

Mr. Ross is scheduled to speak at 7 p.m. at the Queally Center for Admission and Career Services on the campus, it has been announced.

Open to the public without charge, Mr. Ross the program will include a questionand-answer period and a book-signing, according to the university.

Mr. Ross has gained recognition for his book on AfricanAmerican Greek groups, “The Divine Nine: The History of African-American Fraternities and Sororities.”

The UR Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology is sponsoring Mr. Ross’ appearance.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

28th Annual Southern Women’s Show March 22-24 at Richmond Raceway Complex The 28th Annual Southern Women’s Show is coming to Richmond with fashion shows, cooking demonstrations, celebrity appearances and exhibitors offering information, products and services, including boutiques with the latest styles, trendy jewelry, home décor, gourmet treats, health and fitness and beauty items.

The event will be held at the Richmond Raceway Complex, 600 E. Laburnum Ave., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, March 22; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 23; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 24.

Jonathan Copeland and Natalie Mu-

nford will be the featured RVA stylists producing the “RVA’s CEOs of Design” fashion show in conjunction with CEO Magazine.

Reality TV star Savannah Chrisley of “Chrisley Knows Best” will appear Saturday, March 23, at the Fashion & Entertainment Stage to talk about filming the show.

A fan meet-and-greet will follow.

Tamara Caulder Richardson, known as the Southern Belle Medium, will give live demonstrations and will be at her booth.

Hourly runway shows, fitness presentations and celebrity appearances also will be featured.

Participants also can submit a talent video for “The Voice of RVA” by uploading it at MIX 98, Q94, The Beat 106.5 or Big 98.5 Country’s websites. The person whose video wins the most online votes will perform on Sunday, March 24, on the Fashion & Entertainment Stage.

Tickets are $12 for adults; $6 for children ages 6 to 12; and free for children under 6 with a paying adult.

There’s a discount for tickets purchased online in advance and tickets for a second day of admission are $1 during the initial visit with a ticket stub.

Details: www.southernshows.com/wri or (800) 849-0248.

Ms. Chrisley

Elizabeth Keckly documentary screening March 23 at BHM

The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia is screening the documentary, “The Life and Times of Elizabeth Keckly,” about the enslaved Dinwiddie County native who became a seamstress and dress designer, bought her freedom and that of her son and moved to Washington, where she became a confidante to President Abraham Lincoln’s wife, Mary Todd Lincoln.

The documentary, directed by actor-

director Time Reid, will be shown 3 p.m.

Saturday, March 23, at the museum, 122 W. Leigh St. Following the screening, historical researcher Elvatrice Belsches, who served as a researcher and writer on the documentary, will answer questions about Mrs. Keckly’s life.

The event is free and open to the public.

Details and registration: (804) 780-9093.

Focus on women’s health

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Confidently waiting Columnist Zachary R. Woods, author of “Uncensored: My Life and Uncomfortable Conversations at the Intersection of Black and White America,” listens as he is introduced as the first speaker of the 2019 Carole Weinstein Author Series at the Library of Virginia in Downtown on March 5. The next speaker in the free series is Khizr Khan, author of “An American Family: A Memoir of Hope and Sacrifice.” He will speak at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 4. Details: www.lva.virginia.gov.

Participants listen to keynote speaker Dr. Faye Belgrave, a health psychology professor and director of the Center for Cultural Experiences in Prevention at Virginia Commonwealth University during last Saturday’s Women’s Health Summit: A Holistic Approach to Women’s Health.

The event, sponsored by the Richmond Metropolitan Area Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, also featured a panel of women health professionals who addressed topics about mental health. The event was held on the Virginia Union University campus. At right, panelist Dr. Micah Allen, a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist, talks with Demetria Davis and her 4-month-old, Kazi Taylor, during the summit.

Photos by Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free

Richmond Free Press

March 14-16, 2019 B3

Obituary/Faith News/Directory

Longtime educator Joyce Clay Dennis dies at 85 Joyce Clay Dennis laid the academic foundation for hundreds of Richmond children who came through her elementary classrooms in Richmond.

Mrs. Dennis began teaching kindergarten pupils and was teaching fifth-graders when she retired after a career that spanned 37 years and included stints at Mary Munford and the former Westhampton elementary schools. “My mother was an advocate for learning and enjoyed being a teacher. She inspired my sister and me to become educators,� said her daughter, Carol D. Dennis, a special education teacher who has worked in city schools and is now involved in private day school placements. “She was very caring, but also very organized. She tried to keep everyone on task. Like her mother, she was very persistent, and she was famous for calling people to ensure they were following through on assignments,� her daughter said.

Mrs. Dennis died Saturday, March 2, 2019. She was 85.

Family and friends will celebrate her life at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 16, at the church where she was a longtime member, St. Philip’s Episcopal, 2700 Hanes Ave. in North Side.

Ahead of the service, tributes will be paid at an Omega Omega Service by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority at 6 p.m. and a wake at 6:45 p.m. Friday, March 15, both at Scott’s Funeral Home Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd.

Born in Richmond, Mrs. Dennis joined her late sister, Margaret C. Crews, in teaching after she graduated from Richmond Public Schools and Mrs. Dennis Virginia Union University.

Mrs. Dennis started her teaching career in 1955 and retired in 1992. She also was active in her church and civic and social groups. She was a past president of the Richmond Chapter of Jack & Jill of America.

She also volunteered with the Richmond Police Department’s Seniors Police Academy, earning the department’s Service to Law Enforcement Award in 2002.

Rev. Janie M. Walker retiring as co-pastoral director of Richmond Hill

By Ronald E. Carrington

After a 15-year relationship with Richmond Hill, the Rev. Janie M. Walker, co-pastoral director of the religious community on Church Hill, is retiring.

Rev. Walker, whose last day is May 15, has led the residential ecumenical Christian community since 2014.

Richmond Hill is situated in the former Monte Maria monastery overlooking the city on a quiet spot at the end of West Grace and 22nd streets that includes a chapel, gardens, a labyrinth and library that are open to visitors Tuesday through Saturday.

Its mission is to seek God’s healing of Metro Richmond through prayer, hospitality, racial reconciliation and spiritual development. They offer a variety of programs, classes and ministries to the public, including community worship services followed by meals, personal and group retreats, grief support, art and spirituality retreats and an Urban Service Corps in which about a dozen people commit to living at Richmond Hill while working and providing outreach services to the Richmond community.

Over the course of 30 years, the Sandston native has worked in several different areas of ministry, including as founder and former pastor of Resurrection Life Fellowship in South Richmond, community development, pastoral care and prayer and counseling.

Her spiritual desire, she said, has been to see healing and wholeness in people and religious institutions.

Rev. Walker’s initial interest was in mathematics, which was nurtured and supported at Virginia Randolph High School in Henrico County. She continued at Virginia State University where she studied math for a year and then started working as an accounts payable supervisor at Philip Morris.

She earned an associate degree in biblical studies from the Central Virginia School of Ministry in 1993, and later a master’s in divinity from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University in 2007.

In between, she graduated from the RUAH School of Spiritual Guidance in Richmond in 2002, serving on its faculty beginning in 2003 and then becoming dean of the school from 2014 to 2017.

Rev. Walker said her reason for going into the ministry was quite simple. “It was purely a calling. I was just compelled in my heart to be of service to people in a

Rev. Walker

different way and to help them grow into who they are as people of God.�

In 1999 after working for the Presbytery of the James, the regional governing body for the Presbyterian Church USA, Rev. Walker wrote a personal mission and vision statement that she said very clearly defined her path — to continue to work in the faith community. “I wanted to explore my spiritual journey with more depth, as well as to help other people explore theirs. The key thing was racial reconciliation,� Rev. Walker said.

As a teen, Rev. Walker said she would find herself in situations in which she was the only African-American or the only African-American female.

But just being there wasn’t enough.

She said she realized she needed to take action on racial injustices and toward racial healing and reconciliation. “I began to see it as a calling,� Rev. Walker said.

Rev. Walker first came to Richmond Hill in 2004 while considering taking a staff position. “I looked at their mission and said, ‘Oh my God, this is the same as mine.’ It was a match that I couldn’t let go of.�

She was hired as the administrative assistant to the Rev. Ben Campbell, founder and the first pastoral director of Richmond Hill. As the residential community is structured, they share responsibility for the facility as well as the ministry.

Rev. Walker has served in almost all of Richmond Hill’s professional capacities, including as hospitality coordinator, program director and associate pastor for individual ministries. When Rev. Campbell retired in 2014 after more than 28

years, Rev. Walker was appointed to replace him as co-pastoral director.

At the time, Richmond Hill determined its leadership should reflect the commitment to racial reconciliation and decided on co-directors — an African-American woman and a Caucasian man — to represent the diversity of the community. “I think for this period of time, I was being called to hold this place together in a way that would provide continuity and maintain some stability during a transition,�

Rev. Walker said. “Rev. Campbell was a pretty large figure in the community, a strong administrator and leader, and people were concerned that Richmond Hill would fall apart without his leadership,� she said.

Racial reconciliation, she said, remains a top issue in the city and in Virginia. “For me, reconciliation has to go back to being who we were created to be. Who did God create us to be? How did God create us to be with one another? Ultimately, that’s what reconciliation is all about for me. “That’s not where it stops. The question then is, “Who am I with the next human being?

Who am I called to be as a human being? “Ultimately, racial reconciliation would look like all of us being together as authentic human beings, regardless of race or gender or anything else. There should be love, respect and compassion for one another.�

In retirement, Rev. Walker plans to relocate to New Orleans in time for the birth of her first great-grandchild. “There is different level of joy about being a great-grandparent that’s so satisfying,� she said. “I really see my role as guidance and as being a presence with this great-grandchild as I walk with her through life sharing her early years.�

As Rev. Walker prepares to go, she wants Richmond and Virginia residents to “just do it� and lead the nation in racial reconciliation and making systemic change. “We can make changes on an individual basis,� she said. “But if the changes we are making are not impacting the laws or strategies that are keeping people in certain socioeconomic places, then we are going to continue to make the same mistakes over and over again.�

She also served as past president of the Edgehill Civic Association, which honored her with its Dedication and Outstanding Service for Our Community Award in 2014.

Mrs. Dennis was a member of the Historic Jackson Ward Association and was best known for advocating for the proper care of Abner Clay Park, which is named for her father. He led the push to get the city to create the park after two children were killed playing in a nearby street because of a lack of public recreation space.

The association presented her with the 1999 Abner Clay Community Appreciation Award for her efforts on behalf of the park and community revitalization.

The widow of James O. Dennis, Mrs. Dennis is survived by another daughter, Kim D. Harvey of Henrico County; a son, James Abner Dennis of Prince William County; and a granddaughter.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Philip’s Episcopal Church or the American Cancer Society.

Willie Mae Lawson M 12, 1913 Happy Birthday ARCH

Missing you Love you ~ Your Family

CHICAGO AVENUE

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BAPTIST CHURCH

TH

Sunday, March 17, 2019

NNIVERSARY

Theme: Giving God All Of The Glory.

Whatsoever You Do, Do It All To The Glory Of God! 1 Corinthians 10:31

10 AM

WORSHIP SERVICES

Rev. Dr. J. Elisha Burke

2 PM

Rev. Dr. Michael Moore

Baptist General Convention

Mt. Vernon Baptist Church

2331 Broad Rock Boulevard • Richmond, Virginia 23224 804-231-4455 • Email: cabc2331@verizon.net

“The Church With A Welcome�

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

23rd Anniversary Celebration

Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles & Mrs. Rebecca Coles Sunday, March 17, 2019

Theme: “Standing On His Promises� WEDNESDAYS

8:30 AM - Sunday School 10:00 AM – Morning Worship Guest Minister:

Rev. E. Thomas Webster

Associate Minister Minister of Christian Education New Bridge Baptist Church

6:00 p.m. ..... Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. ..... Bible Study (The Purpose Driven Life)

THURSDAYS 1:30 p.m.

Bible Study

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 With Ministry For Everyone

Come Worship With Us!

SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 2019 10:45 AM Worship Through Prayer and Meditation 11:00 AM Worship Celebration Message by: Pastor Bibbs

Good Shepherd Baptist Church 1127 North 28th St., Richmond, VA 23223-6624 s Office: (804) 644-1402 Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, Pastor “There’s A Place for You�

Serving Richmond since 1887

6:30 PM Prayer Meeting

&BTU #SPBE 4USFFU 3JDINPOE 7JSHJOJB r

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

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

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)

ALL ARE WELCOME

11:00 AM Mid-day Meditation

Antioch Baptist Church “Redeeming God’s People for Gods Purpose�

1384 New Market Road, Richmond, Virginia 23231 | 804-222-8835

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

SERVICES

SUNDAY WORSHIP HOUR – 10:00 A.M. CHILDREN’S CHURCH & BUS MINISTRY AVAILABLE SUNDAY SCHOOL (FOR ALL AGES) – 9:00 A.M. TUESDAY MID-DAY BIBLE STUDY – 12 NOON WEDNESDAY MID-WEEK PRAYER & BIBLE STUDY – 7:00 P.M. A MISSION BASED CHURCH FAMILY EXCITING MINISTRIES FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, YOUNG ADULTS & SENIOR ADULTS BIBLE REVELATION TEACHING DIVERSE MUSIC MINISTRY LOVING, CARING ENVIRONMENT

Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.

Come Join Us! DR. JAMES L. SAILES PASTOR

Reverend Dr. Lester D. Frye Pastor and Founder

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

‌ 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

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

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(near Byrd Park)

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

Richmond Free Press

B4 March 14-16, 2019

Faith News/Directory

Kazoos, chants drown out church’s message of hate

By Evie King Capital News Service

Anti-gay demonstrators from the controversial Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas were met by Randy Blythe of Richmond’s heavy metal band Lamb of God at the Virginia State Capitol on Monday with an unlikely weapon — kazoos.

Armed with colorful plastic instruments, Mr. Blythe and more than 100 other counterprotesters drowned out the six WBC members with a cacophony of chaotic noise. “I couldn’t bring my band, so we brought kazoos instead,� Mr. Blythe said.

Westboro Baptist Church, which the Southern Poverty Law Center calls “arguably the most obnoxious and rabid hate group in America,� came to the Capitol to protest Delegate Danica Roem of Northern Virginia as the first transgender woman to be elected to the Virginia General Assembly.

In a news release, WBC, which condemns LGBTQ rights, called Delegate Roem a “slave to sin� among other inflammatory statements.

As a rebuke to WBC’s hateful remarks, Delegate Roem encouraged her Twitter followers to donate to her campaign for re-election in the 13th House District, which includes Manassas Park and part of Prince William County. With the hashtag #westborobackfire, more than 900 contributors have raised more than $34,000 since March 1.

Jill Hammer, who supports Delegate Roem, showed up Monday to celebrate Richmond’s diversity. “Richmond is fueled by creativity, fueled by musicians and artists, and we’re here to have a party and show them that Richmond is about

Alexandra Zernik

A small group of protesters from Westboro Baptist Church chant and hold signs denigrating the LGBTQ community as a larger group of counterprotesters on the Virginia Commonwealth University campus plays kazoos to drown out their message.

love for everyone,� Ms. Hammer said.

The music coming from WBC member Shirley Phelps-Roper’s speaker was barely audible over the counterprotesters’ unconventional chorus of kazoos.

Singing along to parodies of pop songs like “Bohemian Rhapsody,� with lyrics modified to match the group’s message, Ms. Phelps-Roper said WBC intentionally chooses well-known music. “We’re trying to talk to this generation, meet them where they live,� she said.

Less than 30 minutes later, the WBC protesters moved west to a sidewalk near the Virginia Commonwealth University Monroe Park Campus, demonstrating against the college’s commitment

to diversity and inclusion. Students stopped as they walked to class, some vocally protesting while others stopped and stared.

In a statement to the university community, VCU President Michael Rao said the WBC demonstrators “detest what we hold dear: the beautiful diversity of our community, the inclusive commitments we make to each other, and our values of collaboration and integrity.�

At the counterdemonstration at VCU, Meredith Carrington held a sign that read, “God’s love is greater than your hate, Westboro.� Ms. Carrington said she felt it was her duty to show up to protest WBC’s message. “I think that Richmond has a long history of

Rep. Omar, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia Religion News Service

A Muslim civil rights organization has called on Fox News to fire host Jeanine Pirro for questioning Rep. Ilhan Omar’s loyalty to the United States in a monologue on her weekend show “Justice with Judge Jeanine� and suggesting the Minnesota Democrat’s decision to wear a hijab is “antithetical� to the U.S. Constitution. “Such an open and un-American expression of religious bigotry should be rejected by any media outlet seeking even a modicum of credibility,� said Nihad Awad, national executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. “Jeanine Pirro should be fired, and Fox News should apologize to its viewing audience.�

Ms. Pirro, who is a legal pundit for the conservative Fox News outlet, accused the Muslim congresswoman of advocating for Shariah law in America and for condemning Israel because of her religious beliefs. “She’s not getting this antiIsrael sentiment doctrine from the Democrat Party. ‌ Then where is she getting it from?â€?

Ms. Pirro asked in the first segment of her show last Saturday night. “Think about it. Omar wears a hijab. ‌ Is her adherence to this Islamic doctrine indicative of her adherence to Shariah law, which itself is antithetical to the United States Constitution?â€?

Hufsa Kamal Khan, a Muslim woman who is an associate

Barky’s

producer for Fox News host Bret Baier, criticized Ms. Pirro online. “Can you stop spreading this false narrative that somehow Muslims hate America or women who wear a hijab aren’t American enough?� Ms. Khan tweeted Sunday. “You have Muslims working at the same network you do, including myself.�

Ms. Pirro responded to the backlash on Sunday by denying that she had called Rep. Omar “un-American.� “My intention was Rep. to ask a question and start a debate, but of course because one is Muslim does not mean you don’t support the Constitution,� Ms. Pirro said.

In a separate statement on Sunday, Fox News said “we strongly condemn� Ms. Pirro’s statements and have addressed them with the host directly. In a tweet, Rep. Omar thanked Fox News for its statement. “No one’s commitment to our Constitution should be questioned because of their faith or country of birth,� Rep. Omar said.

The Pirro segment comes amid continued backlash over recent comments made by Rep. Omar, one of the country’s two first Muslim women in Congress, that were critical of a pro-Israeli lobbying group’s influence on U.S. foreign policy. Democrats and RepubUsher Badges • Clergy Shirts • Collars • Communion Supplies • Much More!

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licans alike have condemned her statement as anti-Semitic, saying they played into tropes about Jewish power and loyalty to Israel.

But according to Muslim Advocates’ 2018 report “Running on Hate,� language suggesting that American Muslims are orchestrating a conspiracy to take over the U.S. government and replace the U.S. Constitution with Shariah law is a common antiMuslim trope used by politicians, pundits and online trolls.

Muslim civil rights Omar groups have said the criticism of Rep. Omar, both from colleagues in Congress and among constituents, shows a “clear double standard.�

Rep. Omar was the target of accusations of anti-Semitism and supporting terrorist groups throughout her campaign last fall.

Last week, the FBI told media that it had begun investigating an assassination threat against Rep. Omar found scrawled on a

2IVERVIEW

"APTIST #HURCH 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.

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

Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus

Rev. Dr. James E. Leary, Interim Pastor

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 UniďŹ ed Worship Service ~ 9:30 a.m.

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

Sermons Available at BRBCONLINE.org

“MAKE IT HAPPEN�

Pastor Kevin Cook

St. Peter Baptist Church

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

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

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Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Hebrew 12:14 (KJV) www.ndec.net

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

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

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (NDCA)

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.

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

Lenten Season

Rev. Dr. Price ď€Żď€™ď€“ď€°ď€•ď€ąď€†ď€­ď€ˆď€ˆď€„ď€•ď€†ď€‡ď€›ď€„ď€•ď€•ď€›ď€†ď€ˆď€žď€†  L. Davis, Pastor

Wednesday Services

8:30 a.m. Intercessory Prayer

We Pray God’s Ric for You & You in The New

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

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

Saturday

Sundays: —Martin Luther King, Jr. Morning Worship 8 A.M. Church School 9:30 A.M. Morning Worship 11 A.M. Weekly Worship: Sundays @ 10:30 A.M. Unity Sundays (2nd Sundays): Church School: Sundays @ 9:00 A.M. Church School 8:30 A.M. Bible Study: On Summer Break Morning Worship 10 A.M.

ď€?ď€?ď€? ď€&#x;ď€ƒď€‰ď€›ď€†ď€¨ď€“ď€Šď€‰ď€•ď€†ď€‡ď€›ď€ƒď€&#x;ď€Şď€†ď€†ď€†ď€†ď€†ď€†ď€†ď€§ď€‹ď€Łď€˜ď€†ď€”ď€?ď€?ď€?

Remember...

At New Deliverance, You Are Home!

See you there and bring a friend.

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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

Women’s Day Worship

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

¹4HE 0EOPLE´S #HURCH²

Upcoming Events & Happenings

bathroom stall in Minnesota. “The attacks on Congresswoman Ilhan Omar are part of a coordinated, decades-long effort March 17, 2019 @ 10:30 A.M. to paint American Muslims as Special Guest Minister inherently foreign, violent and deeply hostile to women, the Rev. Dr. Willie Mae Hawkins LGBTQ community and Jews,� said Farhana Khera, executive Women’s Weekend Prayer Breakfast director of Muslim Advocates.

March 16, 2019 @ 9:00 A.M. In response to Rep. Omar’s comments on Israel, members of Special Guest Speaker the U.S. House of RepresentaRev. Dr. Gloria Deleston tives approved late last week Weekly Worship: Sundays @ 10:30 A.M. a broad, bipartisan resolution Church School: Sundays @ 9:00 A.M. condemning anti-Semitism and, Bible Study: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 P.M. after a last-minute revision, 2901 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23223 other forms of hatred and big(804) 648-2472 ~ www.mmbcrva.org otry, including Islamophobia.

According to the Council on Dr. Price London Davis, Senior Pastor American Islamic Relations, the resolution was the first piece of legislation mentioning Islamorefuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racis phobia to pass either “I chamber $R +IRKLAND 2 7ALTON 0ASTOR bright of peace of Congress and daybreak the second to and brotherhood can never become a reality‌. I believe that unarmed truth and u Worship Opportunitieshave the final word.â€? ever be introduced.

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church

Ebenezer Baptist Church

hate that we’ve done a tremendous amount to overcome, and I think we need to continue to do that in real ways,� Ms. Carrington said.

VCU student Tiana Roomes said she knew WBC’s message was directed at VCU students. “They are directing this to us because we support gay rights and preferred pronouns for transgender (individuals), and we support our military — and they hate that,� Ms. Roomes said.

The six WBC members were again drowned out by VCU students and counterprotesters who arrived from the Capitol. Within a half hour, the group dispersed peacefully as kazoos buzzed and students chanted, “We’re here, we’re queer, nobody wants you here.�

ENROLL NOW!!!

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

Triumphant Mosby joins with the larger Christi

in celebrating the Lenten season Baptist Church

2003 Lamb Avenuereflection, fasting & prayerful conse Richmond, VA 23222on the journey and follow along w Calendar at www.mmbcr Dr. Arthur M. Jones, Sr., Pastor (804) 321-7622 Church School - 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service - 11:15 a.m.

Bible Study - Wednesday - 7 p.m.

Communion - 1st Sunday

“Working For You In This Difficult Hour�

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

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

Richmond Free Press

March 14-16, 2019 B5

Legal Notices Continued from previous column

City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, March 25, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2019-020 To erect all-way stop signs at the intersection of West 43rd Street and Stonewall Avenue.

Ordinance No. 2019-076 To declare a public necessity for and to authorize the acquisition from Virginia Commonwealth University of a perpetual, non-exclusive easement located in the block bounded by East Leigh Street, North 11th Street, East Clay Street, and North 10th Street for the public purpose of laying, erecting, constructing, operating, maintaining, and repairing a 12inch sewer line and all equipment, accessories, and appurtenances necessary in connection therewith, and to vacate two sewer easements located in such block.

(COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, March 19, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-077 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Fourth Amendment to Lease between the City of Richmond, as lessee, and Saul Subsidiary I Limited Partnership, as lessor, for the purpose of enabling the City to continue using 52,411± square feet of the property located at 4100 Hull Street Road for the Department of Social Services and other City functions. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, March 19, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2019-078 To designate Birdwood Road in honor of retired Fire Chief Ronald C. Lewis. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, March 19, 2019, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so.

Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at www.Richmondgov. com and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, April 1, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. in the Fifth Floor Conference Room of City Hall and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, April 8, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2019-079 To amend Ord. No. 2011211-2012-6, adopted Jan. 23, 2012, which authorized the special use of the properties known as 535½, 537, and 541 North 2nd Street, now known as 537 North 2nd Street, for the purpose of waiving parking, building height, maximum residential floor area, and setback requirements for the construction of a mixeduse building with up to 31 dwelling units and uses permitted in the underlying zoning district, to remove a condition requiring a non-commercial mural, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is currently zoned in the B-2 Community Business District. The C i t y o f R i c h m o n d ’s adopted Pulse Corridor Plan designates a land use category for the subject property as NMU (Neighborhood Mixed Use). “Neighborhood Mixed use areas are cohesive districts that provide a mix of uses, but with a larger amount of residential uses than other mixed use districts. They are an urban, walkable environment with limited neighborhood oriented uses incorporated along key commercial corridors and at corner sites.”

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Ordinance No. 2019-080 To authorize the special use of the property known as 326 East Broad Street for the purpose of permitting signs with an aggregate area exceeding that permitted by the underlying zoning regulations, upon certain terms and conditions.

The subject property is located in the B‑4 Central Business District.

The subject property is designated for Corridor Mixed‑Use land use by the Pulse Corridor Plan.

The Pulse Plan describes areas with a Corridor Mixed‑Use designation as “found along major, traditionally commercial corridors like Broad and E. Main Streets, and envisioned to provide for medium‑density pedestrian‑ and transit‑oriented infill development to fill “missing teeth” of the corridor fabric.”

Ordinance No. 2019-081 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 1809 and 1815 East Franklin Street for the purpose of uses allowed in the B-5 Central Business District, including dwelling units on the ground floor without the application of certain requirements of City Code § 30-442.1(6), upon certain terms and conditions. The property is located in the B-5 Central Business District.

The City of Richmond’s current Pulse Corridor Plan designates the subject property as Corridor Mixed Use (CMU). The Plan calls for specific characteristics within this category and is “…envisioned to provide for medium density pedestrian and transit oriented infill development to fill “missing teeth” of the corridor fabric.

Ordinance No. 2019-082 To amend Ord. No. 2017194, adopted Nov. 13, 2017, which authorized the special use of the property known as 3138 Grayland Avenue, now the properties known as 3136 Grayland Avenue and 3138 Grayland Avenue, for the purpose of two single-family detached dwellings, to modify the setback requirements pertaining to 3136 Grayland Avenue, upon certain terms and conditions.

The property is located in the R-5 Single-Family Residential District. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates a future land use category for the subject property as Single Family Residential at low densities. Primary uses for this category are single-family detached dwellings at densities up to seven units per acre.

The proposed density of the project would be approximately 17 units per acre.

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at www.

Richmondgov.com; the Main City Library located at 101 East Franklin Street; and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF LYNCHBURG CONSTANCE DIANE COOPER TAYLOR, Plaintiff v.

JAMES EARL TAYLOR, JR., Defendant.

File No.: CL16000519-01 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is for the plaintiff to be divorced from the defendant on the grounds that the parties have been living separate and apart for more than 12 months, the defendant’s whereabouts being unknown.

It is therefore ORDERED that JAMES EARL TAYLOR, JR., appear on or before the 26th day of April, 2019 at the Lynchburg Circuit Court and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: EUGENE C. WINGFIELD, Clerk I Ask For This: Debora Cress Embrey, Esq. VSB# 025299 147 Mill Ridge Rd., Ste 213 Lynchburg, VA 24502 (434) 528-3996 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER KARLI JOHANSEN, Plaintiff v.

TIFFANY REYNOLDS, Defendant.

Case No.: CL19000137-00 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.

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It is ORDERED that the defendant, who is a nonresident, appear here on or before the 17th day of April, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

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

SHELTON DETROIT HICKS, Defendant.

Case No.: CL19-613-8 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Obtain a divorce a vincullo matrimonii or from the bonds of matrimony.

It appearing from a affidavit that diligence has been used without effect, by or on the behalf of the plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city defendant is.

It is ORDERED that Shelton Detroit Hicks appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before the 1st day of May, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.

A Copy Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk

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 Marvin DeJesus Nolasco Albertos (Father) to appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/her interest on or before 05/23/2019, at 2:00 PM, Courtroom #3

for support.

It is ORDERED that the defendants Elroy Jones (Father) to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 05/14/2019, at 9:00 AM, Courtroom #2

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER DANIEL EDWARDS, Plaintiff v.

DIANNA EDWARDS, Defendant.

Case No.: CL19000742-00 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 30th day of April, 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 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER SIMONE GORDON, Plaintiff v.

MARLON GORDON, Defendant.

Case No.: CL19000773-00 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 30th day of April, 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 SHANEKA ANDERSON, Plaintiff v.

DELVIN WASHINGTON, Defendant.

Case No.: CL18002643-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who has been served with the Complaint by posted service appear here on or before the 30th day of April, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER PATRICIA PARIS, Plaintiff v.

MARIO PARIS, Defendant.

Case No.: CL19000744-00 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 30th day of April, 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 CITY OF Richmond CATINA (GREGORY) HICKS, Plaintiff v.

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VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER TRAMAINE CEPEDA, Plaintiff v.

MIKE CEPEDA, Defendant.

Case No.: CL18003821-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who is a nonresident, appear here on or before the 22nd day of April, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Esquire VSB# 27724 Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE CITY OF Richmond WILLIAM EDWARD MENEFIELD, Plaintiff v.

HAVETTE MENEFIELD, Defendant.

Case No.: CL19-572-8 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Obtain a divorce a vincullo matrimonii or from the bonds of matrimony.

It appearing from an affidavit that diligence has been used without effect, by or on the behalf of the plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city defendant is.

It is ORDERED that Havette Menefield appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before the 19th day of April, 2019.

A Copy Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ANGELA LEE SHOOK, Plaintiff v.

BRAD ROBERT SHOOK, JR., Defendant.

Case No.: CL19000442-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

And it appearing from an affdavit that the whereabouts and address of the defendant are unknown and that he may not be a resident of Virginia, it is Ordered that the defendant appear before this Court on April 3rd, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. pursuant to this notice and protect his interests herein.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I Ask For This: Donald M. White, Esquire 130 Thompson Street Ashland, Virginia 23005 (804) 798-1661

VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re SA’RENITY HOPE ALLISON’BEST File No. J-096175-03-04 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) for Christy Rivera (Mother) & Unknown (Father) of Sa’renity Hope Allison’Best, child DOB 06/30/2018, “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 defendants Unknown Father and Christy Rivera (Mother) to appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/her interest on or before June 3, 2019, at 10:00 AM, Courtroom #4 VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re KING WENDELL AUSTIN File No. J-091783-08-09 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Unknown (Father) and Special Mitchell (Mother) of King Wendell Austin, child DOB 11/21/2015, “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 defendants Unknown (Father) and Special Mitchell (Mother) to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 05/14/2019, at 2:20 PM, Courtroom #2 VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re JONIA MONIQUE AUSTIN File No. J-091-782-08-09 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Jonathan Andre Austin (Father) and Special Mitchell (Mother) of Jonia Monique Austin, child DOB 08/17/2014, “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 defendants Jonathan Andre Austin (Father) and Special Mitchell (Mother) to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 05/14/2019, at 2:20 PM, Courtroom #2 VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re ZAY’ONA M. HOPKINS Case No. J-093277-14 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) Unknown Father of Zay’ona M. Hopkins, child DOB 03/31/2013, “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 Unknown Father to appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/her interest on or before 05/20/2019, at 9:20 AM, Courtroom #4

VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re CHASIDY JAQUEL CARDWELL Case No. J-78955-12-00, J-78955-13-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) CHAUNCERY SHERROD C A R D W E L L ( Father ) & Unknown FATHER ( Father ) o f C h a s i d y Jaquel Cardwell, child DOB 10/14/2007, “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 defendants Chauncery Sherrod Cardwell (Father), & Unknown Father (Father) to appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/her interest on or before 05/14/2019, at 9:00 AM, Courtroom #2

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

ISAAC LEE, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL19-62 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 118 East 21st Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0000353/030, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Isaac Lee.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, ISAAC LEE, upon information and belief deceased, owner per Deed filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court (Division II, City of Manchester) at Deed Book 7 page 395 on May 2, 1887, 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 LEE, upon information and belief deceased, owner per Deed filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court (Division II, City of Manchester) at Deed Book 7 page 395 on May 2, 1887, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before APRIL 25, 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 JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re EMMANUEL DEJESUS NOLASCO-HERNANDEZ File No. J-093900-08 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) for Marvin DeJesus Nolasco Albertos (Father) of Emmanuel DeJesus Nolasco-Hernandez, child DOB 05/05/2011, “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship

VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Quinshell Bailey Case No. J-78250-13-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) ELROY JONES (FATHER), of Quinshell Monae Bailey, child DOB 02/28/2006, “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

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

TERRY L. MCGIRT, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-3214 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3009 Veranda Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0000985/012, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Terry L. McGirt, Kerry McGirt, Sr, Harry McGirt and Larry McGirt.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, KERRY MCGIRT, SR, HARRY M C G I R T, a n d L A R RY MCGIRT, who have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known address, have not been personally located and have not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are

IT IS ORDERED that KERRY MCGIRT, SR, HARRY MCGIRT, LARRY MCGIRT, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before APRIL 25, 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

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Continued on next column

Continued on next column

CUSTODY VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re KEVON YSELAH LEONARD BELL v.

PHAROAH RA-G HORUS KEVON ROBINSON Case No. CL18-4455-8 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Change name of minor.

It is ORDERED that the defendants Kevin Nathaniel Bell appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/her interest on or before April 30, 2019.

Continued from previous column

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.

TERRY L. MCGIRT, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-3215 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3011 Veranda Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0000985/013, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Terry L. McGirt, Kerry McGirt, Sr, Harry McGirt and Larry McGirt.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, HARRY MCGIRT, 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

IT IS ORDERED that HARRY MCGIRT, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before APRIL 25, 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.

MILDRED A. LIGHTFOOT, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-6176 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 408 East Gladstone Avenue, Tax Map Number N000-1146/011, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number NESW, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Mildred A. Lightfoot.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, MILDRED A. LIGHTFOOT, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to her last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; that PATRICK POLSON, TRUSTEE of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 00-9684 on May 25, 2000, or his successor/s in title, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that WORLDWIDE ASSET PURCHASING, LLC, a corporation not existing in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, 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 MILDRED A. LIGHTFOOT, PAT R I C K P O L S O N , TRUSTEE of a Deed of Trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 00-9684 on May 25, 2000, or his successor/s in title, WORLDWIDE ASSET PURCHASING, LLC, a corporation not existing in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before APRIL 25, 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.

GWENDOLYN PLYMOUTH, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-6110 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1616 North 28th Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E000-0864/021, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Gwendolyn Plymouth, Kiana Plymouth Lewis, William Beavers and Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

Doris Howard.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, GWENDOLYN PLYMOUTH, WILLIAM BEAVERS, and DORIS HOWARD, who have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known address, have not been personally located and have not filed a response to this action; that said owner, KIANA PLYMOUTH LEWIS, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that DELTA REALTY, LLC, not appearing as an active entity in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, which may be a creditor with an interest in said property, as 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 GWENDOLYN PLYMOUTH, W I L L I A M B E AV E R S , DORIS HOWARD, KIANA PLYMOUTH LEWIS, that DELTA REALTY, LLC, not appearing as an active entity in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before APRIL 25, 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.

IVORY MASHORE, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-5976 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2412 Marion Mashore Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S000-0565/005, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Ivory Mashore, Elvira Mashore (upon information and belief deceased), Joyce MashoreMoody, Sara Bailey Mashore and Jeffrey Mashore.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, IVORY MASHORE and JEFFREY MASHORE, 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 haves not filed a response to this action; that said owner, ELVIRA MASHORE, 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 CLARK COGAN and FIA CARD SERVICES NA, an entity not appearing in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, who 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 IVORY MASHORE, JEFFREY MASHORE, ELVIRA MASHORE, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, CLARK COGAN, FIA CARD SERVICES NA, an entity not appearing in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before APRIL 25, 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.

TERRY L. MCGIRT, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-3212 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3010 Groveland Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0000985/007, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Terry L. McGirt, Kerry McGirt, Sr, Harry McGirt and Larry McGirt.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, HARRY MCGIRT, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint Continued on next page

Richmond Free Press

B6 March 14-16, 2019

Sports Plus

VSU football snags 2 top quarterbacks

By Fred Jeter

Virginia State University’s most recent recruiting class features two of the state’s premier quarterbacks.

D’Vonte Waller from Highland Springs High School in Henrico County and Dinwiddie High School’s K’ymon Pope will be joining the VSU Trojans this fall.

Earning first team All-State honors, 6-foot-3 Waller led the Springers to back-to-back State Class 5 football titles with a combined record of 31-1. Highland Springs was 15-0 last fall.

Pope, an All-Region 4B selection, guided Dinwiddie High to consecutive regional titles. For his career as a General, Pope

passed for more than 3,700 yards and ran for more than 2,400 yards.

Dinwiddie went 23-3 in Pope’s two seasons as quarterback.

Pope’s older brother, K’Vaughan, is a starting linebacker for Ohio State University.

Both Pope, at 6 feet, 200 pounds, and Waller are excellent all around athletes who could line up at other positions. However, there is a quarterback opening in Ettrick. Two-year starter Cordelral Cook will be graduating this spring.

Cook’s top backup a year ago was Nicholas Winston, a rising senior who transferred to VSU from Norfolk State University.

The Trojans slumped to 4-5 overall and 4-3 in the CIAA last

season, with a game against St. Augustine’s University canceled because of Hurricane Florence.

The previous two seasons, the Trojans were 19-3 under Coach Reggie Barlow. In 2017, VSU won the CIAA football title and advanced to the NCAA Division II Regional.

VSU definitely has Highland Springs High on its recruiting radar. A second All-State performer headed to VSU is former Springers running back Shyrie McKeiver. The 5-foot-9, 200-pound McKeiver is renowned for his exceptional breakaway speed.

Other locals choosing VSU are safety Xavier Addison and tight end Justin Providence from Matoaca High School in Chesterfield County.

The Trojans will open the 2019-20 season Saturday, Sept. 7, at Norfolk State University.

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities Continued from previous page

Continued from previous column

Continued from previous column

Continued from previous column

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

IT IS ORDERED that HARRY MCGIRT, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before APRIL 25, 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

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 FORREST J. DOWDEN, JR, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before APRIL 25, 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

Forrest J. Dowden, Jr.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, FORREST J. DOWDEN, JR, 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 FORREST J. DOWDEN, JR, ROSALIE D. ROBINSON, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before APRIL 25, 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

0341/007, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, George L. Kite Jr.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, GEORGE L. KITE JR, 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 GEORGE L. KITE JR, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before APRIL 25, 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.

TERRY L. MCGIRT, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-3213 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3012 Groveland Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0000985/006, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Terry L. McGirt, Kerry McGirt, Sr, Harry McGirt and Larry McGirt.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, HARRY MCGIRT, 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

IT IS ORDERED that HARRY MCGIRT, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before APRIL 25, 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.

FORREST J. DOWDEN, JR, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-5898 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1553 Vinton Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0100199/004, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Forrest J. Dowden, Jr. and Rosalie D. Robinson.

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

IT IS ORDERED that FORREST J. DOWDEN, JR, ROSALIE D. ROBINSON, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before APRIL 25, 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.

GEORGE L. KITE JR, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-6026 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2705 Berry Road, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0090341/006, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, George L. Kite Jr, and Cynthia B. Kite.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, GEORGE L. KITE JR, 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 GEORGE L. KITE JR, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before APRIL 25, 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.

FORREST J. DOWDEN, JR, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-5897 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1204 Mount Erin Drive, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0002294/012, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Forrest J. Dowden, Jr. and Gail Prentiss Dowden.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, FORREST J. DOWDEN, JR, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy

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

FORREST J. DOWDEN, JR, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-5973 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1555 Vinton Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0100199/005, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record,

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

GEORGE L. KITE JR, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL18-6025 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2707 Berry Road, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S009-

Continued on next column

Continued on next column

Continued on next column

Richmond Ambulance Authority Notice of Request for Proposals Professional Collection Services Solicitation Number: 19-01

Public Notice City of Richmond Lead Supervisor Training The City of Richmond will be providing a Department Professional and Occupational Regulation Lead Supervisor certified training from March 25 through March 28, 2019 from 8:30am to 5:00pm each day, participants must attend all four days for certification. The City of Richmond will be offering a four day Lead Supervisor training class free of charge. This training is designed for contractors and construction managers who want to be able to become a licensed lead paint abatement contractor or work for a lead abatement contractor as a Lead Supervisor. All participants must register with the City of Richmond by 3:00 pm on Thursday March 21, 2019 prior to class.

Registration is first come first serve. Please contact the Sherrilyn Hicks with the Office of Community Wealth Building at 804-646-6464 or SHERRILYN.HICKS@RICHMONDGOV.COM to register for the class or additional information.

The Richmond Ambulance Authority, a high performance EMS system located in Richmond, Virginia, announces its intent to bid for the provision of professional collection services.

The successful Proposer will provide a plan and cost proposal for the provision of either primary or secondary placement collection services for bad debts, as described in the Request for Proposals (RFP).

All proposals must be received at the Authority offices no later than 3pm ET on April 12, 2019.

Interested parties may obtain a copy of the RFP by contacting: Terone B. Green Chief Administrative Officer Richmond Ambulance Authority 2400 Hermitage Road Richmond, Virginia, 23220 804-254-1183 terone.green@raaems.org

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Head of Service/Special Projects:

ANNUAL ACTION PLAN PUBLIC NOTICE On Friday, March 29, 2019, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will hold a public hearing on items relating to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s 2019 – 2020 Annual Action Plan.

Job located in Richmond, VA: Supervise the dept. throughout North America; Oversee the installation and servicing of heat sealing machines for the food service industry. Requires: 5 yrs of exp in food production environment with a primary focus on heat sealing. Send resumes to: Proseal America Inc., Attn: Ted Jones, 7611 Whitepine Rd., Richmond, VA 23237

DHCD will hold a public hearing from 10:00 - 11:00 AM on the 12th Floor South Conference Room of the Main Street Centre, 600 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. DHCD will take comments on the proposed 2018 – 2019 Annual Action that covers the allocation of state-administered HUD federal funds to include Community Development Block Grant ($18,700,000), HOME Investment Partnership ($9,000,000), Emergency Solutions Grant ($2,700,000), HOPWA ($1,000,000), and the National Housing Trust Fund ($4,000,000). Please note funding amount are approximate, pending the release of federal allocation amounts.

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

To view these documents online please go to www.DHCD.Virginia.gov under Consolidated Planning Process or request a copy of the plan documents by calling (804) 371-7100, (804) 371-7122, or (804) 371-7084 TDD. Persons requiring special accommodations should call (804) 371-7073.

To advertise in the

The Department will receive written comments on the Commonwealth of Virginia’s 2019 – 2020 Annual Action Plan through close of business on April 19, 2019. The public can submit comments online or at the following address:

Richmond Free Press call

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Attention: Lyndsi Austin Main Street Centre 600 East Main Street, Suite 300 Richmond, Virginia 23219

644-0496

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