Harriet’s promotion
A4
Jones launches second bid for Virginia attorney general
By George Copeland Jr.
Attorney
and former state
delegate Jerrauld C. “Jay”
Jones is running again for state attorney general, announcing his decision Tuesday afternoon at events in Norfolk and Richmond.
“Our security and freedom have always depended on people willing to fight for them,” Jones said as he addressed a crowd of about 40 people at the Maggie L. Walker Memorial Plaza. “Now is our moment to hold tightly to hope and together, we can protect and strengthen the future of every Virginian.”
The announcement made Jones’ campaign official, months after filing the necessary paperwork for his candidacy. This will be his second run for the position, following a loss to incumbent Mark Herring for the 2021 Democratic nomination.
Jones’ campaign follows multiple terms in the House of Delegates, which he stepped down from in 2021, and one year as an assistant attorney general
Please turn to A4
Virginia lawmakers advance amendments on voting rights, marriage,
reproductive freedoms
Joshua Cole, 65th District, speaks in support of a bill to protect same-sex marriage during the House Privileges and Elections Committee hearing Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the General Assembly Building.
By Paula Phounsavath
The Richmond Public Schools Dreams4RPS plans came true as they revealed slight enrollment increases for the 2024-2025 school year at Monday night’s School Board meeting.
RPS Director of Enrollment, Placement and Planning Luke Hostetter, presented to the School Board the increase in enrollments for the school division, which is one of the top 10 goals of Dreams4RPS. The school division and the community created Dreams4RPS as a long-term plan that lists goals to reach within five years.
RPS’ current enrollment is 21,427 students, which is up from last year’s 21,259 students. In addition, the school division also enrolled 233 more students from the fall membership count, which occurs each year on Sept. 30, totaling that enrollment to 21,660 students. Hostetter reported to the board that the fall enrollment rates throughout the past three academic years have been stable,
By George Copeland Jr.
By Brodie Greene
The House Privileges and Elections committee introduced three joint resolutions to amend the Virginia Constitution on Wednesday. These amendments addressed voting rights, marriage equality and reproductive rights.
The first amendment proposes changes to the process of reinstating the voting rights of individuals who are released from prison. Current state law tasks the governor’s office with reinstating voters at the governor’s discretion.
Critics of the current law believe the process for regaining the right to vote should not belong to the governor, and instead should offer a clear and consistent path forward for those who are formerly incarcerated.
Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker patroned the bill. Virginia is the only state that permanently removes voting rights from people with felony convictions unless they petition the governor, Bennett-Parker said.
“The disenfranchisement of people with felony convictions is a relic of Virginia’s Jim Crow past,” Bennet-Parker said. “It was intentionally inserted into the 1902 Virginia constitution to disenfranchise as many Black
despite the pandemic.
“Our fall membership has been stable, despite what we have seen, what projections have indicated across the state of Virginia and particularly for urban areas rebounding from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Hostetter said.
He explained that one key factor in the enrollment increase is the school division’s effort to inform families of preschoolers advancing to kindergarten about the enrollment
Months of discussion over the Richmond real estate tax rate ended Tuesday evening when Richmond City Council voted 5 to 4 to reject a proposed tax rate reduction from $1.20 to $1.16. The ordinance, introduced by Reva Trammell of the 8th District, was supported by council members Ann-Frances Lambert, 3rd District; Stephanie Lynch, 5th District; and Ellen Robertson, 6th District. Voting against the measure were Andreas Addison, 1st District; Katherine Jordan, 2nd District; Kristen Nye, 4th District; Cynthia Newbille, 7th District; and Nicole Jones, 9th District. “It is just too high,” Trammell said as she advocated for her proposal. “People are hurting, everywhere. They can’t pay for the utilities, they can’t pay for gas, can’t pay for groceries.” In its place, City Council unanimously approved a one-time 4-cent tax rebate as part of the RVA Stay relief program proposed by Mayor Levar M. Stoney and patroned by Nye as an alternate method to address the impact of rising tax rates on residents. The rebate is estimated to cost $16 million and will be paid
Tender service
Capt. Stanthony Nelms holds his daughter, Harley Nelms, 1, during the Commonwealth’s Veterans Day Ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial on Monday, Nov. 11. Nelms is the commanding captain of the U.S. Army’s Golf Company, 244th Quartermaster Battalion, which attended the ceremony. Please see more photos on A5.
process. Families received reminders of deadlines through messages, emails and phone calls.
“We continue to enroll every day and my department thinks a great deal about how we can best serve students and families in entering RPS,” Hostetter told the board. “Our goal is that everybody that is coming to RPS is sitting in a classroom learning on the first day and that enrollment is not a barrier to that.”
Superintendent Jason Kamras expressed his
using the 2024 fiscal year surplus.
The RVA Stay program also will provide up to monthly $200 grants for six months to residents spending 30% or more of their income on housing through the Gap Grant pilot program. Additionally, the Richmond Freeze Program will exempt homeowners age 65 or older, or those living with disabilities, from real estate tax increases.
“These targeted proposals are how we provide fiscally re-
George Copeland Jr./Richmond Free Press
Jerrauld C. “Jay” Jones announces his campaign for Virginia attorney general on Tuesday afternoon at the Maggie L. Walker Memorial Plaza.
Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press
Delegate
Jason Kamras
Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press
Harris-Muhammed to lead virtual town hall on new RPS cell phone policy
By Paula Phounsavath
Richmond Public Schools’ 6th District School Board member
Shonda Harris-Muhammed, announced at Monday night’s School Board meeting that she will host a virtual town hall meeting on Nov. 20 with RPS Chief Wellness Officer Renesha Parks, in preparation for Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s cell phone ban policy.
The town hall meeting will inform the community about cell phone expectations for students and families, provide updates on the RPS cell phone policy, and then open the floor for parents’ questions. Muhammed encouraged the RPS community to participate in the discussion.
“RPS – in this area – led the charge to begin the process of eliminating cell phones during instructional time,” Harris-Muhammed said.
Gov. Youngkin signed Executive Order 33 on July 9, a policy implementing a cell phonefree education during class time due to mental health concerns among students – driven by excessive social media usage – and to avoid distractions during learning periods. Executive Order 33 gives each school division the authority to adopt local policies that are “age appropriate.”
The policy will be in effect in all school divisions statewide starting Jan. 1. RPS stated it would eliminate all cell phone usage in its facilities from the start of the school bell to dismissal and it includes hallways, restrooms, cafeterias and outdoor areas during school hours unless expressly permitted.
Since the implementation of Executive Order 33, the policy has drawn mixed reactions in the RPS community. While the policy ban has been praised by parents, teachers and other school faculties, many students did not view the ban positively. In the Oct. 21 meeting, RPS presented an anonymous survey of students, of which a majority opposed the ban.
One comment read, “Cell phones are useful in a classroom setting when more than half of the resources we need to use are blocked on Chromebooks. It’s annoying as a student when you can’t use a source you need because it’s blocked and you can’t use your phone to access it.”
While newly elected 1st District School Board member,Matthew Percival is for banning the use of cell phones in the classroom, he has been vocal in opposing Youngkin’s authority over local schools.
“It’s essentially like writing a letter of recommendation to the school boards,” Percival said. “Sure, we’ll take it under advisement, but this is not something that’s in the purview of the governor to do.”
Hanover County to host free Caregiver Expo
Free Press staff report
Hanover County will host its third annual Caregiver Expo on Thursday, Nov. 14, in recognition of National Family Caregivers Month. The free event to provide resources and support for caregivers of older adults will take place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Montpelier Recreation Center and Library, 15302 Clazemont Road. The expo will feature a variety of local vendors and resource presentations. At Home Harmony will introduce Medicare’s new GUIDE program, which covers at-home services for caregivers of individuals with dementia. Hanover Fire-EMS will provide details about their new Senior Prevention and Awareness for Risk Reduction in Our Community (SPARC) Program. The event also will include a panel discussion titled “Suddenly Caregiving,” offering insights from care partners on navigating unexpected caregiving roles. Attendees will have a chance to win door prizes, enjoy refreshments and collect giveaways. The event is presented by the Hanover Council on Aging, the Department of Community Resources, and The SPAN Center. For more information, contact Hanover Community Resources at 804-365-4300.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, Nov. 9, COVID-19 accounted for .5% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, with overall respiratory illness trending up from previous data. No deaths associated with COVID-19 were reported within that timeframe at the time of publication. Data on COVID-19 wastewater showed levels below detection in Richmond and Henrico County as of the most recent sample collection week on Sunday, Nov. 3.
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
• Thursday, Nov. 14, 2 to 4:30 p.m. - Calvary United Methodist Church, 1637 Williamsburg Road.
• Friday, Nov. 15, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Southside Woman, Infants and Children Office, 509 E. Southside Plaza
• Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2 to 4:30 p.m. - St. Luke’s Apartments, 117 Engleside Drive.
RHHD’s Resource Centers are providing free at-home tests for pickup at select locations:
• Creighton Court at 2150 Creighton Road, call 804-371-0433.
• Fairfield Court at 2311 N. 25th St., call 804-786-4099.
• Gilpin Court at 436 Calhoun St., call 804-786-1960.
• Hillside Court at 1615 Glenfield Ave., call 804-230-7740.
• Mosby Court at 1536 Coalter St., call 804-786-0204.
• Southwood Court at 1754 Clarkson Road. Unit #B, call 804230-2077.
• Whitcomb Court at 2106 Deforrest St., call 804-786-0555. For Virginia Department of Health testing locations, visit vdh. virginia.gov. Additional testing site information can be found at vax.rchd.com.
Want a COVID-19 vaccine?
Individuals interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine can schedule an appointment with the Richmond and Henrico health districts by calling (804) 205-3501. Additionally, vaccines.gov provides a list of pharmacies and clinics offering the vaccine. You also can find locations by texting your ZIP code to 438829 or calling 1-800-232-0233.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also offers a vaccine locator at vaccines.gov. Residents can order four free at-home COVID test kits at covidtest.gov while supplies last.
The CDC recommends the new COVID-19 vaccine for everyone age 6 months and older. Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are approved for ages 6 months and up, while Novavax is for those age 12 and older.
These updated vaccines are available at pharmacies and health care providers. Health officials encourage eligible individuals to get their boosters. For those who received previous doses, the CDC advises waiting at least two months before getting the new vaccine. However, exceptions exist for people completing an initial vaccination series, immunocompromised individuals, those who recently had COVID-19 and individuals receiving an initial series of Novavax doses. Compiled by George Copeland Jr.
Cityscape
Slices of life and scenes in Richmond
Health Equity Fund awards over $1M to community partners
By George Copeland Jr.
The work to support underserved communities in Richmond entered a new phase Thursday at the St. Luke Legacy Center, as city leaders and health officials announced over $1 million in funding for partner groups as part of the Richmond Health Equity Fund.
A mix of new and returning groups will work to address community health disparities exacerbated by COVID-19, with $989,205 allocated for new initiatives and $388,000 designated to continue support for existing partners.
“The awardees today, past and present, are making a difference, picking up where traditional health care organizations leave off, filling in the gaps,” Mayor Levar M. Stoney said.
Stoney was joined by City Council members Cynthia Newbile and Katherine Jordan, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry and Health Equity Fund Program Officer Shaleetta Drawbaugh and representatives from the partner groups.
The inclusive medical clinic Health Brigade, food access advocates the Rich-
Free Press staff report
Three local Richmond organizations have been awarded $15,000 in grants to support their efforts in youth leadership and entrepreneurship. The funding, provided by the Papa Johns Foundation for Building Community, will help advance programs that aim to strengthen the community.
The recipients — 804 Coaches for Change, Sports Backers All Stars and The Youth Business Exchange — each received $5,000 to support their work. Since its launch in 2021, the Building Community Fund has invested nearly $5.5 million in local organizations across the country, funded by sales of the Shaq-a-Roni pizza. For every Shaq-a-Roni sold, $1 is donated to the foundation.
“We are pleased to be able to nominate the organizations based on their outstanding and impactful youth leadership and entrepreneurship programs and events. I encourage Richmond and surrounding area residents and businesses to learn more about these amazing organizations in their community,” said Judiann Hawkins, marketing manager for PJ Cheese.
Stephen Lewis, vice president of 804 Coaches for Change, a first-time recipient, said the grant will help provide Richmond youth with athletic programming that also focuses on personal development. “Our goal is to continue to make Richmond a better
mond Food Justice Alliance and behavioral health and substance abuse agency WHO Counseling Services are among the partners whose funding will help tackle a wide range of community challenges.
Access to food, health care and education resources, chronic disease, substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery, and maternal, child, mental and behavioral health are the areas of focus these and other groups will address through the HEF investments.
For Community 50/50, a nonprofit focused on support and outreach for Richmonders in need, HEF provides an opportunity to continue its work providing resources for those in need. The investment will allow it to expand its third Sunday feeding program into a full-service health fair that will provide health screenings, nutritional counseling and other services.
“We can bring licensed clinical social workers, we can bring nutritionists, we can bring certified individuals and experts in the area to come and actually provide a direct need, and then follow up with weekly wellness checks,” Community 50/50 founder and CEO Zenobia Bey said.
Other new and ongoing partners include
the Nationz Foundation, Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center, Shalom Farms, the St. Luke Legacy Center Foundation, Empowering You for Positive Change, the Hive Movement, the Virginia Anti-Violence Project, the Help Me Help You Foundation and Real Life.
HEF began in 2021 with an initial $5 million investment courtesy of the American Rescue Plan Act. In the years since, the city government and investments from Atlantic Union Bank, the Community Foundation, the Robins Foundation and the Schaberg Foundation have helped establish new funding sources for the initiative. So far, $3.2 million in funding has been allocated to local groups tackling these disparities. Speakers at the press conference acknowledged the work still ahead to address inequity in the city, but celebrated the dedication shown by the city and local organizations.
“These are generational issues, and it’s going to take that kind of investment to really turn it around,” Newbille said. “Using the ARPA funds in the way we are doing in Richmond, we’re putting Richmond on the map as an innovator and as a city committed to equity.”
place and bring the community together with each of our events,” Lewis said.
Sports Backers All Stars, also a firsttime recipient, plans to use the funds for scholarships and program facilitation. “We are so grateful to be selected by the Papa Johns Foundation,” said Jacki Quinlan, director of youth programs. The organization provides educational experiences, mentorship and hands-on opportunities for student-athletes.
The Youth Business Exchange, which is
receiving the grant for second consecutive year, will continue its support of youth entrepreneurs through the Richmond Children’s Business Fair. “It’s an honor to be recognized for the work we do to support youth entrepreneurs,” Kerwyn Phillip said. Papa Johns of Central Virginia is locally owned by PJ Cheese, which is affiliated with PJ United, the
Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press
LuLu Fiscella paints for Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity’s Project Playhouse, which brought together sponsors to build playhouses for local children Nov. 9 and Nov. 10 in the Stone Brewing parking lot. The project works to provide children with a safe space to play, dream and explore in their own playhouse.
George Copeland Jr./Richmond Free Press
Leaders from Health Equity Fund partner groups stand with Mayor Levar M. Stoney, City Council members Cynthia Newbille and Katherine Jordan, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, and Health Equity Fund Program Officer Shaleetta Drawbaugh at the St. Luke Legacy Center.
Shonda HarrisMuhammed
Harriet Tubman posthumously named a general in Veterans Day ceremony
The Associated Press
Revered abolitionist Harriet Tubman, who was the first woman to oversee an American military action during a time of war, was posthumously awarded the rank of general on Monday.
Dozens gathered on Veterans Day at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park in Maryland’s Dorcester County for a formal ceremony making Tubman a one-star brigadier general in the state’s National Guard.
Gov. Wes Moore called the occasion not just a great day for Tubman’s home state but for all of the U.S.
“Today, we celebrate a soldier and a person who earned the title of veteran,” Moore said. “Today we celebrate one of the greatest authors of the American story.”
Tubman escaped slavery herself in 1849 and settled in Philadelphia. Intent on helping others achieve freedom, she established the Underground Railroad network and led other enslaved Black women and men to freedom. She then channeled those experiences as a scout, spy and nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War, helping guide 150 Black soldiers on a gunboat raid
in South Carolina.
Nobody would have judged Tubman had she chosen to remain in Philadelphia and coordinate abolitionist efforts from there, Moore said.
“She knew that in order to do the work, that meant that she had to go into the lion’s den,” Moore said. “She knew that leadership means you have to be willing to do what you are asking others to do.”
The reading of the official order was followed by a symbolic pinning ceremony with Tubman’s great-great-great-grandniece, Tina Wyatt.
Wyatt hailed her aunt’s legacy of tenacity, generosity and faith and agreed Veterans Day applied to her as much as any other service member.
“Aunt Harriet was one of those veterans informally, she gave up any rights that she had obtained for herself to be able to fight for others,” Wyatt said. “She is a selfless person.”
Tubman’s status as an icon of history has only been further elevated within the last few years. The city of Philadelphia chose a Black artist to make a 14-foot (4.3-meter) bronze statue to go
RPS celebrates enrollment increase, credits outreach efforts
Continued from A1
gratitude to Hostetter and the RPS Enrollment for their efforts. “Obviously, there’s always more work to be done, but it is truly night-and-day for families to enroll in RPS and to apply for our specialty programs,” he said. “I’m so incredibly grateful for the work that you’re doing and for the feedback that we’ve received from tonight.”
The application deadline for open enrollment at RPS, the Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts, and the Governor’s STEM Academy at RTC is Jan. 31, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. The deadline for specialty and regional Governor’s Schools is Dec. 2 at 4:30 p.m., while applications for CodeRVA Regional School are due by Feb. 14, 2025. All application results will be posted on Enroll RPS on the afternoon of March 7, 2025.
The School Board also unanimously approved renaming the Huguenot High School football field “Coach Richard McFee Field” in honor of McFee, who served as the school’s football coach for over 20 years. The longtime coach retired in 2007 due to health challenges. During his tenure, McFee led the Huguenot Falcons to 143 wins and 73 losses, securing three Central Region Division 5 titles along the way.
City Council rejects tax cut proposal, approves relief program
Continued from A1
sponsible relief to those who need it the most,” Stoney said during a press conference Wednesday.“We want Richmonders to stay in Richmond, and this is our way of reducing those housing-related costs they may be experiencing.”
While Stoney was optimistic about the program’s future, and suggested the Gap Grant could become a permanent program, Trammell was insistent on the need for a tax cut to address the stress residents across the city are facing.
Trammell’s concern was echoed by residents and property owners who spoke in favor of her ordinance.
“I want to stay here, I want to keep my house,” 1st District resident Bonnie Atwood said. “If I leave, I don’t know where I would go.”
In addition to the vote on tax rate proposals, council members approved a range of other ordinances. These include approving the license agreement for Greyhound Bus to use part of Main Street Station as a bus hub, a voluntary gun buyback event and establishing the Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground as a cemetery.
City Council also approved a $2 million expansion of Richmond Animal Care and Control operations to a new location in the Fan District. The proposal saw some pushback from Lynch and Robertson over the city prioritizing the needs of its animal population while neglecting its human residents without housing. The two were the only votes against the measure.
Home Court
Jones launches second attorney general bid
Continued from A1
in the D.C. attorney general’s consumer protection department. An attorney with a long family history in state politics, he would be the first African American to serve as attorney general if elected.
Jones positioned himself as an attorney general who would listen to and protect Virginia’s families, children and most vulnerable, address illegal guns, drug traffickers and child predators, and combat corporate crimes such as pollution, price gouging and predatory lending.
With a wide range of changes expected when Donald Trump returns to the White House, Jones also declared his intent to
challenge any efforts to dismantle or end the Affordable Care Act and expressed his full support for abortion rights.
Jones also sought to tie Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares to Trump, accusing him of using his office “to attack Virginians’ freedoms, pander to the fringes of his own party and side with corporate price-gougers and polluters at the cost of Virginia’s families.”
“We need an attorney general who’s focused on keeping Virginians safe, not a personal, partisan political agenda,” Jones said.
Jones joins the race for the Democratic nomination alongside Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor. Miyares hasn’t said if he will run
again, but made his thoughts on his potential opponents clear hours after Jones’ announcement in Norfolk.
“Both of the announced Democrat candidates for attorney general are far-left, anti-police, criminal rights progressives who will make Virginia less safe,” Miyares wrote in a social media post. “Public safety demands we put victims over criminals. We aren’t going back to four years of lawlessness in Virginia.”
“You’ll have to ask him why he said that,” said Jones when asked his thoughts on Miyares’ statement. “We’re focused on this campaign.”
The primary for the 2025 Virginia elections will be held Tuesday, July 17.
Virginia lawmakers advance amendments on voting rights, marriage, reproductive
Continued from A1
voters as possible.”
Sheba Williams told the committee that she was wrongfully convicted of a felony in 2004 and regained her right to vote in 2013 after former Gov. Bob McDonnell issued an executive order.
“They’re using voting as if it’s a privilege, (but) it is a right,” Williams said. “It’s a right that’s in our Constitution.”
HJ 2 passed by committee with a vote of 12-9.
Currently, the state constitution still defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman. HJ 9, patroned by Del. Mark D. Sickles seeks to update the constitution by recognizing marriage as “one of the vital personal rights essential to the orderly pursuit of happiness.”
Delegate Sickles referred to the language of the current law as “fuzzy and vague,” and hopes that Virginia voters will appreciate a more inclusive definition.
“I think our straightforward amendment will be welcomed by Virginia citizens, and so I’m really appreciative of the vote today in committee,” Sickles said.
HJ 9 passed 16-5, with four Republican delegates in favor. Delegate Sickles appreciated the bipartisan support.”
HJ 1, introduced by Delegate Charniele L. Herring, intends to add a section to the constitution which guarantees the “fundamental right to reproductive freedom.” The amendment would prevent government infringement on an individual’s freedom
freedoms
rights, including voting rights, to individuals with felony convictions upon release from incarceration. to make their own health and family planning decisions. Recent Supreme Court decisions have allowed states to enact “dangerous abortion bans,” according to Herring. “Virginia is on a path of joining states that have passed Constitutional Amendments protecting access to reproductive health care in the wake of Dobbs,” Herring said. HJ 1 passed by committee with a vote of 12-9. In order to amend the Virginia Constitution, the amendments must be voted on by citizens. Delegate Sickles said he expects these amendments to appear on ballots in 2026.
AP Photo/Julio Cortez, file
A bronze statue of abolitionist Harriet Tubman is seen in 2020 at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, Md.
on display next year. In 2022, a Chicago elementary school was renamed for Tubman, replacing the previous namesake, who had racist views. However, plans to put Tubman on the $20 bill have continued to stall.
Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press
Richard Walker, executive director of Bridging the Gap Virginia and a formerly incarcerated person, speaks in support of Constitutional Amendment HJ2 during a House Privileges and Elections Committee hearing Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the General Assembly Building. HJ2 proposes a constitutional amendment to restore political
Right, friends and family of VUU safety William Davis were in attendance to witness the historic victory. Below, Maroon Elegance, Virginia Union University’s majorettes, bring energy and excitement to the field during halftime at the homecoming game as the school’s Ambassadors of Sound marching band plays on.
The Panthers of Virginia Union University, cheered on by Miss VUU Destiny Love and Mr. VUU Keyondre Hunt, tied a 108-year-old record in spectacular fashion, crushing Bluefield State University 91-0 on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Hovey Stadium.
Photos by James Haskins/Richmond Free Press
Youngkin launches Virginia Veterans Network to support military families
By Markus Schmidt
Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Monday unveiled the Virginia Veterans Network, a new comprehensive online resource designed to support the state’s veterans, transitioning service members and their families.
Speaking at the Hampton Roads Council of Veterans Organizations’ annual Veterans Day Luncheon in Virginia Beach, Youngkin praised the military community and highlighted the Commonwealth’s commitment to being a leader in veteran support services.
“On Veterans Day and every day, we celebrate the service and sacrifice of all the men and women who have served our nation,” Youngkin said.
“Virginia is the proud home of nearly 700,000 military veterans. We go to work every day to ensure that Virginia is the best state in America for veterans, military service members, and their families to live, work, and raise a family.”
The VVN platform consolidates hundreds of organizations and services into a single portal,
providing veterans with streamlined access to disability benefits, job opportunities, medical and legal services, education and training, and peer support.
It also is designed to make it easier for veterans and their families to schedule appointments with the Department of Veterans Services, access free federal, state, and local benefits, and find tailored support at every stage of life.
The new platform was built by veterans for veterans, Youngkin said. “VVN is truly the gold standard of service for Virginia veterans and delivers on our promise to give Virginia veterans the best available resources.”
Chuck Zingler, commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, noted the platform was developed in response to veterans’ requests for a simplified way to access diverse resources. “The goal for VVN is to make life easier for our veterans, military service members, and their families,” Zingler said.
“Veterans asked for a simple solution for finding a variety of resources in the Commonwealth and
Serving gratitude
Hundreds gather Nov. 11 at the Virginia War Memorial for the Commonwealth’s Veterans Day Ceremony in the E. Bruce Heilman Amphitheater, with veterans from all service branches, public officials, and U.S. Army and Navy personnel in attendance.
Top right, Gen. Gary Brito, commanding general of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, delivers keynote remarks during the ceremony. Bottom right, U.S. Army Golf Company, 244th Quartermaster Battalion members Genesis Simmons, right, Mary Hagy, and Keith Pirtle salute the flag during the national anthem.
beyond, and we made it happen. VVN offers real solutions in real time, connecting the right people to the right resources at the right time.”
“another example of how Virginia is committed to providing an excellent quality of life for veterans and their families.”
Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Craig Crenshaw called the online portal
This story originally appeared on virginiamercury.com.
Photos by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press
Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Gov. Glenn Youngkin
Gov. Glenn Youngkin celebrates the launch of the Virginia Veterans Network at a Veterans Day Luncheon on Monday, Nov. 11.
Richmond Free Press
November 14-16, 2024
Finding calm after election chaos
If there’s any good to come out of this election, it’s that it’s finally over. After months of emails, phone calls and postcards from so-andso who is running for this-or-that office, those intrusive communications have finally ceased. Also, the anxiety the election season brings, with so much at stake in the country, seemingly in the hands of groups of voters in several “swing states,” it’s enough to raise your blood pressure or worse. That’s why it’s important to take care of yourself in times such as these.
“An election means change, which can cause uncertainty and stir political tensions in your family, workplace, or community,” writes Robin D. Stone in Psychology Today. “Being aware of the potential for this anxiety is key to coping with the feelings you and others may be experiencing. A recent Forbes survey found that more than 60% of respondents said that their mental health had either been slightly, moderately, or significantly negatively affected by the election.”
If the upcoming transition of power and everything it could mean to the future of the country is putting you in a bad place – try taking a break. Do a digital detox for a few hours or maybe even a day. Focusing on something calming can help clear your mind. Consider some short walks, stretching or just stepping outside for some fresh air could offer a small reset. I promise, the news will be there when you get back.
Don’t deprive yourself of the things that you enjoy. Call a friend or family member that you love. Listen to some music or a favorite podcast. These kinds of things can give you a quick mental refresh that can help get you through the day.
Focus on what you can control. Unless your name was on the ballot, national politics isn’t one of those things on your plate. If you’re able, try volunteering with a community service organization where you can make a real difference, whether it’s tutoring children or helping out at a food pantry.
Remember, you’re not alone. Many people across the country are dealing with similar anxieties. Taking care of ourselves can help us build the resilience needed for the challenging times ahead.
Something in the contract?
Things have gotten choppy for the popular “Something in the Water” concert series. After recently canceling this year’s event, which was set for mid-October in Virginia Beach, now it looks like plans for next year are in jeopardy. On Wednesday, Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer said he was “angry” about the length of time that contract negotiations have taken. He gave the organizers of the event, led by producer and musician Pharrell Williams, until Friday to sign an agreement with the city.
It’s unfortunate this popular event seems to have hit another snag. If things don’t work out at the beach, perhaps the organizers would be willing to consider another city for the festival. We know a place. It’s right by some water and has a new amphitheater that would be perfect for the top talent, such as Wu-Tang Clan, Post Malone and Usher that the event attracts. Interested? We’re here for it.
Fountain at Hening Lake in Henrico
Why
More jobs. Better jobs. Lower energy prices. Cleaner water. Cleaner air. Fewer asthma attacks. Fewer heart attacks.
Those are just a few of the benefits working people and communities across this country are reaping from the transition from fossil fuels to a clean energy economy. Sure, it is also about saving the planet – which most of us can agree is a good thing. But the economic and health benefits for millions of American families are very real as well.
Donald Trump and his Project 2025 agenda have threatened to upend the clean energy transition and move us backwards. He has shown us he is more interested in lining the pockets of fossil fuel oligarchs than helping everyday Americans.
But we will not go backward. That is due in part to market forces that are not going anywhere. And it is due to the resistance that strong leaders and a strong movement for justice will wage in defense of the American people.
In Illinois, more than 130,000 people are now employed in
clean energy jobs. In 2023, clean energy jobs grew eight times faster than the rest of the state’s economy and clean vehicles are now the fastest growing sector in the state. California has more than 545,000 people employed in clean energy.
Those two states come to mind not only because they are both in the top five states for clean energy jobs, but because the governors of both those states are already pledging to resist Trump’s attacks on their progress and the wellbeing of their people. But the governors of every state
should be as protective of their constituents. Two other top five states for clean energy jobs are Texas (second only to California with about 262,000) and Florida (with about 172,000). And maybe the far right governors of those states will stand up against potential efforts to roll back clean energy investments like those found in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). After all, 18 U.S. House Republicans already wrote to Speaker Mike Johnson back in August asking him to leave the IRA’s clean energy tax credits in place because of how they are helping their districts. It should not be a partisan
issue. Nationally, the Department of Energy found clean energy jobs to be growing at more than twice the rate of U.S. employment overall. A lot of these jobs are in deep red states and districts, because that is where a lot of the IRA investments are flowing. One of the greatest stories of how the clean energy economy is reinvigorating communities and reshoring supply chains – and the jobs they create – comes from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s district, where Trump received 75% of the vote in 2020. There, the IRA has allowed the solar panel manufacturer Q Cells to build solar panel plants and the capacity to house entire supply chain for their panels locally. That means thousands of good jobs as well as hope for the U.S. competing with China in the global solar market – 80 percent of which China currently dominates.
In addition to good jobs and the rebirth of American manufacturing, another major reallife benefit of the clean energy transition for American families is improved health outcomes. Ditching fossil fuels saves lives. The Sierra Club has successfully worked to retire more than 380 coal-fired power plants since 2010. As of this past spring, those retirements are estimated to have prevented roughly 900,000
Will Democrats learn from the loss?
In the aftermath of Vice President Kamala Harris’ decisive electoral loss to Donald Trump, my mind kept going back to a memorable and widely repeated gaffe by a man who was not on the ballot.
That man was Joe Biden, and the unfor tunate utter ance in ques tion happened more than four years ago when he was a former vice president vy ing to unseat Trump.
The comment came near the end of a May 2020 interview with Charlamagne Tha God, cohost of “The Breakfast Club,” a popular radio show. When Charlamagne invited Biden to the program’s New York studio for another interview, mentioning that “we’ve got more questions,” Biden replied jovially, “You’ve got more questions? Well, I tell you what, if you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t Black.”
In 2020, with Election Day approaching, Biden’s line was no laughing matter to his campaign. Instead, it became another brick in his backpack as his record of support from black voters as President Obama’s former running mate turned wobbly.
Biden was deeply unpopular in July of this year when the Democrats jettisoned him from the presidential race in favor of Harris. To the surprise of many, she quickly closed the gap in party support in public opinion polls, and the Democrats pulled off a largely successful convention in Chicago. Up until
Election Day the race remained a toss-up, depending on whose polls you believed. But then Trump pulled off a victory more decisive than his 2016 win over Hillary Clinton.
And now the blame game has begun. Everyone who followed the contest on any level seems to have their own pet reasons for
why defeat was snatched out of the jaws of victory.
Democrats have been here many times before. President Obama’s resounding victories in 2008 and 2012 lulled many of the party faithful to believe they had figured out how to avoid such disasters and the circular firing squad that inevitably followed. But now it’s autopsy time again.
The most positive thing you can do after a defeat is to learn from it—and the Dems, like any party in defeat, still have a lot to learn, particularly about some demographic groups fast rising in prominence and significance, particularly Hispanic Americans and young white males without college degrees.
While Harris promoted her jolly version of the politics of joy, Trump undermined the Democrats’ coalition by pressing his own brand of the politics of grievance. Harris and many other Democrats did little to explain the very real economic benefits the Biden-Harris administration brought to communities across the country, preferring instead to campaign on the threat Trump poses to women, minorities and the rule of law.
Although women and minorities still preferred Democrat Har-
ris, early data from AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters nationwide suggests that Trump made some significant gains among these groups.
Large majorities of Black voters of both genders, long the Democrats’ most reliable base, favored Harris, as did narrower majorities of Latinos (but not Latino men), Asian Americans and those who identified as “non-white.” But members of all these demographic groups showed increasing defection to Republican ranks.
Pollsters find them to be attracted by religious affiliations and social conservatism, and there is no reason to believe this trend will not continue.
But the more unexpected trend in the long run (although perhaps not to those of us who have raised male children) is the rise of the “bro vote,” the Gen Z males who have made the macho podcast of Joe Rogan, among others, an almost required campaign stop for candidates.
Even Trump’s son Barron has been enlisted into the cause as an adviser, according to the Trump campaign.
What emerges is an unflattering picture of one party desperate to hang on to its constituents facing another party that is in growth mode. Whatever else Trump’s GOP may be, it is a party unafraid to try new platforms to attract those who are either disaffected with politics or who had never been reached out to before.
The Democrats have a lot to learn from this defeat that should never have been, and the first lesson is to stop taking voters for granted.
The writer is a columnist for the Chicago Tribune.
But the clean energy transition is already happening and some bumps in the road will not stop it. It is because of those of us dedicated to combating the climate crisis and protecting communities. We are going to redouble our efforts and grow our movement. And we are going to help people understand what speeding up the
transition means for their pocketbooks and their health. The
director of the
Clarence Page
Ben Jealous
Letters to the Editor
Committed
I see where some are dwelling on alleged shortcomings in Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign. To my mind, she was a brilliant candidate who ran a near-perfect race. Of course Democrats will look for ways to improve our efforts. We will reach out to all citizens; it is in our nature. But we will not cater to the likes of Donald Trump. And we will win again soon.
We have spent lifetimes supporting and improving upon core American values like citizen equality, fair popular elections, checks and balances in our government, and the election of men and women of good character. We will use these values in building an economy where all can meet their monthly expenses, where all can prosper. We will defend democracy around the world. And we will continue to
fortify these principles and these policies with a healthy daily dose of the “fierce love” advocated by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We will not just carry on. From the elders to the youngest, we remain Freedom Fighters.
BEN RAGSDALE Richmond
Tribe member celebrates inclusive Indigenous representation
As a tribal member of the Patawomeck, one of the 11 state-recognized tribes in Virginia, I found the Richmond Free Press article “Local tribes celebrate culture, history on Indigenous Peoples’ Day” by Paula Phounsavath (Oct. 1719 edition) to be a refreshing, appreciative and inclusive read regarding our native culture.
It was nice to see a wellsnapped photo of Pernell Richardson, one of the many dancers I shared the powwow circle with as a one-time male traditional dancer at powwows throughout Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina in the 1990s.
Because of the ideology of Virginia’s first state registrar, Dr. Walter Plecker, a eugenicist, Virginia Indians were classified as either “white” or “black”
— which made it difficult for me to connect the dots when unearthing my native ancestry, especially since my greatgrandparents checked “colored” on their marriage license.
The segregation didn’t end there. As someone with “Caucasian” skin who went powwowing with others who had “darker complexions” and struggled to find their nativeness, it wasn’t easy being accepted by Virginia’s cultural communities. That’s why many of us first began our dancing in Maryland and North Carolina.
However, through folks like Pernell Richardson, as well as many others (some now deceased) who embraced our “mulatto” group of dancers around the circle, Virginia’s powwow sacred ground became
more welcoming to us, too.
In closing, I reiterate my thank you to the Richmond Free Press and take this opportunity to give a shoutout to my fellow Virginia tribes for
Later this month, President Biden will pardon two turkeys at the White House, a symbolic gesture of mercy. Yet, every year in the U.S., over 224 million turkeys endure a far grimmer fate. These gentle birds are raised in overcrowded sheds thick with toxic fumes, their beaks and toes clipped to prevent stress-related aggression.
At just 16 weeks, they are slaughtered — throats slit, bodies dumped into boiling water for feather removal. Meanwhile, their meat, laden with cholesterol and saturated fat, poses health risks to consumers.
But there’s promising news: U.S. turkey production has declined significantly as more Americans embrace plant-based options. This Thanksgiving, let’s celebrate our good fortune with a cruelty-free meal—plant-based roasts, seasonal vegetables, fruits and grains. An internet search for “vegan Thanksgiving” offers delicious, compassionate recipes.
RICK TUSCADERO Richmond
November’s Native American Heritage Month.
RICK KNIGHT Henrico
Frustration
By Stephen Hawkins The Associated Press
Cooper Rush bounced passes to open receivers while filling in for injured quarterback Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott fumbled into the end zone for one of Dallas’five turnovers, and owner Jerry Jones is understandably frustrated in a season going oh so wrong.
The Cowboys (3-6) are still winless at home this season and have lost four in a row overall, the latest a 34-6 drubbing by NFC East rival Philadelphia on Sunday. They had only 146 total yards, their worst offensive performance at home since moving into AT&T Stadium 15 years ago.
“I’m just frustrated, like everybody else is,” Jones said. “But since I had a lot to do with what we’re seeing, then it’s the proper frustration, as far as I’m concerned, that we’re just not playing in a way, especially when you play a team that is the caliber of teams that we’re playing out here in Philadelphia, is a high-caliber team,
and we’re not up to them. And that’s troubling.” Prescott was out after tearing his hamstring a week earlier in a loss at Atlanta, and plans to seek one more opinion before deciding whether to have a season-ending surgery.
Without elaborating when asked if Prescott would have that surgery, Jones said the quarterback’s situation was still being evaluated.
Rush had a 4-1 record filling in for Prescott two years ago, but was 13 of 23 passing for only 45 yards and lost two fumbles against the division-leading Eagles (7-2). Trey Lance got his first regular-season action for the Cowboys and threw an interception.
“Understand that, you know, our quarterback’s out. Things ain’t always going to be how you expect it,” said edge rusher Micah Parsons, who returned after missing four games with an ankle injury. “It’s one of them years where, like I say, it’s challenging, but we’ve got to be the light for everybody.”
The Eagles were trying to
add to a 7-3 lead when Jalen Hurts threw a pass that was intercepted by Trevon Diggs in the end zone. Then, after an exchange of punts, Dallas had its longest drive of the game, going 77 yards before Elliott’s fumble on the 13th play.
Three plays after that, Parsons sacked Hurts and forced a fumble recovered at the Eagles 6. But Dallas missed another chance to take the lead, instead gaining only a yard before a field goal after the two-minute warning, and then letting Philadelphia go 84 yards in seven plays for a 14-6 halftime lead.
As for the prospects for the rest of the season after winning the division last year, knowing that Prescott will be out for several weeks at a minimum, Jones said he didn’t want to deal in hypotheticals, but acknowledged: “Anybody that loses their top quarterback has some adjustments to make, and they’re usually adjusting uphill.”
The owner also was asked if Rush and Lance would remain the quarterback options the rest of the season.
“Well,
than
Free Press staff report
In a battle of two of the top teams in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, Virginia State University defeated Virginia Union University 35-28 on Nov. 9 in Ettrick.
The win sets up a rematch between the two teams in the CIAA Championship Game on Nov. 16 in Salem, Va.
VUU running back Jada Byers rushed for 106 yards, while quarterback Mark Wright passed for 324 yards in the loss. However, it was not enough to overcome a strong performance by the VSU Trojans.
The Trojans got on the board first with a 10-play touchdown drive capped by a 31-yard scoring pass from Romelo Williams to Tayshaun Porter. VUU answered with a field goal, but
I’ve
“Everybody’s got a
You
VSU extended their lead to 14-10 with another Williams to Porter touchdown pass. VUU tied the game at 21-21 in the third quarter, but VSU responded with two more scores to take a 35-21 advantage. The Panthers made it close late, but
when VUU defeated VSU 6-0 in the “Tiebreaker Bowl” after the regular season ended in a 6-6 tie. Virginia Union finishes the 2024 regular season with a 7-3 record overall and a 6-1 mark in the CIAA, while VSU moves to
Free Press staff report
USL League One recently announced that Richmond Kickers’ Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky was nominated for the league’s Coach of the Year award. This marks Sawatzky’s second Coach of the Year nomination after earning the award in 2022 after the Kickers captured the 2022 Players’ Shield for winning the regular season.
Under Sawatzky’s leadership, the club earned a 2024 Young Player of the Year nomination for 18-year-old Richmond native Griffin Garnett and two 2024 All-League Second Team selections for Richmond native Simon Fitch and Nil Vinyals.
In the 2024 regular season, the Kickers earned their third playoff berth in four seasons as the Roos ripped off a six-match unbeaten streak and closed out the season 4-1-2 with four matches coming against fellow 2024 playoff teams.
The Kickers’ coaching staff earned recognition for their continued commitment to developing the next generation not only on the training pitch but also on matchday. Rostered players under 20 years of age played a combined 2,676 minutes in the regular season alone.
“We are very proud of the project we are working on here at the Richmond Kickers. We want to develop young players and give them a platform to develop, to perform, and to excel as we chase the post season and hardware,” Sawatzky said “We are not happy that we are now watching the playoffs rather than competing in them, but we are proud of this group of players and their persistence to chase excellence. The recognition for our coaching staff is appreciated and we are grateful that people recognize what we are working to build here.”
Season tickets are available for the 2025 season. Additional information can be found at richmondkickers.com/seasontickets.
Free Press staff report
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association has announced the 2024-25 All-CIAA Preseason Women’s Bowling Team and Predicted Order of Finish, as voted on by the Sports Information Directors Association. This year’s preseason team is composed entirely of returners from the 2023-2024 All-CIAA team, showcasing the depth of talent in the conference.
The CIAA Bowling Predicted Order of Finish is as follows: 1. Fayetteville State,
2. Bowie State, 3. Livingstone, 4. Johnson C. Smith, 5. Elizabeth City State, 6. Virginia Union, 7. Shaw and 8. Virginia State.
The 2024-25 CIAA Bowling Preseason Team includes: Paige Rockwell from Fayetteville State University, Chalia Gray and TaVera Johnson from Bowie State University, Brooke Smith from Shaw University, Ericka
Reed from Fayetteville State University, Kiara Powell from Virginia Union University, Denise Brown from Fayetteville State University, Alexis Jackson from Virginia Union University, Carrington Hayward from Livingstone College and Kamryn Smith from Bowie State University.
The CIAA women’s bowling season is set to tip off in the coming weeks, with teams vying for the conference championship and a chance to advance to the national tournament. Fans can expect a competitive season as these talented student-athletes take the lanes.
Free Press staff report
The Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon is set to celebrate its 47th edition Nov. 16. Known as “America’s Friendliest Marathon,” the event will feature over 20,000 participants across the marathon, half marathon and 8K races. The classic 26.2-mile marathon course will start at 7 a.m. on Broad Street just west of 1st Street. Runners will traverse scenic and historic sections of the city, including along and across the James River. The USA Track & Field sanctioned
and certified course is considered a top Boston Qualifier. The marathon course is described as great for first-time runners, featuring some rolling hills. Race organizers will provide ample support, with water stations approximately every two miles until Mile 20, then every mile thereafter. Participants can expect Nuun Endurance at each water stop, as well as GU energy gels, junk food stations and even pickle juice to help fuel their runs.
All three race distances — marathon, half marathon, and 8K — will finish on a
downhill slope at 5th and Tredegar Street at Brown’s Island and the Canal Walk, the site of the CoStar Group Post Race Party. In addition to the races, the event weekend will feature a variety of special activities and programming, including live podcast recordings, shakeout runs and panels with notable local runners. Registration for the Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon, CarMax Richmond Half Marathon, and VCU Health Richmond 8K is still open, with discounted rates available until race day. For more information, visit richmondmarathon.com.
Powell Sawatzky
James Haskins/Richmond Free Press
Virginia State University quarterback Romelo Williams calls his own number as the team defeated the Virginia Union Panthers 35-28 on Saturday, Nov. 9, in Ettrick.
AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush sits on the bench Nov. 10 late in the second half of an NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Arlington, Texas.
Last week, Paul Townsend celebrated 31 years as an employee at Capital One. Reflecting on his time with the company, he knows his experience is unlike most in the corporate world today.
As a longtime executive with one of the country’s largest banks, Townsend began his career there when he took an entry-level job after graduating from college. The company grew and he was able to take advantage of the opportunities created with the rapid growth.
“I’ve been offered opportunities outside of Capital One, but each time that I weighed the pros and cons, it just made sense to stay with Capital One,” Townsend said.
Recognizing that doors opened for him in ways they don’t for others, he relishes the impact of the career-readiness programming that the Boys & Girls Club offers. He’s been involved with the organization 15 years and has witnessed how the organization’s programs impart durable skills like critical thinking, communication and collaboration, which change lives by increasing participants’ confidence and preparedness for future careers.
Employment for young people in their late teens and 20s is pivotal as they transition to adulthood. A study by The Brookings Institution found racial disparities continue to affect access to employment, with regional and educational factors also playing a role. The study revealed that young Black and Latino people are up to three to six times more likely to be disconnected from job opportunities than young white people.
“Capital One has been very supportive of my passion for the work I do in the community,” he said. “It’s another reason to stay.”
Townsend’s also a yogi, practicing hot yoga specifically — something unusual for a C-suite executive.
“My wife got me started with
Personality: Paul Townsend
Spotlight on board president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond
yoga, and I thought it was a great idea to combat the stress that decades of playing rugby put on my body.” Townsend said. “I chose hot yoga because it’s the most challenging. I didn’t anticipate the mental benefits I would get from it.
It’s great!”
Townsend weighs every life decision against his goal of happiness — an offshoot of the goal of enlightenment for many yogis. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his three teenagers at their house in Virginia’s Northern Neck.
“I don’t have any plans to retire because working makes me happy,” he said. “I’ll retire when it’s what will make me happy.”
Meet the C-suite executive with a passion for giving back to the community and this week’s Personality, Paul Townsend:
Occupation: Managing vice president, Capital One.
Date and place of birth: May 7 in Roanoke.
Where I live now: Richmond.
Education: Bachelor’s in history from Hampden-Sydney College.
Family: Wife Anya and three amazing children.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond (BGCMR) is: A leader in youth development in Metro Richmond for more than 70 years.
BGCMR mission: To fuel the boundless potential in young people to ensure they are lifeand career-ready.
When and why founded: The original BGCMR was founded in 1953 and has provided a safe, supportive space where youths can grow and succeed. Today, we have seven Clubs serving young people across Richmond
and Petersburg.
Original location: The Robinson Street Club in 1955, welcoming boys from Richmond’s Fan District.
How many clubs in Metro Richmond now: Today, BGCMR has seven Clubs.
Locations: Northside Club, Southside Club, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School Club, River City Middle School Club, Lucille Brown Middle School Club, Petersburg Club and the Teen & Community Center.
Each Club connects with its surrounding community to focus on providing the specific skills, interests and support to best suit members’ needs while meeting the ultimate goal of preparing youth to be life-ready.
Girls joined: In October 1992, the Club expanded its membership to include girls and developed a full array of programming to meet the needs of all members.
Name change: In 1993, the Club was renamed Boys &
Girls Clubs of Richmond, and in 1999 the Club was renamed Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond.
LGBTQ and BGCMR:
The Clubs serve youths from diverse backgrounds across various Richmond neighborhoods, providing them with support, mentorship and resources to help them thrive. Our goal is to ensure all young people in the community have access to life and career pathways programs that equip them with the skills and experiences needed for future success.
What makes the BGCMR’s programming different: BGCMR supports middle school, high school and older youths up to age 24. We stand out as a cornerstone of opportunity for young people, offering safe, inclusive spaces where youth can thrive. With trusted mentors, diverse programs and a focus on life and career readiness and social and emotional learning, the clubs provide holistic support that addresses the whole child. From STEM and esports to artmaking and career exploration, our programs inspire learning, build durable life skills, and prepare young people for the future.
How I got involved: When I first started with BGCMR in 2010, I was looking for the opportunity to volunteer with an organization that was making a real difference. I realized that I could have an even greater impact as a board member, using my corporate experience to help the organization maximize opportunities through prioritization and growth.
Elected board president: July 1, 2023.
IT’S TIME FOR BUSINESS
Why BGCMR is meaningful to me: I grew up in a large family. While money was tight, we had everything we needed. There was always a roof over our heads, food on our table and two parents who loved us. As I grew older, it became apparent to me that doors don’t always open for everyone the way they did for me. At BCGMR, we are focused on building strong, capable, motivated and resilient young adults who will be successful and contribute positively to their communities.
No. 1 goal and strategy as board president: I am inspired daily by the vision, competence and heart of Sean Miller, CEO of BGCMR, and his leadership team. My focus has been on helping them unlock their potential and potential for the organization.
Biggest challenge: To rise to meet the potential of our youths. We need to provide the exposure, exploration and experience necessary for them to succeed and build pathways to make this happen.
Positive impact I have witnessed through working with BGCMR: The annual Youth of the Year celebrations are a moving experience because the community comes together to celebrate our top high school students. I’ve also had the experience of being in the Clubs on a random weekday afternoon to see the staff engaging with our Club members in more organic ways - playing chess, helping them with homework or simply being there to listen. At the school level, youth show improved engagement and academic performance due to exposure to career opportunities and mentorship. On a community level, the program creates a more skilled,
connected and prepared youth population, contributing to a stronger workforce.
How readers get involved with BGCMR: Visit BGCMR. org, email us at development@ bgcmr.org, or call 804-3595250.
BGCMR eligibility: All of our programming is free for families.
BGCMR activities and hours: Programming includes cosmetology, STEM, elite gaming, cheering, DJ classes, fashion design, urban agriculture, cooking, forensics and engineering. Clubs are open Monday through Thursday. Hours vary by location.
How I start the day: I do light yoga, meditate, make coffee and try to do an hour or two of work that requires my deepest thinking.
Three words that best describe me: Grounded, honest and hard-working. Best late-night snack: Ice cream.
A quote that inspires me: “Perfection of character is this: to live each day as if it were your last, without frenzy, without sloth, without pretense.” – Marcus Aurelius.
The best thing my parents taught me: Through example, that both success and happiness come through hard work, honesty and being kind to others.
Most influential person: The late Mike Wassmer, former president of Capital One’s credit card business, because of his focus, discipline, resilience, commitment to excellence and his compassion for others.
Most influential book: “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius because it’s helped me realize that I control my view of the world.
Next goal: I am working to let go of my competitive nature and focus on being at my best in the moment, not worrying about the outcome.
You created the perfect business cards and you have more orders than you can handle, so what’s next? As your business banking partner we’re here to
Ms. Pat’s comedy tour promises laughter, raw honesty
By Jennifer Robinson
If you think you’ve heard it all, Ms. Pat is here to prove you wrong. Known for her fierce honesty and sharp-edged humor, the Emmy-nominated star of “The Ms. Pat Show,” brings her “Hot and Flashy” tour to Richmond’s Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center on Nov. 16. With a no-filter approach that slices through the everyday and the outrageous, Ms. Pat turns her life’s rawest moments into comedy gold, from a hard-knock start in Atlanta to standing ovations in Hollywood.
It’s been a long road to success for Patricia Williams, known to fans as Ms. Pat, and it’s been paved with grit, hustle and a willingness to laugh at her own pain. From a teenage mom in the rough streets of Atlanta to a celebrated figure in the entertainment world, Ms. Pat’s rise is nothing short of extraordinary. Along the way, she’s turned tragedy into comedy, weaving dark humor into her story of survival. Her authenticity has made her a beloved figure on stage and screen, with her unfiltered style leaving audiences in stitches and critics praising her unapologetic voice.
Her groundbreaking show, “The Ms. Pat Show” that dives into her wild journey from drug dealer to suburban mom, has been a critical success, with a fourth season premiering earlier this year on BET+. The show has earned praise for its raw portrayal of real-life struggles, combined with Ms. Pat’s signature humor. But that’s not her only show. Season two of her court show, “Ms. Pat Settles It,”
also airs on BET, where she dishes out her no-nonsense judgments on everything from financial responsibility for dog poop to the etiquette of wig-wearing.
Beyond the TV and courtroom, Ms. Pat is also set to star alongside Nicole Richie in a remake of the ’90s cult classic “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead,” and her stand-up special, “Y’All Wanna Hear Something Crazy?,” directed by Robert Townsend and produced by Wanda Sykes, is streaming on Netflix.
But it’s not just her projects that make Ms. Pat stand out — it’s her journey. She didn’t get to the top by playing by the rules.
As a convicted felon, she faced constant barriers to employment, but she refused to let them hold her back. Her big break came when a caseworker in a back-to-work program suggested she try stand-up.
“She thought I was funny, and I thought, why not?” she recalls. “Open mic became a healing method. It was almost like going to counseling.”
From there, things snowballed. Her sharp observations and raw delivery began
attracting attention from podcasts with huge audiences, like Marc Maron and Joe Rogan, and soon, Hollywood came calling. But even with the doors beginning to open, rejections came often as well.
“You don’t hurt my feelings by telling me no,” she says. “You make me want to try harder. Eventually, the doors will open.” And open they did. Executive producer John Ratler reached out with the idea of creating a sitcom and “The Ms. Pat Show” was born.
Today, Ms. Pat’s resilience and relentless pursuit of her dreams have earned her praise from late-night comedians like Seth Meyers and Jimmy Kimmel. Despite the fame, she hasn’t lost touch with her roots. “I don’t dwell on anything I don’t have control of,” she said. “I forgive. I laugh and keep it moving.”
From the hardships of her past to the bright lights of the stage, Ms. Pat has built an empire on the foundation of her own story. And she’s just getting started.
Ms. Pat comes to the Carpenter Theatre on Nov. 16. Tickets are $35 to $115.
The Visual Arts Center of Richmond, in partnership with the nonprofit Crafting the Future, will host “The Shape of Water,” a group exhibition exploring themes of human embodiment, land connection and lasting impressions. The exhibition runs through Jan. 12.
Curated by Jaynelle Hazard and Terrick Gutierrez, the show brings together a diverse group of artists who use materials such as textiles, glass and clay to delve into storytelling, memory and modernity. Through installations, two-dimensional work and functional art, artists transform these materials to convey personal and collective narratives.
The exhibition title, “The
Visual Arts Center hosts ‘The Shape of Water’ exhibition
Jeff McLane
Artist April Bey’s “Remember That One Summer You Fell Down a Blue Hole and That Whale Asked You About Queer Pineapples?” (2024) exhibited in “The Shape of Water” at the Visual Arts Center.
Fif Wilson
Ms. Pat combines glamour and grit as she tours the country, sharing her raw, hilarious take on life’s ups and downs.
Shape of Water,” draws from the concept that water retains information, much like personal memories, holding onto impressions over time — a theme that
resonates with the exhibit’s focus on the marks we make and leave behind.
Featured artists include April Bey, Sam Christian,
Gabrielle Ione Hickmon, Hong Hong, Kandy G. Lopez, Aryana Minai, Cedric Mitchell, Jomo Tariku and Felandus Thames.
Quincy Jones laid to rest at private funeral in Los Angeles
The Associated Press
Music giant Quincy Jones was laid to rest in a private ceremony in Los Angeles, a week after his death at age 91. A larger, more public memorial also is being planned.
The family of the 28-time Grammy winning producer, arranger and composer said in a statement to The Associated Press that the “intimate ceremony included Mr. Jones’ seven children, his brother, two sisters, and immediate family members.”
The family did not reveal the cemetery where the ceremony took place. They added that they remain “enormously grateful for the outpouring of condolences and tributes from his friends and fans from around the world. Details for a memorial celebration of Mr. Jones’ life will be announced at a later date.”
Jones died surrounded by his family at his home in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
His seven decades of musical mastery included producing
St. Peter Baptist Church
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album, writing prize-winning film scores and collaborating on classic recordings with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and hundreds of others. Tributes to him after his death came from some of the biggest figures in media and
CUSTODY
Continued from previous column are the heirs of Cora Lee Foster believed to be dead and the names and post office address of her spouse, heirs, devisees and successors in title, if any such there be other than those named in this cause, are unknown, such parties being made defendants by the general description of PARTIES UNKNOWN do appear on or before January 3, 2025 and do what is necessary to protect their interest. A Copy Teste
VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re TREASURE LEE FORD RDSS v. TRACEY LEE FORD, MICHAEL JAMES STRASBURG, JR., UNKNOWN FATHER Case No. JJ104334-02-00, JJ104334-03-00, JJ104334-04-00
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights {“TPR”) of Tracey Lee Ford (Mother) Michael James Strasburg, Jr. (Father) & Unknown Father (Father) of Treasure Lee Ford, child DOB 7/28/2024, child.
“TPR” 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 Tracey Lee Ford (Mother), Michael James Strasburg, Jr. (Father) & Unknown Father to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 12/09/2024, at 10:30 A.M, COURTROOM #4
ESTATE VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF HANOVER COUNTY
EDWARD E. HARRIS, JR. Plaintiff vs. WILLIAM GILL, JR. 923 Thomas Street Copperas Cove, TX 76522
CORA LEE FOSTER, if living, or if she be dead, then the spouse and heirs, devises and successors in title of Cora Lee Foster, who are made parties defendant by the general description of PARTIES UNKNOWN, Defendants Case No. CL24003271-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The object of this suit is to effect partition amongst the owners by sale or otherwise of the real property located in Ashland District, Hanover County, Virginia, containing 12.52 acres, more or less, known as 12295 Dabney Lane and designated on the Hanover County Tax Map as GPIN 7779-95-1649, An affidavit having been made and filed that the defendant, Cora Lee Foster, if living is a non-resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia and is believed to be deceased and the Unknown Defendants are the heirs of Cora Lee Foster, the names and post office address of her heirs, devisees and successors in title, if any such there be other than those named in this cause, are unknown,
FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR. CIerk I ask for this: Grayson S. Johnson, Esq VSB #12636 Johnson & Johnson Attorneys at Law PC P.O. Box 100 Rockville, Virginia 23146 804 749-3241 grayson@johnsonlawva.com Counsel for Plaintiff
VIRGINlA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF HENRICO COUNTY In Re: Estate of Shirley Leon Bryson, Deceased CL24-7039 SHOW CAUSE ORDER It appearing that a report of the accounts of Tony A. Bryson, Sr., Administrator of the estate of Shirley Leon Bryson, deceased, and the debts and demands against such estate has been filed with the Clerk’s Office, and that six months have elapsed since qualification, on motion of the personal representative. it is ORDERED that the creditors of, and all others interested in, the estate, show cause, if any they can, at 9:00 am on the 2nd day of December, 2024, before this Court against the payment and delivery of the estate to the persons thereunto entitled, without refunding bonds.
An Extract Teste: Heidi S. Barshinger, Clerk
Notice is hereby given that Amu, LLC – dba/Amu, 5464 Wintercreek Dr, Glen Allen, VA 23060, has filed an application to amend its current certificate of public convenience and necessity. The amended certificate would add the following localities to the current certificate, the Cities of Covington, Danville, Lynchburg, Roanoke, Salem, Staunton, Suffolk and Waynesboro, Virginia, and the Counties of Alleghany, Amelia, Appomattox, Augusta, Bedford, Botetourt, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte, Culpeper, Cumberland, Franklin, Mecklenburg, Nelson, Nottoway, Pittsylvania, Prince Edward and Roanoke, Virginia. The amended certificate would authorize passenger transportation as a Common Carrier over Irregular Routes, providing service in the cities of Alexandria, Charlottesville, Chesapeake, Colonial Heights, Covington, Danville, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Hopewell, Lynchburg, Manassas, Manassas Park, Newport News, Petersburg, Richmond, Roanoke, Salem, Staunton, Suffolk, Waynesboro and Williamsburg, Virginia and the Counties of Albemarle, Alleghany, Amelia, Appomattox, Arlington, Augusta, Bedford, Botetourt, Buckingham, Campbell, Caroline, Charles City,
Charlotte, Chesterfield, Culpeper, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Essex, Fairfax, Fluvanna, Franklin, Gloucester, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Isle Of Wight, James City, King and Queen, King George, King William, Louisa, Mecklenburg, Middlesex, Nelson, New Kent, Nottoway, Pittsylvania, Powhatan, Prince Edward, Prince George, Prince William, Richmond, Roanoke, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Surry and Westmoreland, Virginia, and; 2. Transportation of Medicaid recipients throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Carrier as defined in Section 46.22000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia. Any person who desires to protest the application and be a party to the matter must submit a signed and dated written request setting forth (1) a precise statement of the party’s interest and how the party could be aggrieved if the application was granted; (2) a full and clear statement of the facts that the person is prepared to provide by competent evidence; (3) a statement of the specific relief sought; (4) the name of the applicant and case number assigned to the application; and (5) a certification that a copy of the protest was sent to the applicant. The case number assigned to this application is MC2400667KP.
Written protests must be mailed to DMV Motor Carrier Services, Attn: Operating Authority, P. O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269-0001 and must be postmarked on or before December 2, 2024. Any protest filed with competent evidence will be carefully considered by DMV. However, DMV will have full discretion as to whether a hearing is warranted based on the merits of THE PROTEST FILED. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Meeting: November 20, 2024/Time: 10:00AM Bid Due Date: December 06, 2024/Time: 2:00 PM Information or copies of the above solicitations are available at the City of Richmond website www.rva.gov or https://procurement.opengov.com/ portal/rva. The City of Richmond encourages all contractors to participate in the procurement process. 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
