Dec 31, 2015 jan 2, 2016 issue

Happy New Year

Richmond Free Press © 2016 Paradigm Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

VOL. 25 NO. 1

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

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Inside: Foremost Wishes for 2016 /A3 • 2015 Year in Photos /B3

DECEMBER 31, 2015-JANUARY 2, 2016

Toasting the new year

Staying clean, sober can be daunting during the holidays for those in recovery Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Colorful Kwanzaa festival

By Joey Matthews

The holiday season will be punctuated this weekend by the granddaddy of all celebrations — New Year’s Eve on Thursday, Dec. 31, and New Year’s Day on Friday, Jan. 1.

While people throughout the Richmond area will party and pop open more than a few bottles of champagne to toast the new year, the holiday can be a particularly perilous time for people in recovery.

It can hold dangerous temptations for those seeking to abstain from using alcohol and other drugs as they join family and friends at parties where such substances might be available.

“Knowing I have a disease that wants my life, I tighten up my recovery by going to more meetings during the holidays to ensure I stay clean,” said a Richmond member of the recovery community who identified herself as Dee. She said she is celebrating more than 20 years free of drug use.

Several recovering alcoholics and drug abusers talked with the Free Press with the assurance that their identity would remain anonymous.

“The holidays are more challenging times because we’re more open to interacting with people, places and things (where people are drinking alcohol or using other drugs). And there are a lot of parties where people are more receptive to enjoying the holidays rather than concentrating on their recovery,” said Duck P., a South Richmond man who is marking 27 consecutive years without using drugs.

Even the most innocent of things — holiday sweets and treats — may trip up the unsuspecting.

“Some people use rum in their food and that can be a trigger. So I watch what I eat,” said Deborah of Chesterfield County,

Kiran Bhagat paints the face of Jailynn Dames during the Capital City Kwanzaa Festival last Saturday at the Altria Theater. The annual event, sponsored by the Elegba Folklore Society, drew scores of people to the festivities celebrating seven values of African culture that contribute to building and reinforcing family, community and culture. Please see more photos on B2.

City finishes with money loss on UCI bike race

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Remember the world bike races that dominated Richmond for nine days in September?

To Mayor Dwight C. Jones and other officials, the races were an unparalleled success, creating an economic boost for the region and putting the area in the world cycling spotlight.

Data released earlier this month by Richmond 2015, the regional nonprofit that put on the races, show the cycling competition drew 645,000 spectators — far above the projected 450,000 watchers — and those spectators spent $75 million on Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press food, lodging, transportation, recreation and other items from John Shinholser, who is celebrating 33 years free of drug use, conducts a the UCI Road World Championships’ start on Sept. 19 through recovery meeting Tuesday at the McShin Foundation, a nonprofit he leads at the Sept. 27 finish.

2300 Dumbarton Road.

However, such spending did little to fill the city’s treasury, who is celebrating 21 years without using meetings — all-day and all-night sessions according to a Free Press review of city tax earnings during any mood-altering substance. providing a safe haven. Others in the re- September.

State and city data show the Richmond City government, “I also stay away from people, places covery community open their residences and things” that I knew in my active ad- so people can play cards, listen to music, at best, collected 2 cents of revenue for every $1 of taxpayer diction, she said. dance and socialize in an alcohol- and money spent to host the competition.

In other words, the city fell far short of covering its costs, To help, some Alcoholics Anonymous drug-free environment. undercutting the mayor’s claim that the races “generated millions and Narcotics Anonymous 12-step fellowof dollars of benefit to the City of Richmond and the region as ships in the Richmond area host marathon Please turn to A4 a whole.”

According to its own report, City Hall poured $9.7 million in tax dollars into the races since 2011 when it began bidding.

The project would be the largest private develop- ing to the developer, Margaret Freund.

By Jeremy M. Lazarus The spending covered everySpeaking with the Free Press on Monday, she said thing from street paving to police ment in years in this section of the city and could be Richmond’s apartment boom is heading east into a potential spur to new business growth by bringing some of the 62 units — she cannot yet say how many overtime, litter cleanup and the Fulton community. more people to the area. The multimillion-dollar — would be set aside for lease as working space for ambulance services. The costs The former Robert Fulton Elementary School, long Stone Brewing Co. project in Fulton also is spurring artists, rather than as residences. Gallery space also is also included the $2 million the a haven for artists, is proposed to be a centerpiece the development. to be incorporated into the complex she envisions. city contributed to the Richmond of a 266-unit, $38 million apartment complex to be Ms. Freund understands the role artists can play 2015 organizing group.

The new residential development, bounded by Godcalled Studio Row. din, Union and Mt. Erin streets, is proposed for a site as a result of her long history with the former school However, Richmond gained building and the creative people who currently lease just $193,957 in total new revadjacent to the city’s Powhatan Community Center.

Under plans now headed to the Richmond Planning space from her there. enue from its share of the state More than 25 years ago, she played with a rock band sales tax and from add-on sales Commission and the City Council for approval in January, the former school, now known as the Fulton that used the building’s basement for rehearsals. She taxes on meals, hotel rooms Hill Studios, is to be renovated to include 62 units bought the building in 1997 from the Garber family, and admissions to concerts and and a café, a concept that won a strong endorsement which originally created the art center, and has kept other events. from the Greater Fulton Hill Civic Association.

Please turn to A4 Please turn to A4 The school still will have space for artists, accord-

New Fulton housing development on drawing board

Bill Cosby posts $1M bond after sex crime arrest Reuters

Bill Cosby is pictured in this booking photo taken Wednesday.

Bill Cosby was charged Wednesday in Pennsylvania with sexually assaulting a woman in 2004 after plying her with drugs and alcohol.

The arrest marks the only criminal case against the once-beloved performer whose father-figure persona has been damaged by dozens of misconduct

accusations.

Hours after the charge was filed, Mr. Cosby, 78, arrived at a courthouse in Elkins Park, Pa., just outside Philadelphia, with his attorney, Monique Pressley, and an unidentified man.

Mr. Cosby appeared before Judge Elizabeth McHugh in a brief hearing, where he posted a Please turn to A4

Cleveland police officer not indicted in fatal shooting of Tamir Rice

By Hazel Trice Edney

National civil rights leaders are expressing disappointment and calling for new policies after a Cleveland grand jury on Monday refused to indict the police officer who shot and killed 12-year-old Tamir Rice only seconds after encountering him with a toy gun.

“Has the value of the lives of our children been reduced to a decision made in less than 2 seconds? That is the amount of time it took for one officer to decide whether Tamir Rice should die — less than 2 seconds,” said national NAACP President Cornell Brooks, in a statement.

“Life and death decisions are made every day by police officers across the country,” he added, “but the benefit of the doubt is often

given in the preservation of white lives while the presumption of guilt, dangerousness and suspicion, time after time, is reserved for black lives.”

Monday’s grand jury decision came more than a year after the Nov. 22, 2014, fatal shooting. In Tamir Rice the incident, police were called by a man describing a person with a gun, but told police dispatchers that the person could be a child and that the gun could be a toy. That information was never communicated to the officers.

When police arrived on the scene at Cudell Park, rookie Officer Timothy Loehmann pulled

out his revolver and opened fire upon Tamir within seconds. Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Timothy J. McGinty told the media that Tamir was reaching into his waistband for the toy gun, prompting Officer Loehmann to shoot.

He said the toy was “indistinguishable” from a real gun even as Officer Frank Garmback, who was driving, pulled up less than 7 feet from the youngster.

“The outcome will not cheer anyone, nor should it … The death of Tamir Rice was an absolute tragedy. But it was not, by the law that binds us, a crime,” Mr. McGinty said to media.

National Action Network’s Al Sharpton said he is appalled but not surprised “given Please turn to A4

Richmond Free Press

A2 December 31, 2015-January 2, 2016

Local News

New Year’s schedule In observance of New Year’s Day, please note the following: City and county public schools: Winter break began Monday, Dec. 21; schools reopen Monday, Jan. 4.

Government: Richmond city and state offices are closed Friday, Jan. 1.

Chesterfield County offices are closed Friday, Jan. 1.

Henrico County offices are closed Friday, Jan. 1.

Federal offices are closed Friday, Jan. 1.

Courts: State courts are closed Friday, Jan. 1.

Federal courts are closed Friday, Jan. 1.

U.S. Postal Service: No delivery Friday, Jan. 1.

Trash and recycling: No pick-ups Friday, Jan. 1.

Department of Motor Vehicles customer service centers: Closed Friday, Jan. 1, and Saturday, Jan. 2.

Cityscape

Flooded streets like this one on North Side have been commonplace in Richmond as a result of repeated December downpours. Location: Lombardy Street and Overbrook Road. This photograph was taken Thursday, Dec. 17, when an inch of rain fell. Nearly 4 inches of rain have fallen on the city since then. Through Wednesday, Richmond had recorded 5.87 inches of rain since Dec. 1. That is 2.7 inches above normal for the month. The arrival of January, though, will shut off the taps. Beginning with Friday, Jan. 1, the weather is forecast to be dry through Thursday, Jan. 7. High temperatures are forecast to be in the 40s and 50s, with lows in the 20s and 30s during the period.

Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

Virginia ABC stores: Will operate normal hours on Thursday, Dec. 31, and are closed Friday, Jan. 1.

GRTC: Buses operate on a Sunday/holiday schedule Friday, Jan. 1.

Free Press offices: Closed Friday, Jan. 1.

Wilson hired at VMFA

Kimberly J. Wilson has been named deputy director for human resources, volunteers and community service at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

A Richmond native, Ms. Wilson comes to the museum with experience at multiple Fortune 500 companies and several universities, including Howard University and the University of Richmond. Prior to joining the VMFA, she served as executive director of human resources and client services at The George Washington University in Washington.

Ms. Wilson, who started in mid-December, is responsible for overseeing recruitment and employee evaluations.

“I am thrilled to be presented with an Ms. Wilson opportunity to return to my hometown and be part of an organization that I have admired for many years,” Ms. Wilson said.

Alex Nyerges, the VMFA director, said, “Not only are we excited for the addition of this key position to the museum’s leadership team, but also to have found someone with the perfect combination of human resources experience and understanding of the Richmond community.” — LYNDON GERMAN

$5.5M gift gives Dominion naming rights to CenterStage Utility giant Dominion Resources soon will plant its flag on the downtown performing arts complex now known as Richmond CenterStage.

With a $5.5 million gift from its charity arm, the Dominion Foundation, the company is to gain naming rights to the complex that includes the Carpenter Theatre, the Libby S. Gottwald Playhouse and other arts operations.

City Council is clearing the way for the complex to be renamed the Dominion Arts Center. The complex is home to various arts groups, including the Richmond Symphony.

Resident companies also include dance and performance groups of the City of Richmond’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, the Elegba Folklore Society, Quill Theatre, the Richmond Ballet, the Richmond Forum, the School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community (SPARC), the Virginia Opera and the Virginia Repertory Theatre.

Dominion is spending less than tobacco and cigarette giant Altria, which donated $10 million to put its name on the former Landmark Theater on North Laurel Street.

“Our grant seeks to strengthen the performing arts by helping sustain the unique and historic Carpenter Theatre and the other venues at the downtown complex,” according to Thomas F. Farrell II, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Dominion Resources.

Dominion’s name is to be on new signs that will go up in the spring and be included on tickets and brochures for the 1,760seat main theater, the smaller 200-seat Gottwald Playhouse, the Rhythm Hall and the Genworth BrightLights Education Center that serves the region’s public schools students, teachers and families.

Janet Starke, executive director of Richmond CenterStage, said Dominion’s gift is essential.

“Having this wonderful, historic facility means that funds are needed to keep it in the best possible condition. Dominion Foundation’s grant will make it possible for us to ensure that our facility remains a treasured destination for performers and audiences alike,” she said.

Dominion has given more than $4 million to support Richmond CenterStage since 2007, when a $62 million renovation and redevelopment began. The complex officially reopened in 2009.

The company’s foundation also gave $2 million to the Altria Theater in 2012 during that facility’s renovation, and the stage there, Dominion Stage, is named for the company. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

Correction Pamela Rasin Smith, a sister of the late Alicia C. Rasin, was incorrectly identified in the caption of a photograph from the unveiling of a street sign honoring the city’s late “Ambassador of Compassion” that was published in the Dec. 24-26 edition.

The Free Press regrets the error.

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Richmond Free Press

December 31, 2015-January 2, 2016

Special Feature/Local News

Foremost wishes for 2016 With the start of 2016, the Free Press invited select state and city officials to share their foremost wishes for the new year. Here are their responses.

Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones: This past year has been one of great accomplishments for our city.

We successfully hosted the World Championships of cycling and showcased our city around the world like never before.

We completed a deal that makes us the new East Coast home of Stone Brewing Co., the ninth-largest craft brewery in the country, bringing development and jobs to a long-neglected part of town. We are moving forward with establishing an expanded public transportation system with Bus Rapid Transit and we’ve secured Richmond’s place as an inland branch of the Port of Hampton Roads, to name a few achievements.

All of these things contribute to expanded economic growth, which is our goal — to create an environment in which we are generating the resources needed to meet our needs.

Our city’s population is increasing for the first time in decades. We are experiencing a resurgence and Richmond is on many “hot spot” lists as a cool place to be. This is exciting for us and a welcomed trend with tremendous implications for our future.

But even as we experience this rebound, it will only last as long as we remember to bring everyone along. And the only way for us successfully to do that is to ensure that we make the most of our limited opportunities to secure the city’s future for everyone.

My foremost wish for 2016 is that, as a city, we will continue to identify and seize those opportunities that will create jobs and economic opportunity for all. We need to generate as much new tax revenue as possible in order to support our schools, provide jobs and services and rebuild our infrastructure. Doing so will be the greatest remedy to combat crime and poverty.

As 2016 approaches, I hope that we all recommit ourselves to being stronger and more committed to finding solutions that will move our city forward and to building the best Richmond for all.

Sen. Mamie E. Locke of Hampton, chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus: Several years ago, I read Dr. Richard Carlson’s book, “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff.”

I have decided that the second part of the book’s title is my foremost wish for 2016: “And It’s All Small Stuff.”

I have to be mindful that as the 2016 General Assembly session is set to start in a few short weeks, dealing with family losses in 2015 and handling routine life stresses, it is easy to get caught up in minutiae and allow it all to overtake your life.

So for 2016, my foremost wish is simply to not sweat the small stuff and remember that it’s all small stuff. Life is simply too short to get caught up in the whirlwind of partisan bickering and the politics of foolishness. The citizens of the Commonwealth expect — and quite frankly deserve — better.

I will do my part to be a better servantleader.

Lucille Brown Middle School wins $100,000 STEM lab

By Joey Matthews

Lucille Brown Middle School on South Side is one of five winners of a $100,000 science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) lab makeover, Richmond Public Schools officials have announced.

The school at 6300 Jahnke Road was one of 20 semifinalists and the only school from Central Virginia in the Northrop Grumman Foundation’s Fab School Labs contest. Each of the winning schools will receive a grant up to $100,000 to upgrade their STEM facilities.

“We are incredibly excited,” said Brown Middle School Principal Jonathan Morris about winning the award.

The contest was designed to drive student

interest in STEM by giving public middle school teachers and administrators the chance to create a dream STEM lab where they can provide students access to the latest learning tools and technologies that stimulate as well as teach. The contest invited teachers, principals and school administrators to submit videos, essays and photos to tell their school’s story and vision for a state-of-the-art STEM lab.

To help determine the five winning schools, the foundation enlisted the public via a five-day online voting campaign on the Fab School Labs Facebook page that brought in more than 45,500 votes. The five winning schools will now begin working with Flinn Scientific to design and build their dream STEM lab.

War veterans wanted for writing project The Mighty Pen Project teaches College of William & Mary. military veterans how to best write the Previous classes have included stories of their wartime experiences. veterans of conflicts and wars in The class “is open to all Virginia Europe, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and veterans and civilians alike at no cost, Afghanistan. and will focus on furthering the craft Class size is limited to 12 parof writing about the experiences of ticipants who will be chosen by Mr. war, the warrior’s life, the home front Robbins and Virginia War Memorial and the military family,” according staff. to organizers.

At the conclusion, the Virginia Mr. Robbins The next 10-week class will begin War Memorial will host a public Wednesday, Jan. 20, and continue through March event where members of the class will read 23, at the Virginia War Memorial, 621 S. Bel- selections from their work. Additionally, selecvidere St., according to a news release by the tions will be bound and preserved for future Virginia War Memorial, which is co-sponsoring generations in the Virginia War Memorial’s the project. Classes meet on Wednesday nights Research Library. from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Registration is open for the first session and Virginia native and best-selling author David a second session in 2016 scheduled from April L. Robbins founded the Mighty Pen Project 13 through June 15. Deadline to register for and served as the instructor for the inaugural either session is Wednesday, Jan. 6. class. He is slated to teach the upcoming sesFor more information and online applicasion. Other instructors have included professors tions, go to www.VaWarMemorial.org. — JOEY from Virginia Commonwealth University and the MATTHEWS

Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham: During the past10 months as Richmond’s chief of police, I have responded with my officers to far too many violent crime scenes where senseless acts of violence had occurred. We also have had our fair share of responding to scenes and seeing lifeless bodies sprawled in the streets and in homes.

As of this writing, there have been 1,079 violent crimes committed in the city during 2015. While we are experiencing a 13 percent decrease in violent crime this year, I find these numbers unacceptable. I am also very concerned about the number of youths having easy accessibility to and the proliferation of illegal firearms in the city.

Each day, the men and women of the Richmond Police Department report for duty to serve the residents with the highest degree of commitment, dedication and excellence.

Public safety is a public responsibility.

As I have stated on numerous occasions, your police department can’t reduce crime and violence alone. We all have a duty and moral obligation in preventing crime.

My message to every resident has been consistent in regards to residents having firsthand knowledge of a crime or when observing a crime taking place: If you see something, say something!

My foremost wishes for 2016 are simple: I wish that there would be outward displays of human kindness and expressions of love in the most challenging communities in our city. I wish that those who are involved in some form of conflict with another person would extend a hand to offer an apology instead of extending a weapon to inflict harm on another human being. I wish that any resident having knowledge of a person possessing an illegal firearm would contact us so that we can take the appropriate actions to prevent another act of violence or senseless death from occurring.

And my final wish is that we all do our part to make Richmond the safest city in America!

Happy New Year!

Anne B. Holton, Virginia secretary of education: My wish for education in Richmond and across the Commonwealth in 2016 is simple: I hope to see all our students prepared for citizenship and success in the new Virginia economy, our dedicated teachers appreciated for their key role and all our parents significantly involved in their children’s education.

We have made progress during the past two years thanks to the dedication of Gov. Terry McAuliffe and educators all across Virginia. That progress includes a 10 percentage point gain in fully accredited schools since last year and new recognition for schools that are moving in the right direction. But there is much more work to be done.

It is so important that we continue to reduce our excessive emphasis on standardized testing. I hope in 2016 we can help teachers and students rediscover creativity in the classroom and the joy of learning.

It is crucial that we continue to partner with our communities in the new year to ensure that every student has the opportunity for a great education regardless of their ZIP code. We also need to make it easier for all of our young people to enter and complete college or obtain other credentials that will lead to rewarding 21st century jobs. These are lofty goals, but goals I am confident we can accomplish if we continue to work together.

The governor’s recently proposed budget, which includes a bold $1 billionplus investment in public schools and higher education, will address all of these goals. Proposed investments, including additional resources to provide 2,500 new teachers across the Commonwealth, funds for challenged schools, financial aid and shortened Standards of Learning tests and much more, will help us make this shared dream a reality.

A3

Richmond Free Press

A4 December 31, 2015-January 2, 2016

News

Staying sober daunting during holidays Continued from A1

Such efforts are vital in providing a lifeline to people in recovery trying to stay on the straight and narrow.

According to data from the 2014 National Survey of Drug Use and Health by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 488,000 people in Virginia were dependent on or abused alcohol during the survey period, while 165,000 Virginians were dependent on or abused illicit drugs.

Jimmy Christmas, a 54-year-old licensed clinical social worker from Richmond who co-owns Comprehensive Counseling Services in Glen Allen, is among those successfully navigating the recovery path one day at a time.

“I don’t use no matter what to show my gratitude for being given another chance at life,” said Mr. Christmas, who now is celebrating his 23rd consecutive year of not picking up a drink or other drug.

He said he was in a death spiral fueled by alcohol and cocaine abuse before surrendering to seek recovery in 1992.

“I was sick and tired of being sick and tired and I believe the God of my understanding decided to use me for something better,” he said.

Today, Mr. Christmas said he maintains his recovery regiment by regularly attending

12-step meetings and doing service work in the fellowship to help others involved in the recovery process.

He suggests the following simple steps: Don’t use alcohol or drugs no matter what; find someone Mr. Christmas who believes in you and your recovery; find a higher power and pray and meditate; and have fun in recovery and life.

John Shinholser of Hanover County is another familiar face in the recovery community with a message to those seeking to stay clean and sober during the holidays.

He co-founded the Henrico County-based McShin Foundation in 2004 “to deliver a message of hope to recovering addicts and alcoholics and to facilitate their journey to a healthier life.”

Mr. Shinholser said people in recovery should spend New Year’s hanging around “clean and sober people” and participate in clean and sober events in the Richmond area.

“They’re in the community and they’re easy to find. You can just Google Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous on your computer and a list of meetings, events and phone numbers should come

up,” he said.

In his capacity with the nonprofit foundation, Mr. Shinholser has visited the White House several times and consults with the Office of National Drug Control Policy, advocates for policy and programs at the General Assembly, carries recovery meetings into area jails and operates recovery homes for men and women.

He recalls of his days of drug use.

“I hit bottom in the Marine Corps. I was mandated to treatment or the brig. I chose treatment on Aug. 10, 1982. That is still my clean date,” he said.

Mr. Shinholser now dedicates his life to recovery “because it needs to be done and no one else is doing it at this level,” he said.

Several other people in recovery offered tips for successfully maneuvering the holidays.

“I try to stay focused on recovery and stay close to God and the Bible,” said Danny of South Side who’s nearing one year of not using any drugs. “I also try to stay away from those places and people that I used to drink and do drugs with.”

Calvin of Chesterfield, who is marking 22 years of being free of drugs, said, “I focus on staying positive, and I talk to people who are doing the same thing I’m doing. And I keep going to meetings.”

Bill Cosby arrested for sex crime Continued from A1

$1 million bond, turned over his passport and indicated in court that he understood questions that were posed to him. The judge instructed him to present himself to the police station in nearby Cheltenham Township for fingerprinting and booking.

The entire proceeding lasted for several minutes, and Mr. Cosby, walking with a cane, emerged from the courthouse to climb back into the black sport utility vehicle that brought him to the hearing and was driven away.

“Today, after examination of all the evidence, we are able to seek justice on behalf of the victim,” Kevin Steele, the newly elected district attorney for Montgomery County, Pa., told an earlier news conference. Mr. Steele made a campaign issue of his intent to prosecute Mr. Cosby.

The alleged victim in the case, Andrea Constand, a former basketball team manager at Temple University in Philadelphia, Mr. Cosby’s alma mater, is one of more than 50 women who have publicly accused the star of sexually assaulting them in incidents dating back decades.

Neither Mr. Cosby nor his representatives could be reached for comment. He and his lawyers, while acknowledging marital infidelity on Mr. Cosby’s part, consistently have denied allegations of sexual misconduct.

Mr. Cosby, who personified the model American family man in his long-running hit television show, was charged with aggravated indecent assault, a second degree felony carrying a maximum penalty of five to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

The charge was filed just before the statute of limitations deadline for a criminal prosecution was to expire in January. The charge stems from allegations brought by Ms. Constand, who settled a civil case against Mr. Cosby for an undisclosed sum in 2006.

According to an affidavit accompanying the charge, the victim was a guest at Mr. Cosby’s home in Cheltenham, Pa., one evening in January 2004 when he gave her wine and urged her to take three blue pills, prosecutors said in a statement.

“Shortly thereafter, the victim became incapacitated, and Cosby led her to a couch. The victim lay down ... and Cosby positioned himself behind her. Cosby then fondled the victim’s breasts, put his hands inside her pants and penetrated her vagina with his fingers,” prosecutors said.

“The victim did not consent to any of these acts and reported that she was unable to move or speak and felt ‘frozen’ and ‘paralyzed,’ ” prosecutors said.

When questioned by police as to whether

Mark Makela/REUTERS

Actor and comedian Bill Cosby arrives at a Montgomery County, Pa., courthouse Wednesday for a hearing on criminal charges that he sexually assaulted a woman after plying her with drugs and alcohol. With the aid of a cane, he is escorted by his attorney, Monique Pressley, and an unidentified man.

he had sex with Ms. Constand, Mr. Cosby, according to the charging documents, answered, “never asleep or awake.” The statement appeared to be at odds with Mr. Cosby’s sworn deposition in the civil case that they had consensual sexual contact.

Mr. Steele said the case was brought after new information came to light this year, adding that the victim was willing to cooperate.

Ms. Constand declined to speak to reporters gathered outside her home in Toronto. Her lawyer, Dolores Troiani, issued a statement thanking the district attorney’s office, adding, “In that this matter is now being pursued in the criminal justice system, we will not comment further.”

“This is a very significant development,” Gloria Allred, a lawyer who has represented 29 of the accusers, told CNN. Some of them have brought civil suits against Mr. Cosby.

The accusations have shocked Mr. Cosby’s fans and crushed his reputation as an entertainer and father figure.

Many of them occurred decades ago and the statute of limitations for prosecuting them expired.

A portion of a sworn deposition by Mr. Cosby in 2005-2006 in the civil suit brought

by Ms. Constand was made public earlier this year. In it, Mr. Cosby acknowledged under questioning that he had obtained Quaaludes, a sedative that was a popular recreational drug in the 1970s, intending to give them to young women in order to have sex with them.

About his encounter with Ms. Constand, Mr. Cosby said under oath that it was con-

sensual and that he gave her some Benadryl, an anti-allergy medication, to relax her.

At one point in his deposition, Mr. Cosby said he recalled thinking, “Tell your mother about the orgasm. Tell your mother how we talked,” as he worried about what her mother might think.

Prosecutors in court documents cited Mr. Cosby’s “evasive and conflicting identifications of the drug he gave the victim” as a key factor in their decision to charge him.

Ms. Constand, who has sought in court to unseal the record of her civil case and settlement with Mr. Cosby, said in legal documents filed in July that she is a lesbian, despite his sworn assertions that their encounter was consensual and that he has a knack for reading women’s cues.

“I think that I’m a pretty decent reader of people and their emotions in these romantic sexual things, whatever you want to call them,” he said in the excerpt, published

by The New York Times.

Mr. Cosby has stressed through his attorneys and in court filings that the deposition excerpts contained no testimony that he engaged in any non-consensual sex or gave Quaaludes to anyone without their knowledge or consent.

Earlier this month, Mr. Cosby sued seven of his accusers, saying the women who said they were assaulted were lying and had defamed his “honorable legacy and reputation.”

The actor is best known for playing Dr. Cliff Huxtable, the family patriarch in the TV sitcom “The Cosby Show,” one of the country’s highest-rated television shows in the 1980s.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Looking east from Goddin Street toward the Fulton Hill Studios at the former Fulton Elementary School, this is the site where a $38 million development is proposed atop Fulton Hill. Two new buildings with a total of 204 residential units are planned for this side the former school building, which also is to be renovated to include a community café and 62 units, some of which are to be artist studios.

Fulton development on drawing board Continued from A1

the art space going after renovating the building.

She said she currently leases space to 50 artists, including painters, photographers and dancers.

Ms. Freund said the school’s renovation would be the final phase of the development. The work on the school has to wait until the city relocates a sewer line on the property. Until that is done, the art studios will continue as they are.

The focus of the first phase, she said, will be construction of two new buildings with a total of 204 units next door to the school building.

If the approval process goes as smoothly as expected, she said that work could begin on the new buildings by the spring.

To assist the development, the city is proposing to sell surplus property near the school to Ms. Freund for $80,000.

Separately, the city also is proposing to provide a $750,000 grant to Ms. Freund to include 20 apartments that would carry lower rents.

She said the city offered the subsidy because the project would be generating more than $400,000 a year in tax revenue and also to ensure “affordable units” are incorporated. “I have to freeze the rents on those (20) units for 15 years,” she said.

In her request for approval, Ms. Freund stated that the arrival of the Stone Brewing Co.’s new East Coast brewery is helping to spark this interest in Fulton.

The brewery, she stated, “is a game-changer for this neighborhood. Greater Fulton has suddenly become a very desirable place in which to invest, live and work.”

The new apartments will “address the need for market-rate, workforce housing in response to the demand that the Stone Brewing Company’s project will bring,” she stated.

She said amenities would include a 70-foot swimming pool, an exercise room, space for kitchen gardens and views of the city.

City finishes with money loss on UCI bike race Continued from A1

Richmond’s result contrasts sharply with the outcome for the state of Virginia, which apparently earned $900,000 more than it spent.

Data show the state spent about $4 million, with $2 million donated to Richmond 2015 and another $2 million spent to market the races as an attraction for visitors.

On the revenue side, the state is estimated to have earned $4.9 million in tax revenue, according to a report on the economic impact of the races on the Richmond region and the state that Richmond-based Chmura Economics & Analytics prepared.

That works out to $1.22 for each $1 the state invested.

Richmond revenue and expenses during UCI Road World Championships Richmond tax revenue Sept. 2015

1percent of $2,934,021.94 state sales tax Meals tax $3,175,771.30 Lodging tax $ 754,113.17 Admissions tax $ 452,682.80

Sept. 2014 Difference $2,777,796.29 $156,225.65

Total

$7,122,632.58

$7,316,589.21

$3,143,349.45 $ 32,421.85 $ 713,040.37 $ 41,072.80 $ 488,446.47 ($ 35,763.67) $193,956.63

Sources: University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service; Richmond Department of Finance

Richmond UCI Road World Championships bike race expenses since 2011 Bid and travel costs $52,015 Richmond 2015 operating support $2,000,000 Ambulance service and travel support $240,000 Event infrastructure $36,710 City personnel, operations, equipment $1,559,847 Race promotion $20,686 Street paving, sidewalks, cobblestone repair $5,770,943 Public safety equipment $16,939 Total $9,697,094 Source: City of Richmond Expenditures Report — 2015 UCI Road World Championships

Cleveland cop not indicted in shooting death of Tamir Rice Continued from A1

the behavior and tone displayed by prosecutor Tim McGinty all year.”

In part, Mr. Sharpton was referring to Mr. McGinty’s release to the public opinions of two independent experts saying that Officer Loehmann had acted reasonably.

Mr. Sharpton called for a special national prosecutor to monitor cases like Tamir’s.

Tamir’s mother, Samaria Rice, also blamed the prosecutor. In a statement released after Monday’s ruling, she said, “After this investigation, which took over a year to unfold, and Prosecutor McGinty’s mishandling of this case, we no longer trust the local criminal justice system, which we view as corrupt.”

Her statement continued, “Prosecutor McGinty deliberately sabotaged the case, never advocating for my son, and acting instead like the police officers’ defense attorney. In a time

in which a non-indictment [of police was found hanged in a Texas prison officers] who have killed an unarmed cell in July. Ms. Bland’s case went black child is business as usual, we viral after video of a white cop was mourn for Tamir, and for all of the shown arresting her after she refused black people who have been killed to put out a cigarette when she was by the police without justice. pulled over for allegedly failing to “In our view, this process demonsignal a lane change. Police say she strates that race is still an extremely committed suicide. troubling and serious problem in our • On Dec. 16, the Baltimore trial country and the criminal justice sysof police Officer William Porter ended Mr. LeGrier tem ... As the video shows, Officer in a hung jury. He was the first of six Loehmann shot my son in less than a second. officers accused in the April 19 death of Freddie All I wanted was someone to be held account- Gray, who died of a severed spinal cord sustained able. But this entire process was a charade,” during an arrest. The Gray case led to numerous she said. protests and a riot in late April. Officer Porter The ruling culminates several end-of-the-year will be retried in June. disappointments in the escalating movement • Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is dealing for police and law enforcement accountability with yet another police shooting amid calls for around the nation. They include: him to step down. Bettie Jones, 55, a neighbor • On Dec. 21, a grand jury decided to make of 19-year-old Quintonio LeGrier, was killed as no indictments in the case of Sandra Bland, who police shot at Mr. LeGrier as he reportedly hurled

a baseball bat during what the police described as a domestic situation Dec. 27. Mayor Emanuel rushed home from his holiday vacation to deal with the fallout.

The latest fatal shooting in Chicago comes amid protests and a federal investigation related to the October 2014 police killing of Laquan McDonald. Recently released police dashcam video shows Officer Jason Van Dyke shooting the 17-year-old 16 times as he walked away from police holding a pocket knife.

Still, the wins appear to outweigh the losses as police cameras and indictments in cases of police misconduct appear to be growing. This can be traced directly to pressure from groups such as Black Lives Matter, the use of videos to prove police misconduct and the spread of protest strategies by social media that are forcing national media to publicize the cases.

Free Press wire reports contributed to this article.

Richmond Free Press

December 31, 2015-January 2, 2016

A5

Local News

Top black woman in Henrico schools quits post

Richmond police to secure body cameras in February

By Joey Matthews

Dr. Perera

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Dr. A. Katrise Perera has abruptly left her position as assistant superintendent for instruction in Henrico County Public Schools, just four months after being hired.

As the first African-American woman to hold a top management post in the county’s school division, she was well regarded.

Her hiring in mid-August by the Henrico School Board was regarded as a signal that the school system was embracing more diversity.

Dr. Perera could not be reached for comment about her decision to leave.

Previously a teacher and award-winning principal in Henrico, her recruitment to Henrico was regarded as a coup. In July, the National Association of School Superintendents (NASS) named Dr. Perera the 2015 Superintendent of the Year based on her four years leading the 5,500-student Isle of Wight County Public Schools.

Dr. Perera initially appeared eager to return to Henrico, which she described as “a professional home.”

Officially, Dr. Perera left in mid-December to become national director for urban initiatives for textbook giant McGraw-Hill, where she is to be involved in the company’s efforts to improve educational offerings for struggling inner-city students.

Henrico schools spokesman Andy Jenks quashed an unconfirmed claim that Dr. Perera had been forced out. In an email response to a Free Press query, he stated that Dr. Perera’s departure is the result of her acceptance of “a prestigious job.”

“While we certainly wish Dr. Perera would have stayed with us longer, we support her in her decision,” he stated.

The Henrico School Board hired her Aug. 13 from Isle of Wight County, just two weeks before voting to extend Superintendent Patrick C. Kinlaw’s contract two additional years through June 30, 2018.

According to NASS, Dr. Perera received the group’s Chapter 7 Bankruptcy highest award because of her Get rid of debts that you can’t pay. “commitment to student suc“Get A Fresh Start” cess,” citing the significant gains that Isle of Wight students Keep paying on your house and car as long as you owe what they are worth. made during her tenure as suAlso Chapter 13 “Debt Adjustment” perintendent.

STOPS FORECLOSURES, “The school division has GARNISHMENTS AND an on-time graduation rate of HARASSING PHONE CALLS 93 percent, which surpasses OTHER LEGAL SERVICES PROVIDED: the state average, and is now Divorce, Separation, Custody, ranked 15th out of the more Support, Home Buy or Sell than 130 school districts in the Start with as little as $100 state of Virginia,” NASS stated, describing Dr. Perera as “an indomitable crusader who used teamwork to create a progressive learning environment.”

“Under her leadership, the nine schools in (Isle of Wight Call Rudy McCollum County) earned accreditation each year under the Virginia at (804)218-3614 24-7.Talk to an attorney for free Standards of Learning, and and get legal restrictions, fees, costs and payment terms. individual schools received Rudolph C. McCollum, Jr., Esq. numerous accolades, such as McCollum At Law, P.C. Mail to: P.O. Box 4595, Richmond, VA 23220 the Virginia Go Green Public 422 E. Franklin St., Suite 301, Richmond, VA 23219 (Franklin & 5th Sts.) Schools Platinum Award, Title 119 N. Sycamore St., 1st Flr., Petersburg, VA 23803 I Distinguished School Award, (Sycamore off Washington St.) We are a federally designated Debt Relief and a National Blue Ribbon Agency under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code Award of Excellence. She also and we help people file for bankruptcy. led the school division’s techWeb Address: McCollumatLaw.com E-mail: rudy@mccollumatlaw.com nology shift to Apple iPads.”

YOU CAN STILL FILE

NOTICE TO CITY OF RICHMOND RESIDENTS The Stat e Board of Elections ha s ordere d t hat both a De moc rat ic Pa rty prima ry and a Re publican Pa rty primary will be he ld on: TUES DAY, MARCH 1 , 2016

Voters will have to choose in which primary that they wish to participate, as state law only allows them to participate in one of the two primaries.

Voters wishing to participate in the Republican Party primary will have to sign a pledge before they may vote in that primary. A copy of the pledge can be found at www.richmondgov.com under the Voter Registration department.

The purpose of thes e primary electio ns is to nominate the party candidates that wil l appear on the ballot in November for the offices of Pres ident and Vice President of the United States.

Any qualified resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia who will be 18 by November 8, 2016 may register and vote in this primary.

Polling places will be open for voting from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM PHOTO ID IS NOW REQUIRED AT THE POLLS Visit www.elections.virginia.gov for details on photo ID

There are two polling place changes for this election: • Residents of precinct 810 will vote at the Celebration Church and Outreach Ministry, 5501 Midlothian Turnpike; • An ordinance has also been introduced to move the polling place for precinct 911. If this ordinance is adopted, the new location for precinct 911 will be the Community Building, Southside Regional Park, 6255 Old Warwick Road. Voters in this precinct will be mailed notices of this change after the ordinance is adopted.

THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN THIS ELECTION IS: Monday, February 8, 2016 Persons with DMV issued ID CAN NOW REGISTER TO VOTE OR UPDATE their voter registration ONLINE and paperlessly at www.elections.virginia.gov.

Register in person in room 105, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, except holidays. Applications are also in all city post offices, libraries, and DMV. The Office of the General Registrar will mail applications upon request.

Voter registration applications must either be postmarked or in the Office of the General Registrar by 5 PM on the deadline date.

THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR AN ABSENTEE BALLOT THROUGH THE MAIL IS: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 The deadline to apply and vote an absentee ballot in person is 5:00 PM, Saturday, February 27, 2016, except in the case of certain emergencies or military personnel.

In addition to its normal business hours, the Office of the General Registrar will also be open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, February 27, 2016.

NEW VOTING EQUIPMENT This City of Richmond has new voting equipment.

Visit our website at http://www.richmondgov.com/Registrar/VoterAtThePolls.aspx to learn how to use the new equipment. You can also ask for a demonstration from the election officers at the polls.

Questions? Call 646-5950 for more information.

Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham said he tells his police officers to “operate under the premise that somebody’s filming you.”

That will become a reality when 2016 rings in a new era of transparency between the Richmond Police Department and the community.

Chief Durham told the Free Press on Tuesday it’s likely the department will begin deploying body-worn cameras on the force of nearly 740 officers sometime in February.

“We’re waiting on the delivery,” he said.

The department finalized a contract agreement in midDecember with Scottsdale, Ariz.-based TASER International to provide 200 body cameras for the Richmond Police Department to begin using in 2016.

Once the equipment arrives, Chief Durham said it should take about three weeks to train police officers on body camera use before they are deployed in the field.

The five-year agreement with TASER International is worth up to $2.4 million to provide body cameras and stun guns to the department.

Chief Durham said the department has used Tasers for the past few years as a crime-fighting tool. He sees the body cameras as “important for our officers and the community. Most importantly, we want to enhance the department’s transparency and accountability. I think the body-worn cameras will assist us in fostering healthy relations in the community.”

Since being appointed last February, Chief Durham, with backing from Mayor Dwight C. Jones, has advocated for the body cameras. The initial 200 were purchased with a $401,221 appropriation from City Council for fiscal year 2016. An addi-

tional $561,361 council allotted for fiscal year 2017 will buy another 200 body cameras and provide data storage.

The clamor by the community for police officers and others in law enforcement to deploy body cameras has increased in response to a growing number of highly publicized incidents of white police officers killing unarmed African-Americans, including Michael Brown Jr. in Ferguson, Mo., Eric Garner in New York City and Walter Scott in North Charleston, S.C. “If you look at what’s going on all across the country in incidents of police-involved shootings, the body cameras have proved invaluable in focusing on what actually happened,” Chief Durham said.

He said the Richmond department has a policy in place to ensure none of the videos can be manipulated.

Lynetta Thompson, president of the Richmond Branch NAACP, and Claire Gastañaga, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, praised the department’s plan to deploy the body cameras and for consulting with their organizations during the process.

“I am definitely on board,” Ms. Thompson told the Free Press on Monday. “Police officers wearing body cameras will help build trust between the police and the community,” she said. “With everything that is going on around the county regarding mistrust with law enforcement and police brutality, wearing video cameras increases that trust factor.”

Ms. Gastañaga echoed those thoughts.

“Our goal, and the chief’s, is to ensure use of the body cams improves transparency and accountability and enhances trust,” she said.

“We’ll be monitoring implementation to help ensure the goal is achieved,” Ms. Gastañaga added.

Free ACLU app to help with police encounters

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

They are supposed to make police work more transparent. They are supposed to make it easier to learn what happened when police injure or kill someone.

But body-worn cameras also can be used to spy on the public and violate privacy rights, according to a constitutional watchdog group.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia is calling on the Virginia General Assembly to direct the state to create uniform policies to ensure proper use of body-worn cameras and the resulting videos.

At the same time, the state ACLU has released “Mobile Justice VA,” a new, free application for smartphones that allows users to record and film exchanges between police and themselves or others. It also allows a user who is stopped by police to alert other people with the app to record the encounter. And it allows the user to transmit video and a detailed account of the police encounter directly to the civil liberties group.

The ACLU has dubbed the app “the people’s body-cam” and calls it a tool bystanders and those involved can use to document an encounter with police that can ensure its review by lawyers.

While the group believes the app can improve police accountability to the public, the view is that it should not preclude careful policies regarding police use of body cameras.

“Use of body-worn cameras by police can be good for law enforcement and the public if they are properly deployed,” Claire Guthrie Gastañaga, executive director of the ACLU of Virginia, stated after releasing a study on policies now in place at the state and local level and finding wide inconsistencies.

“The lack of thorough, consistent protocols to assure citizens of the commonwealth that their rights are being protected threatens the public interest,” Ms. Gastañaga stated.

However, the ACLU could run into opposition from state and local officials who are unsure the state can write a “one size fits all” policy and believe localities should have discretion on the use of cameras.

The ACLU issued the call for a state law based on the results of its study of the policies in place among the 59 law enforcement agencies in Virginia that already employ body-worn cameras, along with a model policy the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services has created to provide guidance to local departments.

The ACLU study found that only two police departments in the state require officers to inform members of the public when they are being recorded and also prohibit recording of demonstrators at peaceful protests.

Most departments, 88 percent, also allow officers to keep their cameras rolling inside a private home even, if the resident objects, the ACLU study found.

Overall, according to the ACLU study, none of the agencies currently using the cameras have policies in place to fully address usage, privacy concerns, officer accountability or how long videos should be kept.

Most policies give officers too much discretion in the use of the cameras and when they can be turned on or off, the ACLU stated.

The state’s model policy is equally flawed when it comes to protecting privacy rights, the ACLU study found.

“These are serious issues, not just for the police, but for every citizen whose actions could be recorded by a police officer at almost any time,” Ms. Gastañaga stated.

She noted that the ACLU is proposing a model policy, but believes that this kind of policy needs legislative backing.

To download the free Mobile Justice VA app, go to https://acluva.org/mobilejustice.

GRTC eyeing improvements to East End bus service ahead of Pulse

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

GRTC is considering upgrades to its East End bus service in a bid to ensure riders from areas including Church Hill and Fulton could easily access the planned Bus Rapid Transit project.

Among other things, the bus company is considering running shuttle buses and installing loop routes to simplify East End connections with BRT, known as The Pulse, although GRTC has yet to detail the potential costs.

GRTC also is looking at modifying one or more of the current nine East End routes to speed up service to and from Downtown. For example, one proposal calls for shifting the start of the eastbound Route 43 bus from East Broad Street to East Leigh Street to cut nine minutes of travel time.

GRTC unveiled the ideas for improving East End service to Richmond City Council on Dec. 14, with specific recommendations expected in the next few weeks from the company’s consultant, Nelson Nygaard.

The public bus company’s proposals seek to counter concerns that the $54 million Pulse would skirt the largely black neighborhoods of the city’s East End where residents rely heavily on public transit and represent a big share of the GRTC customer base.

The Pulse is planned to

speed up bus service, primarily on Broad Street, the city’s major east-west artery. If City Council gives the final green light, construction could begin by fall to install the 8-mile line, which is to run between Rocketts Landing and The Shops at Willow Lawn.

The service is to have 14 stations and dedicated lanes for special buses that would run every 10 to 15 minutes and complete the route in 30 minutes or less — or half the current time. It would largely replace the Broad Street Route 6 bus.

Connections to The Pulse would be important to East End residents, nearly 40 percent of whom currently transfer to the Broad Street 6 to continue west, Nelson Nygaard found in a study of potential BRT ridership.

The Coalition for Smart Transit (CST), an alliance of the Richmond Branch NAACP and 11 civic groups, raised the concern in November that The Pulse, as designed, would bypass black neighborhoods.

The coalition pressed City Council to slow down the rush for the BRT. The new proposals possibly could add to the coalition’s concern about the extra cost to the city for operating The Pulse.

CST has estimated the city would need to spend $2 million to $5 million to subsidize BRT operations on top of the more DiamonDs • Watches JeWelry • repairs 19 East Broad strEEt richmond, Va 23219 (804) 648-1044

www.wallErjEwElry.com

than $12 million the city now provides to GRTC to keep buses running. CST argues that extra subsidy would sop up money needed for public schools, public safety and other needs.

Unquestionably, the East End proposals represent the first test of GRTC’s ability to make The Pulse relevant to regular riders. The East End proposals precede a yearlong, $500,000 study GRTC has begun of its existing routes and connections with the planned BRT line. Federal and state funds are covering the study’s cost.

GRTC is required to conduct such a comprehensive route study every five years.

Still, GRTC’s ideas for improving East End connections with the BRT could influence council members ahead of a crucial vote on the rapid transit operation.

The nine-member governing body is scheduled to debate The Pulse and vote on its future Monday, Jan. 25. This vote would be on an operating agreement between the city and other parties. Approval would keep the project on a fast track, while rejecting it may delay or halt the rapid transit plan that had been a top transit priority for Mayor Dwight C. Jones and the City Council. This would be the last time the council could vote on BRT. Council has long shown

support for BRT and gave the project a thumbs up after the federal government awarded the state and city a $25 million grant in September 2014 for BRT development. The council also unanimously voted to include $8 million in the current budget to cover the city’s share of the development cost on top of the $20 million the state is providing.

Some council members, including Chris Hilbert, 3rd District, have announced they will vote again BRT, although it is far from clear that they represent the majority.

Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson, 6th District, for example, considers BRT an “opportunity to modernize our current service and begin the process of creating an effective regional transit system.”

Whether council members will be influenced by the East End proposals GRTC has advanced remains to be seen. Councilwoman Cynthia I. Newbille, 7th District, who represents most of the East End, has not been available for comment.

Ms. Robertson, who also represents a share of the East End, is waiting to see the final recommendations from GRTC to determine if the company can create the kind of connections to The Pulse that would benefit East End residents.

Ms. Robertson noted the neighborhood loop buses GRTC has proposed could take up to 60 minutes to pick up and carry people to a Pulse station. “It would defeat the purpose if it takes an hour to get out of the neighborhood,” she said.

Richmond Free Press

Love Lights on Broad Street in Downtown

Editorial Page

A6

December 31, 2015-January 2, 2016

wish

New Year’s

b

May peace dwell in our hearts, our homes, our city and our world in 2016.

Happy New Year! b Courtesy of www.peacemonger.org

From the Richmond Free Press

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Real ‘Woman of the Year’ Jannie Ligons is an Oklahoma City grandmother who left a friend’s house to drive home. She collided with Daniel Holtzclaw, the rogue police officer who seemed to think it was part of his duty to sexually abuse black women. He raped them because he could. They did not accuse him because they feared they could not. Some of the women had criminal records — they had been involved with drugs or had other skirmishes with the law.

They felt both vulnerable and violated, and they thought nobody would believe them.

At least 13 women were violated. They were identified only because one courageous woman, Jannie Ligons, took her complaint to the police. She had no criminal record and nothing to hide. She simply had the harrowing experience of encountering a white (really half Japanese, but that’s another story) man with a badge, feelings of superior racial identity and a penis. According to many of the accounts of women who encountered Mr. Holtzclaw, he referred to his whiteness as he violated them. Many of the women had other matters with

the law, and he intimidated them into silence.

In our nation’s sordid history, when black women spoke, they found themselves denigrated or ignored. In 1944, Recy Taylor, a 24-year-old mother, was abducted as she walked from church with her friends in Henry County, Ala. A car full of white men threatened her with a shotgun, then took her into an abandoned field and repeatedly raped her.

Julianne Malveaux The men who raped Ms. Taylor said she welcomed the sex and they paid her. They could have been arrested, but a complicit sheriff ignored the law. When an all-white jury heard the case, they failed to indict the six men.

In 2011, Alabama offered Ms. Taylor an apology for failing to properly manage the case. Justice delayed is justice denied.

There are too many black women raped by white men whose experiences are swallowed in the vacuum of history. There are some experiences that have been captured, though. Consider Betty Jean Owens, a Florida A&M University student, who was talking with three friends when a group of white men, armed with shotguns and switchblades abducted her in 1959. They admitted, as they

were arrested, that they were looking for a black woman to rape, and made jokes about it.

The horrible criminals might have escaped prosecution and gotten away with their crime had not a young white police intern organized a search party to find Ms. Owens. Had there been no protests or national attention, the rapists may have been acquitted.

They were convicted, but Ms. Owens was further demeaned through a trial that questioned her virtue and asserted that she didn’t fight hard enough, even with a shotgun at her head. Her dress, they said, wasn’t torn enough to indicate a rape. Unexpectedly, the all-white jury found the rapists guilty. They were given life sentences. At least one of them was paroled to rape and kill again — and he did.

Those who defended Daniel Holtzclaw took a page from the historical playbook when they paraded the backgrounds of his rape victims before the all-white jury. They were on drugs. They had arrest warrants, sometimes for simple parking tickets. Well, someone who has dabbled with drugs can be raped. Someone with outstanding warrants should not be victimized. The women with police records may have been reluctant to come forward, but Ms. Ligons had no record and no warrants. She was a grandmother

Collective goals for 2016 Whenever we begin a new calendar year, it can be useful to make New Year’s resolutions to prioritize and focus for the immediate future. What should be our collective goals and strategic objectives during the next 12 months?

Recent academic studies by the Dominican University of California on the importance of goal setting to overcome individual and social procrastination revealed that writing down your resolutions and sharing your goals with others you care about will help you work more diligently to achieve those goals.

Every time I read a blackowned newspaper in America during this season of annual proclamation, it is always informative to see a written list of New Year’s resolutions that challenge black America to continue to strive for excellence and achievement in all fields of endeavor. I am proud of the trusted impact of the Black Press of America and invite readers to go to www.NNPA.org and www.

BlackPressUSA.com.

We have another critical election year coming up in 2016 and the African-American vote will have to be mobilized in every primary election and across the nation in November in elections in every precinct in every state, county by county. Get Out The Vote (GOTV) efforts, therefore, will be a top priority. And we must collectively resolve that, in 2016, we will ensure the largest voter turnout of black voters in

U.S. history.

We cannot afford to let the black vote be taken for granted in 2016.

Politics and economics are inseparable in the United States.

Yet, even though black Americans spend in excess of $1.2 trillion annually in the nation’s economy, that kind of spending volume has not translated into real economic power — increasing the ownership

Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. of global businesses and billion dollar revenue-generating investments. We still have a long way to go to achieve economic equality and parity in America.

We should resolve, therefore, in 2016 to improve and expand the economic development of black American families and communities. Although the American economy continues to recover under the Obama administration, for black Americans, we have not closed the wealth gap. White Americans today have 12 times the wealth of black Americans. We must, without hesitation and without apology, be more determined to end poverty and to generate more wealth for black America.

Therefore, we join in solidarity with the resolve of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers in the goal of striving to increase black homeownership in 2016.

We are very encouraged that the 2016 NAACP Image Awards once again will be broadcast on TV One. We all should support Radio One, TV One and Interactive One. We also should support The Impact Network and other black-owned media companies as well as the publishers of the National Newspaper Publishers

Association.

Ending mass incarceration, reforming the criminal justice system and stopping police brutality are related urgent matters that demand the resolve and activist involvement of black America.

In 2016, our national outcry will continue to be “Black Lives Matter!”

The highest quality education for our children and our young adults requires our vocal support and energetic involvement from pre-school to postgraduate higher education. At every level of the educational process and journey we must be vigilant in our demands and commitments to attain the best education for our families.

Thus let’s renew and strengthen our dedication to support the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, the United Negro College Fund and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, as well as work to sustain our historically black colleges and universities and predominantly black institutions.

Lastly, we are a spiritual people. We resolve to support and strengthen our religious institutions — churches, temples, mosques and synagogues.

I asked NNPA Chair Denise Rolark Barnes, who publishes the Washington Informer, for her perspective about 2016 New Year resolutions. She emphasized, “In 2016, our first priority should be to commit our lives and our dollars to those individuals and institutions that represent our best interests.

Let’s strive to be the ones who will make a difference in our own communities. Be mindful that ‘If it is to be, it is up to me.’ ” The writer is president and CEO of the NNPA.

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.

minding her business and her speaking up opened the door for others to speak. She reminded other women that they could stand up to injustice.

Too many black women have been forced into silence. Those who speak up pay consequences.

Ms. Ligons deserves to be acknowledged because she took a risk and may pay a price for outing a rouge police officer. He took advantage of women simply because he could. Ms. Ligons, the self-described “ wrong woman to stop,” was willing to spotlight Mr. Holtzclaw’s abuse. She is my Woman of the Year, and she deserves all acknowledgements.

I am encouraging our AfricanAmerican organizations to lift this sister up, to give her high props, to give her every award available.

She stands on the shoulders of Recy Taylor, Betty Owens and countless others. She has helped serve Mr. Holtzclaw a steaming plate of justice. She fought the fight and so must we. In the words of Mari Evans, “look on her and be renewed.”

The writer is an author and economist based in Washington.

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Richmond Free Press

December 31, 2015-January 2, 2016

A7

Letters to the Editor Maggie Walker, tree site

Oak’s true symbolism echos Walker’s legacy Re “Strange fruit? Critic: Oak evokes lynching image at Walker statue site,” Dec. 24-26 edition: Approximately 30 years ago, I was contracted by the City of Richmond to plant the tree in question at West Broad and North Adams streets.

A live oak, with its distinctive evergreen leaves as opposed to typical oaks that lose their leaves, represents sustained life, prosperity, strength and character.

It was this symbolism that the city wanted to evoke at this location at the gateway to Jackson Ward from Broad Street.

Frankly speaking, it’s appalling and insulting that this symbolism is now being twisted into a legacy of lynching.

We are a city and a community that is honored to be the home of such iconic figures as Maggie L. Walker, and it is our duty to honor her properly. A majestic statue and monument to Mrs. Walker can work with nature and green space, rather than conflict, as critics say.

The legacy of Mrs. Walker’s leadership, entrepreneurship and citizenship will work hand in hand with the symbolism the live oak evokes. What some people see as an issue of confined space should be considered an opportunity for us to

express both our love for our history and our love of greenery that is inviting.

A Maggie Walker statue can work well at this location, and the tree in question can add and enhance the landscape around the memorial rather than detract from it.

DWIGHT SNEAD Glen Allen The writer is president of Dwight Snead Construction. u

Tree, statue represent positive images Re “Strange fruit? Critic: Oak evokes lynching image at Walker statue site,” Dec. 24-26 edition: Dr. Kim Coder of the Warnell School of Forestry at the University of Georgia wrote in November 2010 that the “live oak is an ecological and cultural icon of the Southern United States. … They are life centers and life generators wherever they grow. Live oaks also represent a marker for the history of this nation, and the nations which have come before. Today live oak

‘Chief Durham is a keeper’ Before a recent Richmond City Council meeting, I observed Police Chief Alfred Durham standing among other city administration officials. With hat in hand, he left the group and walked across the chamber to shake hands with a patrolman on his assigned post. His actions were a true representation of leadership and teamwork. Can you imagine the morale that inspires?

In a few weeks, Chief Durham will have completed one year as head of Richmond’s police department. From my personal observations and professional evaluation as a retired Richmond officer, Chief Durham is a keeper.

For more than a decade, the department has experienced some degree of tailspinning. The rank and file never settled down to an established style of leadership because of repeated changes of the guard at the top. Politics that is prevalent in law enforcement agencies can compromise the traditions of serving all citizens with equal police protection and service. I don’t see Chief Durham toting around a political attaché case.

My compliments to Mayor Dwight C. Jones on selecting Chief Durham. He is focused on making Richmond safer and enhancing the appearance and professionalism of his officers on the street. His mere presence throughout the city is a reinforcement to the department, applying a team concept. He would tell you that

you cannot read your people and learn this city hibernating at police headquarters.

Richmond is fortunate in many regards.

By comparison, we have a far better policecommunity relationship than many cities in America. As we have witnessed, that can vanish between two sunrises. In times of tension, our chief is the right man at the helm.

So to the folks in Richmond, I say keep him!

Give him and his department what they need to provide the best — equipment and training to serve us well. This week, contact him with praise and thanks, wishing him a happy and successful new year.

Like football and basketball coaches, police chiefs acquire a certain level of competitive value as their careers bolt them into a higher percentage of wins or policing a community with fewer murders and low crime rates. Our chief is right there in the mix.

Never rule out the possibility that some months down the road, a city or state will come beckoning, attempting to lure Chief Durham away. Do not let that happen. He is essential to keeping our police department at its finest.

We need him to shine on this capital city for a long time!

GLENWOOD W. BURLEY Richmond

Threat may come from within, not from refugees Re Letter to the Editor, ‘Why let anyone come to your country?’ Dec. 17-19 edition: I saw an annoying letter to the editor in the Free Press. The author believes that everyone wants to come to America.

Where is the evidence that every foreigner wants to come to America?

There are several other places

on Earth:Africa,Asia, Europe, etc.

Many people might have a very good life on these continents.

Besides that, where is the evidence that the author is more trustworthy compared to these certain bad foreigners that this author is talking about?

The author already lives in the United States and might have more chance to destroy something in America than the foreigners the writer is talking about.

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Important tax notIce

city of richmond real estate tax payments are due by thursday, January 14, 2016 First-half Real Estate and Special Assessment District Taxes are due on Thursday, January 14, 2016. Payment(s) must be received and/or postmarked on or before January 14, 2016.

Payments postmarked or received after the January 14th due date will be assessed a 10% late penalty and will accrue interest charges at a rate of 5% per annum. Please mail your notice and payment in the envelope provided with your bill. Failure to receive a billing notice will not prevent the imposition of late charges if your payment is not made on time. If you require a billing notice please contact our 311 Customer Care Center.

For your convenience, you may pay online at www.richmondgov.com or you may pay via telephone at 1-800-2PAYTAX. Use locality code 1059. A convenience fee may be charged for use of these payment options. You may also pay in person at City Hall, 900 E. Broad Street Room 102 M-F 8-5, or at our Southside Office at 4100 Hull Street M-F 8 – 5, or our East District Initiative at 701 N. 25th Street, M-F 8 – 1:30; 3-5. You may also deposit your payment in our drop boxes which are at each location.

represent both a biological and social heritage. For humans, live oaks generate awe, reverence, utility and a sense of place …

Live oak is symbolic of history, survival, struggle, and romance … live oaks are an emblem of both the old and new South. Live oak lined drives, streets and squares make them the pillars of their communities.”

The symbolic description of the tree regarding history, survival, struggle, romance, an emblem of both the old and new South, pillars of the community etc., is also complimentary to the statue and remembrance of the legend of Maggie L. Walker.

Both the tree and the planned statue would be focal points at the entry into one of Richmond’s most historic communities. Both represent positive images of the neighborhood and the city of Richmond, and are “a marker for the history of this nation.”

The proposed park, with both the tree and the statue, will mark a place of “awe, reverence ... and a sense of place.”

ERIC W. JOHNSON Richmond

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF THE APPLICATION OF VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY FOR APPROVAL TO ESTABLISH EXPERIMENTAL COMPANION RATES, PURSUANT TO § 56-234 B OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA CASE NO. PUE-2015-00108 On November 3, 2015, Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion Virginia Power” or “Company”) filed with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) an application (“Application”) for approval to establish experimental companion rates, designated Rate Schedule MBR - GS-3 (Experimental) and Rate Schedule MBR - GS-4 (Experimental) (collectively, “MBR Rate Schedules”) pursuant to § 56-234 B of the Code of Virginia and Rule 80 of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”).

Specifically, Dominion Virginia Power requests an opportunity to test market-based rates, on an experimental basis, for certain high load-factor customers. The Company states that such an experimental rate could gauge customer interest in a market-based rate and gather necessary information about market-based rate implementation with respect to customers outside of the context of a special rate contract and in furtherance of the public interest.

As proposed, the MBR Rate Schedules contain newly designed and optional marketbased rates structured to reflect pricing in the PJM Interconnection, LLC (“PJM”) wholesale market for qualifying customers who would otherwise take service under Rate Schedule GS-3 or Rate Schedule GS-4. The Company represents that the MBR Rate Schedules include a: (1) generation capacity charge; (2) generation energy charge; (3) PJM ancillary service charge; (4) PJM administrative fee charge; and (5) margin charge.

To be eligible for the MBR Rate Schedules, Dominion Virginia Power represents that customers must: (1) be currently taking electric service under Rate Schedule GS-3 or Rate Schedule GS-4, subject to certain qualifications and limitations specified in the MBR Rate Schedules; (2) have a measured peak demand of five megawatts (“MW”) or more during at least three billing months in the current and previous eleven billing months; (3) have a billing history with the Company for at least twelve consecutive billing months in the current and previous eleven billing months; and (4) have a qualifying average monthly load factor of at least 85%. As proposed, the MBR Rate Schedules have a total combined participation cap of 200 MW, and a minimum term of three years. The Company also proposes that the MBR Rate Schedules expire on December 31, 2022.

Dominion Virginia Power does not anticipate any impact on reliability or any change in the Company’s PJM market operations or in the Company’s actual costs to serve its load from the MBR Rate Schedules. For example, Dominion Virginia Power explains that a qualifying customer’s election to move an account from Rate Schedule GS-3 to Rate Schedule MBR - GS-3 (Experimental) would not impact how the Company’s load would be bid or otherwise offered into the PJM market. The only distinction would be that a customer electing Rate Schedule MBR - GS-3 (Experimental) would be charged a rate that reflects PJM wholesale market pricing.

Dominion Virginia Power describes the MBR Rate Schedules as companion tariffs to the applicable Rate Schedule GS-3 or Rate Schedule GS-4. As such, Dominion Virginia Power explains that a participating customer’s billing statement would look much as it does today with the exception of a new line item, which is the computed variance between the marketbased rate charges and the applicable Rate Schedule GS-3 or Rate Schedule GS-4 charges for generation. This companion rate design, according to the Company, permits Dominion Virginia Power to continue funding the Commission-approved Virginia jurisdictional fuel clause and rate adjustment clauses for generation, transmission, and demand-side management, to ensure no impacts to other nonparticipating Virginia jurisdictional customers occur during the Transitional Rate Period.

Should the Commission approve the Company’s Application, Dominion Virginia Power requests to implement the MBR Rate Schedules within 60 days of the Commission’s final order in this proceeding. Once the Company implements the MBR Rate Schedules, Dominion Virginia Power represents that it would collect data and information related primarily to customer interest in the market-based rate. The Company also expects to analyze differences in load profiles and peak demands of customers on the MBR Rate Schedules as well as the volatility of a market-based rate and how such rate volatility may impact participating customers’ bills. Dominion Virginia Power further represents that it would collect information on the market-based rate variability and corresponding base rate variance to determine the extent of possible base rate impacts following the expiration of the Transitional Rate Period, and would evaluate the volumes of customers on the MBR Rate Schedules and the volatility of marketbased rates to help understand what types of risk management transactions, if any, may be necessary. Collectively, Dominion Virginia Power plans to use this information to determine which classes of customers and customer load profiles may be best suited for any future market-based rate offering, and how to manage any impacts in a way to minimize effects on nonparticipating customers. Finally, if the Commission approves the MBR Rate Schedules, Dominion Virginia Power also proposes to track key metrics, make annual updates to the Commission, and submit a final comprehensive report within 90 days of the conclusion of the MBR Rate Schedules.

Interested persons are encouraged to review the Application and supporting documents for the details of these and other proposals.

The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing in this proceeding that, among other things, scheduled a public hearing on April 12, 2016, at 10 a.m., in the Commission’s Second Floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, to receive testimony from members of the public and evidence related to the Application from the Company, any respondents, and the Commission’s Staff. Any person desiring to testify as a public witness at this hearing should appear fifteen (15) minutes prior to the starting time of the hearing and contact the Commission’s Bailiff.

A copy of the Application may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company, Lisa S. Booth, Esquire, Dominion Resources Services, Inc., 120 Tredegar Street, Riverside 2, Richmond, Virginia 23219. If acceptable to the requesting party, the Company may provide the documents by electronic means.

Copies of the public version of all documents filed in this case also are available for interested persons to review in the Commission’s Document Control Center, located on the first floor of the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies from the Commission’s website: http://www.scc. virginia.gov/case.

Any person or entity may participate as a respondent in this proceeding by filing, on or before February 12, 2016, a notice of participation. If not filed electronically, an original and fifteen (15) copies of the notice of participation shall be submitted to Joel H. Peck, Clerk, State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. A copy of the notice of participation as a respondent also must be sent to counsel for the Company at the address set forth above. Pursuant to Rule 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice, any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUE-2015-00108. For additional information about participation as a respondent, any person or entity should obtain a copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing.

On or before April 5, 2016, any interested person wishing to comment on the Application shall file written comments on the Application with the Clerk of the Commission at the address set forth above. Any interested person desiring to file comments electronically may do so on or before April 5, 2016, by following the instructions on the Commission’s website: http:// www.scc.virginia.gov/case. Compact discs or any other form of electronic storage medium may not be filed with the comments. All such comments shall refer to Case No. PUE-201500108.

The Commission’s Rules of Practice may be viewed at http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case.

A printed copy of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and an official copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing in this proceeding may be obtained from the Clerk of the Commission at the address set forth above.

VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY

Richmond Free Press

A8 December 31, 2015-January 2, 2016

Sports

Stories by Fred Jeter

‘Meadowlark’ Lemon

Harlem Globetrotters star dies at 83 In winter 1960, an advertisement appeared in the Waynesboro News-Virginian announcing the Harlem Globetrotters were coming to town.

A little boy who had become intrigued with the Globetrotters by watching them on television was given the best birthday present ever — a $6 ticket to see the show at the Waynesboro High School gymnasium.

Meadowlark Lemon dazzled everyone in the packed house that night — especially a little boy, sitting by himself, who couldn’t help but ooh and ahh, laugh and smile.

It was a smile that has never quite worn off.

Now multiply that smile by millions all over the world and you might begin to understand the legacy of Meadowlark Lemon.

Basketball icon/entertainer Meadow Lemon III, known worldwide as Meadowlark Lemon, died Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015, in Phoenix.

Mr. Lemon, the star attraction with the touring Harlem Globetrotters from 1954 to 1980, was 83.

Nicknamed the “Clown Prince of Basketball,” Mr. Lemon became famous for his sleight-of-hand, ball-handling trick shots and, most of all, the art of making people of all ages and backgrounds laugh out loud and keep coming back for more.

While he may be most remembered for his comical, theatrical style, Mr. Lemon was a tremendous athlete who excelled at all aspects of basketball.

His 1958-59 teammates included none other than Wilt Chamberlain, who spent one season with the Globetrotters after leaving the University of Kansas a year early.

Here’s what Chamberlain said of Mr. Lemon in a New York Times interview in 1999: “Meadowlark was the most sensational, awesome, incredible basketball player I’ve seen … people would say it’s Dr. J or even Jordan. For me, it would be Meadowlark Lemon.”

Raised by an aunt and uncle, Mr. Lemon

grew up in Wilmington, N.C. As an 11-year-old, his life turned when he saw a newsreel of the Globetrotters at Wilmington’s Ritz Theater. A spark was lit that never dimmed.

“They seemed to make that ball talk,” Mr. Lemon said when inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003. “I said, ‘That’s mine. This is for me.’ I was receiving a vision, I was receiving a dream in my heart.”

Drawing on inspiration, but minus hardly a penny in his pocket, he devised a hoop made of an onion sack and a wire coat hanger and nailed it to a tree.

For a ball, he used a Carnation evaporated milk can he salvaged from a garbage can.

From such humble roots evolved a player who would become world famous. Mr. Lemon performed before two popes and in front of Russian leader Nikita Khrushchev during the height of the Cold War. He thrilled sellout crowds playing at a bullring in Mexico and in a drained swimming pool in Germany.

Many times, he entertained at the Richmond Arena and the Richmond Coliseum, as well as at high school gymnasiums and small venues spanning the globe.

Mr. Lemon became synonymous with the pre-game “Magic Ring,” where he showcased his passing skills to the team’s theme song, “Sweet Georgia Brown.”

The team’s website said he played in 7,500 consecutive games — the equivalent of more than 92 NBA seasons — in some 100 countries.

But basketball was only the first chapter of his extraordinary life.

In 1986, Mr. Lemon became an ordained minister.

“To be a child of God is the highest honor any man can have,” he said in his memoir.

And it all started with a trip to the movSuzanne Vlamis/Associated Press ies.

The Harlem Globetrotters’ “God planted the dream in my heart as I “Clown Prince of Basketball” at New York’s Madison Square sat there in the Ritz Theater,” he said. “He gave me the relentless desire, determination, Garden in 1978.

Hall of Fame to consider Allen Iverson

Allen Iverson has moved ahead of schedule for his likely arrival in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Rules require an individual to have been officially retired four years prior to induction.

Iverson retired from the NBA in 2010, but played professionally in 10 games in Turkey in 2013. Hall of Fame officials have decided to overlook the Allen Iverson short stint overseas.

Other leading candidates for 2016 induction are Shaquille O’Neal, Yao Ming and Sheryl Swoopes.

There is no NBA Hall of Fame per se.

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, located in Springfield, Mass., includes basketball greats of all descriptions.

Finalists for the Class of 2016 will be announced Feb. 14 at the NBA All-Star Game in Toronto. Final picks will be announced April 4 in Houston at the NCAA Final Four, with induction ceremonies in September in Springfield.

Iverson rates with Virginia’s greatest all-time athletes.

In the same school year, “A.I.” led Bethel High School to the 1992 State AAA Division 5 football championship as quarterback and then to the 1993 State Group AAA basketball title, beating Richmond’s John Marshall High School in the final.

On the hard court, the slender 6-footer scored a state public schools record 948 points as a high school senior.

After two seasons at Georgetown University, Iverson was the NBA’s overall No. 1 draft pick in 1996 by the Philadelphia 76ers.

In a brilliant NBA career, he scored 24,368 points (26.7 per game) and led the league in scoring four times.

Native Virginians now in the Naismith Hall of Fame include Alonzo Mourning in 2014, Ralph Sampson in 2012, David Robinson in 2009, Earl Lloyd in 2003 and Moses Malone in 2001.

Joshua Lott/REUTERS

Basketball Hall of Famer Meadow “Meadowlark” Lemon.

energy and the talent to make it all come true.”

Mr. Lemon left the Globetrotters in 1980, but returned for 50 games in 1994. He also started three comedy-basketball teams of his own over the years but none caught on like the Globetrotters.

In the 1979 movie, “The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh,” Mr. Lemon played a basketball-playing minister.

He was married twice and had 10 children. In 2015, his exwife, whom he divorced in 1977, and 48-year-old son sued him for $250,000 in child support they said he did not pay.

Jackie Robinson statue to grace Dodger Stadium When fans arrive at Los ward to the unveiling with Angeles’ Dodger Stadium in great enthusiasm,” said Mrs. 2016, they will be treated to a Robinson. new sight — a statue of baseball Robinson, who played for the icon Jackie Robinson.

Brooklyn Dodgers from 1947 With the theme “Leveling to 1956 at old Ebbets Field the Playing Field,” the Dodgin Brooklyn, became major ers have contracted sculptor league baseball’s first AfricanBranly Cadet for the assignAmerican in the modern era. ment.

He was the National League The statue is expected to be Rookie of the Year in 1947, NL Jackie Robinson between 9 and 10 feet tall.

Most Valuable Player in 1949 Cadet, a descendant of Haitian metal and a member of the Dodgers’ 1955 World artist Georges Liautaud, is a native of Series championship team.

Brooklyn, N.Y., who now lives in CaliThe six-time, National League all-star fornia. His public art includes “Higher retired before the Dodgers moved to Los Ground: The Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Angeles in 1958.

Memorial” in Harlem and a bronze of Selected to the Hall of Fame in 1962, William Shakespeare on a building façade Robinson’s No. 42 has been retired by all in Manhattan. big league franchises.

A news conference in Los Angeles Robinson signed with Brooklyn owner announcing the tribute to Jackie Robin- Branch Rickey in November 1945 and son was attended by Dodgers CEO Stan played the 1946 season with the Montreal Kasten, Baseball Commissioner Rob Royals, a Brooklyn farm club, before Manfred, Dodgers part-owner Earvin debuting with the Dodgers on April 15, “Magic” Johnson and Robinson’s widow, 1947.

Rachel Robinson.

The trailblazing athlete becomes the “Branly Cadet’s excitement for the first Dodger to be honored with a stadium project is heartening, and I look for- statue.

Jackie missed Richmond Some wonder if Jackie Robinson ever played in Richmond as a member of the Montreal Royals in 1946.

The answer is “no.”

Montreal was a member of the International League from 1928 to 1960 and served as the Dodgers’ affiliate in the IL from 1938 to 1960.

Robinson played the 1946 season with Montreal, hitting .349 and leading the Royals to a first place 100-54 record.

In addition to Montreal, other 1946 IL affiliates were Buffalo, Baltimore, Syracuse, Newark, Rochester, Jersey City and Toronto.

Playing at the former Parker Field, which was located on the site of The Diamond, the Richmond team was the New York Yankees’ International League affiliate from 1954 to 1964.

Elston Howard, who became the Yankees’ first African-American player in 1955, never played in Richmond.

The first African-American to play regularly for the Virginians was catcher Jesse Gonder in 1959.

Sister of Seattle’s star has star power of her own It’s no surprise Anna Wilson is having a sensational senior year in high school playing basketball.

The surprise is that she’s playing on America’s West Coast instead of in Richmond’s West End. After four years — eighth through 11th grades — as the starting point guard for The Collegiate School, the sister of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is suiting up for the Bellevue High School Wolverines in Bellevue, Wash.

Bellevue is a Seattle suburb directly across Lake Washington.

Anna Wilson

With the 5-foot-7 Wilson averaging 17 points, five rebounds and four assists per game, the Wolverines have started the season with a 9-0 record.

On Dec. 9, in a 104-56 win over Juanita High School in Kirkland, Wash., Bellevue’s cheering section included the star quarterback and his girlfriend, singer-model Ciara, there to support the yonger Wilson.

Wilson was an All-State performer last year for Collegiate and a member of the 2014 USA U-17 team.

She has signed to play college basketball at Stanford University.

December 31, 2015-January 2, 2016 B1

Richmond Free Press

Section

Happenings

B

Personality: Bruce S. Richardson Sr. Spotlight on winner of VHDA’s Service to Virginia Award

“Equal access is paramount,” declares Richmond Realtor Bruce S. Richardson Sr. of providing access to homeownership to all people.

His mission, he says, is “assisting my clients to own a piece of the American dream.

Homeownership (can be) a reality for anyone who wants to purchase a home.”

To help people achieve their dream of homeownership, Mr. Richardson has hosted courses for first-time homebuyers since 2009.

For his efforts, Mr. Richardson was honored with the Virginia Housing Development Authority’s Service to Virginia Award. He was selected by a committee of the Virginia Association of Realtors based on nominations made by association members. He received the award at the association’s Real Estate Awards Program in Williamsburg in October.

The award recognizes a Realtor who “has made a significant difference in the cause of minority homeownership during the year, or whose life work merits recognition and celebration for dedication to this issue.”

Mr. Richardson calls winning the award a “humbling experience.” He said he hosted the courses with assistance from the City of Petersburg, the City of Hopewell, Virginia State University and the VHDA. “The award indicates that each of the efforts and support from our team of real estate professionals, lenders, attorneys and home inspectors have been of vital assistance to each of those communities that we served,” he says.

Mr. Richardson notes that he always advises his clients to attend homebuyers’ education courses “as a first step.”

There, buyers are encouraged to become pre-approved for a loan by a lender before they begin a home search, he explains. The lender’s pre-approval gives a homebuyer and the Realtor a “solid picture of the amount that buyers can afford.”

Mr. Richardson, who became a licensed real estate agent in 2008, says his latest goals “are to encourage my clients to consider the energy efficiency possibilities in their purchase of residential and commercial properties.”

Here’s an award-winning Realtor and this week’s Personality,

Bruce S. Richardson Sr.: Date and place of birth: February 1967 in Petersburg.

Current residence: Clarendon Farms in Henrico County.

Education: John Tyler Community College.

I work for: Virginia Capital Realty.

What I do: Represent individuals and families who wish to sell or purchase residential or commercial real estate properties and land.

What Realtors do: Adhere to the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Code of Ethics and belong to a local professional trade association that promotes and encourages Realtors to adhere to fair housing compliance and professional standards in the selling and marketing of real estate improvements and land for sale.

How I felt when I sold my first property: Very excited!

Impact of Great Recession on the real estate industry and me: The most recent downturn in the market was very bad. I worked in local and state government during periods of the downturn until the market began to show signs of life. The downturn has made sweeping changes in lending requirements for both lenders and buyers that recently became effective.

Strength of housing market in Richmond Metropolitan area: Richmond and surrounding areas offer many strengths to interested sellers and buy-

ers. The Richmond Metro area is a central area for access to Washington, to the beach and to the mountains, and many clients love the seasonal weather changes. This area also offers great architectural features in the existing stock of homes as well. The most recent data from the Virginia Association of Realtors’ Home Sales Report (November 2015) indicates that Virginia’s residential real estate market continues to improve.

My advice for buyers: People interested in pursuing homeownership should seek to work with a Realtor who explains the entire real estate process. Buyers who receive homebuyer education can and will get a greater sense of what is required by the lender, the Realtor and the attorney representing their interest during the entire home-buying process.

Status of affordable housing in Richmond area: Affordable housing is of great concern with current earned wages in markets where our team has offered some of the homebuyer education courses. To offset this challenge for many, the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the National Association of Realtors, local nonprofits and housing authorities and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta have programs and assistance via grant programs to assist buyers. Eligibility requirements must be met by each individual who elects to apply. The NAR also offers Employer Assisted Housing for an employer — private or public — that’s interested in assisting their current workforce to pursue homeownership. As Realtors, we can assist in providing the training and education to your staff. Each and every year, many of these programs are not fully tapped into to offset affordability for buyers.

In state: The Virginia Association of Realtors works with Housing Virginia on affordable housing initiatives.

Some of my certifications include: The National Association of Realtors has certified me as a green designee and an accredited buyer’s representative. EarthCraft Virginia has

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*Some vendors prohibit discounting of any kind on their items; they are excluded from this sale event.

Sale prices apply to orders initiated 12/26/15 – 1/3/16 only. See your salesperson for details.

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given me the title of Real Estate Professional.

Benefits of homeownership versus renting: Homeownership equals owning a piece of the “American Dream” and creating an opportunity for your family.

Renting does not.

Why owning a home continues to be out of reach for many: I believe that the lack of homeownership education in our communities, as well as past and current credit challenges, make homeownership difficult for many. The No. 1 reason that owning a home continues to be out of reach simply can be fear. When individuals and families have not been informed of the home-buying process, it often will seem too difficult to become a homeowner. However, the courses allow this concern to be eliminated and interested buyers can gain insight into what steps are required.

Principles I always follow when I give advice: I really like to talk, but it is very important that I listen with the two big ears that I have. I attempt to ask enough questions so I can get a clear understanding of my clients’ goals for homeownership.

Advice to aspiring Realtors: Get involved in your community, local government and schools and wear your name badge all the time.

How I start the day: I pray a lot throughout the day. I will cheat on this answer … I need to start my day off by going to the gym in the morning to get my juices going. However, I will typically start the day by answering emails or looking up property information for clients.

How I unwind: I still shoot basketball at the gym. I still have a real nice game. I still talk trash on the court.

I place top value on: My family! And making sure that I received feedback from my clients.

What drives me: I would love to leave a legacy for my son. I would love for my son to know that I established something that he can build on.

Best late-night snack: Krispy Kreme strawberry glazed donut or a lemon chess tart.

Prized possession: Scrubs from Henrico Doctors’ Hospital I was wearing when my son was born.

The one thing I can’t stand: How the Philadelphia 76ers pro basketball team is being managed right now.

When people first meet me they think: I have big ears and why do you talk so much?

No one knows that: I am a certified Virginia Department of Transportation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers construction inspector and I have worked on several large highway construction projects (I-295, I-895 and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge) in Virginia. But, I have a fear of heights.

Person who influenced me the most: My mother, a strongwilled woman.

The best thing my parents ever taught me was: My mother instilled in us to help each other.

I f I h a d m o re t i m e , I would: Like to travel more.

Book that influenced me the most: “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” with Alex Haley.

What I’m reading now: “Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance” by Tony Dungy with Nathan Whitaker.

My next goal: To publish my blog on the Advantages of Energy Efficient / “GREEN” Housing for your family.

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Richmond Free Press

B2 December 31, 2015-January 2, 2016

Happenings

RVA New Year’s Eve party at Siegel Center Will Richmonders pay ticket prices ranging from $20 to $30 for general admission and $50 for VIP seats to attend the community New Year’s Eve celebration at its new location at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Siegel Center?

We’ll know soon enough.

Celebrants ages 21 and older are scheduled to party to live entertainment, blow whistles and count down for the big ball drop at midnight Thursday, Dec. 31, at the Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad St. Last year’s celebration on Brown’s Island drew an estimated 10,000 people, all of whom were admitted without charge.

The free New Year’s Eve celebration had been held in Carytown previously, but the location was changed because of safety concerns over huge crowds and permit problems.

The move to the Siegel Center by organizers Jimmy Budd and Anthony Harris appears to be a wise one, with temperatures forecast to plummet into the frosty mid-30s New Year’s Eve. The capacity for the event is 6,000 people, and organizers predict they will sell out.

The production will be the same format as last year; a

giant open space with music and performances.

Trap duo Gents & Jawns, who are on the Los Angeles-based record label Mad Decent, will headline. Mass FX, Doddie Braza and Hoody also will perform.

The countdown will stem from the LED cylinder light tower in the middle of the basketball court.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

The party starts at 7 p.m. and runs until 1:30 a.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door, with VIP seats selling for $50. Only adults age 21 and older may attend.

Tickets: www.rvanye.co.

Personal stories, songs inspire ‘Motown:The Musical’

By Thomas Kidd

Motown’s music, magic and legends had the world dancing in the streets in the 1960s and 1970s.

Audience members will want to dance again when “Motown: The Musical” comes to Richmond Tuesday, Jan. 5, through Sunday, Jan. 10, at the Altria Theater.

The Broadway hit has enjoyed popular and critical acclaim since opening in 2013 and has garnered numerous Tony Award nominations,

Jarran Muse portrays Marvin Gaye in the production.

including Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role for Valisia LeKae as Diana Ross, and Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role for Charl Brown as Smokey Robinson.

The jukebox musical is based on the autobiography of Motown’s founder, Berry Gordy Jr. The book, “To Be Loved: The Music, the Magic, the Memories of Motown,” not only

details the creation and operation of the Detroitbased record label, but more importantly, the lifelong friendships Mr. Gordy developed with legends such as Mr. Robinson, Marvin Gaye and Ms. Ross. For this reason, the musical is a project that holds special meaning for Mr. Gordy.

“This is his baby and he’s very hands on,” explains Jarran Muse, who portrays Mr. Gaye in the production.

The Plainfield, N.J., native is too young to have seen the late Mr. Gaye perform, but he identifies with the “What’s Going On” singer’s style and passion.

“Growing up, he was a great artist for me to connect with,” explains Mr. Muse. “He was political and cared about the music.”

With limited interviews and live performances on YouTube to draw from, Mr. Muse said he relied heavily on the personal accounts and insights provided by Mr. Gordy to accurately portray the soulful crooner.

“He [Mr. Gordy] was my primary resource, not only because of the professional connection they had but the fact that Marvin was married to his sister.”

Possibly more difficult than portraying a musical legend you’ve never seen is to take on the role of a Motown legend who is still selling out arenas. Such is the challenge for Elijah Ahmad Lewis, who is cast in the role of Stevie Wonder.

“I get nervous before I go on,” admits Mr. Lewis, who auditioned five years ago for the Broadway production and was called back for the national tour.

Mr. Lewis said that he is keenly aware of the

Downtown ice rink to extend hours during final weekend

There’s good news for ice skating enthusiasts in the Richmond area.

The city’s RVA on Ice is extending its hours of operation on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. On New Year’s Eve, Thursday, Dec. 31, the rink at 6th and Broad streets in Downtown will be open from noon to 11 p.m.

Then, the rink will host a “Pajama Party” New Year’s Day, Friday, Jan. 1, from noon to 10 p.m., according to Cindy Creasy, a spokesperson with SMG Richmond, which manages the rink.

The public is invited to enjoy an outdoor fire while wearing their pajamas and roasting s’mores.

The fun is scheduled to continue 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, when the athletes of the Richmond Synchro figure skating organization will skate with the public and demonstrate elements of synchronized team skating.

Five teams from Richmond Synchro will represent the Richmond Figure Skating Club at the 2016 Eastern Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships Jan. 28 through 30 in Richmond.

The rink will be open noon to 11 p.m. Jan. 2, then from noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 3, before closing for the season.

For more information on RVA on Ice events, go to www.skatervaonice.com, visit the RVA on Ice Facebook page or call (804) 592-3400.

Photo by Daniel Lippitt

Actor and singer Elijah Ahmad Lewis, center, is flanked by Berry Gordy Jr., left, and legend Stevie Wonder as he and fellow cast members of “Motown: The Musical” celebrate the show’s national tour in late 2014 in Detroit, the home of Motown. Mr. Lewis portrays Mr. Wonder in the show that opens Jan. 5 in Richmond at the Altria Theater.

Want to go?

What: “Motown: The Musical” in Richmond for eight performances When: Tuesday, Jan. 5, through Sunday, Jan. 10 Where: Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel St. Tickets: Purchase at the Altria Theater and Carpenter Theatre box offices, online at www.BroadwayInRichmond.com and by phone (800) 514-3849.

audience’s expectations for him to get it right, and he uses that to fuel his performance.

“Stevie is an icon. I love him and grew up on his music. So there is no greater homage than to portray him,” adds the native of Harlem.

Mr. Lewis also worked with the Motown founder one on one to understand Mr. Wonder’s musical and personal evolution.

The story of Motown’s beginnings have

been touched on before in films including “The Temptations” and “The Jacksons: An American Dream.” However “Motown: The Musical” differs in that it concentrates more on each artist’s personal interactions — specifically the love affair between Mr. Gordy and Ms. Ross.

While Mr. Muse and Mr. Lewis agree fans will enjoy the show’s interesting behind-thescenes history about Motown, it is still the musical performances that have audiences going crazy.

More than 50 songs from the Motown catalog are included in the production, including hits by The Supremes, Martha and the Vandellas, Mr. Robinson, the Jackson 5 and a battle between The Temptations and The Four Tops.

Mr. Lewis says that he is inspired by the response he has received from younger audience members and is proud to help the younger generation see where their music originates.

“Motown created music that makes you feel good. But, more importantly, it’s our music and our history.”

38TH Annual

Community Leaders Breakfast

Honoring the Legacy of

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Friday, January 15, 2016 7:30 a.m.

Claude G. Perkins Living and Learning Center Keynote Speaker:

DR. ROBERT M. FRANKLIN, JR. President Emeritus, Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA

38t Hon Frid 7:30

Clau Dr. Pre Atla

Fou Fou Feb Spe Pas Vice

Allix Cob Fou and Imm Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Marking Kwanzaa

Casy Jones with the Elegba Folklore Society, left, provides a rhythmic beat of drums Saturday to mark the celebration of the 29th Annual Capital City Kwanzaa Festival at the Altria Theater. Above, Joel Martinez lights the second candle of the kinara, the candleholder used in Kwanzaa celebrations, representing kujichagulia, which means self-determination in Swahili. Festival-goers enjoyed musical performances, workshops, a film festival, an African market with clothing and jewelry, African-inspired cuisine, children’s activities and a keynote address by Dr. Phil Valentine, founder, director and pastor of the Temple of the Healing Spirit — Self Education Center, and co-founder of the Institute for Self Mastery.

Celebrating Our Culture of Generosity Founders Day Events

Founders Day Convocation February 5, 2016 • 11:00 a.m.

Speaker: BISHOP RUDOLPH W. MCKISSICK, JR. Pastor, The Bethel Church, Jacksonville, Florida Vice Presiding Bishop, Global United Fellowship

Allix B. James Chapel • Coburn Hall

Founders Day Recognition and Appreciation Luncheon Rally Immediately following Convocation

For more information, please contact the Division of Institutional Advancement at 804.342.3938.

Fo Fe

Bisho Pasto

Vice

Fo and A Imme

Richmond Free Press

.

December 31, 2015-January 2, 2016

B3

Year in Pictures 2015

James Haskins/Richmond Free Press

Michael Walker and his 6-year-old daughter, Sage, perform with exuberance in March at the eighth annual Date with Dad, Dinner and Dance at Trinity Family Life Center on North Side.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Richmond native Rayvon Owen takes a selfie with throngs of cheering fans at Richmond City Hall before his hometown performance as an “American Idol” Top 4 finalist in May at the James Center.

During the last 12 months, the talented photographers of the Free Press have documented the ebb and flow of life for people in the Richmond community. As 2015 rolls to an end, we recall the moments of triumph and sadness. We’ve seen highly placed politicians sentenced to prison and jail and shunned by their colleagues, students and protesters channel their progressive voices, civil right giants honored, noted members of the community buried and mourned, and world-class athletes race on bicycles through Richmond area streets.

Here, photographically, are the highlights.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey, left, wearing an ankle bracelet on daytime release from jail, is given the cold shoulder by fellow politicians on his first day back in the House of Delegates in January after winning a special election for the seat he resigned from following his conviction in a sex scandal. His seatmates, Delegates Joseph E. Preston of Petersburg and Kathleen Murphy of Loudoun County, celebrate their first day at the General Assembly session with selfies.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Fireworks light up the sky and glow in the James River during the Fourth of July celebration at Brown’s Island in Downtown.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Protesters outside the General Assembly Building in Capitol Square call for an end to the school-to-prison pipeline during a march in November organized in part by members of the statewide RISE for Youth Coalition for juvenile justice reform.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Spoken word artists Mysia Perry of Open High School, left, and Leslie Reyes of Huguenot High School share their talent and perspective at area poetry slams in March.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Former Gov. Bob McDonnell embraces his daughter, Cailin, after a federal court judge sentenced him in January to two years in prison for corruption.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Fans from the African nation of Eritrea wave their nation’s flag as cyclists competing in the UCI Road World Championships speed past them in Downtown in September.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Worshipers sing “We Shall Overcome” at a unity rally in June at Third Street Bethel AME Church in Downtown following the fatal shooting in Charleston, S.C., of nine AfricanAmerican church members and their pastor by a white supremacist.

A portrait of the late civil rights giant Oliver W. Hill is unveiled in Virginia’s Executive Mansion in June

by Gov. Terry McAuliffe, right, his wife, Dorothy McAuliffe, and Mr. Hill’s son, Oliver W. Hill Jr. The painting is one of the first of an African-American to be showcased in the house where Virginia governors have lived since 1813.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

The Ingramettes pay a final vocal tribute to their mother, noted gospel performer Maggie Ingram, during her funeral in July at Saint Paul’s Baptist Church in Henrico County.

B4 December 31, 2015-January 2, 2016

Richmond Free Press

Faith News/Directory

Muslims must relearn faith to counter Islam’s critics, imam says

By Umar Farooq Religion News Service

ISTANBUL In the bustling conservative Fatih district, Imam Fadel Solimon looks at the floor and nods as a young woman asks him for advice on how to respond to criticism of Islam on Twitter.

“Ever since these Paris attacks, people have been tweeting at me with all these verses in the Quran saying to conquer land, expand borders, force everyone to convert or pay the jizya,” she said, referring to a tax levied on non-Muslims.

“No, that’s not true, that’s not true,” interjected Imam Solimon.

“But the verses are there,” continued the woman. “They are in the Quran. Didn’t empires like the Ottoman Empire spread like that?”

“Defending Islam is not defending Islamic history,” Imam Solimon replied. “The Ottomans were not angels. The Umayyads were not angels. The Abbasids were not angels. You shouldn’t defend Islamic history,” he said, recounting three historical Muslim empires.

Imam Solimon then returned to the verses under examination in the Quran and offered his own view. “The Quran simply says if a neighboring country violates a peace agreement, or they attack you, you can defend yourself. … It does not teach you to conquer for wealth, but to remove oppression, to defend the weak.”

A former imam at American University in Washington, the now London-based teacher has spent more than a decade training Muslims on interfaith outreach. He is a member of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, rubbed elbows with the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood and spent time advising the group’s members during the short-lived government of Mohammed Morsi.

Imam Solimon is among a growing number of Muslim preachers seeking to change the understanding of Islam and modernity.

While much of this internal dialogue is taking place in conferences in Western countries, Imam Solimon is one of a handful of

preachers targeting the rank and file, reaching more than 19,000 students seeking the tools to counter Muslim critics, and in the process, relearning the traditional precepts of their faith.

Like other reformers, Imam Solimon’s views draw criticism not only from those outside the faith who say he does not go far enough in denouncing some Islamic teachings, but also from Muslims who find it difficult to reconcile his pragmatic interpretations with what they consider traditional teachings.

The workshop in Istanbul was organized by the Turkeybased Center for Cross-Cultural Communication, a nonprofit that reaches out to the 30 million tourists that visit the country annually. The woman who questioned Imam Solimon is one of scores of volunteers being trained on how to respond to questions tourists ask at Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, such as the ancient Suleymaniye Mosque. The workshop is supported

by Turkey’s Department of Religious Affairs.

With their long history with secularism, and recent rekindling of interest with Islam, Muslims in Turkey are at a rare juncture for reassessing Islam, Imam Solimon said.

But challenging widespread narratives among Muslims is not an easy task.

For example, the idea that the Prophet Muhammad and his followers saw it as their duty to conquer lands, with the eventual aim of converting everyone, is found in textbooks in many majority-Muslim countries, including Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. It is a narrative that makes it difficult for Muslims to argue against movements such as the Islamic State, which aims to pick up where the Ottoman Empire left off a century ago.

Kubra Somaz, a law student who attended Imam Solimon’s workshop, said a number of her assumptions were challenged in the debate.

“I know the answer sometimes, but I cannot explain it,” said Ms. Somaz, “and that shows me maybe I don’t know the

Gee James/Capitol Media USA

Celebrating Alfred Street Baptist Church’s $1 million donation, from left, Lonnie Bunch, founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture; the Rev. HowardJohn Wesley, church pastor; Pat Johnson, chair of the church deacon board; and James L. McNeil, chairman of the church’s board of trustees.

Historic church in Alexandria pledges $1M to Smithsonian Free Press wire report

Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, one of the nation’s oldest historically African-American churches in the nation, has pledged $1 million to the Smithsonian’s new National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The church announced the donation on Dec. 23. It is the largest from a faithbased organization to date and allows the church to be designated as a founding donor to the museum, set to open on the Rendering of Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture National Mall in the fall of 2016.

The pledge donation was presented base of African-American history and “I challenge others in the faith-based to Lonnie Bunch, founding director of culture” and will be a historic attraction community to follow suit to ensure that the museum, by the Rev. Howard-John and “visionary force in our communities the history of African-Americans will be Wesley, church pastor; James L. Mc- and lives” for years to come. celebrated and shared with everyone, Neil, chairman of the church’s Board Mr. Bunch said the museum was regardless of their background,” Mr. of Trustees; and Pat Johnson, chair of honored to have the church’s support. McNeil said. “The story of our country’s the church deacon board.

Several members of the congregation greatness cannot be told without sharing “We, as a church, understand the also have contributed as individuals, how we live and work together to help importance of learning about the ac- including Earl W. and Amanda Stafford, America thrive.” complishments of African-American who donated $2 million to support Established in 1803, Alfred Street people,” said Dr. Wesley. “We realize the museum’s Earl W. and Amanda Baptist Church has served as a promithat if we don’t tell and preserve our Stafford Center for African-American nent religious, educational and cultural own history, our children will never Media Arts, and two couples, Craig organization for the Northern Virginia know their real value.” and Diane Welburn and James L. and community and has nearly 7,000 memHe said theSUNDAYS museum “promises to W Juliette McNeil, who each have donated bers. The church celebrated its 212th EDNESDAYS contribute to the knowledge $1 million. anniversary on Nov. 15.

8:00 a.m.immensely ................ Morning Worship 12 noon..................

Midweek Service 9:30 a.m. ................ Church School 7-8 p.m. ................. Bible Study 11:15 a.m. .............. Morning Worship 8-9 p.m. ................. Prayer and Praise

FirstM iBaptist Church dlothian

13800 Westfield Dr., Midlothian,VA 23113 804-794-5583 • www.fbcm1846.com

Service Times Sunday

Church School 9:45AM Worship 11:00AM

Tuesday

Bible Study 12 Noon

WEDNESDAYS SUNDAYSYouth & Adult Wednesday Bible Study Prayer Service THURSDAYS 8:00 a.m. ...... Morning7:00PM Worship 6:00 p.m.

Bible Study 9:30 a.m. ...... ChurchPrayer School & Praise 8:15PM Bible Study 1:30 p.m.

11:15 a.m. ..Morning Worship 6:30p.m. Rev. Pernell J. Johnson, Pastor Van Transportation Available, Call 804-794-5583

Ebenezer Baptist Church 1858

“The People’s Church”

216 W. Leigh St. • Richmond, Va. 23220 • Tel: 804-643-3366 Fax: 804-643-3367 • Email: ebcoffice1@comcast.net • web: ebcrichmond.org 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

Celebrating 125 Years “A Commitment to Love, Light & Heritage”

issues deeply.”

For example, she said, when Danish newspapers published caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad, many Turks felt Muslims were obligated to kill the cartoonists because tradition held that the Prophet Muhammad ordered the execution of a poet.

But Ms. Somaz was surprised to learn some traditional scholars say the poet in Muhammad’s day was killed because he persecuted the nascent Muslim community and posed an existential threat.

“People think I do this just to enlighten non-Muslims, but actually my hidden goal is to enlighten Muslim youth and strengthen their faith,” Imam Solimon said. “If you tell them come to a workshop to strengthen your faith, they will not come.

But if you tell them to come to a workshop and learn how to talk about Islam to non-Muslims, they come.”

While Imam Solimon is a reformer, he is far from liberal.

Homosexuals can be Muslims, he said, but to actually act on their desires by committing sodomy is a sin. Stoning and amputation are valid punishments under Shariah, or Islamic law, he added, but for most of Islamic history, they were never applied because rulers and scholars understood the judicial system to be flawed, and the risk of punishing innocents was too great.

In 2010, Imam Solimon rebutted former al-Qaida spokesman Anwar al-Awlaki, whom he knew from their time in the U.S. together. Mr. Awlaki, a Yemeni-American, was a senior recruiter for al-Qaida and had issued a video calling for Muslims to kill all Americans, anywhere.

“He justified terrorism,” said Imam Solimon. “And I couldn’t stay silent.”

But whether Islam needs a reformation is a subject of hot debate.

H.A. Hellyer, a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, said that more than a reformation, the faith needs a revival of past scholarship.

“The (previous) ‘reformations’ that took place were more like the birth of the Salafi movement in the 18th century, which was not exactly very positive or progressive,” Mr. Hellyer said.

“Indeed, it resulted in opening a ‘Pandora’s box’ that led to many perverted interpretations of religion in the Muslim world later on.”

He said that any meaningful change in Islamic thinking will require more scholars like Imam Solimon, who are willing to reach further back, before movements like the Salafi “reformation,” which taught Muslims to disregard centuries of scholarship considered flawed.

The aloofness to traditional Islamic scholarship helps extremist groups recruit, said David H. Schanzer, an adviser to the U.S. government on counterterrorism policy and an associate professor at Duke University. Extremists, he said, “aren’t well-versed in Islamic theology or jurisprudence.”

For Imam Solimon, correcting misinterpretations goes beyond addressing terrorism. “Extremism,” he said, “is usually the first step toward leaving the religion.”

He gives the example of a Danish convert who confronted him at a 2005 lecture about why 9/11 was not justified in Islam.

Years later, Imam Solimon learned the man was Murad Storm, a former extremist who abandoned Islam and then helped U.S. and European intelligence agencies track down Mr. Awlaki in Yemen, where the cleric was killed by a drone strike.

“When people like (Mr. Storm) hear criticism of Islam for the first time, they are not able to handle it,” said Imam Solimon.

“They become violent and try to defend what they think is Islam.

(Eventually) they actually leave Islam.”

St. Peter Baptist Church Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, Pastor

Worship Opportunities Sundays:

Morning Worship Church School Morning Worship Church School Morning Worship

Watch Night Service

Join us as we reflect on the year that has passed and

Sharon Baptist Church prepare for the year ahead with a positive Spirit-filled

service.

The S.VA H. Thompson Memorial Choir will render 22 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, 23219 • 643-3825 thesharonbaptistchurch.com •the Rev. Dr. Paul A.celebration Coles, Pastor music for this service.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3RD, 2016

No 8:00 a.m. Service 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship/Holy Communion

Sixth Baptist Church

Mission Statement: People of God developing Disciples for Jesus Christ through Preaching and Teaching of God’s Holy Word reaching No Wednesday or Thursday the people of the Church and the Community.

Prayer/Bible Study Theme for 2015: Becoming a Five-Star Church of Excellence

We Are Growing In The Kingdom As We Grow The Kingdom with Word, Worship and Witness

“The Church With A Welcome”

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Thursday, December 31, 2015 10:30 PM Watch Night Service Two Great Speakers Rev. Joe Young and Rev. Stephanie Saffold

Sunday, January 3, 2016 10:40 AM Worship and Praise 11:00 AM Divine Worship New Sermon Series: Prayer Power 3 Weeks – Don’t Miss It!

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

Bible Study is now in winter recess and will reconvene January 7th

Thursday, “The Church With ADecember Welcome” 31, 2015 – 10:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31ST, 2015

JOINT NEW YEAR EVE SERVICE

8:30 A.M. 10 A.M.

Thursdays:

Mission Statement: People of God developing Disciples for Jesus Christ through Preaching and Teaching of God’s Holy Word reaching the people of the Church and the Community.

22 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23219 • 643-3825 thesharonbaptistchurch.com Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor

10:00p.m. At Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Message by: Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles

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

Unity Sundays (2nd Sundays)

Sharon Baptist Church

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. 7:45 p.m.

Wed. 4:30 p.m.

Wed. 6:00 p.m.

Thurs., 11:45 a.m.

 Dr. Levy M. Armwood, Pastor  Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus

Photo courtesy of Center for Cross-Cultural Communication

Fadel Solimon conducts a workshop with students in Istanbul.

Twitter sixthbaptistrva

400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

Facebook sixthbaptistrva

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

(near Byrd Park)

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

8:00 a.m. .... Morning Worship 12:00 p.m. .... Noon Day Service 9:30 a.m. .... Church School 6:00 p.m. ..... Prayer Service 11:15 a.m. ...Morning Worship 6:30 p.m. ..... Bible Study

1:30 p.m.

Bible Study

Richmond Free Press

December 31, 2015-January 2, 2016

B5

Faith News/Directory

Signage at Chicago Avenue Baptist Church on South Side reminds passers-by of the reason for the Christmas season.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Sign’s messages inspire passers-by

By Joey Matthews

Motorists slow down and often do double takes as they drive

by Chicago Avenue Baptist Church on South Side.

The reason: The church at 2331 Broad Rock Blvd., led by Dr. Marlon Haskell, features lots of creative, eye-catching messages on its sign display.

The most recent holiday message read: Without Christ Christmas Is Just A Hollow Day. During the summer, a message read, “Exposure to the Son may prevent burning.”

Another: God answers knee-mail.

The messages are important “because so many people pass by that strip, and that may be the only inspiration they get that day,” said Brenda Berry, leader of the church’s Media Ministry that oversees the messages.

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

The church’s sign is a powerful example of what houses of worship throughout Richmond and surrounding communities use outside of the pulpit to uplift and inspire others.

“Even if people are down, we put those messages up there to let them know that with God, everything is possible,” explained Ms. Berry, a letter carrier with the U.S. Postal Service for 27 years.

Her sister, Rosalind Wingo, and Latasha Parry assist her in the Media Ministry.

Ms. Berry said she got involved in the Media Ministry about 10 years ago when illness sidelined the person assigned to the job. Ms. Berry has been heading up the ministry for about eight years now.

She said she often receives comments from people in the community about how the signage messages have touched them.

Some of her colleagues at the postal branch at 2101 Hopkins Road “would talk about seeing the messages and how they liked them, and they didn’t know I was the one helping put them up,” Ms. Berry said.

“And the men who come by the church and pick up the garbage said they like reading the messages,” she added.

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

11:00 AM Mid-day Meditation

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church

o

everence e with e evanc R ing Dr. Morris Henderson, Senior Pastor bin

Sunday

. Theme: ,

Wednesday Services Senior Citizens Noonday Bible Study 12noon-1:00 p.m.

Sanctuary - All Are Welcome!

Bible Study Count: noonday Wednesday night 7 p.m. Prayer

Saturday

8:30 a.m. Intercessory Prayer

“Building Monuments for Present and Future Generations” “What Mean These Stones” Scripture: Joshua 4:21 - 24

Wednesdays

6:30 p.m.

Prayer and Praise 7:00 p.m.

Adult Bible Study

12 Noon Early Watch Night Service with Guest Psalmist Rev. Almeta Ingram-Miller 10:00 PM Watch Night Service Mount Olive’s own Chosen Generation Choir Face 2 Face Mime Ministry and Praise Dancers Special Guest - Heavenly Hands Ministry You do not want to miss this spirit-filled evening.

We hope to see you at the Mount.

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

Moore Street Missionary

Baptist Church Pastor

Banquet

Noon Day Bible Study

Join us for Jubilant Praise on the Mount

MONDAY-FRIDAY Nutrition Center and Clothes Closet 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.

January 17 & 24, 2016 9:00 AM - NDEC

You can now view Sunday Morning Service The Omni Richmond Hotel “AS IT HAPPENS” online! 100 S. 12th St., Richmond, VA 23219 For more information Also, for your convenience, and to purchase your banquet we now offer tickets go to: www.ndec.net “full online giving.”

Visit www.ndec.net.

Tuesdays

New Year’s Eve, Thursday, December 31, 2015

❖

1408 W. Leigh Street • 358-6403

January 23, 2016



❖

Sunday, Saturday,



WEDNESDAYS Bible Study 12:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

20Founders’ th NDEC

Sundays

8:00 a.m.

Early Morning Worship 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School 11:00 a.m.

Morning Worship

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

Church School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

December 31, 2015 9:00 PM - Doors open at 8:00 PM

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

2015 Theme: The Year of Moving Forward

SUNDAYS

Watch Night Service Thursday,

& Church Anniversary!

Rev. Darryl G. Thompson, Pastor

❖

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

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

Mount Olive Baptist Church

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church C

The 54-year-old gets her inspiration for the messages by going online or from books purchased at Christian bookstores. She said she’s inspired by the faith messages as well.

“I just love reading the sayings myself,” she said. “When I read them, I can relate to what they’re saying. They inspire me and bring satisfaction to me.”

Ms. Berry said she likes to change the signs every other week to keep the messages fresh. The ministry members look for sayings relevant to the season or time of year.

She said Dr. Haskell used to review the messages before she posted them, but he now trusts her to choose appropriate ones.

She said he only asks that she not post anything related to Satan, so as “not to give him any glory.”

Ms. Berry cited some of her other favorite messages that have been posted outside the church: • God wants full custody, not weekend visitation.

• One Easter message: 1 cross plus 3 nails = 4 given.

Come Sunday, Jan. 3, the message will be changed to, “All Things New in Christ Happy New Year!!!”

Dr. Alonza Lawrence

Sundays

Church School 8:30 A.M. Morning Worship 10:00 A.M.

Tuesdays

Bible Study 12 noon

Wednesdays

New Mercies Ministry 6:00 A.M. Youth Bible Study 6:00 P.M. Adult Bible Study 6:30 P.M.

Riverview

Baptist Church

Broad Rock Baptist Church

2604 Idlewood Avenue Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 353-6135 www.riverviewbaptistch.org Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Hewlett, Pastor Rev. Dr. Ralph Reavis, Sr. Pastor Emeritus

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



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

fÑÜxtw à{x jÉÜwthe 1x.75 spread To advertise your church:

Early Morning Worship ~ 8 a.m.

Sunday School ~ 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship ~ 11 a.m.

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

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

Radio Ministry: Sunday: 9:30 a.m. {1540 AM}

Worship Service • Gospel Concert Vacation Bible School • Homecoming • Revival

“MAKE IT HAPPEN”

Richmond Free Press

Pastor Kevin Cook

word

call 804-644-0496

We care about you and Richmond.

WISHING YOU A

HAPPY NEW YEAR New Years Eve Worship Service December 31, 2015 -10:15PM

Meadowbrook High School 4901 Cogbill Road, North Chesterfield, VA

N

Richmond Free Press

B6 December 31, 2015-January 2, 2016

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, January 11, 2016 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. 2015-35 As Amended To amend City Code § [2-221] 2-184, concerning the City Auditor, and City Code § [2-543] 2-153, concerning the duties of the Department of Information Technology, for the purpose of prescribing that the main internet webpage of each department or other agency include a link to audit reports and information concerning the status of implementations of audit recommendations.

Ordinance No. 2015-189 As Amended To amend City Code § [46.1-69] 13-221, concerning inspection reports for fire prevention systems, for the purpose of requiring persons or firms testing or inspecting fire prevention systems to be certified and qualified to provide such testing or inspecting services.

Ordinance No. 2015-190 As Amended To amend City Code § [46.1-3] 13-22, concerning the authority of the fire code official at fires and other emergencies, for the purpose of authorizing the fire code official to regulate open burning, and to amend ch. 13, art. V, div. 3 of the City Code by adding therein a new section 13-199 for the purpose of prohibiting open burning without authorization from the fire code official and failing to contain or extinguish any open burning when requested by the fire code official.

Ordinance No. 2015-191 As Amended To amend City Code §§ [38-154] 11-105, concerning weeds and other vegetation, [38-155] 11107, concerning violations and notice, and [38-156] 11-108, concerning abatement by the City, and to amend Appendix A of the City Code by adding therein a new fee for City Code § [38-156(b)] 11-108(b) for the purpose of imposing one notice per growing season, designating the amount of administrative charges for abatement by the City, imposing civil penalties for violation or such sections, and requiring the Director of Planning and Development Review to prepare and deliver to the City Council and the Chief Administrative Officer a report concerning the costs incurred, charged to property owners and paid to the City associated with the City’s efforts to abate violations of such sections.

Ordinance No. 2015-205 As Amended To amend ch. [46.1] 13, art. V, div. 3 of the City Code[,] by adding therein a new section [46.164] 13-201, concerning maximum standpipe outlet pressure, for the purpose of regulating the maximum outlet pressure for firefighting standpipe systems.

Ordinance No. 2015-207 As Amended To amend ch. [46.1] 13, art. V, div. 3 of the City Code[,] by adding therein a new section [46.162] 13-202, concerning fire escape examination and maintenance, for the purpose of requiring the examination and maintenance of all fire escapes on buildings within the city.

Ordinance No. 2015-246 As Amended To conditionally rezone the property known as 2825 East Main Street from the [M-1 Light] M-2 Heavy Industrial District to the B-5 Central Business District, upon certain proffered conditions. The Richmond Master Plan designates this property as Public and Open Space. Primary uses include publicly owned and operated parks, recreation areas, open spaces, schools, libraries, cemeteries and other government and public service facilities. No residential density ranges are specified for this land use category.

Ordinance No. 2015-252 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $381,749.00 from the State Compensation Board and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 General Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the City Treasurer by $2,622.00, the Department of Finance by $15,344.00, the Judiciary by $57,713.00, and the City Sheriff by $306,070.00 for the purpose of funding a two Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

percent salary increase for the City’s constitutional officers and their employees.

Ordinance No. 2015-253 To amend City Code § 8-7, concerning the naming of City facilities, for the purpose of excluding from the provisions of City Code §§ 8-7—8-10 any City-owned building leased by the City to a tenant when the lease grants the tenant the right to transfer naming rights to that building.

Ordinance No. 2015-254 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a First Amendment to Lease and Franchise Agreement between the City of Richmond, Virginia, and Richmond Performing Arts Center, L.L.L.P., for the purpose of providing for the transfer of naming rights to the downtown performing arts complex that includes the Carpenter Theatre by Richmond Performing Arts Center, L.L.L.P. Ordinance No. 2015-259 To declare surplus and to direct the sale of Cityowned real estate located at 910 Goddin Street and 1000 Goddin Street for $80,000.00 to Fulton Hill Properties, LLC, for the purpose of enabling the redevelopment of the property.

Ordinance No. 2015-264 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Utilities Agreement between the City of Richmond and Fulton Hill Properties, LLC, for the purpose of facilitating the relocation of an existing City sewer utility easement.

Ordinance No. 2015-269 To amend City Code § 13-190, concerning the removal and closure of underground storage tanks, for the purpose of removing the exception that a tank may be abandoned if empty and to require soil testing to determine the contents of the tank, and to amend the fees set forth in Appendix A of the City Code for City Code § 13-160, for the purpose of removing the fee for the exception that a tank may be abandoned if empty and increasing the fee for filling or removing residential heating oil tanks of less than 1,100 gallon size.

Ordinance No. 2015-270 To amend ch. 13, art. V, div. 3 of the City Code, concerning amendments to the fire prevention code, by adding therein a new section 13-200, for the purpose making it unlawful for any person to use or operate a temporary heat source to heat the interior of a building, structure or premise to a temperature above 100 degrees Fahrenheit for pest control treatment purposes unless such person has complied with certain conditions, and to amend and reordain the fees set forth in Appendix A of the City Code for City Code § 13-160 by adding therein a new fee for the permit described in City Code § 13-200, for the purpose of imposing a separate fee for thermal pest control treatment permits.

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 Jean V. Capel City Clerk

Continued from previous column

Divorce

Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF CHESTERFIELD HARRY ANDERSON WISE, Plaintiff v.

SANDRA A. GAGNON WISE, Defendant.

Case No.: CL15-3110 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony for the Plaintiff on the grounds that the parties have lived separate and apart without cohabitation and without interruption since July 15, 2007.

An affidavit having been made and filed that the Defendant’s present address is Route 1, Box 97, Gilmanton, New Hampshire 03237, it is ORDERED that she appear on or before the 11th day of January, 2016 at 8:30 a.m. to protect her interests herein.

An Extract, Teste: WENDY S. HUGHES, Clerk James L. Whitlock, P.C. Attorney at Law 103 East Third Street P.O. Box 218 Farmville, Virginia 23901 (434) 392-3301

CUSTODY virgiNia: iN thE CIRCUIT cOurt OF the COunty of Chesterfield KELLY ELIZABETH McMILLAN, Plaintiff v.

ROBERT CAS SATKOWSKI, Defendant Case No.: CL15-3159 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON

The object of this suit is to obtain a name change for the minor child, Cooper Lane Satkowski. It appearing by affidavit that the Defendant’s last known address was 7352 Roosevelt, Avenue, Mechanicsville, Virginia 23111, the Defendant’s present whereabouts are unknown, and diligence has been used by or on behalf of the Plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city the Defendant is without effect, it is ORDERED that the Defendant appear before this Court on or before February 4, 2016 at 8:30 a.m. and protect his interests herein.

An Extract, Teste: Wendy S. Hughes, Clerk I ask for this: Vera Duke, Esquire (VSB#17207) CLIFFORD & DUKE, P.C. 909 North Courthouse Road Richmond, VA 23236 (804) 379-2119 (Telephone) (804) 794-7659 (Fax) dukeclifford@aol.com (E-mail) Counsel for Plaintiff

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER JACQUELYN WHITE, Plaintiff v.

JOHNNY WHITE, SR., Defendant.

Case No.: CL1500568-00 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 3rd day of February, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests.

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

virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of thE city Of richmOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re MY’KEI KHALIL MAY-CRISS, Juvenile Case No. JJ0088404-08

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Shasha Donald May, (Father), and UNKNOWN (Father) of My’kei Khalil May Criss, child, DOB 9/1/2013, “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 Shasha Donald May (Father), and Unknown, (Father) appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before March 23, 2016 at 9:00 A.M. Court Room #5.

Kate D. O’Leary, Esq. 730 E. Broad St., 8th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 804-646-3493

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ROSSIE DARNELL BURNETT, SR., Plaintiff v.

SHARONE WYATTBURNETT, Defendant.

Case No.: CL14002585-00 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 20th day of January, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR.,

virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of thE city Of richmOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Nehemiah Elliot, Juvenile Case No. JJ0088004-09

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Unknown, (Father), of Nehemiah Elliott, child, DOB

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11/12/2010, “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,) appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before February 23, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Court Room #2 (MCG) Kate D. O’Leary, Esq. 730 E. Broad St., 8th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 804-646-3493

Petitioner will apply to the court, sitting at Lunenburg County, Virginia, on the 26th day of January, 2016, at 2:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as Petitioner may be heard, for the appointment of commissioners or the empanelment of a jury to ascertain just compensation as aforesaid.

And it appearing by affidavit filed according to law that the following persons are record owners or otherwise may have interest in the property disclosed in the Petition for Condemnation and that they are not residents of the Commonwealth and/or their names and/or addresses are not known and that diligence has been used by and on behalf of the Petitioner to ascertain such names and addresses without effect: MARGARET MAGYAR, Deceased BALINT MAGYAR, Deceased THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW OF THE ESTATE OF MARGARET MAGYAR, Deceased, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW OF THE ESTATE OF BALINT MAGYAR, Deceased, UNKNOWN OWNERS,

It is ORDERED that the aforesaid owners appear within ten (10) days after due publication of this Order in the clerk’s office of the Circuit Court of Lunenburg County, Virginia and do what is necessary to protect their interests; and it is further ordered that if the above named owners desire to assert any objection or defense to the taking or damaging of their property or to the jurisdiction of the Court to hear the case and to proceed with the appointment of commissioners or the empanelment of a jury, they shall file their answer and grounds of defense designating the property in which they claim to be interested, the grounds of any objection or defense to the taking or damaging of their property or to the jurisdiction of the Court to hear the case and to proceed with the appointment of commissioners or the empanelment of a jury for the determination of just compensation.

Should an owner fail to file their answer and grounds of defense as hereinabove provided, such failure shall not preclude the owner from appearing on the date set for the appointment of commissioners or the empanelment of a jury nor from presenting evidence as to valuation and damage nor from sharing in the award of just compensation according to their interest therein or otherwise protecting their rights, but such failure shall preclude such owner from any other defense by way of pleas in bar, abatement or otherwise.

I ask for this: Godfrey T. Pinn, Jr. (VSB No.: 43106) Stacy E. Lee (VSB No.: 78737) Harrell & Chambliss LLP Eighth and Main Building 707 East Main Street, Suite 1000 Richmond, Virginia 23219 (804) 915-3220 (direct dial) (804) 915-3240 (direct fax) gpinn@hclawfirm.com slee@hclawfirm.com Counsel for Petitioner Commissioner of Highways

Property VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF LUNENBURG COMMISSIONER OF HIGHWAYS, Petitioner, v.

Case No.: CL15000100-00 MARGARET MAGYAR, Deceased BALINT MAGYAR, Deceased THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW OF THE ESTATE OF MARGARET MAGYAR, Deceased, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW OF THE ESTATE OF BALINT MAGYAR, Deceased, UNKNOWN OWNERS, and Being as shown on Sheet 3RW of the plans for Route 631, State Highway Project 0631-055-713, RW201 and beginning on the north (left) side of Route 631 construction baseline from the lands now or formerly belonging to Brian K. Withrow and Carrie A. Withrow opposite approximate Station 22+38 to a point in the lands of the landowner at Station 24+25.00 and containing 0.187 acre, more or less land, of which 0.132 acre is subject to a prescriptive right of way, and 0.055 acre, more or less, is additional land.

Defendants.

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

In this proceeding Petitioner, Commissioner of Highways, seeks to acquire by condemnation easement rights to certain pieces or parcels of land situated in the County of Lunenburg, Virginia, for the uses and purposes of the Petitioner, namely for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, maintenance and repair of Route 631 and for all other purposes incidental thereto, all of which is described more particularly in the Petition for Condemnation and exhibits attached thereto on file in the office of the Clerk of this Court, to which reference is hereby made for a full and accurate description thereof; and for the appointment of commissioners or the empanelment of a jury to ascertain just compensation to the owners of any estate or interest in the property to be taken or affected as a result of the taking and use thereof by the Petitioner.

For such purposes, the Continued on next column

Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, January 11, 2016 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 ordinance: Ordinance No. 2015-271 To amend and reordain City Code § 9-58, which assigns polling places in the city, to relocate and establish a new polling place for Precinct 911. (Committee: Organizational Development, Monday, January 4, 2016, 5:00 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.

Jean V. Capel City Clerk

Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, Pastor 2040 Mountain Rd • Glen Allen, VA 23060 Office 804-262-0230 • Fax 804-262-4651 www.stpeterbaptist.net

SILVER STRINGS ENSEMBLE

seeks additional youth members who have 2 or more years of experience playing either the violin, viola, cello or double (upright) bass.

Rehearsals are held 2nd & 4th Thursdays: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

If interested, reply: spbcmusic@verizon.net

TRUCK DRIVERS-OTR/CLASS A CDL Ashley Distribution Services in Richmond seeks: (No Touch) TRUCKLOAD Earning potential avg.

DRIVERS $66,000 year

LTL TRUCK DRIVERS

(Multiple stop loads to retail stores!)

Earning potential avg. $85,000 year

• Home Weekly • Paid Vacation • Full Benefit Package • Paid Holidays Class A CDL & at least 2 years current OTR exp.

Clean MVR/PSP Reports.

Call 1-800-837-2241 email: jobs@ashleydistributionservices.com or www.ashleydistributionservices.com to apply under jobs.

The City of Richmond is seeking to fill the following position: Administrative Program Support Assistant, Customer Service Division 35M00000003 Public Utilities Apply by 01/03/16 Automotive Mechanic Supervisor 29M00001096 Department of Public Works 01/17/2016 Construction Inspector II, Tech Services Division 35M00000038 Public Utilities Apply by 01/17/16 Construction Inspector III, Tech Services Division 35M00000598 Public Utilities Apply by 01/17/16 For an exciting career with the City of Richmond, visit our website for additional information and apply today! www.richmondgov.com EOE M/F/D/V

Freelance Writers: The Richmond Free Press has immediate opportunities for freelance writers. Newspaper experience is a requirement. To be considered, please send 5 samples of your writing, along with a cover letter to newsrichmond freepress.com or mail to: Richmond Free Press, P. O. Box 27709, Richmond, VA 23261 No phone calls.

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City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE

St. Peter Baptist Church

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