December 15 17, 2016 issue

Parade of Lights B3 • Dr. James’ estate gives $300,000 to VUU A2

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VOL. 25 NO. 51

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Richmond Free Press

DeCEMber 15-17, 2016

Angie’s wings

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Senior Chris Thaxton, the Highland Springs High School wide receiver who scored the winning touchdown giving the Springers the state football title, stands Wednesday amid banners of the championship team members showcased outside the Henrico County school. Below, the football helmet worn by Thaxton is adorned with a purple ribbon, angel wings and the insignia “AngieStrong,” honoring his mother and team booster, Angela “Angie” Johnson.

Purple angel wings worn on helmet by Highland Springs player to honor his late mother guide team to second championship

By Fred Jeter

The Highland Springs High School football team may have had help from above last Saturday in clinching its second straight Division 5 state football championship.

The Springers added purple to their traditional black and gold colors this season in honor of beloved Angela “Angie” Johnson, mother of wide receiver Chris Thaxton, who died Nov. 12 of bladder cancer at age 45.

A prominent member of the Springers’ Booster Club, Mrs. Johnson worked with many of the Highland Springs High athletes since they first took up the sport in kindergarten.

Even with her health failing, she attended the team’s Senior Night on Nov. 4 with her

husband, Karlos. Somehow she 165-pound senior awaiting a mustered the strength to escort her college scholarship offer. son on the field for the pre-game In a climactic moment fit for senior salute.

Hollywood, it was Thaxton — Using the rallying cry wearing purple sleeves and an “AngieStrong,” the Springers “AngieStrong” insignia on his became unstoppable this season. helmet — who caught the winGathering momentum each ning pass. week, the Springers rolled last The victorious play came on Saturday to the state Division 5 a 3-yard toss from quarterback title, beating Stone Bridge High Juwan Carter with 26 seconds School of Ashburn 35-29 in the left on the clock. championship game at Hampton “I wasn’t even the primary Courtesy of Chris Thaxton University. target,” said Thaxton. “I guess “By the time we got to the championship Stone Bridge had scouted us on that play and game, there was no more talk. We just went they had the others covered. I got open in the out and played,” said Thaxton, a 5-foot-10, corner of the end zone.

“It was a great feeling when I caught it. I had promised my mother we’d win another championship for her.”

Before the game, Thaxton spoke with K’Von Wallace, a member of last year’s championship team. Wallace, now a freshman defensive back at Clemson University, drove to Hampton University to see his former teammates go for the title once again.

“K’Von kidded me about last year,” said Thaxton. “He said I cost him a touchdown by committing a penalty and I needed to score one myself this year to make up for it.”

Thaxton waited until the most dramatic of moments to record his decisive touchdown.

Petersburg meltdown averted with short-term loan

Council approves $1.7M for new police hires

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Petersburg’s once bleak financial situation is starting to brighten.

Banking giant Wells Fargo provided a $6.5 million, shortterm loan to the city last week that has eased the city’s financial crunch, enabled it to meet payroll through the end of the budget year on June 30 and ensured payment of current bills.

That includes making a $1 million payment that is past due to the South Central Wastewater Authority, the regional body that treats the city’s sewage, thus adhering to a court-approved settlement of the authority’s lawsuit and avoiding a debt default.

Now Petersburg is engaged in Phase II of its recovery — an overhaul of is long-term Mr. Bobb debt, according to interim City Manager Tom Tyrell. The overhaul will provide additional millions of dollars to cover unpaid bills that piled up prior to July 1.

“Our financial advisers and multiple state offices are working with the city to restructure its existing debt,” Mr. Tyrell announced Monday.

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By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Budding ballerinas Lively dancers perform during “Clara’s Christmas Gift,” a Christian-inspired version of “The Nutcracker” by The Dance Candle Academy of Performing and Sacred Arts. The academy held two performances last Saturday at Virginia Union University. Please see story, more photos, B3.

Trump blows off intelligence briefings, reports of Russian hacking Free Press wire report

Mr. Trump

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Former CIA director Leon Panetta said Wednesday that President-elect Donald Trump risks being blamed after any potential attack on the United States if he refuses to receive more regular intelligence briefings.

U.S. officials told Reuters that Mr. Trump is receiving an average of one presidential intelligence briefing a week — far fewer than most of his recent predecessors.

However, officials said Vice Presidentelect Mike Pence gets briefings around

six days a week.

Mr. Panetta, a former Democratic congressman who served as CIA director and defense secretary during President Obama’s first term, told the Arab Strategy Forum, a conference sponsored by the government of Dubai, that President-elect Trump’s aversion “can’t last.”

“I’ve seen presidents who have asked questions about whether that intelligence is verifiable, what are the sources for that intelligence, but I have never seen a president who said, ‘I don’t want that stuff,’ ” Mr. Panetta said.

During the next eight months, Richmond expects to add 75 new police officers to beef up its declining force.

That includes two classes of recruits at the Training Academy and two additional classes of recruits to begin the six to seven months of training within two months, according to Police Chief Alfred Durham.

“It’s a great relief,” said the chief, who has spent months

Related story, A2

“If we endure another attack, and the intelligence officials had indications or information regarding that attack and the president did not want to listen to that, for whatever reason, the responsibility for that attack would fall on the president.”

In an interview with Fox News on Sunday, President-elect Trump said he found the intelligence briefings repetitive and that he already understood potential threats.

“You know, I’m a smart person. I don’t

lobbying for additional funds to hire more officers in the wake of a spike in violent crimes, namely homicides, rapes, robberies, carjackings and aggravated assaults.

With 59 homicides so far this year, the city’s violent crime numbers have jumped 14 percent.

“The police department is in desperate need of personnel,” Chief Durham told City Council, which voted 9-0 Monday to support Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ request to steer about $1.7 million to the police de-

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A2 December 15-17, 2016

Richmond Free Press

Local News

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Above is a view of the Pulse, the vehicle GRTC will use to carry passengers on the 7.6-mile, Bus Rapid Transit line between Rocketts Landing and The Shops at Willow Lawn.

GRTC showed off the bus — the first of 10 — last Friday at its South Side headquarters and depot on Belt Boulevard. Fueled

Dr. Allix B. James’ estate gives $300,000 to VUU The late Dr. Allix B. James bequeathed $300,000 to Virginia Union University, the Richmond school where he earned his degree, taught and went on to lead as president for nine years.

VUU officials announced the donation Tuesday from the estate of Dr. James, who died Sept. 26, 2015, at age 92.

The gift is to be used to complete the lower level of Coburn Hall and include a room to house Dr. James’ memoirs. The chapel on the first floor of the building currently bears Dr. James’ name.

Dr. James left his mark on the private university where he served for 46 years before he retired. His various roles included serving as a faculty member, dean of students, dean of the School of Theology, vice president and then president from 1970 to 1979.

During his presidency, he began the Sydney Lewis School of Business Administration, instituted a music program out of Dr. James which the school’s band was organized and established Community Learning Week to honor annually the hero of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. James also was the first African-American to be elected president of the American Association of Theological Schools; the first to serve as Virginia region president of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, now the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities; the first to be elected president of the Virginia State Board of Education; and the first to chair the Richmond Planning Commission. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

by compressed natural gas, the bus will run more quietly than diesel vehicles. As the photo at right shows, the Pulse interior and seating resemble those of existing buses. One big difference: No fares will be collected inside. Riders will pay at one of the 14 stations before boarding.

Federal appeals court upholds Va.’s voter ID law

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Virginia can keep requiring voters to show an I.D. to cast a ballot, a federal appeals court in Richmond has decided.

The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday upheld a lower court decision, which found no evidence that the state’s Republican-passed law discriminated against or created a barrier to voting for African-Americans, Latinos or young people, as opponents of the ID law had claimed.

The ruling is significant as it came nearly five months after the same appellate court struck down the voter ID law in North Carolina for targeting African-Americans “with surgical precision.”

The decision, though, was a blow to the Democratic Party of Virginia, which joined with two voters to bring the case last year in an attempt to overturn a law the political party believed violated the federal Voting Rights Act. Last May, U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson rejected the plaintiffs’ claims that the law created barriers following a twoweek trial featuring dueling experts.

“While the merits of this voter identification law, and indeed all aspects of Virginia’s voting regime, can be reasonably debated,” Judge Hudson wrote, “it remains true that Virginia has created a scheme of laws Judge Hudson to accommodate all people in their right to vote.”

He found the state offered plenty of options for voting, from in-person polls to absentee ballots, as well as provisional votes that are counted if adequate ID is presented within three days of an election.

He also found the law provided potential voters with access to a free, state-produced ID that can be obtained at a local voter registrar’s office for use at the polls.

Writing for the three-judge appeals panel, Judge Paul V. Niemeyer came to the same conclusion in a 37-page opinion.

The bottom line is that Virginia’s ID law “does not impose an undue burden on minority voting,” he wrote in finding that

the plaintiffs failed to provide any evidence “to suggest racially discriminatory intent in the law’s enactment.”

While elected Democrats generally stayed mum, one of the state’s top Republicans, House Speaker William J. Howell of Fredericksburg, expressed satisfaction that the court upheld the state’s voter ID law even as he tongue-lashed the Democratic Party for bringing the case and Democratic Attorney General Mark Herring for not defending the law.

“Today’s ruling is a victory for a common sense law that protects the integrity of Virginia’s elections,” Speaker Howell stated. “Earlier this year, we saw multiple cases of (voter registration) fraud throughout the Commonwealth. This law was carefully crafted to provide an extra layer of protection to ensure the sanctity of the ballot box.

“It is extremely unfortunate that Virginia’s own attorney general refused to defend the law,” he continued. “As a result, this politically motivated and unnecessary lawsuit launched by the Democratic Party of Virginia has cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

McAuliffe to seek 1.5% bonus for state workers Free Press staff, wire report

Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced his amendments to the state’s fiscal year 2017-18 budget will include a 1.5 percent, one-time bonus for state workers next year.

Speaking on WRVA-AM’s “Ask the Governor” radio program, the governor said the proposed bonus would be paid in December 2017.

He said he will recommend setting aside $130.6 million for the pay boost and to reduce salary compression among law enforcement, including State Police, sheriff’s offices and regional jails.

The funds also would support career development programs.

“Virginia is home to the finest state workforce anywhere in the nation. And we have an obligation to continue to ensure they are compensated for their great work,” Gov. McAuliffe stated.

“While current conditions do not allow for a permanent salary increase in the upcoming budget, this one-time bonus should send a clear message to our employees that we value their hard work and recognize the need to continue to increase their compensation.”

The state faces an estimated $861 million budget shortfall for fiscal years 2016 and 2017, and Gov. McAuliffe scrapped planned raises for state employees over the summer. He said permanent raises are the eventual goal, but the funds aren’t there yet.

Gov. McAuliffe will present his plan to state lawmakers on Friday.

Additionally, the governor didn’t announce specifics about any planned cuts but has said K-12 education spending won’t be reduced.

He stated later that his team has identified several sources to fund the bonus, including a new state tax amnesty program, which is expected to generate $59.4 million. Under the program, which will be administered in fiscal year 2018, a grace period will be created during which individuals and businesses can pay back taxes while avoiding fines and half the interest due.

The last state tax amnesty program was held in 2009.

Avoid jury duty fine scam Don’t fall for this scam, Richmond Sheriff C.T. Woody Jr. is urging.

Someone pretending to be a sheriff’s deputy is calling Richmond residents to tell them to pay $1,000 to $3,000 to avoid going to jail for missing jury duty, the sheriff disclosed Tuesday.

The caller urges his listeners to stay away from the courthouse and, instead, to pay the money in cash or with a credit card, the sheriff stated.

“It’s bogus,” the sheriff stated. “No one from the office would ever call to seek money from anyone who missed jury duty.”

Sheriff Woody is urging people who get such a call to contact his office at (804) 646-6501.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Richmond City Council Vice President Chris A. Hilbert, 3rd District, gets a hug from outgoing Council President Michelle R. Mosby, 9th District, Monday after she receives the council’s top public service award at the final meeting before she leaves office. Looking on, right, are the three other council members who also were honored with the Thomas Jefferson Award as they prepare to leave office: Jonathan T. Baliles, 1st District, Charles R. Samuels, 2nd District, and Kathy C. Graziano, 4th District. Returning Council member Cynthia I. Newbille, 7th District, applauds at left.

Richmond Kickers given 40-year lease to operate City Stadium

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Wrapping up its four-year term, Richmond City Council rushed Monday to give the Richmond Kickers, the area’s professional soccer team, control of the 20,000seat City Stadium in the West End. At the same, the governing body temporarily put the brakes on a proposal by a developer to build a combination $86 million hotel, retail and apartment complex near the Carpenter Theatre at the Dominion Arts Center in Downtown.

Under legislation approved by the ninemember governing body, the Richmond Kickers were granted a 40-year lease to operate and manage the stadium for use by the team and other sports organizations.

In exchange, the Kickers have pledged to invest $20 million into the property during the lease period to improve seating, the press box and other elements of the city-owned property. The Kickers also will pay property taxes on the stadium annually.

Meanwhile, City Council voted to continue action on a plan to sell the city-owned portion of a block bounded by Grace, 6th, 7th and Franklin streets for about $4 million to a development group led by developer Robert P. Englander Jr. Mr. Englander has proposed clearing a small, city-owned parking deck from the

site and then building a five-story, 800unit parking deck that would become the platform for an apartment tower and hotel, which could rise another 10 to 12 stories.

He has indicated the total cost would run at least $86 million.

City Council needed seven members to approve the sale of the property for the City Center development that earlier secured support from the city Planning Commission.

One council member, Parker C. Agelasto, 5th District, said he wanted to go into a closed meeting to settle questions involving the protections the city would have if the project failed.

However, other members declined, preferring to put a hold on the development and let the incoming City Council deal with the project in January after members are sworn in. The new council will have four new members.

Mr. Englander said after Monday night’s decision the delay is not helpful. He said at least two investment partners pulled out during the 18 months it took to put the deal together. Others could leave if City Council dawdles on its approval.

Separately, the council also temporarily halted a proposal to expand the residential parking permit system in the Carver neighborhood, which is flooded by cars of Virginia Commonwealth University commuters.

The parking permits limit the time period in which nonresidents can park.

In other business, the council voted to: • Designate the 2500 block of Hawthorne Avenue in honor of the late Andrew “Bo” Hobbs, a former girls basketball coach at Thomas Jefferson High School; • Support a performance agreement between the city and CoStar Realty Information Inc., which is preparing to bring more than 700 jobs to the city; • Make it a potential firing offense for city employees to interfere with or obstruct investigations by the city auditor of alleged wrongdoing.

• Accept $1.1 million in state funding for a project to install sidewalks and landscaping along a portion of the Bus Rapid Transit Route between Laurel and Hamilton streets; • Accept a $279,000 federal grant through Virginia Clean Cities and James Madison University to be used to convert 12 diesel-powered city trucks to engines fueled with compressed gas; • Sell three long-vacant houses the city had acquired as a result of tax delinquency for more than $600,000; and • To authorize the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority to spend more than $4 million in city funds on improvements in the Highland Grove development in North Side.

Richmond Free Press

December 15-17, 2016

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11/28/16 3:55 PM

Richmond Free Press

A4 December 15-17, 2016

News

Highland Springs High School varsity football players celebrate their back-to-back Division 5 state football championship win on Dec. 10 at Hampton University. The Springers clinched the title for the second time, beating Stone Bridge High School of Loudoun County 35-29.

Joseph Miles

Purple angel wings worn on helmet by Highland Springs player to honor his late mother guide team to second championship Continued from A1

Later, Carter told the media that it was the glimpse of purple — the added color — that enabled him to spot Thaxton in the end zone, under intense pressure, through the maze of defenders.

It was a spirited end to a long season. It also marked the second straight year Highland Springs had defeated Stone Bridge in the final.

Last year, the championship came by an easier 27-7 victory in Charlottesville.

Spurred by the electrifying Carter, a Norfolk State University signee, the Springers finished 14-1 for the second straight season. In 2014, they were 10-1.

In Carter’s three years as quarterback under Coach Loren Johnson, Highland Springs was a combined 38-3, with the three losses by a combined five points. The team’s only loss this season was 8-7 to Chesterfield’s Meadowbrook High School on Sept. 9.

While Carter was among the Springers’ most dynamic players on the field, Mekhi Becton

was always largest. The 6-foot-7, 340-pound offensive tackle is being courted by the likes of the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, as well as the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech.

Highland Springs’ long list of All-Conference 12 picks features Carter, Thaxton and Becton, as well as defenders Aaron Motley, Mike Greene, Rell Coley, Tavien Blackwell and Jordan Wells, and kicker Jack Notley.

A late bloomer, Thaxton, who has the unflattering nickname “Molasses,” as in slow as molasses, has greatly improved his speed, and this year had eight touchdown catches for some 700 yards while earning All-Conference and also All-East Region honors.

Thaxton was an emotional leader of a spirited group that kept winning until there were no more games to win, only a trophy to clutch and memories to cherish.

These Springers will be recalled for their size, speed and especially their two kinds of strength. They were both muscle strong and “AngieStrong.”

Courtesy Chris Thaxton

Chris Thaxton, right, escorts his parents, Karlos and Angela “Angie” Johnson, center, and sister, Taylor, onto the field during the Springers’ Senior Night ceremony Nov. 4.

Mrs. Johnson, a longtime athletic booster, succumbed to bladder cancer just days later on Nov. 12. She was 45.

Petersburg meltdown City Council approves $1.7M for new police hires averted with short-term loan Continued from A1

partment to cover the cost of hiring and training up to 40 new recruits, with half to begin in January and half to begin in February.

Currently, the force has an authorized strength of 750, but with 34 vacancies, that leaves 716 listed sworn officers and detectives to respond to calls and investigate crimes.

However, 60 of those officers are unavailable; some are recuperating from illness or injury. Others are on military leave, are on administrative leave or are new recruits in training.

That leaves 656 officers to carry the load as calls for service rise, Chief Durham noted. And the force must continue recruiting because 73 sworn members of the force, or about 10 percent of the officers available for duty, have 25 years or more of service and “are currently eligible to retire immediately,” he said.

The strain on the smaller force is high.

“Officers are suffering fatigue as management is having to force them to work overtime,” the chief said. “And there is an increasing exodus of our veteran officers due to the increased work demands and uncompetitive wages,” particularly for those with longer service.

Currently, officers with 15 or more years on the police force are paid about the same as those with 10 years of service.

The chief said an average of three officers are leaving each month. This year, he said he has lost 42 officers, including 13 who retired, 26 who resigned, two who were fired and one who died.

Chief Durham said he has one class of 17 trainees

who began the academy in July and will graduate in January.

He started a second class of 18 in November using savings from the vacancies in his department.

That class will graduate in June.

However, he said those two classes are simply helping to make up for those leaving. “We aren’t gaining ground,” he said.

Initially, he was only to gain 20 new recruits from the $1.7 million in new funding the administration found. That one-time money came from savings on health care costs and reimbursement for the cost of a utility project for Rocketts Landing.

However, the administration doubled that number to 40 after City Councilman Parker C. Agelasto, 5th District, noticed during the Nov. 22 Public Safety Committee meeting that the money would be spent over six months, not a full budget year.

He questioned the administration about whether some of the money could be spent improving salaries of veteran officers or shoring up the city’s pension fund.

The administration’s and the council’s response was to allow Chief Durham to hire an additional class of 20 recruits for a total of 40.

Chief Durham said his department spends about $75,000 to hire, equip and train one new recruit.

While Mr. Agelasto voted with his colleagues to approve the funding, he said that the funding represents only six months, or half the amount, that will be needed to fully fund the cost of those 40 new recruits.

“Even before we get a new budget for next year,” he said, “we have committed to spending enough money to cover the cost of actually hiring the new recruits we have just approved.”

Continued from A1

“This restructuring will allow us to accomplish two things: To build in cash-flow relief and to begin to pay back approximately $20 million owed to vendors,” he stated.

He stated that he, his staff and members of the Robert Bobb Group, the Washingtonbased consulting group that was hired seven weeks ago to foster a city turnaround, would begin meeting with vendors and vendor groups in January to discuss repayment plans.

In what could amount to a Phase III, Mr. Tyrell and the Robert Bobb Group received authority from Petersburg City Council on Tuesday night to consider a proposal from a private company, Aqua Virginia Inc., to take over the management and assets of the city’s water and wastewater systems.

The proposal calls for the company to own and operate the utility services, invest in essential improvements to the underground piping and assume responsibility for billing and collection.

Because the proposal was unsolicited, the city now must put the proposition out for bids to see if other companies want to compete. The city would then consider the options, according to Robert C. Bobb, the former Richmond city manager who heads the consulting firm.

Having a private company take over could improve service to residents, Mr. Bobb said, and free up city money to meet other needs.

“Petersburg’s water system is over 100 years old,” Mr. Bobb said. “Such an aging system has multiple leaks, but the city has no capital budget to make repairs.”

City Engineer Daniel Harrison said that the system dates back to the 1880s and includes “aging water mains and clay and cast iron pipes. We do not have an ongoing replacement plan, and our system is close to needing major improvements.”

Petersburg still faces challenges, including maintaining police and fire service.

More than 40 police officers and firefighters reportedly have quit since July as a result of pay cuts. Other key city departments also have lost employees as a result of the financial situation.

Still, Mr. Tyrell sees hope, with the Wells Fargo loan coming before the city ran out of money. “It does give us breathing room,” he said.

He noted that the $6.5 million loan, plus 4.5 percent interest, must be repaid by October 2017. He said his staff is making sure that can happen as part of the redo of the city’s finances.

“We are operating according to the plan presented to City Council” in midNovember, Mr. Bobb said. “Petersburg is still in a crisis mode, and this is not the time to interpret short-term financing as a long-term accomplishment.

“We need for the public and vendors to be patient,” he said. “Our plan is working, and we need cooperation from all to make it successful.”

Trump blows off briefings, reports of Russian hacking Continued from A1

have to be told the same things in the same words every single day for the next eight years,” said the president-elect, who takes office on Jan. 20.

Mr. Panetta said Mr. Trump should heed the view of U.S. intelligence agencies that Russia interfered in the presidential election through cyber attacks.

“When it comes to Russian interference in our last campaign, 17 intelligence agencies agree that Russia is involved in that effort. I think the president would do well to say we ought to find out what Russia’s role was, we ought to investigate it and ensure that it never happens again.”

The CIA reportedly believes Russian hacking was aimed at boosting Mr. Trump’s candidacy — an assessment not shared by the FBI, which has concluded that Russian cyber attacks sought generally to undermine the election.

Mr. Trump called the CIA assessment “ridiculous,” and Russia has denied meddling in the election.

In two posts on Twitter, President-elect Trump also suggested that politics played a role in the news reports on the Russian hacking that emerged late last week.

“Can you imagine if the election results were the opposite

and WE tried to play the Russia/CIA card. It would be called conspiracy theory!” he wrote.

A second tweet said, “Unless you catch ‘hackers’ in the act, it is very hard to determine who was doing the hacking. Why wasn’t this brought up before election?”

On Friday, President Obama ordered a full review of possible Russian hacking. He asked for a final report before he leaves office on Jan. 20. The review will be led by James Clapper, the outgoing director of national intelligence.

Bipartisan calls for an investigation have been growing with reports that American intelligence agencies concluded with “high confidence” that their Russian counterparts directed the hacking of Democratic Party organizations and leaders in an effort to boost Mr. Trump’s campaign and to undermine Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.

Reports also said Russians hacked into the computers of Republican operatives, but unlike that of the Democrats, little of the GOP information was leaked to the public.

“It’s obvious that the Russians hacked into our campaigns,” U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona said in a Reuters interview. “But there is no information that they were intending to affect the outcome of the election, and that’s why we need a congressional investigation.”

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell decried Russian

hacking aimed at interfering in the 2016 presidential election on Monday and said he backs an investigation.

“Any foreign breach of our cyber security measures is disturbing and I strongly condemn any such efforts,” Sen. McConnell said at a news conference. “This simply cannot be a partisan issue.”

Democratic Sen. Mark R. Warner of Virginia commended President Obama for undertaking a comprehensive review of Russian “meddling” in the November election.

“Interference in America’s democracy and our electoral process by any outside power is unacceptable,” said Sen. Warner, who is the incoming vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. “I strongly believe Congress must play a proactive role in this investigation.”

He said he looks forward to “working in a bipartisan manner to ensure this matter is thoroughly investigated.”

The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee also is planning a closed briefing and a public hearing on the Russia hacking issue as soon as the Senate returns from its year-end recess.

“The committee plans to systematically look at this issue and will begin with both a classified briefing and an open hearing in early January when the Senate returns,” said Micah Johnson, a spokeswoman for the panel’s Republican chairman, Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee.

Richmond Free Press

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December 15-17, 2016

Your Health

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Global Health and the Zika Virus What to know, and what to focus on instead

Gonzalo Bearman, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.P. Chair of the Division of Infectious Diseases, Professor of Medicine, Associate Hospital Epidemiologist, VCU Health It seems that every year, the American media landscape lights up with warnings about some exotic new disease for us to fret about: SARS, monkey pox, bird flu, Ebola. And, more recently, the Zika virus.

Why does this keep happening?

“It’s the globalization of travel,” said Gonzalo Bearman, M.D., a professor of medicine and hospital epidemiologist at VCU Health. “It’s easier now than it’s ever been to get from Brazil to India, Africa to North America—anywhere in a day or so.”

Dr. Bearman chose his specialty when, as a student, he found a course on medical microbiology particularly fascinating. And working with infectious diseases would not limit his practice to a particular organ system, as many specialties do.

“Infectious diseases manifest in all kinds of ways,” he said, “so they can affect the whole body.”

Not to mention the whole world. All that jet-setting he mentioned carries pathogens quickly from affected areas to previously unexposed areas, where they can easily thrive in a population that has no immunity. It’s an issue that has grown since our economy has become more global, as the number of people traveling these distances has grown exponentially.

Although Richmond is certainly not a global hub like New York or Miami, it does see a fair number of international travelers coming through. Dr. Bearman says VCU Health is well prepared for dangerous pathogens that might tag along from far-flung places.

“Travel-related infections are certainly a concern,” he said. “VCU Health has a 24/7 infectious disease consult on staff, so we’re able to evaluate any return travelers with a potential infectious disease concern.”

This year, with Ebola finally receding from people’s minds as the disease to keep an eye on, Zika emerged as the one to watch. Named for the Ugandan forest where it was first identified in monkeys, it eventually spread to humans in the 1950s. For many years, it posed no greater risk than the average flu season. In 2015, an outbreak of the virus in Brazil became international news when it was linked to much bigger, more lasting issues, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, a serious condition in which the body’s immune system attacks its nervous system.

Another serious condition also emerged in conjunction with this new outbreak, and it affected the smallest, most vulnerable people touched by the virus.

“We started to see microcephaly in the infants born to infected mothers,” said Dr. Bearman. “That’s a longterm, generational impact of the disease.”

Microcephaly is a condition in which a baby’s head is significantly smaller than that of other children of the

same age. It may be diagnosed at birth, or become apparent as the child grows. Because head growth is initiated by brain growth, microcephaly indicates an underdeveloped brain, which can mean a whole host of lifelong issues— seizures, intellectual disabilities, problems with movement and balance, or hearing and vision impairments.

“In a healthy person, including a pregnant woman, it presents with pretty mild symptoms,” said Dr. Bearman.

“Just aches, pains, fever, maybe a rash. But to a growing fetus, it can really be devastating.”

That new development was cause for alarm across the world in the ensuing months, particularly as Brazil was poised to host the 2016 Olympic Games. Athletes from several nations declined to participate for fear of bringing the virus home to pregnant relatives, especially as evidence grew that it could be transmitted through sexual contact.

“Sexual transmission is actually far less common,” said Dr. Bearman. “Zika is still much, much more commonly spread by mosquitoes, but the fact that it was possible to transmit through sexual contact got a lot of attention.”

While the virus has reached some communities in the U.S., the impact has been relatively minimal. Still, the CDC recommends that pregnant women avoid travel to areas such as South Florida and Puerto Rico, where Zika is active.

After months of research and warnings, the World Health Organization recently announced that it no longer considers Zika to be a global medical emergency—but that’s not as reassuring as it sounds.

“Zika isn’t going away,” said Dr. Bearman. “It’s still important to be vigilant. These things ebb and flow, and seasonal changes mean that things can re-emerge.”

The same precautions promoted during the recent Zika outbreak can help prevent its spread in the coming years: Limit mosquito exposure by wearing long sleeves and pants, and by using window screens and insect repellents. Limit mosquito populations by not allowing stagnant water, where they hatch and thrive, to accumulate around homes.

As the world waits to learn what pathogens will bring the next emergency to us, Dr. Bearman points out that the biggest challenge to global health isn’t what you may think.

“It isn’t a particular disease, or a lack of antibiotics or vaccines,” he said. “It’s poverty. When you have these pathogens that spread widely and easily, and they reach places with high populations and poor health infrastructure—no running water, little education—a disease can do much more damage than it would elsewhere.”

Even in the U.S., where water and education are relatively accessible, poverty creates significant disparities in preventive health measures, such as good nutrition and regular doctor visits. A 2012 report by the Virginia De-

partment of Health revealed substantial inequities in life expectancy, HIV rates, birth outcomes and other health indicators among low-income populations, from rural western counties to cities like Richmond.

As organizations work at global, national and local levels to combat these issues on a large scale, Dr. Bearman says there are things we can all do on a personal level to improve our odds for a long and healthy life.

“The biggest impact you can have isn’t worrying about outbreaks, it’s taking care of your general health,” he said. “It sounds cliché, but quit smoking, don’t drink too much, stay at a healthy weight. Make sure you’re getting good nutrition.”

All of these things will not only keep you generally well, Bearman says, but they will help to keep you out of the hospital, where there is often additional risk of infection as so many patients with different conditions are healing under one roof. In his work as a hospital epidemiologist, his concern is keeping these hospital-acquired infections to a minimum.

“Patients should stay out of the hospital to the fullest extent possible,” he said.

Still, most of us will be admitted at some point in our lives. When that happens, Dr. Bearman says patients should not be afraid to monitor their providers’ infection-control practices and speak up—even seasoned professionals can get distracted and busy, and may benefit from a little reminder.

“It is fair and reasonable for patients and families to remind physicians and nurses to wash their hands,” said Dr. Bearman.

But he warns against being an alarmist, in the hospital or at home, even when outbreaks dominate the news. That starts with getting accurate information from responsible and knowledgeable organizations.

“Make sure you’re getting your information from credible sources,” he said. “Don’t believe everything you read or hear about what’s going around. The CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cdc.gov] will give you a very realistic sense of your risk and what you can do.”

Things to consider when traveling to Zika hotspots and at home • Mosquitoes that spread Zika are aggressive daytime biters.

• Use insect repellent. It works. Look for for the active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, 2-undecanone • Wear long sleeved shirts and long pants.

• Use screens on windows and doors.

Your Journey to Wellness Starts Here

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Richmond Free Press

December 15-17, 2016

News

Painful testimony from 72-year-old survivor of S.C. church massacre

By Harriet McLeod Reuters

CHARLESTON, S.C. A 72-year-old retired nurse recounted for jurors on Wednesday how she cowered under a table while Dylann Roof killed nine of her fellow worshippers at a historic black church but spared her so she could tell the story of what he had done.

Polly Sheppard was the last person to testify for the prosecution at Mr. Roof’s federal hate crimes trial in Charleston, S.C. After she detailed the bloodshed at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in June 2015, Mr. Roof told the judge he did not want to testify and the defense rested its case without calling any witnesses.

Lawyers are set to give their closing arguments Thursday.

There is little doubt about Mr. Roof’s guilt. The 22-year-old, a self-described white supremacist, confessed to the crime in a videotaped interview and has offered to plead guilty if prosecutors halt their quest for a death sentence.

Federal prosecutors refused, however, and the penalty phase of Mr. Roof’s trial will get under way in January if he is convicted of federal hate crimes resulting in death, obstruction of religion and firearms violations.

Ms. Sheppard’s eyewitness account added to the chilling testimony and evidence jurors will consider. While she was on the stand, jurors heard the tape of her pleading with emergency dispatchers for help after the shootings.

“Please come,” she said, describing how a white gunman had shot the church’s pastor, the Rev. Clementa Pinckney who also served in the South Carolina Senate, and others attending a Bible study.

Ms. Sheppard, a member of the church’s trustee board, was composed while testifying how Mr. Roof opened fire after parishioners had closed their eyes in prayer.

She said she thought the sound was something electrical until she heard Felicia Sanders screaming, “He’s shooting everybody, Miss Polly!”

Ms. Sheppard dived under a table and prayed aloud as the shots rang out, she testified. Mr. Roof told her to shut up.

“Have I shot you yet?” Ms. Sheppard said he asked her.

When she responded no, Ms. Sheppard said Mr. Roof told her, “I’m not going to. I’m going to leave you here to tell the story.”

Ms. Sanders, 59, and a young girl at the church meeting also survived. Ms. Sanders was the first prosecution witness.

Jurors earlier on Wednesday heard a grim accounting of the multiple gunshot wounds suffered by the dead.

Susie Jackson, the oldest victim at 87, was hit at least 10 times, a forensic pathologist testified. Rev. Pinckney died from five gunshots.

In testimony earlier in the week, jurors learned that investigators found handwritten lists of mostly African-American parishes around South Carolina during a search of Mr. Roof’s car.

Mr. Roof confessed he targeted the historic Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church because he knew black people would be gathered there. The significance of the other churches was not explained at the trial.

State crime scene investigator Brittany Burke testified that the lists included other African Methodist Episcopal churches, a predominantly black Baptist church and a black Roman Catholic

church in Charleston.

By law, Shooter’s Choice was allowed to Mr. Roof noted the addresses, phone numsell the gun to Mr. Roof after three days if a bers and hours for churches elsewhere in the background check had not come back with state as well, Ms. Burke said. information disallowing the purchase.

Jurors also heard excerpts from Mr. Roof’s On June 29, 2015, 12 days after the masonline manifesto, where he criticized minorisacre, the store received notification of Mr. ties and Jews.

Roof being ineligible to buy the weapon, Mr. Two months before the shooting, Mr. Roof Thrailkill said. purchased a pistol and stockpiled ammuniMr. Roof told police after an arrest at a tion, a South Carolina gun store manager mall in February 2015 that he used narcottestified. ics, an admission that should have led to the Security video showed Mr. Roof shopping gun sale being blocked, FBI Director James and filling out a background check form at Comey has said.

Shooter’s Choice in West Columbia on April “How many times do you receive a denial 11, 2015. of the sale of a gun after the gun has been He returned on April 16 to pick up the used in a crime?” Assistant U.S. Attorney .45-caliber Glock, which he is accused of Jay Richardson asked Mr. Thrailkill on using in the shooting, and to buy five magaMonday.

Ms. Sheppard zines, each capable of holding 13 rounds, “Never,” Mr. Thrailkill testified. store manager Ronnie Thrailkill testified. Mr. Roof returned Mr. Roof also faces a death sentence if found guilty of murder on April 27 for additional magazines. charges in state court. That trial is slated for next year.

Attorney general: Hate crimes tear at the fabric of our communities Free Press wire report

STERLING Hate crimes tear at the fabric of American communities and represent a stain on the country’s soul, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch said at a mosque and Muslim community center on Monday.

The nation’s top law enforcement officer spoke at the All Dulles Area Muslim Society Center as law enforcement across the country confronts a spike in hate crimes targeting Muslims.

Her speech at an interfaith gathering in the waning weeks of the Obama administration was intended to reaffirm the U.S. Justice Department’s commitment to safeguarding civil rights and protecting racial and religious minorities.

But she also acknowledged concerns from minorities that divisive rhetoric and a new administration could lead to an erosion of some of the progress she said had been made in the last eight years.

Recently released FBI statistics show that the number of hate crimes targeting Muslims that were reported to law enforcement rose by 67 percent in 2015. That’s the largest number since the year of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

Overall, hate crimes rose by 6 percent last year.

Many hate crimes go unreported.

“Behind every number is a person,” Ms. Lynch said. “Behind every statistic is someone whose rights have been violated.

Ms. Lynch Behind the pages of the reports lie communities who are now more afraid than before and more afraid than any American should ever feel.”

Hate crimes, she said, should be of concern to every American.

They tear at the “fabric of our communities. They also stain our dearest ideals; they stain our nation’s very soul.”

The FBI and Justice Department are responsible for investigating and prosecuting hate crimes under federal law.

A Connecticut man who fired a rifle at a mosque and a North Carolina man who ripped off a woman’s hijab on an airplane are among those convicted of hate crimes in recent months.

Ms. Lynch traveled Tuesday to New

York City for a discussion with lesbian, gay and transgender youths at Harvey Milk High School. She also visited the Stonewall Inn and the new Stonewall National Monument, the site of a 1969 clash that sparked the gay rights movement.

Ms. Lynch, who this year sued the state of North Carolina over a bathroom bill the administration said discriminated against transgender individuals, said a “pernicious thread” connects hate crimes, regardless of the target.

She linked an assault on a transgender man to violence against a woman wearing a hijab and to the June 2015 slaying of nine African-American men and women at a church bible study in Charleston, S.C. In an apparent reference to the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, Ms. Lynch said she was aware of the anxiety that the Justice Department’s civil rights work might slide backward.

She acknowledged a trend of divisive rhetoric has made people concerned they could be in danger based on where they pray or what they look like.

But she said the work would continue.

“Is it going to be hard?” she asked.

“Yes, it’s always been hard.”

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December 15-17, 2016

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Richmond Free Press

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December 15-17, 2016

Free and fair election?

Free and fair elections.

That has been the chief U.S. rallying cry for decades regarding elections in countries around the globe, including South Africa, Venezuela, Palestine and even Iran.

The United States has even backed efforts by the United Nations to provide technical assistance and send observers to member states to ensure the integrity of elections under the principles set up in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights — “that the will of the people, as expressed through periodic and genuine elections, shall be the basis of government authority.”

Suddenly, we find our own nation facing the hair-raising question of whether the November 2016 U.S. presidential election was actually free and fair. Did the Russians interfere in the democratic process we all believe in? Did Russian cyber intrusion impact voting machines and election results to help President-elect Donald Trump win?

U.S. intelligence agencies, including the CIA and National Security Agency, believe so.

According to recent published accounts, intelligence officials reportedly briefed President Obama and top congressional intelligence committee leaders about their suspicions and findings before the Nov. 8 election. But GOP leaders refused President Obama’s request for a bipartisan statement urging state and local officials to accept federal help in protecting voter registration and balloting machines from Russian intrusion. As a result, nothing was said publicly, and we don’t know how much — if anything — was done to protect the integrity of the presidential contest.

President-elect Trump has blown off the intelligence findings. His transition team wrote in a statement issued Friday: “These are the same people that said Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. The election ended a long time ago in one of the biggest Electoral College victories in history. It’s now time to move on and ‘Make America Great Again.’ ” Finally this week, top congressional leaders have begun calling for an investigation into Russian attempts to influence the election. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the Kentucky Republican who has blocked President Obama at every turn, has called any foreign breach “disturbing,” adding, “I strongly condemn any such efforts.”

The right to vote is the bedrock of democracy in the United States. And free and fair elections are the standard this nation espouses and by which it measures others. So we are horrified that the American people — including some members of Congress — have remained silent on this issue.

How can we accept the inauguration of a new president in just more than 30 days when we are uncertain whether the election process was corrupted by outside influences?

We demand an immediate and full investigation into whether the results of the U.S. presidential election were compromised by operatives from another nation or by any internal source. Until such a probe is completed and the results made public, we will harbor doubts about the integrity of the U.S. voting process and the election of Republican Donald Trump as president.

Moving forward We are relieved the investigation of Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ administration and the alleged use of city resources in the construction of the new Chesterfield sanctuary by the mayor’s church, First Baptist Church of South Richmond, has been completed.

The good news for both the mayor, whose term in office ends in just a couple of weeks, and the city: No criminal wrongdoing was found in the investigation led by Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael N. Herring.

The Virginia State Police and the FBI were involved in the investigation launched in January 2015. The most damaging part of the report concluded that while the practice of Mayor Jones employing church members in executive level positions within the city smacked of cronyism, the practice is not criminal.

“The investigation revealed the ease with which dual priorities for City of Richmond employees leads to the appearance of impropriety, at a minimum,” Mr. Herring’s report stated.

It suggested the need “for serious public discussion — perhaps among newly elected officials — regarding how these practices undermine confidence in our city government.”

We are heartened that no criminal activity was found by investigators. Such a finding would have undercut Mayor Jones’ positive accomplishments for the City of Richmond during his eight years in office.

We thank him for his record of service to the city and wish him well in his future endeavors.

And we look to the future success of the city under the new leadership of Mayor-elect Levar Stoney and a new City Council.

We hope they will take to heart the lessons of the Herring report and work to ensure that cronyism through church affiliation isn’t supplanted with cronyism from within the Democratic Party, state government or other affiliations.

Cronyism for whatever reason is abhorrent. Our city is facing serious problems. And we need the best talent possible to bring clear and workable solutions to those problems. Creative minds, with an emphasis on fairness, inclusion, transparency and accountability, will help Mayorelect Stoney move the city forward.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Bitter pill to swallow When Donald Trump was running for president, he specifically targeted the white working class, telling them he would prevent their jobs from leaving the country, bring back manufacturing jobs and revive the oil and steel industries.

He hasn’t taken office yet, but he already has celebrated the fact that Carrier, a heating and air conditioner manufacturer in Indianapolis, Ind., has agreed to keep jobs in the United States, even though the company had announced earlier that it would move jobs to Mexico.

The Carrier deal Presidentelect Trump has been crowing about is so deceptive that some business writers describe it as a scam and a union leader accused President-elect Trump of lying.

The Republican says he saved more than a thousand jobs, but the real number may be closer to 730. Carrier still plans to relocate more than 500 jobs to Mexico and planned to keep about 300 jobs in the United States.

So President-elect Trump may have “saved” 400 jobs, not 800 or 1,000. His vice president-elect, Mike Pence, the governor of Indiana, had to give up $7 million in tax benefits to keep the jobs here. Mr. Trump and Mr. Pence also have signaled they are willing to play “Let’s Make

Julianne Malveaux a Deal” on a case by case basis to keep jobs in the United States, instead of using public policy to encourage the development of U.S. jobs and to limit the mobility of capital. Carrier still is closing another Indiana plant, but there has been no intervention for that closure.

Now Mr. Trump has indicated that Andrew F. Puzder is his choice for U.S. Secretary of Labor. Mr. Puzder is the CEO of CKE Restaurant Holdings, a company that franchises Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. fast food outlets. He has opposed minimum wage increases, worker protections, paid sick leave and the Affordable Care Act. He has said that he welcomes automation in the restaurant industry because machines are “always

polite … never take a vacation, never show up late, there’s never a slip and fall or an age, sex, or race discrimination case.”

While the federal Department of Labor has been the advocate for workers, Mr. Puzder seems to be an advocate for worker exploitation.

OK all of you working-class white folks, particularly those of you who voted for Mr. Trump, are you ready to swallow a bitter pill? Mr. Trump has shown you, yet again, what he thinks of you.

Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin wrote about President Abraham Lincoln’s Team of Rivals. What Mr. Trump seems to have assembled is a team of warmongering generals and bombastic billionaires for his cabinet. The Puzder nomination is consistent with Mr. Trump’s philosophy, but it is inconsistent with the notion that the Labor Department should be an advocate for workers and should regulate labor markets and enforce labor legislation.

The minimum wage was stuck at $5.15 an hour for10 years before it increased in 2007. Then Congress approved a three-step increase, raising the minimum wage to $5.85 an hour in July 2007, then $6.55 an hour in 2008

Know your HIV status

I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the past eight years. Here and around the world, over 18 million p e o p l e a re receiving the treatment and care they need — millions of infections have been prevented. What once seemed like an impossible dream, the dream of an AIDS-free generation, is within our grasp. But we know that there’s work to do to banish stigma, save lives and empower everyone to reach their potential…Today we remember those we’ve lost, and reflect on the extraordinary progress we’ve won. We give thanks to the heroes on the front lines of this fight and tomorrow we get back out there, because together, we can do this.” — President Obama’s video message for World AIDS Day on Dec. 1 On June 5, 1981, the Centers for Disease Control published its weekly Morbidity and Mortality Report. The report, which described five cases of previously healthy, young gay men in Los Angeles infected with a rare lung infection, eventually would become recognized as the first official report on HIV/AIDS in the United States.

Since the start of the epidemic 35 years ago, an estimated 35 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses around the globe. In the United States alone, more than 700,000 people have died an AIDS death since the beginning of the epidemic.

Thirty-five years ago, testing

HIV-positive was an automatic death sentence. But today, as a result of targeted HIV prevention efforts, rapid testing, advances in treatment and increased access to life-saving health care, what was once a death sentence in

Marc H. Morial many cases, is now a chronic disease that can be lived with and managed.

More than 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV, according to the CDC. New infections are down from their peaks in the 1980s and 1990s, with the CDC estimating that new HIV diagnoses have fallen by 19 percent from 2005 to 2014. The death rate from AIDSrelated illnesses has dropped by 30 percent, approaching our nation’s 2020 target rate.

As we celebrate those numbers, we must keep in mind that the epidemic is far from over and that our progress in combating this disease has been uneven and remains riddled with all-too-familiar racial and socioeconomic disparities. African-Americans and Latinos continue to bear the disproportionate burden of HIV infection in our nation.

In 2015, African-Americans, who represent 12 percent of the U.S. population, accounted for 45 percent of HIV diagnoses, while Latinos, who represent 18 percent of the U.S. population, accounted for 24 percent of HIV diagnoses.

Regionally, the South is experiencing higher infection rates, illness and deaths than any other U.S. region, with the

Southern states accounting for close to half —an estimated 44 percent — of all people living with an HIV diagnosis in the United States.

For those of us on the front lines of the battle against this epidemic, these numbers are a call to action to put an end to HIV with leadership and commitment that amplifies our impact in all communities ravaged by this disease. It is also a vivid reminder that health, health care, disease and its dissemination and eradication do not exist in a cultural or social vacuum.

The link between health, social and economic equity and our vision of an AIDS-free generation is real and borne out by the shocking rate of HIV/AIDS in communities of color and vulnerable populations. Given the disproportionate impact of the epidemic in communities of color, effectively addressing HIV/AIDS in the United States also means addressing poverty and a lack of access to health care.

Here is a final sobering statistic: 1 in 8 people living with HIV in the United States are unaware of their status. We cannot fight what we don’t know.

We need leadership from service providers, advocates, doctors and government officials, but all of us, have a role to play on the journey towards an AIDS-free generation. Protect yourself and reduce the risk of spreading HIV, or any STD, by getting tested and knowing your status. We must all commit to keeping our communities healthy.

The writer is president of the National Urban League.

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

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

and finally increasing to $7.25 an hour in 2009. It has been stuck there ever since.

President Obama has recommended an increase of the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour, less than the $15 an hour that many activists are advocating through the Fight for 15. Mr. Puzder does not think the minimum wage should be more than $9 an hour. He also opposes Obama Administration efforts to give overtime pay to more workers.

It would be crass to say that Mr. Puzder purchased his nomination to the Trump cabinet, but it is important to note that he contributed more than $300,000 to the president-elect’s campaign.

Lots of people who voted for Mr. Trump swear they aren’t racists and say they simply voted for “change.” If Mr. Trump and Mr. Puzder have their way, they’ll get chump change for hourly pay. Is that the change they want to believe in?

The writer is an economist and author.

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Letters to the Editor

‘German-Americans and Italian-Americans also were interned during WWII’ Re editorial, “The lessons of war,” Dec. 8-10 edition: Why did you not tell the rest of the story of internment?

That is that German-Americans and Italian-Americans also were interned during World War II. German-Americans were taken from their homes and their

workplaces, as were Japanese-Americans. German-American families also were destroyed.

By the way, no legislation by President Reagan or any other president apologized for the egregious act of internment of German-Americans. Nor were German-Americans paid by

the U.S. government for being victims of internment.

I was a U.S.-born internee at age 12.

ARTHUR D. JACOBS Tempe, Ariz.

The writer is a retired major in the U.S. Air Force.

Tips to avoid the holiday blues

By Alphonso Gibbs Jr.

The six weeks encompassing Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s are for most a magically unique time of year. But for many, the holidays bring hurt. Caused by factors including the weather, separation, death, stress, unrealistic expectations, hyper-sentimentality, guilt or overspending, holiday depression can zap the merriment out of even the most wonderful time of the year.

Holiday depression, or holiday blues, affects 1 million people every year. Men and women, young and old, fall victim to feelings of sadness, loneliness, anxiety, guilt and fatigue during this emotionally charged season.

Mental health has been in news headlines recently after two famous entertainers have acknowledged their struggles with depression. Popular rappers Kanye West and Kid Cudi, two African-American men considered at the top of their game, announced their own struggles. Within weeks of each other, both Mr. West and Kid Cudi sought treatment for their mental health. This could help lead to a greater awareness and help others to seek help.

Kid Cudi penned a open and honest Facebook letter to his fans: “It’s been difficult for me to find the words to what I’m about to share with you because I feel ashamed,” he wrote. “I simply am a damaged human swimming in a pool of emotions every day of my life.”

Men’s Health Network offers the following 10 suggestions to help people identify and ward off — or at least better cope with –– potential sources of holiday depression.

1. Acknowledge that you’re hurting. Others may expect certain attitudes and behaviors from you that you may not feel.

The retail industry’s holiday hype presents an overly sentimental, nostalgic and even imaginary notion of the holidays, usually to try to sell you something. Still, feelings of sadness, loneliness or depression don’t automatically vanish just because it’s the holidays. Acknowledge your pain, be open and honest with

others, refuse to feel guilty and get help if necessary. It’s OK to laugh! Don’t be afraid. You won’t be struck by a bolt of lightning for laughing.

2. Have a plan to deal with your feelings. Try to surround yourself with people who care about and support you — family, friends or church members. Invest in an exercise program.

Aerobic activities such as walking, running and cycling are recommended because of their mood-elevating ability. Take time to write your thoughts down. Sometimes, just the act of putting your thoughts on paper helps to get it out. If necessary, see your

Commentary doctor or therapist. Learn to say “no.” Others’ expectations are not a reason for your own mental health to suffer.

3. Set realistic expectations. Keep your expectations realistic rather than perfectionistic. Prioritize and reduce self-imposed holiday preparations. Delegate responsibilities. Realistically plan your budget, spending and shopping. Do less and enjoy more. Obsessing over endless details is bound to change this long-awaited, season from a time of exuberance to one of exhaustion. Make it a point to be honest with yourself, and if necessary and possible, limit the time, situations and people you want to be around. When you’ve had enough, make sure that you have a way to leave or step away. If possible, let someone you trust know in advance, so that you aren’t put in an even more stressful position of having to explain yourself when you unplug.

4. Take time for yourself. Why is it called holiday depression?

Because for most people, these feelings don’t occur at other times of the year. Remind yourself of what you enjoyed during the previous months, then continue them during the holidays. Make yourself a priority. Getting enough rest, eating and drinking in moderation, exercising and continuing other favorite activities can maintain normalcy, routine, control and predictability.

5. Consider that your depression actually may be caused

by this time of year. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, occurs because of reduced exposure to sunlight, which is what happens during the holiday season when daylight hours are shorter. Check with your doctor to see if light therapy might be beneficial.

6. Help others. Soup kitchens, homeless shelters, nursing homes, churches and scores of other organizations can always use volunteers. Additionally, you’ll benefit from the company of other people rather than being alone. Tell those who care about you what you do or don’t need from them. They often don’t know how to help, or what to say, but want to.

7. Bury the hatchet. Perfect families don’t magically appear during the holidays, but family conflicts can. Letting go and forgiving can help heal past wounds. Additionally, family feuds can even be deliberately set aside until after the hightension holidays in order to facilitate the peace and enjoyment of everyone at this special time.

8. Start your own traditions. Both families and traditions change with time. Rather than reminiscing about the “good old days,” accept the fact that change may be necessary, grasp the season as it is now, look forward to the future and create your own family traditions that can be enjoyed and even preserved for future generations.

9. Keep your alcohol intake low. Don’t pour gasoline on a fire. Remember, alcohol has a depressive effect on your nervous system, so if you’re experiencing the holiday blues, drinking too much alcohol will only worsen your depression.

10. Rededicate yourself to your spirituality. The reason for the season often is swallowed up by maddening materialism that can distract from the history, meaning and significance of holiday celebrations. Step back, slow down and refocus on transcendent, eternal matters. Rededicate yourself to spiritual pursuits, such as church attendance, church work, prayer life and other disciplines. Regain the focus originally intended by this time of year.

The writer is a licensed clinical social worker.

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Richmond Free Press

A10 December 15-17, 2016

Sports

Stories by Fred Jeter

N.C. Central plays Grambling in Saturday’s Celebration Bowl College football’s overall champion won’t be decided until Jan. 9 in Tampa with the University of Alabama, Clemson University, the University of Washington and Ohio State University the contenders.

The crowning of an HBCU football champ comes much sooner.

North Carolina Central University and Grambling State University of Louisiana meet in a noon kickoff Saturday, Dec. 17, at Atlanta’s Georgia Dome in the second Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl.

The game will be televised on ABC. At stake is the Black Colleges National Football Championship.

NCCU, 9-2, earned a ticket to Atlanta as MEAC champion.

Grambling, 11-1, took top honors in SWAC. MEAC and SWAC are the only HBCU conferences with NCAA Division I (Football Championship Subdivision) status.

The only other Division I HBCU is Tennessee State University of the Ohio Valley Conference.

TSU was 7-4 this season.

Richmond area fans will have a “hometown rooting interest” while viewing the Celebration Bowl. NCCU’s senior quarterback is native Richmonder Malcolm Bell, a former Henrico High School star.

The mobile Bell passed for 16 touchdowns and ran for nine more this season for the Eagles.

Grambling also boasts a standout quarterback in junior Devante Kincade, a transfer from the University of Mississippi. Earning SWAC Offensive Player of the Year honors, the Dallas native passed for 29 touchdowns and ran for six more.

Grambling ranks with the most storied programs of all time, starting with its former coach. The late Eddie Robinson coached Grambling from 1941 to 1997, compiling a record of 408-165-15.

Coach Robinson developed four NFL Hall of Fame selections — Willie Brown, Buck Buchanan, Willie Davis and Charlie Joiner.

Other Grambling alumni include James Harris, the first AfricanAmerican NFL starting quarterback (1969 in Buffalo), and Doug Williams, the first AfricanAmerican quarterback on a winning Super Bowl team (1988 with Washington).

In all, some 107 Grambling athletes have played in the NFL. NCCU has been in and out, and in and back out of the CIAA during its athletic history.

Formerly known as North Carolina College for Negroes, NCCU first joined the CIAA in 1924. That was 12 years after the CIAA was founded. It is the oldest African-American athletic conference in the nation.

NCCU left the CIAA to join MEAC in 1970, returned to the CIAA in 1980 and left a second time in 2007.

A few NCCU football notables: NCCU is the alma mater of offensive guard

Doug Wilkerson, who played 14 NFL seasons with the San Diego Chargers and is a member of the Chargers’ Hall of Fame.

Richard Sligh, NCCU Class of 1967, played for the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl II. At 7 feet, Sligh is the tallest player in NFL history.

John Baker played 10 NFL seasons as defensive end and is famous for a ferocious hit in 1964 that left New York Giants quarterback Y.A. Tittle bloodied and helmetless. Baker was with the Pittsburgh Steelers at the time. The Tittle photo was the Associated Press Sports Photo of the Year for 1964.

Henry Lattimore coached NCCU football from 1979 to 1990, won 72 games and was among the first in the CIAA to install a wideopen passing attack. Coach Lattimore later coached at Virginia Union University in 1993 and 1994.

Under Coach Lattimore, quarterback Earl Harvey broke 15 NCAADivision II career records, including 690 completions, 10,621 passing yards and 86 touchdowns from 1985 through 1988.

JeQuan Lewis pushing VCU Rams to the win Whether the distance is 15 feet or 21 feet, JeQuan Lewis is the player Virginia Commonwealth University wants taking the shots.

Lewis’ accuracy from both launching stations is a primary reason the Rams are 7-3. The Rams play Middle Tennessee State University at the Siegel Center on Saturday, Dec. 17.

The senior guard from Dickson, Tenn., was at his best in VCU’s 67-64 win last Saturday over Old Dominion University in Norfolk.

Helping erase an 11-point, late-game deficit, Lewis saved 17 of his 20 points for after intermission. That included 12 points in a decisive 16-1 Rams run in the waning minutes.

In foiling the host Monarchs and their raucous sellout crowd, Lewis hit 5 of 8 behind the arc — actually 20 feet, 9 inches — and 3 of 4 at the foul line at 15 feet.

Lewis, who was recruited to VCU by former Coach Shaka Smart, wears black and gold Tennessee Test Saturday, Dec. 17 Virginia Commonwealth University (7-3) takes on Middle Tennessee State University (9-1) at the Siegel Center.

Tipoff: 7 p.m.

Game to be broadcast on the American Sports Network.

jersey No. 1 and is No. 1 in several statistical categories.

On the season, Lewis tops the Rams with a 15-point average, while sharing primary ballhandling chores with Jonathan Williams.

He also is the individual leader in 3-pointers (30 for 63, or 48 percent) and foul shooting (29 of 35, 83 percent).

Lewis’ career .821 foul-line mark is VCU’s all-time best — at least for the time being.

Lewis is just ahead of Calvin Duncan (.818, 1981-85) on the career list.

Middle Tennessee State poses a major threat even at the Siegel Center, where an 87th straight sellout crowd is anticipated.

The Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders from Conference USA — the same conference as ODU — are 9-1 with impressive wins over Vanderbilt University and the University of Mississippi from the Southeast

Conference (SEC).

The Rams defeated Middle Tennessee State last year in Murfreesboro, Tenn., but the Raiders went on to win the Conference USA tournament and defeat Michigan State University in the NCAA tournament.

The VCU-Middle Tennessee State rivalry dates to 1973, when the Raiders were part of the Ohio Valley Conference.

During VCU’s Division I infancy in the early to mid-

1970s, Ohio Valley Conference schools were most willing to play the then-fledgling independent Rams.

Middle Tennessee State, Murray State, Eastern Kentucky, Western Kentucky, East Tennessee, Tennessee Tech and Austin Peay universities were among VCU’s first Division I opponents.

There was speculation then that Chuck Noe, then the VCU coach and athletic direc-

tor, made overtures to the conference about joining.

The deal JeQuan Lewis breaker was likely VCU’s absence of football.

Middle Tennessee State, with more than 22,000 students, left the Ohio Valley Conference in 2000 and competed in the Sun Belt Conference before joining Conference USA in 2013.

Tall men help John Marshall open season with wins Surprisingly, the Richmond area’s tallest basketball team might represent a high school rather than a college.

John Marshall High School’s front line just may have an inch or two over the likes of Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of Richmond and Virginia Union University.

The Justices first five features 6-foot-10 freshman Isaiah Todd and two seniors, 6-foot-7 Isaiah Anderson and 6-foot-6 Greg Jones.

Their high altitude already has inspired such nicknames as the “Blue Forest” and “Tree-mendous Trio.”

“It’s certainly the tallest team I’ve had since I’ve been here,” said the Justices’ eighth-year Coach Ty White. “But we don’t have to pound it inside. Our bigs are versatile enough to play fast or slow.”

Coach White’s North Siders opened with a 100-40 win over Norfolk Collegiate and a 78-54 victory over George Wythe High School. On Dec. 10, the team beat Kecoughtan High School in Hampton 80-42, and on Dec. 12, beat Armstrong High School 57-54, bringing the team’s record so far to 4-0. After four games, Jones is averaging 23 points per game; Todd, 14 points per game; and Anderson, 13.

Here are some early assessments: Isaiah Todd:Among the nation’s top prospects from the Class of 2020, the transfer student from Baltimore seems more comfortable facing the basket than posting up.

“Isaiah is fluid and skilled, but still a work in progress,” said Coach White. “He needs to improve on his physicality.”

Colleges are convinced he will. Todd’s list of full scholarship offers already includes the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest and St. John’s universities and the University of Kansas.

Isaiah Anderson: The 240-pound Anderson doubles as football quarterback and likely will opt for the gridiron in college.

In a strange set of circumstances, Anderson played basketball and football for John Marshall last year, then transferred to Benedictine, where he played football this past fall.

Now he’s back on the North Side.

“A pleasant surprise,” said Coach White of Anderson’s return.

Greg Jones: The James Madison University signee has expanded his skill set, adding a soft outside touch and crisper ball handling.

“Greg has always been a physical kid with a nose for a ball. But now he’ll be able to play the 3 (wing forward) at JMU.” Coach White is excited about his sophomore back court, calling 6-foot Levar Allen “maybe the best point guard in the state” and 6-foot-2 DeMarr McRae “crazy athletic.”

And then there’s John Marshall High’s “coach in the stands,” the venerable Carl Peal.

“Coming from Petersburg, you can’t help but know Coach Peal,” said Coach White.

Coach Peal, who regularly sits behind the John Marshall bench, was coach of Petersburg squads starring Moses Malone that won 50 straight games and consecutive state titles in 1973-1974.

“Coach Peal critiques me after our games,” said Coach White. “In fact, he even offers tips before the game after watching the other team warm up. He’ll say something like, ‘Better watch No. 24; He’s got the hot hand.’ Coach Peal is still coaching me.”

Coincidentally, John Marshall ninth-grader Todd may be the most ballyhooed big man to debut in the area since Malone broke in with Coach Peal’s Crimson Wave nearly five decades ago.

Aron Stewart’s retired number not really retired at UR Insisting “I’ve been discriminated against for 42 years,” Aron Stewart remains bitter toward his alma mater, the University of Richmond.

Stewart contends — with supporting evidence — he was promised his basketball jersey, No. 30, would be retired decades ago.

Instead, No. 30 has been worn by four members of the Spiders team, including current backup guard Jesse Pistokache.

“I was UR’s pioneering black superstar … I should have been treated better,” Stewart, now 66, told the Richmond Free Press.

UR Athletic Director Keith Gill declined to comment.

Here’s what history tells us: From Jersey City, N.J., Stewart transferred to UR from Essex Community College in New Jersey prior to the 1972-73 season and sparkled under Spiders Coach Lewis Mills.

He became the second African-American to play for UR following Carlton Mack, who joined the team in 1971.

In two brilliant seasons, Stewart averaged 30.2 points per game as a junior and 26.5 as a senior. His 28.1 points per game career mark is UR’s all-time high.

The 6-foot-5 forward also averaged 12 rebounds and helped what had been a struggling UR program ascend from mediocrity to a near NCAA berth. The Spiders reached the Southern Conference tournament final in 1974, losing to Furman University, within one victory of a first-ever NCAA bid.

Stewart was named Southern Conference Player of the Year

At the Aron Stewart Day ceremony in February 1974, the University of Richmond basketball star is presented with a trophy by UR President E. Bruce Heilman, while former Coach Mac Pitt, far left, applauds.

in 1973 and the Southern Conference Tournament Most Valuable Player in 1974.

He was honored with “Aron Stewart Day” Feb. 23, 1974, during UR’s regular season finale against the College of William & Mary. During the midcourt, halftime ceremony at the Robins Center, UR’s legendary Coach Malcolm “Mac” Pitt told Stewart on the public address system that “No. 30 will never be worn again by a Spider basketball player.”

That quote appeared in published reports in a daily Richmond newspaper.

Coach Pitt was 81 at the time and retired from active UR duties. He was a former Spiders’ baseball, basketball and football coach and served as athletic director from 1942 to 1967. While he may have been breaking protocol by declaring Stewart’s number would be retired, he clearly ranks with most revered people in UR annals. He died in 1985.

Other speakers for “Stewart Day” were Coach Mills, radio announcer Frank Soden and then UR President E. Bruce Heilman.

In the better part of a century of hoops, UR has retired only three numbers — No. 22, Warren Mills; No. 20, Johnny Newman; and No. 14, Kevin Anderson.

Newman and Anderson are African-American.

In 2010, Stewart was named to UR’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

He did not attend the ceremony, however, convinced the honor was much too long overdue.

With the Hall of Fame issue settled, albeit with frayed feelings, Stewart now is focusing on the jersey controversy. He has launched a petition on Change.org, seeking support for his cause.

As of Dec. 6, he had 74 supporters.

“I feel my career was for naught,” Stewart said. “It’s pure racism. I’m not going to dress it up.”

Stewart, a superb athlete who jump-started UR’s basketball program, also helped open the doors more widely at UR for athletes of color to follow. Now, instead of basking in the glow of his success, he’s overwhelmed with frustration.

December 15-170, 2016 B1

Section

B

Richmond Free Press

Happenings

Personality: Dr. Sonja Johns Spotlight on president of the Old Dominion Medical Society As president of the Old Dominion Medical Society, Dr. Sonja Johns is looking to use the organization’s lobbying power to ensure that all Virginians have access to quality health care.

The Old Dominion Medical Society represents African-American physicians who practice medicine within Virginia.

Founded in 1905, the society currently has nearly 60 members.

Its mission: “To serve as an organized and informed voice for minority physicians and their patients in the Commonwealth of Virginia,” according to Dr. Johns.

The society fosters within its membership professional integrity, ethical conduct and the highest quality of health care delivery.

Members serve “not only their patient base, but also serve minority communities through community education and advocacy,” says Dr. Johns.

The graduate of Howard University and its College of Medicine was re-elected to a two-year term as president of the organization in October. The organization, she says, can play an important role in helping to eliminate health disparities.

Among the foremost health challenges AfricanAmericans face are diabetes and hypertension, followed by cardiovascular disease, Dr. Johns says.

In addition to having higher rates of various diseases, African-Americans also face higher death rates compared to others nationally.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, black children have a 500 percent higher death rate from asthma compared to white children.

And African-American adults with cancer are much less likely to survive prostate, breast and lung cancer than white adults, the CDC notes.

Lack of access to health care, obesity and climate change also affect health outcomes for African-Americans, Dr. Johns says.

Not only are personal lifestyle changes critical to health improvements in the African-American community, but federal and state policy decisions also have a great impact.

“Medicaid expansion in Virginia and maintaining and improving the Affordable Care Act” are critical to remedying poor health access for AfricanAmericans statewide, Dr. Johns explains.

In March 2016, more than 378,000 Virginians were covered under private health insurance plans through the federally run health care marketplace or exchange.

Since enrollment for the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, re-opened on Nov. 1, more than 2.1 million Americans have signed up for health cover-

education and espouse patient advocacy.

Cultural sensitivity and awareness in the delivery of health care is: The understanding and respecting of patients of various backgrounds and using that information to provide health care.

Foremost ODMS challenge today: Maintaining relevance to young physicians/ health care providers.

How I plan to meet it: Mail questionnaire or make inquiries of what age that begins in January, attributes young providers including more than 92,000 want in an organization.

Virginians. According to federal estimates, more When and why I knew than 56,000 Virginians who medicine was for me: As currently have off-exchange a 12th-grader, while sitcoverage would be eligible ting in the doctor’s office, for financial subsidies if I decided that I could be a they switched to coverage relatable physician and be through the www.health- an alternative for women. care.gov exchange.

Role of doctors in the Despite the uncertainty community: First, do no of the Affordable Care Act’s harm and strive to posifuture, which has facilitated tively impact your patients’ access to primary care outcomes. Also, to serve as for millions of people, Dr. community educators.

Johns is ready for a fight. Foremost health problems “Medicine is a lifelong that African-Americans learning process and fight face: Cardiovascular disto improve the health of ease secondary to diabetes our patients, not just a way and hypertension; obesity; of life.” lack of access to health Meet this week’s Person- care; health disparities; and ality, Dr. Sonja Johns: climate change.

Area of medical special- Solution to these probization: Family medicine. lems: Lifestyle change and overhaul; proper eating No. 1 volunteer position: habits; exercise; enhance President, Old Dominion health care literacy; MedMedical Society. icaid expansion in Virginia; When elected and length maintain and improve the of term: September 2014 Affordable Care Act; profor two-year term; Re- pose that health care is elected Oct. 1 for another an American right, not a two years. privilege; enact the Clean Predecessor: Dr. Alvin Air Act. Harris of Franklin.

How I start the day: To Date and place of birth: have patience and understanding. To be able to May 13 in Washington. have a positive impact on Current residence: one patient.

Goochland County.

Hobby: Music — singing Alma mater: Howard Uni- and listening to it — and versity, bachelor’s degree in reading. zoology, 1976, and M.D., Prized possession: My 1978. family.

Family: Husband, Roy Sharp Jr.; son, George Person who influenced me Wheeler Jr. and daughters, the most: My mother.

Ashante Yussuf, Chiquita The best thing my parents Wheeler and Maria West. ever taught me was: To Old Dominion Medical have integrity and honesty Society mission: To serve in what I do. Nothing is as an organized and in- better received than when formed voice for minority physicians and their paYOU CAN STILL FILE tients in the Commonwealth Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Get rid of debts that you can’t pay. of Virginia.

My foremost ODMS “Get A Fresh Start” Keep paying on your house and car priority: To maintain as long as you owe what they are worth. the relevance of ODMS Also Chapter 13 “Debt Adjustment” to minority health STOPS FORECLOSURES, GARNISHMENTS AND care providers.

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it is earned.

Best late-night snack: Mixture of mixed nuts, raisins and Craisins.

Book that influenced me the most: “Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We’re Not Hurting” by Terrie M. Williams.

The book I’m reading now: “Peace from Broken Pieces: How to Get Through What You’re Going Through” by Iyanla Vanzant.

If I’ve learned one thing in life, it is: Treat others as you would like to be treated.

Next goal: To retire and await God’s next assignment.

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Richmond Free Press

B2 December 15-17, 2016

Happenings

Photos by Rudolph Powell/Richmond Free Press

ROTC graduates Caron R. Razario, left, a health, physical education and recreation major from Brooklyn, N.Y., and Brianna E. Griffin, a chemistry major from Disputanta, are commissioned as Army officers during commencement by Lt. Col. David Johnson, a military science professor at VSU. Right, Valedictorian Kayla Pinson, a history major from Charlotte, N.C., with a 4.0 GPA, celebrates her achievement as VSU President Makola M. Abdullah, left, prepares to congratulate her.

Roland Martin to VSU grads: ‘Game time is on’

By Saraya Wintersmith

Roland S. Martin, host and managing editor of TV One’s “News One Now,” delivered part-speech, part-sermon Saturday to the 400 fall graduates of Virginia State University.

Everything you have done so far is merely preparation for the game of life, he told the graduates. Where you go, he said, will be shaped what you do after the diplomas are distributed.

“Now the decisions you make will have eternal consequences,” Mr. Martin said. “Decisions you make as a graduate will also determine what life will be like for your children’s children,” he said, recalling how his hardships and successes impacted his own family.

Often, he said, “we look at our lives in terms of just ‘It’s about us,’ when it’s not just about us because you never understand what curveballs life will throw you,” he said. “You lay everything out perfectly, but all of a sudden, things change. Things begin to shift. And so you come up against adversity ... How you react will determine what your future is.”

The award-winning journalist, who also hosts a syndicated daily radio show, “The Roland Martin Show,” urged graduates to move through life’s uncertainties by working hard and seeking divine guidance.

“You are going to face doubt. You are going to face trouble.

You are going to face agony. But if you have faith in God and faith in yourself, you will come back one day to Virginia State and they’re going to recognize you as one of the greatest graduates of the university.

“Now, it’s time for you to get to work,” he said. “Game time is on.”

Senior Kayla M. Pinson, a history major from Charlotte, N.C., was recognized as the graduate with the highest GPA — 4.0.

Before his speech, Mr. Martin asked for a volunteer from the graduating class to come forward and enliven the ceremony through song.

“I was hoping your band was here so we could crank it up,” he said. “Let’s just be clear: I appreciate all commencement songs, but I came to an HBCU.” Students and faculty cheered, recommending John Morris go to the stage.

“I need a really black song,” Mr. Martin told the young man.

“I need Jesus to literally walk through that door.”

“It is now game time. Everything up to this point was in preparation for the game,” Roland S. Martin, host of TV One’s daily morning show NewsOne Now, tells Virginia State University graduates at last Saturday’s Fall Commencement.

VCU grads: Beginning of another journey “Go out and make your parents proud and your families proud,” Todd P. Haymore, Virginia’s secretary of commerce and trade, told Virginia Commonwealth University’s fall graduates.

“Make all of our nation proud,” he said. “But above all else, make yourselves proud.”

Families, friends and new graduates packed the Stuart C. Siegel Center last Saturday for the VCU Fall Commencement. Smaller departmental graduation ceremonies took place throughout last weekend for the 226 different degree and certificate programs in the university’s 13 schools and the College of Arts and Humanities.

Secretary Haymore, the event’s main speaker, was appointed to the cabinet of Gov. Terry McAuliffe in September.

Community dinner, dialogue Dec. 20 Coming to the Table RVA, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping communities “heal from our country’s traumatic past of enslavement,” is hosting its monthly community dinner and dialogue 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, at Ginter Park Presbyterian Church, 3601 Seminary Ave., in North Side.

The monthly dinners are to help attendees strengthen their “personal commitments to collective action for peace,” according to organizers.

The dinner is free and open to the public, but reservations are needed by Sunday, Dec. 18, by contacting martha@ livingintheand.com.

A $7 donation is suggested.

Courtesy of Jay Sharpe

Holiday test run Jay Sharpe, right, and Kevin Stallings take a test drive on tricycles that will be given to Richmond children this holiday. The bikes are among 500 gifts donated at Mr. Sharpe’s third annual holiday party Dec. 8 to collect toys and presents for youngsters. Location: Trinity Baptist Church on North Side. The toys and gifts will be distributed through the church’s Prison Ministry. The event was co-hosted by Mr. Sharpe, a Downtown jeweler, and Antoinette Essa of WTVR CBS 6.

Mr. Morris then gave a rousing a cappella rendition of “When I See Jesus Amen.”

The audience erupted into applause.

VSU President Makola M. Abdullah was pleased at the conclusion of the event.

“It is wonderful to see such an awesome group of young people cross the stage to fulfill the dream that they have and fulfill the dreams of their families,” he told the Free Press. “I’m proud that Virginia State University could be a part of their dreams.”

Saturday marked the first time VSU’s commencement exercises were held at the new $84 million Multi-Purpose Center on campus. The venue, which opened earlier this year, was filled to half-capacity with roughly 2,831 guests on Saturday.

Dr. Abdullah extolled the event’s smooth operation.

“A lot of great people worked together to make this happen.

It’s just a wonderful facility.”

He said holding commencement exercises on campus gives students, their families and friends an added experience.

“It’s a great opportunity for students to say, ‘Hey, I used to live in that building and I took classes in that building,’ and to show some of the young people what a college campus looks like.”

Photo by Thomas M. Kojcsich

Black female entrepreneur, freedom fighter to be put on Canada’s $10 bill

By Rosemary Eng Special to Trice Edney News Wire from NorthStarNewsToday.com

Nine years before Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Ala., bus to a standing white person, a black Canadian woman, Viola Desmond, was dragged to jail by police for sitting in the whites-only section of a movie theater.

Now 70 years later, the black beautician who defied the movie theater law in Nova Scotia will be the face on Canada’s $10 banknote starting in 2018, the Bank of Canada, the country’s central bank, announced on Dec. 8.

Ms. Desmond, a successful businesswoman, was convicted, fined and jailed 30 days for her act of defiance. Her court case was the first known legal challenge to racial segregation brought forth by a black woman in Canada.

At the Bank of Canada announcement, Canadian Finance Minister Bill Morneau said Ms. Desmond’s story of courage, strength and determination “reminds all of us that big change can start with moments of dignity and bravery.”

Her case eventually led to the abolition in 1954 of Nova Scotia’s segregation laws.

Ms. Desmond studied at Madam C. J. Walker’s School in New York, a school started by the entrepreneur and civil rights activist born as Sarah Breedlove. Mrs. Walker became a millionaire with the hair care products she developed for AfricanAmerican women.

Ms. Desmond established Vi’s Studio

of Beauty Culture in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Desmond School of Beauty Culture and developed her own line of beauty products.

After her arrest, Ms. Desmond moved to Montreal. “We don’t know if it was because of the notoriety or if she suffered threats,” commented Craig Smith, president of the Black Cultural Society of Nova Scotia.

Ms. Desmond was unsuccessful in appealing her conviction before her death in 1965. That has not sat well with the Nova Scotian black community. Her story was brought to the attention of Mayann Elizabeth Francis, a Nova Scotian who in 2006 became the Canadian province’s black lieutenant governor. By 2010, Ms. Francis assured that Ms. Desmond received a posthumous free pardon from the Nova Scotia government.

Ms. Desmond will become the first woman to be on the face of a Canadian banknote besides the reigning monarch.

The banknote announcement has sparked new interest in Canadian black history, said Russell Grosse, executive director of African Nova Scotian Museum.

The struggle of black Nova Scotians, who make up about 3 percent of the provincial population, is similar to that of AfricanAmericans. Many are marginalized and unemployed.

Mr. Smith said the original black population was settled on rural land, well outside the city limits. They survived by working in agriculture.

Mr. Smith, who also is a sergeant in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police watch

command in Halifax, said many young black people today are involved with drugs and guns, although not at the same level as in the United States.

They need positive role models, said Mr. Grosse. On President Obama’s inauguration in January 2009, “it was a big thing here.

All across the community, everyone was watching,” he said.

Martin Luther King Day also is celebrated in Nova Scotia. Mr. Smith calls it the “trickle up effect,” when black Canadians are encouraged by the accomplishments of African-Americans.

Of a total of some 2,000 slaves who entered Canada in 1783 and 1784, more than half went to the Atlantic Provinces, with Nova Scotia receiving the largest number.

The treatment of slaves in Canada was just as brutal as in the United States. They were punished for disobeying their masters, whipped, tortured or killed. Eventually, laws changed to make killing slaves as serious a crime as killing a freedman.

A big jump in the Canadian black population started with increased immigration from the Caribbean and Africa.

By 1981, the black population in Canada jumped substantially to 239,500, and then more than doubled to 662,200 by the 2001 census.

To view a film clip on Viola Desmond: https://www.historicacanada.ca/ content/heritage-minutes/viola-desmond To view the Black Cultural Center for Nova Scotia’s presentation on the history of Blacks in Canada: http://www.bccnsweb. com/web/our-history/slavery/

Richmond Free Press

December 15-17, 2016

B3

Happenings

Parade of Lights Festively decorated boats lighted up the James River and the Richmond skyline Saturday night during the 24th Annual Parade of Lights.

About 13 boats participated in the lighted holiday boat parade despite a devastating fire last Friday at the Richmond Yacht Basin that destroyed several boats that were slated to be part of the event.

Richmonders braved cold temperatures to enjoy the procession of boats at Rocketts Landing, just east of Downtown, and from a bird’s eye view above the waterfront at Libby Hill Park.

The yearly holiday event, sponsored by the James River Advisory Council, attracts 6,000 to 8,000 viewers. The 14-mile boat parade on the James River floated from Richmond’s Intermediate Terminal to the Varina-Enon Bridge in Henrico County.

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

A few participating boats begin their 14-mile trek along the James River at Rocketts Landing. Right, As the sun sets last Saturday, spectators await the Parade of Lights while enjoying the view from on their own boat that is decked out for the holiday and docked at Rocketts Landing Marina.

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

‘Clara’s Christmas Gift’

By Holly Rodriguez

Nearly 500 people attended The Dance Candle Academy of Performing and Sacred Arts performance, “Clara’s Christmas Gift,” last Saturday at Virginia Union University.

The production is based on “The Nutcracker,” but with a Christian focus.

The 25-member cast, ranging in age from 3 to 44, gave two performances Saturday.

“Ours is a Christian dance studio,” said Karen Watkins Rios, the academy’s founder and a professional ballet dancer. “In our version of the story, Clara discovers the true meaning of Christmas — the birth of Jesus Christ.”

Ms. Rios’ studio, located in North Side, serves about 50 students. She incorporates Bible studies into her students’ study of classical and contemporary ballet, jazz, tap and flamenco. She also teaches Hatha and flow

yoga classes.

A dancer since the age of 3, Ms. Rios has performed with The Richmond Ballet, The Dance Theater of Harlem and Christian Performing Arts Fellowship. Her work in ballet has enabled her to travel to Israel, France, Italy and Guatemala.

A group of the studio’s 10-year-old dancers have been invited to perform at a church in Northern Virginia and at the Washington National Cathedral.

Left, the Dance Candle Academy of Performing and Sacred Arts founder Karen Watkins Rios, center, performs a perfect relevé with her dancers during “Clara’s Christmas Gift” on Saturday. Above, tiny dance partners move gracefully during a scene at Virginia Union University.

Operation Santa Claus provides Christmas cheer for area families

By Holly Rodriguez

James Haskins/Richmond Free Press

Kevasia Taylor, 5, center, takes a break from shopping to rattle off her detailed Christmas list to Santa Claus, while 10-year-old Quanasia Hubbard waits to share her list during the Prince Hall Masons’ Operation Santa Claus last Saturday. Location: Walmart on Sheila Lane in South Side.

The holiday season is a time of celebration for many people.

But for families struggling to make ends meet, a bountiful Christmas can be out of reach.

Twenty years ago, the 26th Masonic District of Prince Hall Masons recognized the need and started Operation Santa Claus.

The organization invites sponsored families to the Walmart on Sheila Lane in South Side to pick out what they need for their children and the Masons pay for the items at the checkout.

Church collecting basic necessities for incarcerated people

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

A Church Hill congregation is seeking to dramatically expand its efforts to provide care packages of toiletries and underwear to people who are incarcerated, it has been announced.

After more than 40 years of delivering such packages to the City Jail, Temple of Judah at 2120 Venable St. is working with other churches to begin delivering similar packages to thousands of inmates at state prisons and other jails, according to the pastor, Bishop Melvin Williams Jr. The care packages include toothpaste, deodorant, mouthwash and soap, he said. Where possible, the church also delivers new underwear for men and women.

“Everything we take for granted can be a

necessity for others,” he said.

The other churches taking part include Ebenezer Baptist in Doswell, Greenwood Baptist in Glen Allen, Real Life Ministries in Chester and Tabernacle of Zion in Lawrenceville, said Crystal Thomas, church administrator.

“Our hope is that more churches will join this effort,” she said.

She said the plan this holiday season is to deliver at least 8,000 care packages to the Richmond Justice Center and such facilities as the Pamunkey Regional Jail and state correctional facilities such as Deep Meadow, Haynesville, Lawrenceville and Nottoway.

“We will continue to do this year-round as part of our prison ministry,” Ms. Thomas said, with a target of delivering at least 33,000 care packages a year as the program builds up.

The cost of providing care packages to 33,000 inmates would be about $38,000, Bishop Williams said.

Ms. Thomas said that the church may not raise that amount by the deadline, Monday, Dec. 19, but would meet the goal of 8,0000 packages with support from partner churches, area businesses and caring individuals.

For people considering a contribution, the church is accepting tax-deductible donations online at www.TempleofJudah.org or at the church’s office between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Monday through Friday. Donations also can be mailed to: Yuletide Drive, Temple of Judah Ministries, P.O. Box 8045, Richmond, Va. 23223.

Additional information: Church office, (804) 780-0841.

The budget is approximately $100 to $200 per family, and items such as toys and clothes are purchased.

This year, 75 families with about 60 children were helped by Operation Santa Claus last Saturday.

“At Christmas, we just wanted to make a difference,” said Dwight Hagans, the worshipful master of Trinity Lodge #44 and chairperson of the event for the past two years.

After shopping, the families went to the Masons’ Lodge at 25th and Leigh streets in Church Hill for a meal. The families enjoyed fried chicken, potato salad, string beans, rolls and juice, with Walmart donating cupcakes and other treats for dessert. Several employees from the store volunteered to help serve the food.

Additional gifts and photographs with Santa also were given.

“Between the shopping and visiting with Santa and the meal, the children were so excited,” Mr. Hagans said.

Operation Santa Claus is the latest community program in which the group participates.

Members also visit patients and workers at McGuire Veterans Administration Medical Center and host an annual back-to-school drive each summer.

People and families in need are recommended through state and local social services departments, members of the lodge and by word of mouth.

Mr. Hagans estimated the group raised several thousand dollars to make Operation Santa Claus a success.

“When God has blessed you with a home, food and a couple of dollars in your pocket, you feel really good about helping someone less fortunate,” Mr. Hagans said. “That’s what I’m about.”

Richmond Free Press

B4 December 15-17, 2016

Faith News/Directory

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.

Delta House property returned to church

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

The dreams have evaporated for turning a former Church Hill church sanctuary into the home of the Richmond Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

The chapter’s foundation has

returned the former sanctuary at 1200 N. 28th St. to its original owner, Good Shepherd Baptist Church, now located one block south at 1127 N. 28th St. The church donated the building to the sorority chapter 16 years ago to serve as the

‘It’s All About the Baby’ celebration Saturday First Shiloh Baptist Church’s music and arts ministries are hosting “It’s All About the Baby,” a Christmas worship celebration, 5 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 17, at the

church, 8150 Walnut Grove Road in Mechanicsville.

The free program will feature special guests Almeta Ingram-Miller and The Ingramettes, Bubba Johnson,

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

Early Morning Worship ~ 8 a.m.

Sunday School ~ 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship ~ 11 a.m.

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

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

Sermons Available at BRBCONLINE.org

“MAKE IT HAPPEN” Pastor Kevin Cook

Theme for 2016-2020: Mobilizing For Ministry Refreshing The Old and Emerging The New

We Embrace Diversity — Love For All!

Sunday, December 18, 2016 9:00 AM

93rd Church Anniversary Breakfast (A Walk Down Memory Lane)

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Clifton Whitaker

10:45 AM

Christmas Morning Worship , Pastor

Riverview

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

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)

St. Peter Baptist Church





 8:45 a.m.

10 a.m.

 1 p.m.

 e ercies iisr  a.m. ul ile Su :0 p.m.

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Youth Summit 10am 4th Sunday of Advent 2040 Mountain Road • Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 Office 804-262-0230 • Fax 804-262-4651 • www.stpeterbaptist.net

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

December 24, 2016 Christmas Eve Concert 9:30PM Christmas Eve Festive Eucharist, 10:30 PM

Triumphant

Baptist Church

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g inin

everence

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church Sunday December 25, 2016

Dr. Morris Henderson, Senior Pastor

Children & Youth Church

Sunday, December 18, 2016 10:40 a.m.

Special Guest Speaker:

REV. KAIYA JENNINGS “Hope is on the Way”

DONATE

winter hats, scarves and gloves to Fairfield Elementary School in the name George Carrington, III. 823 North 31st Street Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 226-0150 Office www.31sbc.org

No Sunday School

Christmas Day Worship Service 10:00 a.m.

Saturday December 31, 2016 Doors will open at 8:30 p.m.

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

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

Wednesday Services No Noon Day or Evening Bible Study during the month of December.

Will resume Wednesday, January 4, 2017 Sanctuary - All Are Welcome!

Saturday No intercessory Prayer on December 24, 2016.

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

Also, for your convenience.

here. you t

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

Brian V. Wilson Owner

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@yahoo.com • web: richmondebenezer.com 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



8:00 a.m. & 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

Upcoming Events The Rehearsal - A Christmas Presentation December 17, 2016 @ 3:00 P.M.

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

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church

see e to We hop

Third Sunday of Advent: “Love”

Communion - 1st Sunday

2900 Hanes Avenue ~ Richmond, VA 23222 www.stphilipsrva.org ~ (804) 321-1266 The Very Rev. Phoebe A. Roaf, Rector

12 Noon Celebration • Guest Worship music, Minister James Johnson Mount Olive Dance Ministry & Music Ministry – Children & Youth skit.

You do not want to miss this spirit-filled event at the Mount.

10:30 A.M.

Prayer Services: Wednesday (1st & 3rd ) 7 a.m.

Every Wednesday 8 p.m.

Episcopal Church

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Join us at noon for “High Praise at the Mount”

Join Us for Worship!

Bible Study: Tuesday - 9 a.m.

Wednesday - 7 p.m.

ST. PHILIP’S

Sunday, December 25, 2016 Worship Service at 10 a.m.

Pastor Darryl G. Thompson

Dec. 18, 2016

Church School - 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service - 11:15 a.m.

Christmas Day Service Sunday, December 25, 2016 10:30 AM One Service On New Years Day Sunday, January 1, 2017

ance with Re ev

11:00 AM Mid-day Meditation

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

Come Celebrate With Us

New Year’s Eve

istmas Servic r h C

Remembering those we love ... Remembering those we serve.

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

For the remainder of December, all Sunday Worship Services will be held at 10 a.m. only.

Church School will be held at 8:30 a.m.

Bible Study will reconvene on 1/5/17.

Rev. Darryl G. Thompson, Pastor

1:30 p.m.

Bible Study

5008 Nine Mile Road, Richmond, VA 23223 • 804-222-1720, Fax 804-222-1745

ie oore Sree o

Good Shepherd Baptist Church

Worship Opportunities

Mount Olive Baptist Church

THURSDAYS

Thank you to the following bereaved families for allowing us to serve you during the month of November 2016. You are still in our prayers and thoughts.

View full obituaries online at www.wilsonafs.com Sandra D. Lewis Shirley E. Hutchins Ellis N. Abrams Lottie G. Thorpe Jean Jordan William Norwood Sheila T. Ross Brenda Wilkerson-Delaney Clarence Hicks Audrey R. Leeper Rudolph Robinson Lakesha Carr Billy W. Mills Russell Wormley, Jr. Henry L. Christian, Jr. David Miffin Lorraine Harris Herbert L. Dorsey Shadanna Keith Shelby Collins, Sr. Ethel Mae Murray Aaron Brown Willie H. Carter Katherine A. Fletcher George M. Carrington III Carolyn D. Johnson Richard A. Jefferson Elizabeth Allen Angela Johnson James E. Patterson, Jr. Tamika N. Jones Seldon L. Clatterbuck Salih G. Lateef Tyrell Johnson



Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, Pastor

WEDNESDAYS 6:00 p.m. ..... Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. ..... Bible Study

Monthly Obituary Column • November 2016

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

ile Su

SUNDAYS 8:00 a.m. .... Morning Worship 9:30 a.m. .... Church School 11:15 a.m. ...Morning Worship

Funeral Service, Inc.

 

Church School Worship Service

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

Wilson & Associates’

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

Sixth Baptist Church A 21st Century Church With Ministry For Everyone

Leslie Perry, Cynthia Davis, the Rev. Miles Siler and Dr. Henrietta Doswell Gattison.

The church’s senior pastor is Dr. R. Neal Siler, with Jonathan K. Spivey serving as minister of music.

Details: First Shiloh Baptist Church, (804) 730-1348.

Sharon Baptist Church

e

the arm to raise needed funds.

As the years passed, the chapter and its foundation were unable to raise the funds needed to transform the building.

Earlier this year, in an instrument filed with Richmond Circuit Court, the Delta House Foundation acknowledged that it “was unable to fulfill the conditions contained in the deed (of Aug. 17, 2000) and therefore the property reverted to Good Shepherd pursuant to the version terms in the deed.”

Thelma Y. Pettis, chairwoman of the foundation, signed the instrument of reversion “acknowledging that all of its right, title and interest in and to the property reverted to Good Shepherd.”

Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, pastor of Good Shepherd Baptist Church, said that discussions are still underway on the future of the building.

chapter’s headquarters and as a center for various community and social services programs the chapter hoped to provide at the building.

The chapter also created the Delta House Foundation Inc. to hold the property and to serve as

“The Church With A Welcome”

Watch Night Service

Christmas Morning Worship Service December 25, 2016 @ 9:30 A.M.

Weekly Worship: Sundays @ 10:30 A.M. Church School: Sundays @ 9:00 A.M. Bible Study: Wednesdays @ Noon & 7:00 P.M. 2901 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 648-2472 ~ www.mmbcrva.org Dr. Price London Davis, Senior Pastor

Mosby Memorial Baptist Church

“A Caring Community Committed to Listening, Loving, Learning and Leaning While Launching into our Future.”

9:00 p.m.

Sunday January 1, 2017 No Sunday School

New Year’s Service 10 a.m.

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

THE NEW DELIVERANCE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (NDCA)

ENROLL NOW!!!

Accepting applications for children 2 yrs. old to 3rd Grade Our NDCA curriculum also consists of a Before and After program.

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

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

Upcoming Events

109 Church Anniversary th

Saved by Grace, Goodness and Greatness

Rev. Dr. Price L. Davis, Pastor Sunday, October 9, 2016 @ 2:30 P.M.

This Week Christian Education Sund

Guest Minister: Rev. Zita Le

Richmond Free Press

December 15-17, 2016 B5

Legal Notices 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 9, 2017 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. 2016-303 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept grant funds in the amount of $36,023.00 from the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, and to amend the Fiscal Year 2016-2017 General Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Sheriff’s Office by $36,023.00 for the purpose of funding performance based bonuses for eligible Sheriff’s Office personnel.

(COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, December 15, 2016, 4:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-304 To amend ch. 27, art.

VI of the City Code by adding therein a new div.

2.1, consisting of new sections 27-261—27-266, concerning the temporary restriction of access to metered parking. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, December 15, 2016, 4:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-305 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a License Agreement between the City of Richmond as Licensor and the Virginia Tourism Authority, doing business as the Virginia Tourism Corporation, as Licensee for the purpose of facilitating the development and operation of a Welcome Center in Main Street Station at 1500 East Main Street in the city of Richmond.

(COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, December 20, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-306 To provide for the granting by the City of Richmond to the person, firm or corporation to be ascertained in the manner prescribed by law of certain easements upon, over, under, and across certain property located in Maymont Park at 800 Swan Lake Drive for the construction, maintenance, and operation of electrical power transmission and distribution lines and associated appurtenances in accordance with a certain Right of Way Agreement.

(COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, December 20, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-307 To amend City Code § 29-189, concerning bus fares, for the purpose of authorizing an expansion of the CARE paratransit service to provide a third party transportation voucher program for patrons that desire on-demand transportation service. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, December 20, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-308 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to enter into an Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority concerning the use of certain historic stones from the Kanawha Canal in connection with improvements at the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, December 20, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-309 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Telecommunications Franchise Agreement by and between the City of Richmond and Windstream Communications, LLC, for the purpose of installing telecommunications equipment within the City’s public right-of-way.

(COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, December 20, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-310 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $30,000.00 from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2016-2017 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services by $30,000.00 for the purpose of purchasing and installing cameras to Continued on next column

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increase security for the railroad tracks located in the Shockoe Bottom area of the city. (COMMITTEE: Public Safety, Tuesday, December 27, 2016, 5:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-311 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $57,775.00 from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2016-2017 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services by $57,775.00 for the purpose of providing regional emergency shelter training. (COMMITTEE: Public Safety, Tuesday, December 27, 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

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER DONA RICHARDSON, Plaintiff v.

MARK KOLMORGAN, Defendant.

Case No.: CL16003373-00 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, 2017 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 CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER KEVITA CLAYBORNE, Plaintiff v.

TROY CLAYBORNE, SR., Defendant.

Case No.: CL16001084-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who is a nonresident, appear here on or before the 24th day of January, 2017 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 CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER WISDOM TENGEY, Plaintiff v.

KAREN WATKINS, Defendant.

Case No.: CL16003149-00 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 24th day of January, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her 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 CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER LUCIO SANCHEZ CRUZ, Plaintiff v.

SILVIA TORRES ALONSO, Defendant.

Case No.: CL16003240-00 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 Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

Continued from previous column

Continued from previous column

Continued from previous column

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a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 24th day of January, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her 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

ROBBEN (STEPFATHER) v.

JOHN DANIEL ODEN Case No. JJ046772-05-00,06-00 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON

The object of this suit is to: Determine custody of Cierra Ann Oden, (DOB: 1/25/2002),whose mother is Suzanne Lee Robben, and whose Father is John Daniel Oden,pursuant to Virginia Code Section 16.1241A3. John Daniel Oden’s whereabouts are unknown.

It is ORDERED that the defendant John Daniel Oden appear at the above-named Court and protect his interests on or before March 13, 2017 at 11:00 A.M.

of religious affiliation: and responsibility for support It is ORDERED that the defendant Brian Wells (Father) and Unknown (Father), appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/her interest on or before 03/27/2017, at 11:20 AM, courtroom #4 Matt Morris, Esq. 730 E. Broad St., 8th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 804-646-3493

said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that YVONNE P. DAVIS A/K/A YVONNE PATRICIA DAVIS, who may be deceased, and the heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest of YVONNE P. DAVIS A/K/A YVONNE PATRICIA DAVIS, TIDEWATER QUARRIES, INC., A Virginia Corporation, MRC RECEIVABLES, A Delaware Corporation Not Authorized to Transact Business in the Commonwealth of Virginia and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 26, 2017, and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

1404 Bainbridge Street S000-0513/013 1406 Bainbridge Street S000-0513/012 1408 Bainbridge Street S000-0513/011 614 Chimborazo Boulevard E000-0882/006 2202 Fairmount Avenue E000-0616/017 3013 Hiden Road C009-0202/014 3422 Keighly Road S008-0780/017 2509 North Avenue N000-0541/023 2922 P Street E000-0569/020 1606 Sewell Street N000-0335/006 2301 Venable Street E000-0427/001 2304 Venable Street E000-0425/027 18 East Bacon Street N000-0228/024 5507 Euclid Avenue E010-0193/005 200 West Orange Street N000-0195/003 2708 Selden Street E012-0292/009

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER JOYCE CAPERS, Plaintiff v.

MICHAEL BRITTON, Defendant.

Case No.: CL16002886-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who is a nonresident, appear here on or before the 24th day of January, 2017 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 CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER CARLOS GARCIA SAMUELS, Plaintiff v.

ANA BONILLA ALVARADO, Defendant.

Case No.: CL16001548-00 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 18th day of January, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her 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 CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HENRICO TAGHRID HASAN MATTAR, Plaintiff v.

ALAH DENIEF DAKHIL, Defendant.

Case No.: CL15-185 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this lawsuit is for the Plaintiff to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the Defendant because they have lived separate and apart, without cohabitation or intention to resume cohabitation for more than one year.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear at the above-named court on or before the 29th day of December, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: HEIDI S. BARSHINGER, Clerk I ask for this: Robert L. Flax, p.q.

Robert L. Flax, P.C. 8 South Sheppard Street Richmond, Va. 23221-3028 804-355-8425 804-355-9129 fax robertflax@flaxlegal.com

CUSTODY virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt IN the COunty of New Kent Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Atara savannah abistado drez Robert Bryan Strimple and Karen Ann Strimple v.

Unknown Birth Father Case No. JJ OrDEr Of puBLicatiON

The object of this suit is to: Determine custody and visitation of a child known as Atara Savannah Abistado Drez, born June 1, 2016, to Ana Kathreena Drez, the birth mother, who has stated the identity of the birth father is unknown. The birth mother has placed the child in the custody of the petitioners.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Unknown birth father appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his interests on or before February 27, 2017 at 9:00 A.M. virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt IN the COunty of Chesterfield Commonwealth of Virginia, in re CIERRA ANN ODEN RINEHART EDWARD Continued on next column

VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re JALIN MONTE EUBANKS, Juvenile Case No. JJ083447-16 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental right (“RPR”) of Jamaal Bailey (Father), of Jalin Monte Eubanks, child, DOB 11/27/2008, “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 Jamaal Bailey (Father), appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his interest on or before 02/08/2017, at 2:00 PM, Court Room #5 VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF CHESTERFIELD Commonwealth of Virginia, in re ALVIZURES ICAL, ANGELON MICHEL, MICHEL D. PAMELA ICAL CUELLAR v.

CESAR ALBERTO ALVIZURES ICAL Case No. JJ090450-01-00 ORDER 0F PUBLICATION (1) The object of this suit is to: DETERMINE CUSTODY OF ANGELIN MICHEL ALVIZURES ICAL (DOB: 9/14/12), WHOSE MOTHER IS MICHEL DHEBORA PAMELA ICAL CUELLAR, AND WHOSE FATHER IS CESAR ALBERTO ALVIZURES ICAL, PURSUANT TO VIRGINIA C OD E SE C TION 16.1241A3. ( 2 ) M A K E FA C T U A L F I N D I N G S T H AT W I L L PERMIT ANGELIN MICHEL A LV I Z U R E S I C A L T O PETITION THE UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES FOR SPECIAL IMMIGRANT J U V E N I L E S TAT U S PURSUANT TO 8 U.S.C. SECTION 1101(A)(27)(J) AND 8 C.F.R. SECTION 204.11.

It is ORDERED that the defendant CESAR ALBERTO ALVIZURES ICAL appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before 02/10/2017 10:00AM VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF CHESTERFIELD Commonwealth of Virginia, in re CHAVEZ RIVAS, MARIA FERNANDA CHAVEZ RIVAS, DINORA D v.

ADALBERTO MARTINEZ, JUAQUIN Case No. JJ090450-01-00 ORDER 0F PUBLICATION (1) The object of this suit is to: DETERMINE CUSTODY OF MARIA FERNANDA CHAVEZ RIVAS (DOB: 5/24/11), WHOSE MOTHER IS DINORA DEL CARMEN CHAVEZ RIVAS,AND WHOSE FATHER IS JUAQUIN ADALBERTO MARTINEZ, PURSUANT TO VIRGINIA CODE SECTION 16.1-241A3. ( 2 ) M A K E FA C T U A L F I N D I N G S T H AT W I L L PERMIT MARIA FERNANDA C H AV E Z R I VA S T O PETITION THE UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES FOR SPECIAL IMMIGRANT J U V E N I L E S TAT U S PURSUANT TO 8 U.S.C. SECTION 1101(A)(27)(J) AND 8 C.F.R. SECTION 204.11.

It is ORDERED that the defendant JUAQUIN ADALBERTO MARTINEZ appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before 02/10/2017 10:00AM

virgiNia: iN thE Circuit cOurt for the County of chesterfield madeline lugo, Plaintiff v.

JOHANESEL D. RODRIGUEZ, Defendent Case No. CL15-1041 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON

The object of this suit is to: Grant Lilah Michelle Rodriguez, a minor, a name change. Madeline Lugo, the mother of the Petitioner, filed this Application for Change of Name on Lilah Michelle Rodriguez’s behalf.

WHEREFORE, an affidavit having been filed by Petitioner’s mother, Madeline Lugo, that due diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the location of Johansel Duran Rodriguez, it is ORDERED that Johansel Duran Rodriguez appear before this Court on the 10th of January, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. to protect his interests herein.

A Copy Teste: WENDY S. HUGHES, Clerk Mary Ashby Brown, Esquire Freidman Law Firm 9401 Courthouse Rd., Suite A Chesterfield, VA 23832 804-717-1969 virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt IN the COunty of Chesterfield Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Ze’von amir Johnson Creashona Ta’Shaya v. rodney johnson Case No. JJ089719-01-00 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON

The object of this suit is to: Determine custody of Ze’Von Amir Johnson, (DOB: 11/18/2005),whose mother is Chayela Ta’Necia Miller, and whose Father is Rodney Johnson,pursuant to Virginia Code Section 16.1-241A3.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Rodney Johnson appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before February 24, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of the City of Richmond Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Mah’ki jeffeRson, Juvenile Case No. JJ091818-08 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Unknown, (Father), of Mah’ki Jefferson, child, DOB 6/2/2014, “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Unknown (Father), appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his interest on or before February 2, 2017 at 9:40 AM, Court Room #3.

Matt Morris, Esq. 730 E. Broad St., 8th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 804-646-3493

PROPERTY

VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Chase Fields-Threatt, Juvenile Case No. JJ091827-05, JJ091827-06 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental right (“RPR”) of Brian Wells (Father) and Unknown. (Father), of Chase Fields-Threatt, child, DOB 08/04/2012, “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

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

ROBERT M. DAVIS a/k/a ROBERT MICHAEL DAVIS, et al., Defendants.

Case No.: CL16-4610-4 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2416 NORTH Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Ta x M a p / G P I N # N 0 0 0 0539/012, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Robert M. Davis and Yvonne P, Davis, who may be deceased.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, YVONNE P. DAVIS A/K/A YVONNE PATRICIA DAVIS, who may be deceased, and the heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest of YVONNE P. DAVIS A/K/A YVONNE PATRICIA DAVIS, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that TIDEWATER QUARRIES, INC., A Virginia Corporation, which may be a creditor with an interest in said property, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that MRC RECEIVABLES, A Delaware Corporation Not Authorized to Transact Business in the Commonwealth of Virginia, which may be a creditor with an interest in said property, is a foreign corporation, and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in

Continued on next column

Continued on next page

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

ALFRED J. EVANS a/k/a ALFRED JONES EVANS, Who May Be Deceased, and THE HEIRS, DEVISEES, ASSIGNEES OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF ALFRED J. EVANS a/k/a ALFRED JONES EVANS, et al., Defendants.

Case No.: CL16-4360-4 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3402 3rd Avenue, , Richmond, Virginia, Ta x M a p / GPIN#N000-1169/014, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Alfred J. Evans.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, ALFRED J. EVANS a/k/a ALFRED JONES EVANS, who may be deceased and the heirs, devisees, assignees or successor/s in interest of ALFRED J. EVANS a/k/a ALFRED JONES EVANS, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that MARGARET S. EVANS, who may be deceased and the heirs, devisees, assignees or successor/s in interest of MARGARET S. EVANS, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that RUDOLPH WILLIAMS a/k/a RUDOPLH ALFRED WILLIAMS, who may have an ownership interest in said property, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that EQUITY ONE CONSUMER LOAN, A Purged Corporation, which may be a creditor with an interest in said property, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that ALFRED J. EVANS a/k/a ALFRED JONES EVANS, who may be deceased and the heirs, devisees, assignees or successor/s in interest of ALFRED J. EVANS a/k/a ALFRED JONES EVANS, MARGARET S. EVANS, who may be deceased and the heirs, devisees, assignees or successor/s in interest of MARGARET S. EVANS, RUDOLPH WILLIAMS a/k/a RUDOPLH ALFRED WILLIAMS, EQUITY ONE CONSUMER LOAN, A Purged Corporation, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 26, 2017, and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940 Notice Judicial Sale of Real Property Owner/s of the below listed properties are hereby given Notice that thirty (30) days from the date of this notice, proceedings will be commenced under the authority of Section 58.13965 et seq. of the Code of Virginia to sell the following parcels located in the City of Richmond, Virginia for payment of delinquent taxes: 2607 2nd Avenue N000-0716/011 3214 2nd Avenue N000-1070/005 2300 4th Avenue N000-0610/009 1606 North 21st Street E000-0774/007 1710 North 21st Street E000-0936/009 1803 North 28th Street E012-0427/013 1207 Ashley Street E010-0163/004 1209 Ashley Street E010-0163/005 1101 North 25th Street E000-0519/022 1103 North 25th Street E000-0519/023 Continued on next column

The owner/s of any property listed may redeem it at any time before the date of the sale by paying all accumulated taxes, penalties, interest and cost thereon, including the pro rata cost of publication hereunder.

Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. Office of the City Attorney City of Richmond 900 East Broad Street, Room 400 Richmond, Virginia 23219 (804) 646-7940 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

HARRIETT B. DAVIS, Who May Be Deceased, and THE HEIRS, DEVISEES, ASSIGNEES OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF HARRIETT B. DAVIS, et al., Defendants.

Case No.: CL16-4830-4 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2820 Purcell Street, TaxMap/GPIN# E0120374/008, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, HARRIETT B. DAVIS.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, HARRIETT B. DAVIS, who may be deceased, and the heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest of HARRIETT B. DAVIS, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that EDWIN B. DAVIS, JR., who may have an ownership interest in said property, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that HARRIETT B. DAVIS, who may be deceased, and the heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest of HARRIETT B. DAVIS, EDWIN B. DAVIS, JR., and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 26, 2017, and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

HARRIETT B. DAVIS, Who May Be Deceased, and THE HEIRS, DEVISEES, ASSIGNEES OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF HARRIETT B. DAVIS, et al., Defendants.

Case No.: CL16-4831-4 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2822 Purcell Street, TaxMap/GPIN# E0120374/022, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, HARRIETT B. DAVIS.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, HARRIETT B. DAVIS, who may be deceased, and the heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest of HARRIETT B. DAVIS, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that EDWIN B. DAVIS, JR., who may have an ownership interest in said property, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that HARRIETT B. DAVIS, who may be deceased, and the heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest of HARRIETT B. DAVIS, EDWIN B. DAVIS, JR., and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 26, 2017, and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

BID COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION BID ITB# 16-1291-11CE Montrose & Eastover Gardens Area (GC-08 Phase 2) Sewer & Water Rehabilitation This project consists of rehabilitating approximately 2.3 miles of 8-inch and 10-inch sewer main and associated manholes; replacing/rehabilitating sewer service laterals; providing approximately 0.8 miles of 6-inch and 16-inch water main; and relocating water service connections Due 3:00 pm, January 17, 2017.

Additional information available at: http://www. henrico.us/purchasing/

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL The University of Virginia seeks a firm to provide: DI Water Systems Maintenance and Repair To view a copy of RFP # HH120916 go to Procurement Services Site: http://www. procurement.virginia.edu/main/ publicpostings/RFP.html, or email pur-rfp@virginia.edu

TransiT sysTem

GRTC TRANSIT SYSTEM HUMAN RESOURCES LEGAL SERVICES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS GRTC Transit System invites all interested parties to submit proposals for providing human resources legal services. Interested firms may download a copy of RFP #154-16-12 from GRTC’s website, www.ridegrtc.com (menu options: About Us, then Procurement) or obtain a copy by calling Tonya Thompson at (804) 358-3871.

Responses are due no later than 11:00 am on January 9, 2017. All inquiries pertaining to the request or any questions in reference to the solicitation documents should be directed to: Tonya Thompson Director of Procurement (804) 358-3871, ext 372

To advertise in the

Richmond Free Press call

644-0496

Richmond Free Press

B6 December 15-17, 2016

Legal Notice/Employment Opportunities REQUEST FOR LETTERS OF INTEREST and Statements of Qualifications The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, invites highly qualified firms to submit Letters of Interest and Statements of Qualifications along with background information on Form HECO16 (obtain adapted version from http://fpc.fm.virginia.edu/Pages/Ads.aspx) for construction services related to the:

UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL HVAC REPLACEMENT PHASE IV RFP # 16-105 The University seeks to retain a Construction Manager or Major Trade Contractor to join our team to provide construction services for the University in accordance with the provisions of the University of Virginia Higher Education Capital Outlay Manual. The project construction documents will be 100% complete and the contract will be awarded on a Competitive Negotiation Contractor - Fixed Price basis.

Part-time Job Opening Mount Olive Baptist Church in Glen Allen, Virginia has the following part-time job opening:

Staff Pianist/Hammond Organist/ Auxiliary Accompanist

Please visit the church’s website at www.mobcva.org to view the complete job announcement for this position.

This position will be open until �illed.

A Criminal History Background Check and/or credit history check are required.

Project Overview: Phase 4 replacement is planned to include 6 AHU’s, currently installed at approximately 168,000 CFM, with new units totaling 189,500 CFM. In addition, future Phase 5 may include up to 9 units totaling 105,000 CFM current connected load. These units serve both clinical and administrative spaces ranging from medical administration to surgical spaces and include isolation and protective environment patient rooms. Many of these spaces are continuously occupied and will be required to remain fully operational during this project.

This project will provide new air handler units and ancillary support systems that are sized for the latest standards and uses of the spaces and will address any needs to move some of these new air handlers over to the emergency power services of the hospital. The project may also require upgrades and changes to the preheat and chilled water systems servicing the units being replaced. This project will require significant mechanical equipment, duct work, plumbing, building automation control, and electrical work.

All areas served by the AHUs must remain in service during the conduct of the project.

The anticipated schedule of the Construction Start will be from contract award through summer 2018.

The University has the option of awarding future HVAC replacement phases to the Successful Firm.

The Rector and Visitors of The University of Virginia By: William Martin, Contract Administrator for Construction

Minister of Music The Cedar Street Baptist Church of God is seeking a candidate to fill the position of fulltime Minister of Music.

For more information and a detailed position description, please visit the Cedar Street Baptist Church of God website at www.csbcog.org. All interested candidates should submit their resume for consideration no later than Friday, December 22, 2016 to the Cedar Street Baptist Church of God, 2301 Cedar Street, Richmond VA, 23223 Attention: Dr. Anthony M. Chandler, Sr.

The following position needed for assisted living facility.

License Medication tech for 12-hour shift.

All references will be checked.

Good Pay Good days off.

Call for appointment (804) 222-5133.

Richmond Free Press is seeking a reliable and creative person for a part-time graphics position. Enthusiastic individual must be proficient in Indesign and Photoshop to develop accurate, high quality cameraready advertisements and engaging news page layouts for print production. Meticulous attention to details.

Ability to be flexible and work under deadline cooperatively in a team environment is essential.

Submit resumé and samples of work to address below.

Human Resources, Richmond Free Press, P.O. Box 27709, Richmond, Virginia 23261

Program ComPlianCe offiCer

When you join Greyhound, you become part of a dynamic team with a transportation leader that has been serving the travel needs of millions of people since 1914. Positions are available at our Richmond facility.

DIESEL MECHANIC Responsible for providing quality preventive maintenance and repairs on over-the-road buses, specifically with diesel engines and coach related components. We require a HS Diploma, 2 years of hands-on experience in diesel engine and/or heavy vehicle maintenance, diagnosis and repair (Motor coach preferred) and a Commercial Driver’s License (Passenger Endorsement required). You must be able to utilize computer systems to diagnose vehicle systems, and must be familiar with the machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

BODY SHOP MECHANIC The Body Shop Mechanic will perform repairs on both the interior and exterior components of the bus. Candidates must have a CDL with Passenger Endorsement plus applicable diesel mechanic and/or body repair experience.

SERVICE LANE TECHNICIAN - Bus Maintenance The Technician performs preventive maintenance inspections on our motor coaches including checking and filling oil and all other fluids. You will complete a safety risk assessment prior to all work performed and will conduct appropriate course of action for repairs, maintain current inspection/maintenance reports in the computer system and actively participate in safety/educational training as required. We require a HS Diploma and CDL with Passenger Endorsement as well as some basic computer skills. Knowledge of machinery and tools essential.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program Department is seeking a qualified individual to ensure compliance with applicable HUD regulations in addition to VHDA policies and procedures. The successful candidate will be assigned a portfolio of administrative entities for which they will provide technical assistance and guidance along with conducting annual VHDA Agency Reviews and SEMAP Audits.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a few years of working experience in the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Experience with program eligibility, waiting list management, rent reasonableness criteria, rental calculations and HQS inspections are required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (emphasis on Word and Outlook) and internet functionality required.

Knowledge of subsidized programs and housing programs and housing software applications used to determine eligibility and assistance payments. The successful candidate will possess innovative problem solving, excellent written and oral communication, and demonstrated organization and prioritization skills with proven attention to detail. Must be able to work independently or in a team environment and have outstanding customer service principles and practices.

Must possess a current driver’s license in good standing and be able to travel, occasionally overnight.

We offer a competitive salary with generous benefits package. Submit resume online only at: http://www.vhda.com/about/careers This position is open until filled.

An EOE

Background, credit, and driving record checks will be performed as a condition of employment.

Hiring range - $46,294 – 60,181

Apply Today!

Equal Opportunity Employer

Assistant Vice President for Organizational Excellence and Chief of Staff

VHDA, one of the nation’s top Housing Finance Authorities, is looking for a strong candidate to join our IT Customer Service team in the role of Business Systems Administrator. This position will use your skills as a business application administrator, technology generalist and business relationship facilitator to help VHDA as we work to provide quality, affordable housing to Virginians. You will work with business users at all levels. This is a fast paced position that involves a commitment to learning and applying new knowledge and skills in support of our business areas and our mission.

The Business Systems Administrator is responsible for the customer support and on-going management of VHDA business systems.

Core responsibilities: • Provide expert guidance to customers to get best benefit from supported business applications; • Subject matter expert on data, table and databases associated with business application and understand how the business uses data for decision making; • Perform data quality assurance testing, data audits and analysis; • Conduct research for the business on both technology and business trends related to assigned area(s); • Manage business application configuration based on business requirements, setup and changes; • Maintain expert knowledge of assigned business applications and supporting technologies; • Resolve application service requests from customers in a timely manner; • Facilitate training with business users on business systems; and • Function as a Vendor Manager and Liaison with product vendors relating to assigned systems.

Qualifications: • B.S. Degree in Information Systems, Information Technology, Information Management, Business Administration, or 5-8 years of relevant work with increasing responsibilities in a technology field; • Background in mortgage industry desirable; • Customer Service oriented with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in 1 or more of the following: a) Business Application Support (preferably with Mortgage Cadence application), b) IT related business analysis and business requirements, project management, c) Business Systems Analysis, Business Systems Support, and Quality Assurance testing • A knowledge of database structures and experience with report writing tools and writing SQL queries; • Experience with MS Office 2016, Windows 10, SQL 2012, SharePoint 2010; • Desktop and network foundational knowledge and support skills; • Strong troubleshooting and problem management skills; • Excellent communication skills – written and verbal – to both technical and business audiences.

If you enjoy working with people, learning about new technology and business trends in the housing finance field and turning challenges into opportunities, please submit your resume with cover letter stating salary requirements, online only at: www.vhda.com/about/careers An EOE This position closes at midnight, Friday, January 6, 2017.

Credit and background checks will be performed as a condition of employment.

The College is excited to announce part-time teaching opportunities for Spring 2017 and Summer 2017.

For specific teaching disciplines and information on how to apply, please visit the college’s website: www.reynolds.edu.

AA/EOE/ADA/Veterans/AmeriCorps/Peace Corps/Other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.

Administrative Project Analyst 27M00000079 Department of Social Services Apply by 12/25/2016 Administrative Services Manager 35M0000142 Department of Public Utilities Apply by 12/25/2016 Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Mechanic 29M00000467 Department of Public Works Apply by 12/25/2016 Automotive Mechanic I 29M00001092 Department of Public Works Apply by 12/25/2016 Automotive Mechanic II 29M00001111 Department of Public Works Apply by 12/25/2016 Business Analysis Manager 25M00000125 Department of Finance Apply by 12/25/2016 Construction Inspector II – Right of Way 29M00000561 Department of Public Works Apply by 12/25/2016 Customer Service Representative II 25M00000708 Department of Finance Apply by 12/25/2016

apply.firstgroupcareers.com

Business systems AdministrAtor

Reynolds is seeking applicants who share in its commitment to students and teamwork. The College supports a culture of life-long learning, celebrating its diversity, and recruiting and retaining star quality employees.

The City of Richmond is seeking to fill the following position:

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

WE COUNT ON YOU TO KEEP OUR WHEELS IN MOTION

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College is the third largest community college in Virginia and offers a variety of programs and services to the residents of the City of Richmond and five surrounding counties.

Annually, our three campuses serve over 19,000 credit students and provide training for an additional 11,000 students through the Community College Workforce Alliance. During our 44-year history we have educated more than 300,000 people in the Richmond area.

The University: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) was designated in 2013

by U.S. News & World Report as one the nation’s “up and coming universities, recognizing its promising and innovative changes in academics, faculty, student life and research.” VCU ranks among the top 50 public research universities in the country according to the Center of Measuring University Performance, especially in the areas of faculty awards, doctorates granted, and the number of post docs.

Located in Richmond, Virginia, VCU is part of a culturally diverse city surrounded by historic neighborhoods. The university has a rich combined history of two separate institutions, merged in 1968 by an act of the Virginia General Assembly, to create VCU. Today, the university enrolls more than 31,000 students in over 222 degree and certificate programs, across its campuses – the downtown Monroe Park and MCV campuses, and campuses in Fairfax, Virginia for the schools of Medicine and Pharmacy, and Doha, Qatar for the School of the Arts. Hailed for its nationally ranked programs in the arts, social work, and health sciences, VCU is a cuttingedge teaching and research university with an exceptional commitment to excellence, diversity, innovation, and outreach.

Administration at VCU and the Vice President for Administration: The administration team provides strategic and operational leadership to support the university and its continued ascent as one of the nation’s premier urban public research universities.

The Vice President for Administration serves as the university’s chief administrative officer with primary responsibility for VCU’s major administrative units, including facilities management, human resources, police/public safety, technology services, and safety and risk management. In addition, the VPA teams with other members of the senior leadership team to provide support for the Board of Visitors meetings and serves in an advisory capacity to the vice president for health sciences and CEO of the VCU Health System. In cooperation with the director of government relations, the VPA will also serve as a university advocate with state and local government officials on administrative matters.

The Position: The Assistant Vice President for Organizational Excellence and Chief of Staff reports directly to the Vice President for Administration. The position serves as a principal advisor to the Vice President, providing analytical support and leadership on a variety of projects of importance to Administration and the campus community.

Essential duties include but are not limited to supporting the Vice President in all areas relating to University activities; representing the Vice President; leading a continuous improvement and employee engagement program resulting in demonstrated improvement in efficiency, engagement and effectiveness; facilitating information and communication with departments within Administration; and coordinating the Vice President’s efforts with university and local community partners. The position must have the ability to articulate the vision, mission, and values of Administration, and a comprehensive understanding of university and administrative policies. The position maintains confidentiality of privileged information, and performs a wide range of duties that require tact, sensitivity, independent judgment, diplomacy, discretion, and flexibility. In addition, responsibilities include oversight for high priority projects supporting the Vice President’s agenda to ensure progress based objectives, established milestones, and measurement criteria.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Experience: Minimum educational requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, public relations, public administration, higher education, or a related field. A successful candidate will have a minimum of ten years of progressive administrative or management experience, preferably in a higher education environment. Excellent oral and written communication, with demonstrated competencies for interpersonal communication. Demonstrated evidence of judgment, leadership, high level problem-solving skills, change management and strategic planning. Broad cultural competence and understanding of the need for inclusiveness and accessibility.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience: Master’s degree in business, communications, public relations, public administration, higher education, or a related field. Organizational excellence program experience including: strategic planning, project management, staff development, employee engagement, performance assessment, change management, continuous improvement, Lean Six Sigma, process reengineering, service excellence and quality improvement.

Interested individuals should apply online at https://www.vcujobs.com. Please provide a letter describing their interest in and qualifications for the position, a curriculum vitae, and the names of three references (who will not be contacted without permission).

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative-action University, providing access to education and employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, veteran’s status, political affiliation or disability.

Drafting Technician II – Technical Services 35M00000620 Department of Public Utilities Apply by 12/25/2016 Engineer II – Right of Way 29M00000552 Department of Public Works Apply by 12/25/2016 Engineer III – Signal Systems 29M00000994 Department of Public Works Apply by 12/25/2016 Equipment Operator III - Wastewater 35M00000324 Department of Public Utilities Apply by 12/25/2016 Family Service Specialist - CPS 27M00000278 Department of Social Services Apply by 12/25/2016 Family Service Specialist – Family Preservation 27M00000131 Department of Social Services Apply by 12/25/2016 Labor Crew Chief - Wastewater 35M00000752 Department of Public Utilities Apply by 12/25/2016 Program Manager – Adult Protective and Homeless Services 27M00000212 Department of Social Services Apply by 12/25/2016 Program Manager – Mayor’s Youth Academy 14M00000015 Department of Community Wealth Building Apply by 12/25/2016 Project Management Analyst – HR Liaison 35M00000165 Department of Public Utilities Apply by 12/25/2016 Revenue Manager – Audit Unit 25M00000096 Department of Finance Apply by 12/25/2016 Tax Representative – Motor Vehicle Tax 25M00000707 Department of Finance Apply by 12/25/2016 Trades Supervisor I 29M00001021 Department of Public Works Apply by 12/25/2016 ****************** 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