Cherished Holiday Memories B1
Richmond Free Press © 2015 Paradigm Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
VOL. 24 NO. 52
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
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They accentuate blessings of family
DECEMBER 24-26, 2015
Strange fruit?
Critic: Oak evokes lynching image at Walker statue site By Jeremy M. Lazarus
Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press
Gary L. Flowers stands Wednesday in front of the oak tree he wants removed from the site of the proposed Maggie L. Walker statue. Location: Broad and Adams streets at the intersection with Brook Road, a gateway into Jackson Ward, the historic center of Richmond’s black community.
The fight over the tree in the planned Maggie L. Walker plaza isn’t over. Gary L. Flowers, a Richmond native and national political and civil rights operative living in Jackson Ward, has jumped into the fray with a petition drive opposing the live oak that now dominates the gateway into Jackson Ward where the monument to the great lady is to stand. Mr. Flowers said his goal is to “galvanize support to honor Mrs. Walker in her full glory unencumbered” by the trunk and branches of the tree in the triangular Downtown park at the intersection of Broad and Adams streets and Brook Road. Chief among Mr. Flowers’ reasons: The tree would be a symbolic affront to Mrs. Walker, a business leader whose contributions are legion in the African-American community and nationally at a time when the government was imposing racial segregation. Mrs. Walker is best known as the first African-American woman to found and operate a bank — a huge accomplishment in 1903. “Placing the statue of Mrs. Walker under a tree hearkens back to the bloody period of history when our heroes swung, in the words of Billie Holiday, like ‘strange fruit,’ ” Mr. Flowers said. He stamps that point into his petition with this strong statement: “Don’t lynch the legacy of Maggie Walker under a tree!” Besides avoiding painful symbolism, he said clearing the Please turn to A4
Church must boot Parson to clear bankruptcy By Jeremy M. Lazarus
The future of an embattled South Side church may hinge on whether it can completely cut ties with its founding pastor. As part of a financial plan clearing the way for the once giant Richmond Christian Center to emerge from bankruptcy, the church had to agree to one stipulation — that Pastor Steven A. Parson Sr. “have no contact” with the worship center he founded in his living room more Pastor than 32 years ago. The five-year plan was approved last week in U.S. Bankruptcy Court and will go into effect Jan. 1. Whether the church can stick to that promise — vital to preventing a default on its mortgage — remains to be seen as members continue the hard work of restoring financial stability to the church in the 200 block of Cowardin Avenue. For now, Pastor Parson is keeping mum about his prospects of regaining the pulpit. His only comment to a Free Press reporter: “I have nothing to say to you.” Pastor Parson received national attention in late November when he joined other African-American ministers in endorsing billionaire Donald Trump’s bid for the Republican nomination for president. The endorsement proved controversial. RCC quickly
had to distance itself from Pastor Parson and the endorsement after receiving angry calls and emails. Church officials, who said Pastor Parson did not speak for the church, feared his endorsement could impede their fundraising efforts to get out of bankruptcy. Apparently, Pastor Parson has had little contact with the church since last February when he was removed from the board of trustees and stripped of a financial role in the church. Pastor Parson also took unpaid leave from Parson the pulpit after Bruce Matson, the bankruptcy court-appointed trustee alleged that he had improperly diverted property and church funds to benefit himself and his family. According to Mr. Matson, the pastor’s actions helped create the downward spiral that ultimately sent the church seeking financial protection of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to survive. Despite that, Pastor Parson still calls himself the senior pastor of Richmond Christian Center and the church has continued to list him that way. That could change, at least for the church. The church’s main secured creditor, Foundation Capital Resources of Missouri, has insisted that Pastor Parson be barred from Please turn to A4
Officer’s jobs program puts men on right side of law By Joey Matthews
Jeffrey Perry served 18 years in prison for his role in an armed robbery. Shaun Moore served two separate stints behind bars — seven months for possession of drugs with intent to distribute and, later, four months for failure to pay child support. The Richmond men told the Free Press in recent interviews they feared they would never land jobs after their release because of their criminal records. Today, they are employed and feeling better about their futures thanks to the assistance they received from Bridging The Gap One Human At A Please turn to A4
Joey Matthews/Richmond Free Press
Richmond Police Officer Reynaldo Perez is flanked by Shaun Moore, left, and Jeffrey Perry, who found jobs after participating in Bridging The Gap One Human At A Time, a program the officer started. Location: Mosby Court public housing community.
Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press
Warm, with a holiday glow Wreaths and other holiday decorations adorn doorways, homes and businesses throughout Metro Richmond as people hurry to finish their preparations for Christmas. Santa and his reindeer may find Richmond unseasonably warm Thursday night, when low temperatures will be in the mid-60s. The warm, holiday glow will continue Friday, Christmas Day, with temperatures reaching the mid-70s.
Coffee shop reopens on Brookland Park Blvd. By Jeremy M. Lazarus
previous operators Sean and Kirsa Crippen over partnership and lease The Streetcar Café on North agreements. Side is back in business under new The Crippens opened the cofmanagement. fee shop last July as a for-profit The coffee shop at 10 E. Brookbusiness. They said agreements land Park Blvd. turned on the lights the nonprofit wanted them to sign and began serving patrons again would have required them to pay Dec. 14, two weeks after the previtoo much to Nehemiah, preventing Mr. McDaniels ous operators departed. them from making a profit. The new operator is the NeA second business in the building, Streethemiah Community Development Corp., a car Cyclery, a nonprofit bike sales and repair nonprofit that bought and renovated the long- shop, is still in operation. vacant building with a $120,000 grant from The development corporation’s goal is to the city and $30,000 in other donations. revitalize the neighborhood retail corridor in “We’ve got too much invested to give and around North Avenue and Brookland Park up,” said Derek McDaniels, president of the Boulevard using a private business model. development corporation. The first step, Mr. McDaniels said, is to Mr. McDaniels said Nehemiah would create successful coffee and bike shop operaoperate the business until another operator is tions in this initial building. The goal is to found. The coffee shop is open 7 to 11 a.m. use the revenue from those businesses to buy Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and renovate other nearby vacant properties on Saturdays, he said. and fill them with more shops to create jobs The coffee shop closed Nov. 28 after and contribute more revenue to continue the talks broke down between Nehemiah and improvement process.
A2
Richmond Free Press
December 24-26, 2015
Local News
Holiday closings
A drone under the control of a Free Press photographer provides this aerial snapshot of the site where Virginia Commonwealth University’s new Institute of Contemporary Art is going up. The $35 million building is under construction at the gateway intersection of
In observance of Christmas, please note the following: will be closed Thursday, Dec. 24, through Sunday, Dec. 27. Henrico County libraries are closed Thursday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 25, and will be open Saturday, Dec. 26. Banks, credit unions and other fi nancial institutions: Closed Friday, Dec. 25. U.S. Postal Service: No delivery Friday, Dec. 25. Trash and recycling: No pick-ups Friday, Dec. 25. Department of Motor Vehicles customer service centers: Closed Thursday, Dec. 24, through Sunday, Dec. 27. Virginia ABC stores: Close at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24, and are closed Friday, Dec. 25. Malls, major retailers, movie theaters: Varies; inquire at specific locations. GRTC: Buses operate on a Sunday schedule Friday, Dec. 25. Free Press offi ces: Closed Friday, Dec. 25.
Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond
Broad and Belvidere streets. The photo was taken Friday, Dec. 18. Work began a year ago, but construction was halted for six months to allow the site foundation to be modified to install geothermal wells. The institute, expected to open in early 2017, is to host experimental art and performances.
James Haskins/Richmond Free Press
Va. NAACP elections on hold in wake of national investigation
Correction Caprichia Moses, who sang at the 25th Annual Memorial Service for Families and Friends of Homicide Victims on Dec. 10 at Richmond City Hall, is business administrator at First Baptist Church of South Richmond. The Free Press incorrectly identified her occupation in a photo caption accompanying an article on the memorial service in the Dec. 17-19 edition.
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For 70 years, Moore’s Auto Body and Paint Shop Inc. has been a fixture at 401 W. Broad St. But that is about to change as one of the city’s oldest AfricanAmerican-owned businesses prepares to close. Owner Jesse Moore, 71, disclosed Monday that he has sold the nearly quarter-acre property and will shut down the auto body operation there at the end of the month. Court records show he sold the property for $900,000, well above the $586,000 that the city currently values the 9,823 squarefoot property for tax purposes. Mr. Moore said his father, Grandvillie Moore, began the business in 1945 on the site of a former gas station. Later, in the early 1970s, he took over from his father. Now preparing to retire, Mr. Moore said he is in negotiations to sell the Moore name to a prospective buyer of Eastgate Auto Mr. Moore Body, which Mr. Moore also has operated at 1800 N. 30th St. in Church Hill for about 40 years. Mr. Moore wishes he knew who bought the Broad Street property. He said Brian K. Jackson, an attorney with Hirschler Fleischer law firm, approached him about the sale, which was conducted in October. He said Mr. Jackson would not reveal the principals involved with the listed buyer, Venture Development LLC. Mr. Moore said he also was not told how the buyer plans to use the property. Mr. Jackson declined comment on the buyer and plans for the site when reached by the Free Press this week. Mr. Moore said his company fixed an average of eight cars a week and credited three employees who had been with Moore’s for more than 40 years: Robert Johnson, Reggie Williams and Robert Walker. Mr. Moore said that ending the relationship with those auto body and painting experts is the most difficult part of the closing. During his career, Mr. Moore, along with his ties to his Richmond body shops, owned and operated one of the nation’s largest new car dealerships in Warner-Robbins, Ga., for several years. He long hoped to open a new car dealership in the Richmond area, but was unable to do so. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS
Christmas Eve - Closed at 6PM • Closed Christmas Day
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Longtime Broad St. business to close
December 23 -29, 2015
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In a surprise move, the national NAACP has put the Oct. 31 election results for the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP on hold as it investigates claims of irregularities in the vote. Among other things, the national office is seeking to determine whether youth delegates were wrongly denied ballots in the vote for officers. Jack Gravely, interim state executive director, confirmed Monday that state officers serving prior to the elections have been restored to office. Carmen Taylor of Hampton, who lost her bid for re-election as state NAACP president by two votes to Linda Thomas of Caroline County is back in the leadership position. Neither Ms. Thomas, a former state president, or Ms. Taylor were available for comment on the abrupt change in their status. Responding to a Free Press query, Mr. Gravely said the national office notified him and the state officers at least two weeks ago. The action was not publicly announced. Also affected is Joe W. Dillard Jr. of Norfolk, who was elected state vice president and seemed poised to move up to president in a future election. Two other officers, state secretary LaSalle J. McCoy Jr. of Chesterfield and state treasurer Sylvia Wood of Richmond, are unaffected because they were re-elected to their positions. The claims of irregularities apparently concern the election of representatives from several areas of the state, including Roanoke. The national NAACP has not indicated how long the investigation would take, Mr. Gravely said. The Rev. Gill Ford, national NAACP director for unit capacity, is in charge of the probe into the elections. He was not immediately available for comment. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS
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City and county public schools: Winter break began Monday, Dec. 21; schools reopen Monday, Jan. 4. Government Richmond city and state offi ces are closed Thursday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 25. Chesterfield County offices are closed Thursday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 25. Henrico County offi ces are closed Thursday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 25. Federal offices are closed Thursday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 25. Courts State courts are closed Thursday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 25. Federal courts are closed Thursday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 25. Libraries Richmond City libraries will be closed Thursday, Dec. 24, through Sunday, Dec. 27. Chesterfield County libraries
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Richmond Free Press
December 24-26, 2015
A3
Local News
Concealed weapons permits from 25 states not valid in Va. Free Press wire reports
Concealed handgun permits held by residents of 25 states no longer will be valid in Virginia, the state’s attorney general said Tuesday, drawing swift criticism from GOP lawmakers. Attorney General Mark Herring, a Democrat, said the state will revoke its reciprocity agreement with the states because their concealed weapon laws don’t meet Virginia’s standards. Those states hand out permits to fugitives, convicted stalkers and drug dealers, which undermines Virginia’s law and puts residents at risk, he said. “Evenly, consistently and fairly enforcing Virginia’s concealed handgun permit law, as we are now doing, means that it will be more difficult for potentially dangerous individuals to conceal their handguns here in Virginia and that will make Virginians safer, especially Virginian law enforcement,” Attorney General Herring said. The move also means that Virginians will no longer be able to use their concealed handgun permits in six states that require a mutual reciprocity agreement: Florida, Louisiana, North Dakota,
Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Wyoming. John Whitbeck, chairman of the Virginia Republican Party, said Attorney General Herring’s announcement was further proof that Democrats have “declared war on the Second Amendment.” Two weeks ago, the president of Liberty University in Lynchburg urged students to obtain permits to carry concealed weapons during an announcement that the private, Christian institution would remove a rule banning students from bringing firearms into residence halls. Liberty President Jerry Falwell Jr. called it a safety measure, saying that if more people carry concealed weapons at Liberty University, it would help deter attacks such as the recent mass shooting in San Bernardino, Calif., in which 14 people were killed. Gun advocates have questioned whether Attorney General Herring’s action was a response to curb pistol-packing at Liberty and elsewhere. Under Virginia law, residents may obtain a concealedcarry permit if they are 21 or older. About 950 people at Liberty University now have concealed carry permits, Mr. Falwell said. Since his announcement in early December, hundreds more have signed up for a training course to get a permit, he said.
How many of those permits were granted by other states is unknown. States are being notified about the change in Virginia, which goes into effect Feb. 1, Attorney General Herring said. The top Republican in the GOP-controlled House of Delegates said Attorney General Herring is “damaging the integrity of the office he holds.” “Despite promising to take politics out of the Attorney General’s Office, Mark Herring consistently seeks to interpret and apply the law of the Commonwealth through the lens of his own personal political opinions,” House Speaker William Howell said. The only states that have tough enough laws to maintain their reciprocity agreement with Virginia are Michigan, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and West Virginia, Attorney General Herring said. The states whose permits Virginia will no longer recognize are: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Superintendent says $26.5 M increase needed for city schools By Joey Matthews
Pay now or pay later in negative repercussions that would largely impact the city’s most vulnerable residents. That was the urgent plea Richmond schools Superintendent Dana T. Bedden issued Dec. 14 as he unveiled an estimate of needs for the district for fiscal year 2017. He requested about $26.5 million more than the current budget contains and that would raise the total schools budget to $298 million. If allocated, the increased investment in education, Dr. Bedden argued, would provide the city with its best opportunity to alleviate poverty, reduce crime, reduce health care issues and costs, support economic development, develop a more skilled labor force and increase property values. He presented the ambitious request a week after the Richmond School Board voted to add two years to his contract, extending it through June 2019. Dr. Bedden called his needs assessment a “starting point for budget development.” The additional monies, Dr. Bedden said, would help boost employees’ pay; advance a systemwide academic improvement plan; and add the equivalent of 138 full-time positions. The superintendent’s presentation did not address the $169 million first phase of a 15-year, $563 million school building plan focused mostly on South Side that city administration officials already have discounted as too costly.
Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ administration has previously said it would not rely on taxes to come up with the $169 million. Additionally, the city’s debt capacity for the next five years is about $50 million, administration officials said, and the city is not willing to allocate all of that to satisfy the school district’s wish list. The education debate intensified last week when the mayor’s spokesperson, Tammy D. Hawley, said in an interview that only about 11 percent of the city’s 214,000 residents are schoolchildren and that many of the city’s other residents likely would want additional taxpayer dollars to go to address the city’s other pressing needs. Critics seized on those comments to accuse the Jones administration of turning a blind eye to the predominately African-American Richmond school system. On Thursday, the Jones administration appeared to backtrack from Ms. Hawley’s comments. In a statement his office issued supporting Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s proposed pro-education budget, the mayor said, “I’ve always believed that a strong city is one where all residents care about public education, even if they don’t have kids in the school system.” Separately, RPS officials announced earlier that it has launched “RVA Future Centers” in all five of its comprehensive high schools this semester. “Future Centers are dedicated classroom spaces within each school building that are resource hubs for connecting high school students
and their families to college and career planning resources,” a district release stated. The city has touted the implementation of the centers as a step toward reducing poverty through strategies developed by its Office of Community Wealth Building led by Dr. Thad Williamson. The centers are staffed by a full-time site coordinator, “who develops and implements a
school-specific plan to engage all students in developing a personal plan for life after high school, starting in their ninth grade year,” working with RPS guidance staff and community organizations, the release added. RPS officials said that the initiative is being funded with a $425,000 allocation from the city to the RPS Education Foundation to start the program.
Raymond Boone Jr./Richmond Free Press
Welcome aboard The Rev. Roscoe D. Cooper III, left, proudly stands with sons Landon Riley, 5, and Christian Alexander, 11, and his father, the Rev. Roscoe D. Cooper Jr., after being sworn in Dec. 16 as the Fairfield District representative on the Henrico County School Board. The ceremony, held at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, included the investiture of two incumbent African-American members of the Henrico Board of Supervisors — Frank J. Thornton of the Fairfield District, seated second from left, and the Rev. Tyrone E. Nelson of the Varina District, fifth from the left. The county’s constitutional officers also were sworn in.
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Richmond Free Press
A4 December 24-26, 2015
News
CAO scraps plan to use energy savings for upgrades By Jeremy M. Lazarus
Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ administration has killed a plan to use energy savings to finance critical improvements to more than 30 aging city buildings, the Free Press has learned. The city’s chief administrative officer, Selena Cuffee-Glenn, quietly made the decision in the past few weeks. She did so after Siemens, the company the city hired to provide a detailed proposal, offered to undertake $13 million in improvements to city buildings that would be repaid over time from savings the city achieved from cutbacks in electricity and natural gas use. Her decision snuffs a potentially significant source of funding to replace inefficient, outdated and poorly functioning boilers, air conditioners, windows and light fixtures in City Hall, the John Marshall Courts Building, city fire stations, recreation centers and other municipal buildings. It also appears to undercut Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ efforts to reduce the city’s carbon footprint. City spokeswoman Tammy D. Hawley, in response to a Free Press query, confirmed that that the chief administrative officer decided not to proceed with financing the work as proposed. “We don’t have the debt capacity to dedicate to this effort,” Ms. Hawley stated, adding that the city’s ability to borrow was not properly investigated by former staff members who pushed the plan. She said that other funding ideas, including a state loan, also have been reviewed and rejected as not in the city’s best interest. However, she stated, some of the work is going to get done.
“At this time,” she stated, “many of the smaller projects are being undertaken by city employees, such as insulation in City Hall and lighting upgrades. The city also is seeking to expand the kind and type of projects that can be successfully handled internally.” However, Ms. Cuffee-Glenn’s decision has attracted the attention of Richmond Ms. Cuffee-Glenn City Council members, who are just now learning that the city will have to pay $300,000 to Siemens for conducting the detailed energy audit and crafting the proposal that is being shelved. City Councilman Parker C. Agelasto, 5th District, who has been a staunch advocate for the energy savings program, said he is “disappointed that the administration made this decision without any consultation” with the nine council members. Mr. Agelasto said the city’s plan was fairly limited because it did not include streetlights or school buildings, many of which have failing heating and cooling systems that need replacement. “Given the limited debt capacity facing the city for the next several years, City Council needs creative financing solutions to pay for upgrades to our city and school facilities. Performance contracting is one of these options,” he said. He noted that sources told him that Richmond could have received a $10 million loan through the state’s VirginiaSAVES Green Community Program, with an anticipated interest rate below 2 percent, to help the city move forward on this effort. This is lower than the 3.16 percent interest rate the city recently
received on its sale of general obligation bonds and would result in additional savings to taxpayers, he said. Mr. Agelasto called it “unfortunate” that the city is putting the effort on hold at the same time that Richmond is considering setting up a loan program that would enable private property owners to upgrade the energy efficiency of their office, apartment Mr. Agelasto and industrial buildings. He is working to develop the local ordinances for such a program, called PACE, or Property Assessed Clean Energy, which the Virginia General Assembly authorized during its last session. Under the state-approved program, PACE allows owners of outdated buildings to use the assessed value of their property to finance energy upgrades and to repay the borrowing through special assessments on their real estate tax bills. The city has long needed to invest more into its buildings to keep them operational. When Mayor Jones first came into office in 2009, City Hall and the John Marshall Courts Building were operating on emergency energy systems because of failed boilers that needed to be replaced. Only part of the work was done at the time to get the buildings back on line. Support for using energy savings had won significant administration support after Mayor Jones won re-election in 2012. However, support waned after its main advocate, James A. Jackson, abruptly resigned as the city’s director of Public Works last May after a dispute with Ms. Cuffee-Glenn, who had just been appointed CAO.
Critic: Oak evokes lynching image at Walker statue site Continued from A1
tree from the plaza also would give artist Antonio Tobias “Toby” Mendez “the free space to fully celebrate the life and work of Mrs. Walker.” Mr. Flowers and his allies, including retired businessman J. Maurice Hopkins, are throwing down the gauntlet to tree supporters, including Mayor Dwight C. Jones, who see the oak as adding an additional dimension to the plaza project that is projected to cost around $600,000 for the art and other elements. With Mr. Mendez still mulling a design, both sides in the tree fight are gearing up to express their views to the Richmond Public Art Commission and the city Planning Commission, which will have the final say. The first community hearing for people to voice their views is set for Tuesday, Jan. 12. Supporters of the tree were first to push the issue. Appalled that the statue might displace the tree, Jackson Ward resident Mariah Robinson rallied support with an online petition to save the tree she regards as “irreplaceable.”
More than 800 people signed, including Robinson’s petition to maintain the tree. He Mayor Jones, who announced Dec. 3 that said that pushed him to take action “to bring he was joining the “effort to preserve the together a coalition of conscience, regardless special oak tree” that he said would add a of race and gender, to prevent the legacy of symbol of strength to the monument. Maggie Walker from being lynched. How: Attend the first community Mr. Flowers is now seeking to get another “It would be wrong to have an enormous meeting on the Maggie L. Walker perspective heard in one of his first efforts to live oak tree literally cast a shadow over this Plaza design affect policy in his hometown after years of tribute to her life and work,” he said. When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, being involved in national civil rights affairs. If the statue is to succeed, it needs to get the Jan. 12 Where: 205 E. Broad St., Storefront Most recently, he was executive director and same treatment as the other major statues in for Community Design CEO of the Washington-based Black LeaderRichmond, none of which are stuck under trees, Host: Maggie Walker Site Selection ship Forum, a coalition of 51 black political, said Mr. Hopkins, a member of the Maggie L. Committee of the Richmond Public civic and economic development groups. Walker High School Class of 1965. Art Commission Earlier, Mr. Flowers was based out of Chi“We need a 360-degree panoramic view cago as vice president and national organizer of the statue, and that will not be possible for the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH Coalition. if the tree stays,” he said. “When I returned to Richmond 18 months ago, I was euphoric The anti-tree petition is now online at GoPetition.com/petiwhen I heard about the plan to place Mrs. Walker’s statue at this tions/support-Maggie-Walker-without-a-tree.html. intersection,” said Mr. Flowers, who has a consulting firm. For additional details, contact Mr. Flowers, (773) 230-3554, The euphoria quickly faded, he said, after he learned about Ms. or Mr. Hopkins at hopinn@rcn.com.
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Church must boot Parson to clear bankruptcy Continued from A1
any involvement with the center. That stipulation was the only way that FCR would agree to revamp the $2 million mortgage it holds on the property and cut the church’s monthly payment by $8,000 a month — a key element of the financial reorganization plan. “This stipulation is to remain in effect for the duration of the loan term,” said Rhonda Hickman, chair of the church’s three-member board of trustees. The board has worked long hours with the court’s trustee, Bruce Matson, and a financial adviser to come up with a plan that could pass muster with the court. “We are hopeful that after we show at least six months of financial stability that FCR will reconsider this term,” Ms. Hickman said. But that’s down the road. The church has been using unpaid associate pastors and volunteer ministers since the church stopped paying Pastor Parson. Ms. Hickman said the church plans to continue the practice into June to save money. Ms. Hickman said the church then could consider bringing on a full-time pastor. For now, the church is celebrating the prospects of a brighter future. The church received an early Christmas gift
when federal Bankruptcy Court Judge Keith Phillips approved the financial plan. “I always believed this moment would come. I didn’t know when. I just believed that, with God’s help, we would reach this point,” Ms. Hickman said. The financial plan calls for the church to repay 100 percent of the money owed to unsecured creditors within three years. The plan relies heavily on the tightly knit congregation continuing to contribute $30,000 to $55,000 a month in tithes and donations — or an average of about $300 a month per member. The plan also relies heavily on the work of Forando B. Holmes and Michelle G. Tinkler, owners of Ujima Properties Inc. Together, they have creatively filled much of the church complex’s empty space with small businesses that have created a beehive of activity and are on track to generate more than $250,000 a year in rent for the church. Just as importantly, the company is contributing to the church’s solvency by agreeing to defer fees for the property rental for two years, Ms. Hickman said. Still, the church might have gone belly up without the help of Mr. Matson and the profes-
Richmond Christian Center
sionals who crafted the financial plan. Required to raise $200,000 to help pay administrative costs, the church was still $93,000 short just a few days before the court’s Dec. 17 deadline. Aided by fundraising and a surprise $10,000 anonymous donation, the church crossed the hurdle during a meeting with Mr. Matson, accountants and others. In a show of goodwill, all of the professionals agreed to defer payment of their fees for up to two years, rather than requiring an immediate
payment. For example, Paul Campsen of Kaufman & Canoles, the law firm representing FCR, also agreed to defer about $57,000 due to his firm to help make the financial plan work, according to court testimony. Others also contributed to make the plan work. “This is what bankruptcy is all about,” Chris Perkins, an attorney with LeClair Ryan law firm that represented Mr. Matson. In order to solve the problem of helping the church get on its feet, “everyone had to bend a little and give a little.”
Officer’s jobs program puts men on right side of law Continued from A1
Time. The jobs program was started in October by Richmond Police Officer Reynaldo Perez. The men were among eight participants in a six-week program run by volunteers in the Mosby Court public housing community. Meeting twice weekly, they learned how to fill out job applications, put together résumés and engage in job interviews. They also received training in life skills such as anger management and leadership. Mr. Perry, Mr. Moore and the other initial participants were honored with certificates at a graduation ceremony Nov. 30 at the Richmond Police Training Academy on North Side. Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham spoke at the ceremony, praising Officer Perez’s efforts in starting the program. He also congratulated the graduates for sticking with it. In an interview with the Free Press, Officer Perez said he began the program because “I kept arresting the same people over and over. I asked them why they kept committing the crimes and putting their lives at risk. They all said the same thing. ‘I can’t get a job and even if I do, once they
see my record, I get dismissed.’ “I realized that instead of using my badge to arrest people, I would instead use it to help those who are in need of jobs — not only to get a job but teach them how to keep it,” the officer said. He has talked to owners and managers of local businesses, some of whom who have agreed to hire some of the men in his program. After his release from prison in August, Mr. Perry, 54, said he tried to find a job. “I was really, really discouraged” when his search initially came up dry. “I had been looking from day one. All of the things that I thought would be there to help me were not there. I was overwhelmed because no one would hire me.” His fortunes changed after he met Officer Perez. The eight-year police department veteran, whose patrol beat includes the Mosby Court community, invited Mr. Perry to participate in the program. During the next few weeks, Mr. Perry found not one, but two jobs. In mid-November, he started a job with SafeLink Wireless, helping to sign up those on government assistance for free cellphones. He then began a
full-time job stocking merchandise at a convenience store in Church Hill. “I love it,” Mr. Perry said of being employed. “I am so grateful. It’s what I need to continue to move forward. It makes me feel better about myself.” After his incarceration eight years ago, Mr. Moore, 34, said he operated a small door-to-door business and was “out there (on the streets) doing stuff that could have gotten me locked up.” He said he also had been homeless. With help from Officer Perez, Mr. Moore recently landed a job through a temporary company working in a warehouse with Southeast Frozen Foods in Henrico County. He was thrilled recently to cash his first paycheck. “It’s wonderful,” said the Mosby Court resident. “Now, I can help my (five) kids by buying them shoes and help my girlfriend out paying our rent. “I don’t think I would have made it this far without (Officer Perez’s) help. I’ve known him for about five years, but at one point, it wasn’t on the good side. I used to think it was easier to get drugs and sell them than to get a job. He sits down with you and talks with you about how to change
that mindset. Once I started trying to turn my life around, I started feeling better about myself.” Both men praised Officer Perez and other officers who have volunteered their time to help with the program. “They’re not like, ‘We’re police officers and you have to do this,’ ’’ Mr.
Perry said. “They’re like, ‘We’re here to help you if you want our help.’ ’’ Officer Perez said the next Bridging The Gap session will begin Monday, Jan. 4. Anyone interested in learning more, he said, can call or text him at (610) 751-5243.
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THE SOUNDTRACK OF LIFE IS ELECTRIC There is a soundtrack that accompanies your every day – whether it’s the rolling tumble of the dryer or the coffee pot dripping with your morning cup. But what we often consider background noise is actually an electric score that accompanies our lives. It’s a rich symphony of cadences and clicks, buzzes, bells, whistles and whirs, and it’s there all the time.
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ess readers Pr ee Fr al loy r ou u, yo to es sh wi Season’s greetings and sincere best in 2015. and advertisers, for your support , with the goal of 16 20 in ce len cel ex of t ui rs pu ng ui We pledge our contin contributing to a better Richmond. gratitude, With Richmond Free Press team
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Vision, not division
Leaders provide vision. They help people understand where they are, how they got there and what they must do to go forward. They help calm nerves and strengthen courage. They are steady in times of trouble, inspiring in times of demoralization. Donald Trump’s reaction to the terrorist acts in Egypt, Lebanon, Paris and San Bernardino, Calif., divides and weakens us. For the most part, his rivals for the Republican presidential nomination have allowed him to lead the Republican Party and its run to the White House to ignominy. Americans are understandably worried. We have been fighting wars in the Middle East for more than a decade. We lost thousands of lives and spent literally trillions of dollars in a wrong-headed war of choice in Iraq. We toppled the Taliban in Afghanistan, Saddam Hussein in Iraq, Muammar Qaddafi in Libya,
producing failed states and generating more terrorists. Now, we are trying to take out President Assad in Syria even as his mortal enemy ISIS takes credit for terrorist horrors in Paris and Beirut. The violence keeps spreading. The ter-
Jesse L. Jackson Sr. rorists keep reviving. And Americans grow more and more worried. The task of leadership is to provide clarity and a strategy that quells fears and offers a way out. Mr. Trump has chosen, instead, to foster greater fear, to divide us one from another, while calling on us to abandon our own values. It is time for people of conscience to once more stand up. We are not in a war with our brothers and sisters of the Muslim faith. They are neighbors and friends. Some volunteer to defend this country. American Muslims despise ISIS and the way the terrorists distort and disgrace their religion. We should not lock our doors or close our hearts to those who are the victims of ISIS and
the terror in Syria and Iraq, whatever their religion or tribe. The threat to lock out Muslims is harmful, hurtful and divisive. It is immoral and perversely counterproductive. There are more Muslims in the world than Christians. There are more Muslims than Americans. ISIS may declare war on Western civilization, but that just illustrates their madness. We are not at war with Islam. We are at war with terrorists who threaten our people. We want to enlist the overwhelming majority of Muslims to stand with us, not provoke them to stand against us. In this Christmas season, we should not forget that after his birth in a manger, Jesus was a refugee, fleeing into Egypt with his parents from the threat of Roman violence. He taught us to care for the stranger on the Jericho Road, not to spurn and scorn him. I grew up under segregation, locked out because of the color of my skin. The race test was hurtful because I could never pass it. The same is true of the call to exclude all Muslims. We
must speak forcefully against those who would mindlessly impose a religion test for entry into the United States and those who would call for closing down mosques or cracking down on places where Muslims gather peacefully. America will not defeat terrorism by dividing one from another. Terror is the weapon of the weak. For a people with hope, the hate of ISIS has no attraction. For people who are integrated into a society, ISIS’ call to violence goes unanswered. ISIS calls for jihad, arguing that the West is waging war on Islam. We need to isolate the terrorists, not inflate them. We need to give lie to their calumnies, not provide evidence for them. Anyone who aspires to lead this country ought to demonstrate that he or she will respect and defend the values on which it has been built. In this time of trouble, Mr. Trump and many of his rivals are denigrating the very principles that make America strong. The writer is president of Rainbow PUSH Coalition. George Curry Media
Energy industry vital to climate change, economic opportunities Under the leadership of President Obama, the United States has taken unprecedented action to begin addressing climate change — one of the biggest issues facing our time. Through advancements in new technologies, environmental initiatives and cleaner energy resources, our country already has greatly reduced carbon dioxide emissions. Unfortunately, the public debate over the causes and solutions to climate change have become politically polarized, as issues too often do in this country. And unfortunately, the energy sector has been turned into a boogey man in this debate, even as it propels much-needed economic growth while exploring for new sources of clean energy. It should not be this way, especially if we are serious about addressing the real issues before us.
Like the rest of the country, our community in Illinois is facing myriad economic, political and social challenges. From stagnated economic development to police misconduct to the
Robert Dale increasing violence in our inner cities, the African-American community, especially, is facing a more divided and troubling future. In fact, the Illinois unemployment rate for the AfricanAmerican community is 11.5 percent — more than double the statewide unemployment rate. This is an unacceptable situation that must be addressed. Part of the solution will be to reboot economic opportunities for African-Americans in our state and areas around the nation. One place to start is to utilize opportunities developing in the growing energy industry. A recent report found that African-Americans easily will account for more than 100,000 jobs in the energy industry in the next 15 years. Nearly 65 percent of these
jobs will cover skilled (first line supervisors, electricians, industrial machine mechanics, etc.); semi-skilled (welders, truck drivers, excavating, etc.); professional (architects, engineers, surveyors, etc.); and management (general operations, engineering managers, accountants, etc.) positions. Many people may not be aware, but the energy industry has been one of the bright spots in our economy as we struggled to rebound from the protracted recession. Recently, the Progressive Policy Institute found that the U.S. energy sector invested more than $201 billion in domestic buildings, equipment and software in 2014. Not only has this investment translated into jobs and opportunities for everyone from construction workers to accoun-
tants, engineers and scientists, it also has meant progress and technological breakthroughs that benefit both the economy and the environment. In fact, it was ExxonMobil that pioneered the first lithium battery — an invention that served as the basis for the batteries in electric cars, like Tesla. More than that, investments by energy companies like ExxonMobil have expanded access to cleaner bridge fuels that can serve our needs until we can fully tap efficient, clean and renewable sources of energy. There is no doubt that we are facing enormous challenges — whether it is the specter of climate change that haunts future generations or the burden of economic inequality that leaves behind some of our
communities. But the solution will not be found in overheated rhetoric, recriminations or even scapegoating an industry as vitally important as the energy sector. Indeed, I believe that the energy industry will play an integral role in finding a solution to the problem of climate change while continuing to help create new economic opportunities for all Americans, including economically disenfranchised communities. It is within our grasp to find practical solutions that protect our environment while serving our economic interests. Now we must resolve to get on with that task — and set aside partisan bickering. The writer is chair of the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce.
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Richmond Free Press
December 24-26, 2015
A7
Letters to the Editor
Maggie Walker’s honor would be impaired by tree I write to support that the City of Richmond provide a cleared palette at the corner of Broad and Adams streets on which a stately statue can stand in full honor and glory to the iconic image of Maggie Lena Walker. Throughout U.S. history, images of black people have been relegated to dark shadows of honor. I am angered and insulted that a 70-foot tree stands atop the public art site for a woman who has inspired so many in Richmond, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States of America. Simply put, city officials must understand that the tree and Mrs. Walker’s statue cannot coexist in good conscience. The city must remove the tree. Anything less would be tantamount to lynching the legacy of Maggie L. Walker under tree branches so reminiscent of trees from which my ancestors were hanged, and which inspired Billie Holiday’s moving song, “Strange Fruit.” Under a large oak tree, Mrs. Walker’s honor would be marginalized and impaired by the branches and shadows of this history. Mrs. Walker has earned her place in the unfettered sun.
Pray for haters and their victims At this time of year and throughout the year to come, I ask that before opening Christmas presents, all people take a few minutes to pray for the following: • For those who hate to give up their hate and join the circle to love their fellow man. • For the victims of hate, may they be given the peace of mind to heal their wounds and not give in to hate. • That the day when every person becomes truly equal and part of the family of man comes quickly.
The City of Richmond should use this opportunity to establish a cleared space to allow the statue of Maggie Walker to be seen from all angles as a “gateway” to Historic Jackson Ward. In such a space, Richmond can better educate its current residents to the life, and the distinctive community that surrounded the sphere of Mrs. Walker beyond her recognition as the first female and African-American bank president. Her extraordinary accomplishments were during a period of American history in which African-Americans and women were literally second class citizens. Mrs. Walker was not only an educator, women’s suffragette, newspaper publisher and activist, she was an activist alongside Richmond Planet publisher John Mitchell. Together, they were key forces to organize a successful and historic boycott to protest segregation of Richmond’s trolley cars in 1904. The boycott lasted more than a year and delivered a serious financial blow to the trolley company, forcing it into receivership. This boycott was 50 years before the Montgomery, Ala., bus boycott that started with the arrest of Rosa Parks.
How did the idea of equating the preservation of a relatively young and historically insignificant tree with a statue of Maggie Walker come about in the first place? Apparently, more than 1,000 people who may be culturally insensitive, unaware or ill-advised signed a petition to preserve the tree. In the same year that black and white people have taken to the streets in American cities protesting the devaluing of black lives and images does Richmond want to be yet another municipality that values the public art images of white citizens higher than those of its black citizens? I urge a “coalition of conscience” for like-minded citizens to sign a petition online or at Richmond churches to honor Maggie Lena Walker in her full glory as public art representing a cultural historical context that provides a tribute for generations to appreciate and enjoy. To sign the petition is to say, via signature, “It’s not about black and white. It’s about wrong and right.” GARY L. FLOWERS Richmond
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Starting Pay: $14.00 per hour Closes: January 22, 2016 GRTC Transit System is currently seeking qualified candidates, at least 21 years of age, with excellent customer service skills and a high school diploma for full-time Bus Operator positions. Applicants are required to have a Class B CDL License with Passenger Endorsement. Qualified candidates must have a five (5) point balance on their driving record and must be able to pass a background check, a pre-employment drug test and a DOT physical. For a complete job description and to apply online, please visit www.ridegrtc.com. GRTC Transit System is an equal opportunity employer with a drug-free work environment that values diversity in the workplace.
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Richmond Free Press
A8 December 24-26, 2015
Sports
Stories by Fred Jeter
VSU Coach Lonnie Blow scores 100th CIAA victory
Basketball Coach Lonnie Blow Jr. arrived at Virginia State University with a reputation for success, and he hasn’t disappointed. The veteran coach picked up his 100th CIAA victory Dec. 15 when the Trojans defeated his former school, St. Augustine’s University, 86-63, in Raleigh, N.C. In his third coaching season at VSU, Coach Blow improved to 3823 (6-2 for the season as of Dec. 15)
after going 62-27 in two stints at St. Augustine’s. Overall, he is 100-50 in the CIAA. Previously, Coach Blow served as an assistant at Division I Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University and coached about 15 years in his native Hampton Roads at Maury and Granby high schools in Norfolk. His 2000 Granby High School
Coach Blow
squad won the State Group AAA championship. The CIAA coach with the most career wins is the late Clarence “Big House” Gaines, who posted a 828-447 mark at Winston-Salem State University between 1946 and 1993. At Virginia Union University, Dave Robbins was 713-194 between 1978 and 2008. The only other CIAA coaches reaching the 500-win milestone are
Steven Joyner, who hit the halfcentury mark earlier this season at Johnson C. Smith University, and the late Bobby Vaughan, 502-301 at Elizabeth City State University from 1949 to 1986. Joyner also had 82 victories as Johnson C. Smith’s women’s basketball coach before switching to coach the men’s team. Joyner was an assistant at Virginia Union University in the 1970s under the late Robert Moore.
Aggies win Celebration Bowl in Atlanta There is plenty to celebrate, starting with the feats of North Carolina A&T State University’s Tarik Cohen, following last Saturday’s inaugural Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl. The Aggies’ explosive 5-foot-6 junior ran and ran and didn’t slow down until the Aggies had a 41-34 victory over Alcorn State University at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Cohen’s 295 rushing harvest featured scintillating touchdown runs of 83, 74 and 73 yards. The historic game pitted Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) champion North Carolina A&T against the champion from the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the Alcorn State Braves. “It was a heckuva start,” MEAC Commissioner Dennis Thomas said in a postgame news conference. “Everyone won today. All HBCU’s won today.” The matchup of the HBCU Division I football conference victors also determined the winner of the Black College National Championship. The event drew a crowd of 35,528 at the Georgia Dome and a national ABC-TV audience. Each conference was guaranteed $1 million. The Celebrity Bowl will continue next year
at the Georgia Dome with a similar of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, format before moving to Mercedesalma mater of Aggies Coach Rod Benz Stadium in 2017. The MercedesBroadway, and to North Carolina Benz Stadium, which is now under Central University. construction, will replace the George Alcorn State, located in Lorman, Dome in 2017 as home of the NFL Miss., closes the season with a 9-4 Atlanta Falcons. record. Even before the Celebration Bowl, The Aggies suffered seven straight Cohen was a social media celebrity losing seasons before Broadway for his jaw-dropping ability to catch took over in 2011. Previously, he passes while doing backflips. was 35-12 at Grambling State and He was invited to ESPN’s Sports 33-11 at North Carolina Central Center campus in Bristol, Conn., where universities. Tarik Cohen he was filmed catching footballs — MEAC and SWAC champs tried sometimes two at a time, one with each hand — previously to get together in the Pelican Bowl while performing an aerial back tuck. (1972-75) and the Heritage Bowl (1991-99), but His amazing acrobatic stunt has gone viral the events lacked the financial backing of the on the Internet. Celebration Bowl and were discontinued. Just as amazing is Cohen’s ability to run with The Celebration Bowl is owned, operated a pigskin tucked under his arm. and broadcast by ESPN Events, which also The Bunn, N.C., native finished the season owns the MEAC/SWAC Challenge held Labor with a school record 1,543 yards and 15 touch- Day Weekend in Orlando, Fla. downs. He also was named MEAC Offensive For the Celebration Bowl to happen, both Player of the Year. MEAC and SWAC eliminated their champions North Carolina A&T finishes the season with from the NCAA Division I Football Championa 10-2 record. The losses were to the University ship Subdivision (FCS).
Financially, it was a solid decision and an easy decision. The 35,000-plus turnout in Atlanta surpassed attendance for any game in the 2014 FCS tournament. FCS playoff entries aren’t offered nearly the guarantees provided by the Celebration Bowl. MEAC schools have fared poorly in the NCAA playoffs. The only MEAC member to win a title was Florida A&M University in 1978. No MEAC team has reached the finals since. Last year, MEAC champ Morgan State University was a first-round loser in the NCAA playoffs at the University of Richmond. SWAC has not participated in FCS playoffs because of its nationally televised Bayou Classic, Grambling State University vs. Southern University, on Thanksgiving weekend at the New Orleans Superdome. The late date of the Bayou Classic has made the SWAC champion ineligible for FCS playoffs. The FCS announces its field prior to Thanksgiving. Non-champions of MEAC and SWAC still would be eligible for FCS but none were invited this year.
Petersburg cousins joined by blood, love of football When the next Prosise family reunion rolls around, football is likely to be the hot topic. Burly Prosise athletes figure heavily into the college gridiron reports as nearby as Ettrick and as far away as South Bend, Ind. Ray Prosise Jr. is a powerful, 6-foot, 280-pound junior defensive lineman and electrical engineering major at Virginia State University. C.J. Prosise, Ray’s first cousin, wears a gold helmet as the dashing junior tailback for the University of Notre Dame. Their fathers, Ray Prosise Sr. and Calvin Prosise, are brothers. The 6-foot, 220-pound C.J. figures to be a key when the Fighting Irish face Ohio State University in the Jan. 1 Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Ariz. The Prosise cousins cut their football teeth in Petersburg recreation leagues. Ray Jr. starred at Petersburg High, where he earned All-Central District honors. C.J.’s star rose at Woodberry Forest, a boarding school in Madison County. “We’ve got a close bond as cousins,” said Ray Jr. “But we’ve never really played together on the same team. “We do stay in touch … but last time we were together, same place, was for a family reunion (in Dinwiddie) two summers ago.” Ray Jr. says he will watch the Fiesta Bowl on television with family members
C.J. Prosise
Ray Prosise
while VSU remains on winter holiday break. C.J. rushed for 1,052 yards (an average of 6.6 yards per carry) and 11 touchdowns in just 10 games this season for Notre Dame. He also caught 26 passes for another 308 yards and a touchdown. He missed two games toward the end of the season with injuries — a concussion and a sprained ankle, but has announced he will be at top speed in Arizona. A management consulting major, C.J. may return to college for his final season of eligibility in 2016, or he may enter the NFL draft. That decision could be determined by his performance in the Fiesta Bowl. Before making any decision, he will consult with the NFL Draft Advisory Board (NFLDAB), a panel of NFL general managers, player personnel directors and scouts.
The NFLDAB helps college athletes determine whether it would be in their best interest to leave college early. Last year, 147 underclassmen submitted their cases to the NFLDAB, with 76 declaring for the draft. C.J. was recruited to Notre Dame primarily as a defensive back. After being red-shirted as a true freshman, he played wide receiver for two seasons before being converted to tailback this past fall. He became an overnight sensation toting the pigskin. Until his late-season ailments, he was on pace to challenge Notre Dame’s all-time, single-season rushing record of 1,437 set by Vagas Ferguson in 1979. C.J. rushed for 155 yards in the Irish’s comeback win over the University of Virginia in Charlottesville earlier this season, and rambled for 198 yards, including a scintillating 91-yarder, in a victory against Georgia Tech. Gifted with explosive athletic talent, C.J. won the Virginia Independent Schools State long jump for Woodberry Forest and was second in the state as a junior and senior racing in the 100 meters. Ray Jr. was instrumental in VSU’s historic success in 2014 by helping the Trojans to their first NCAA Division II appearance in school annals. He was named preseason All-CIAA this past year, but missed four games
with a leg injury as the Trojans settled for a 6-4 mark under first-year Coach Byron Thweatt. “We’re really looking forward to next season,” Ray Jr. said. “We lost some close games this year, but we have a lot of starters coming back and we’ll be that much better in Coach Thweatt’s second season.” At Petersburg High, Ray Jr. was recruited by both Latrell Scott, then head coach at the University of Richmond, and Coach Thweatt, who at the time was an assistant coach at UR. When Coach Scott got the VSU job in 2013, he opted for the hometown Trojans’ blue and orange. Coach Thweatt succeeded Coach Scott, who is now coaching at Norfolk State University. Ray Jr. is among the strongest Trojans with maximums of 575 pounds for the squat and 405 pounds for the bench press. He’s also near the top of his class in engineering. His GPA was 3.7 prior to the fall term exams and he’s excited about what he calls his “LVDT project.” His spring semester work involves experimentation with a Linear Variable Differential Transformer on a Formula 1 racecar housed in the VSU engineering department. As riveting as LVDT discussions may be, that subject is likely to be upstaged by football chatter next time the Prosise family gathers.
Highland Springs alumnus suiting up for MSU big game Football season may be over for state champion Highland Springs High School, but the best may be yet to come for Springers alumnus Felton Davis III. The son of Monica and Felton Davis Jr., he wears No. 84 for Michigan State University. Next up for the Spartans is a Dec. 31 date with the University of Alabama in the NCAA Division I Football Championship semifinals at AT&T Stadium in
Arlington, Texas. ESPN will televise the 8 p.m. kickoff. Davis III, a 6-foot-4, 181-pound freshman psychology major, caught just one pass this season for MSU, but it was a big one — a 22-yard snag that helped the Spartans defeat the University of Iowa 16-13 in the Big 10 title game in Indianapolis. MSU is 12-1. Its lone loss was 39-38 at Nebraska. Most true freshmen at MSU are
Felton Davis III
red-shirted. Davis has played in six games as a back up receiver and special teams’ performer for the East Lansing, Mich., school. As a senior at Highland Springs High School in fall 2014, Davis caught 37 passes for 516 yards and six touchdowns in just eight games. He also starred in track and field, covering the 110-meter high hurdles in 14.67. Davis was heavily recruited by
big-time college programs around the nation. He chose MSU in part because former Springer Ron Burton is a current assistant coach for the Spartans. As a freshman, Davis has played behind seniors Aaron Burbridge and Macgarrett Kings Jr. and juniors R.J. Shelton and Josiah Price. Burbridge leads the team with 80 catches for 1,218 yards and seven touchdowns.
Gary Faulkner Jr.
Faulkner wins top pro bowl prize Free Press wire reports RENO, Nev. Gary Faulkner Jr. is the winner of the Professional Bowlers Association’s World Championship. Faulkner, 25, of Memphis, Tenn., won the tournament Thursday, Dec. 17, to become just the second AfricanAmerican to win a title in the PBA’s 57-year history. A southpaw, Faulkner claimed victory and the $60,000 first prize with a 216-178 win over E.J. Tackett in the televised tournament that is considered the PBA’s crown jewel. “The first shot I was nervous. But after that, my mind was free,” Faulkner said. “I didn’t come here to lose. I knew I could do it.” Faulkner, who turned pro three years ago, joins pioneering African-American bowler George Branham III of Indianapolis as a PBA winner. Branham, now retired, won five titles, including the 1986 Brunswick Memorial World Open and the 1993 Firestone Tournament of Champions.
December 24-26, 2015 B1
Richmond Free Press
Section
Happenings
B
Cherished Holiday Memories
Food, glorious food Velma Roland Johnson, owner of Mama J’s Kitchen: I laugh as I think back on Christmases past. You see, growing up, we were poor and didn’t know. As the eighth child of 14 siblings living on Dobson Street, we’d all line up on the staircase eagerly waiting for my parents to say that we could go downstairs. The morning was magical, starting with the Christmas tree revealed for the first time. This tradition was due to my father’s holiday thriftiness. He would wait until midnight to purchase a Christmas tree for a penny, then he and my mother decorated it all through the night. Of course, at that time, I didn’t know any of this. I assumed that Santa Claus brought the tree along with the gifts – and rightfully so. In my house, if you didn’t believe in Santa Claus, you didn’t get gifts. So, I decided to believe in Old Saint Nick until I was in junior high school. Upon the first sight of our living room’s
transformation, we’d each rush to our makeshift Christmas stockings — personalized brown paper bags filled with loose Christmas candy, nuts and oranges. Then we’d make our way under the tree to open our gifts. They were modest and meant for sharing — nothing like the personalized lavish gifts my grandchildren receive nowadays. We’d present our parents handmade gifts that we created at school. Then we’d run through the house and in the snow all day, stopping only to treat ourselves to homemade eggnog and fruitcake. My favorite! My mother prepared dinner with the help of my grandmother, who fried homemade rolls in lard, while Daddy played oldiesbut-goodies on his 78. At dinnertime, we’d all gather around a small table, converting a wooden ironing board into a bench to accommodate everyone before eating like royalty. These are my fondest memories of Christmas that I will cherish forever.
Finding a ‘suitable’ tree Dorothy M. Eure, attorney: My favorite Christmas memory revolves around my desire to have a live tree for Christmas. When I was in college, I pestered my father to let us have a live tree. Finally, he relented, told me to get the saw, climb in the truck and we would go get a tree. Foolishly, I thought he was taking me to a Christmas tree farm. No. He was taking me to the side of the interstate. My father, a paraplegic, pulled over, told me to go down the hill next to an exit off of Interstate 64 and cut down a tree. I was astonished, but I wanted that tree pretty badly. I clambered out of the truck with my saw in hand and found a “suitable” tree. I lack perspective, and although the ceilings in our modest home only reached 8 feet, I thought
a tree approximately 20 feet tall — everything looks smaller outdoors — would be about right. I sawed at the trunk for about 45 minutes and couldn’t get it down. It was a monster. Meanwhile, my father was wondering what was taking so long (i.e., he was hoping a State Trooper wouldn’t pull up and arrest us). I went back to the truck and told him I needed help. He still hadn’t seen the monster tree and assumed I was just weak. We went and retrieved a male cousin to help me cut down the tree. It was so large that it took the two of us to haul it back to the truck. We hastily threw it in the back of the truck and quickly left the scene. I actually had to saw the tree in half to fit it into our house. It was the most beautiful Christmas tree I have ever had, and, as crazy as my family is, I love them, this memory and my sweet father for giving it to me.
Coming into ‘manhood’ Joseph Jenkins III, manager, Joseph Jenkins Jr. Funeral Home: As a boy, if I could keep my eyes open, I often would wait up for my Dad, who worked late hours. My senior year in high school, I had a part-time job and I thought I was “grown.” Every Christmas Eve, my Dad would enjoy a Christmas nightcap. This particular year, I asked him if I could join him, to which he replied, “No.” I responded that I was 18, had a part-time
job and could drive. “Dad, I’m a man!” I told him. He thought, and then said I could pour a little Wild Turkey in a glass with a little Pepsi. I did this one, two and three times. I remember my little brother thinking it was cool and my Mom being furious. I also remember the room spinning. I spent the next morning, Christmas, and most of the next day hugging the toilet. My old man chuckled and asked, “What’s wrong son? You’re a man!”
with ingredients for wonderful memories that linger long after the holiday is gone. Six area residents shared with the Free Press their cherished memories of Christmases past. We hope their reflections will bring special joy and happy recollections of your own during this season.
Counting blessings
Dr. Lucille M. Brown, former Richmond Public Schools superintendent: Christmas has always been a special holiday for my family — the preparation, gift buying, decorating, beautiful music and the special church choir concert. For half a century, it has been a family tradition to gather on Christmas Day to share fellowship and fun, to reaffirm our faith in Jesus Christ and to share gifts which symbolized caring and love felt for each other, as well as our hope for joy and bountiful blessings in the years ahead. The subsequent feeling of warmth and togetherness has remained with me as a cherished memory even until this day. One of my most memorable Christmases was in 1999, when my late husband, Dr. Theodore “Coots” Brown Sr., a Richmond physician, had retired and was able to immerse himself more fully into preparing for the festivities of Christmas. Together, we had fun decorating the Christmas tree, placing candles in the windows and hanging wreaths to celebrate the season. This was a special Christmas season for the immediate family. Stored in the archives of my most precious memories is the time spent that Christmas morning recalling Ted Sr.’s professional achievements and the gratitude he felt for having been able to do for 47 years what he had always wanted to do in life. We also spent time reflecting on the goals established by our son, Ted Jr., who was then a
graduate student at the University of Virginia. And we recalled students in the Richmond Public Schools whom I was privileged to be serving and who are now making contributions to make this a better world. I am grateful that we also gathered with our extended family of siblings and other relatives to enjoy sharing at the family table for Christmas dinner. In our own way, we expressed gratitude for God’s bounty. This Christmas 1999 gave us another opportunity to enhance the bond of family with which we were blessed. This time of reflection affirmed for us that Christmas 1999 was a most amazing and incredible time. We felt that our family was blessed to have each other, to love each other and to feel a closeness that adds joy to life. It was a time to share the season’s joy. With a sense of gratitude, we celebrated God having sent His son Jesus Christ into the world. For this most precious gift, we were thankful. This Christmas 1999 experience gave me a feeling of assurance about the future because I knew that it was in God’s hands. As you develop your own repertoire of special Christmas experiences, I hope that they will be filled with memories of good times with family, of peace, of hope and of love. These characterize my Christmas 1999, one of my most memorable ones. Have a joyous Christmas 2015!
To Grandma’s house
The last Christmas
Lauri Thompson, Yelp Richmond community manager: The holidays: A time of year that brings the inner child out in all of us. No matter how old you are, sledding down the steepest hill, opening presents and watching Christmas movies while curled up on the couch drinking hot chocolate (or eggnog that may or may not have something “extra” in it. There are perks to being an adult!) never cease to bring back all of the warm and fuzzy feelings of being a child. That feeling is what Christmas means to me. Let’s face it. We live in a world where being “on” 24/7 is encouraged. Lauded, even! We are constantly texting, sending that one last email that absolutely couldn’t wait (Newsflash: It could have!) or checking social media. This should be the time of year when all of that stops and we focus on what’s really important. After all, when you think about your most cherished holiday memories, none of them involve an email or Facebook, do they? Mine certainly don’t. My most cherished memories revolve around family traditions. When I was growing up, we spent every Christmas at my Grandma’s house in South Hill. My parents piled all of the presents in the trunk
and somehow convinced me that Santa would deliver them to the right place. I’ll never forget the smell of the clean country air and the crunching sound the gravel made as we drove up to the house. I spent many late nights bonding with my aunt, Mom and Grandma over girl talk and games. As time goes on, vacant seats at the Christmas dinner table become a harsh reminder of how the holidays, albeit joyous, can be painful. Things change and new traditions must be made. Nowadays, we stay in Richmond and enjoy all of our local holiday happenings. Since becoming the community manager of Yelp Richmond, I see the city in a whole new light. We make sure to visit the thousands of twinkling lights at Dominion’s Garden Fest of Lights, enjoy Tacky Light Tours and attend the yearly production of the Richmond Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.” Nothing brings out your inner child more than watching the Sugar Plum Fairy prance across the stage in her glamorous tutu with her Cavalier. No matter how old I get, I will always want to be her. The laughs, smiles and time spent having these experiences with family and friends are the memories that I’ll cherish forever.
Christmas. It’s a time for family, sharing good food, holiday fun and heartfelt blessings. From the smell of dinner cooking for a family feast, to the glow of lights on a decorated Christmas tree, the season is rich
Jocelyn Barnwell, retired Petersburg homemaker and civic worker: It was Christmastime in 1987. It was the last Christmas I would spend with my husband of 33 years. He died of cancer June 15, 1988. As Christmas nears this year, I am reflecting on the lifetime that we spent together. We met at Howard University at the end of my sophomore year. He had finished Morehouse College with the goal of going to medical school to become a surgeon. But it was not to be then. Since he was not accepted, he came to graduate school at Howard. After a few long benchtalking dates, we went to the movies at the Sylvan Theater on Rhode Island Avenue, then to the Oasis Restaurant, where he ordered hamburgers and a pitcher of beer. I quickly informed him that I could not have the beer. Why? “Because I’m 17,” I told him. His reaction was quick and explicit. “You are not dry behind the ears,” he said. That fast, I was deleted from his date list. Fortunately, my mother had insisted that I learn to accept “no” as well “yes,” so I survived it.
Two weeks before I graduated in 1954, he managed to develop a friendship with my friend’s boyfriend and I was invited to go with the group to the beach. “Three Coins in the Fountain” was a hit song at the time, but I was hesitant to sing it. The next year, I came back to Washington to attend American University. He was accepted to Meharry Medical College in Nashville. All I could hear after that was, “I love you, I love you, I love you.” My reply was, “Show me.” We married in 1955, two weeks before medical school started. We headed to Meharry in our pursuit of happiness. My husband became an excellent surgeon with a great practice. We had four children, of whom we are very proud. Our home was filled with love, caring, kindness, joy, the neighborhood kids and their pets. It was usually live here and very loud on Christmas Eve. Now, I reflect back to 1987. I cherish that last Christmas we spent together. It was Christmas Eve and it’s quiet in our playroom. It’s just the two of us with our reveries, listening to Christmas music. My husband pulls close to me and says, “Baby, have I made you happy?” “Oh, yes, you have,” I tell him. “You showed me.”
Richmond Free Press
B2 December 24-26, 2015
Happenings
Personality: Keith W. Hicks
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“To inspire men to a higher moral, intellectual, civic and social standing” through activities that build a better community and promote racial equality. That has been the mission of the Astoria Beneficial Club since its founding 114 years ago. In recent decades, the men’s organization has played a key role in commissioning statues in Jackson Ward to Richmond native Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, a renowned tap dancer, and on Brown’s Island of The Headsman, which commemorates the brave African-American boatmen who contributed to the commercial development along the James River from the 1700s to the mid-1800s. The 112 members of the civic-minded group consider Keith Hicks to be a sterling example of commitment to the organization’s mission. They showed their high regard for him by selecting Mr. Hicks as the 2015 Astorian of the Year. He was presented the award Nov. 15 in a ceremony at The Grace Center, 1302 Victor St., in North Side. “The award recognizes a person who has strong religious values, intellectual growth, continuous civic and social responsibility and a resilient commitment to the Astoria’s vision and mission,” according to the club. “It was breathtaking and I was overwhelmed with joy and excitement,” Mr. Hicks says of winning the award. “I feel honored, overjoyed and grateful for such recognition of my work,” he adds. “It gives me inspiration to continue to assist with the long-term growth strategy of the organization. This award means the world to me.” Mr. Hicks has been a member of the club for seven years and is Membership Committee chairman. “It is my duty to prepare a program that is inviting and allows a platform for new potential members to interact with existing members,” he states. “This particular membership drive brought in more than 10 new members to the organization.” He credits his parents, George and Mary Sue Hicks, for teaching him how to be successful in life. “They both struggled and worked hard to provide a good quality of life for me and my sister,” Mr. Hicks says. “They both worked two jobs when needed and provided a clear window for us to look through so that we could dream and become what God intended us to be. “The best thing my parents ever taught me is that the world owes you nothing,” he adds. “Hard work and presenting yourself in a distinguished professional manner at all times are the key to success.” Here’s a look at this week’s Personality, Keith W. Hicks: Date and place of birth: Jan. 3 in Richmond. Residence: Historic Battery Park. Education: Bachelor’s degree, Averett University; master’s degree, University of Phoenix; also studied at Virginia State University.
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Family: Wife, Lisa Hicks; son, Devin, 21; daughter, Kelli, 15. Occupation: Business analyst with Thompson Technologies as a contractor for SunTrust Bank. Club membership requirement: To qualify for regular membership, an individual shall be a registered voter, and be between the ages of 18 and 50. He also must have two members in good financial standing to vouch for him. To qualify for associate membership, an individual shall be a registered voter, and age 51 or older. He also must have two members in good financial standing to vouch for him. How Astoria membership has changed from founding to now: Members in the past were not afforded the right to vote or freedom to speak out vocally by way of social media, television and radio. The founders used foot soldiers to galvanize its members then, while today’s members are galvanized through social media, television and radio. Plan for recruiting new members: We recruit members through our annual membership drive night and recommendations from current members. Member profile: United States citizens that are registered voters and have a passion to help others. Average age of club members: 60. How it feels to continue the Astoria legacy: It feels as if I am charged with the responsibility of keeping the torch lit with the fire of faith, hope and love for our fellow man. Astoria’s No. 1 success: Astoria is proud of its 114-year history overflowing with its contributions that help make the Richmond community a city of hope and high expectations
for all. Club’s top project now: To continue to build its PALS program, Parental Assistance Leadership Service. PALS provides mentors to Fairfield Elementary School in the Church Hill community. PALS recognizes that a solid citizenship starts when children are young and surrounded by positive role models. Astoria PALS members volunteer as mentors, hall monitors, lunch buddies, chaperones and room fathers. To p A s t o r i a c h a l lenge: To continue to stay innovative and have a significant impact on the ever-changing climate that entrenches our culture. We also will continue to fight the good fight of faith and engage in responsible dialogue with our community leaders. Why I am excited about this organization: I am excited about the Astoria Beneficial Club because it gives me a chance to dialogue with seasoned members who were part of the civil rights struggle and know first hand how difficult it was to fight for equal pay for teachers, voters rights and to promote fair and equitable hiring practices for all. These are true stories that I hear, not something that you just read in a history book. These men were on the ground, imbedded in the struggle and provide me with the fuel to keep keeping on. Role of club in politics: Astoria is not a political organization. Significance of the Bill “Bojangles” Robinson statue: During a club meeting in April 1972, Carroll Anderson presented a proposal to The Astoria Beneficial Club to erect a statue to Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, with the purpose being “to serve as an inspiration to coming generations of young Richmonders that they, too, may make a meaningful contribution.” Bill “Bojangles” Robinson was born in Richmond on May 25, 1878, at 915 N. 3rd St. He spent his early years in the market area shelling peas and sidewalk dancing. His dancing abilities carried him to the top of the entertainment world and on to become acclaimed as “The King of Tap Dancers.” He donated the first traffic control light north of Broad Street at Adams and Leigh Streets for the safety of the students of Armstrong High School. Significance of the Headsman statue on Brown’s Island: These African-American bateau men were highly skilled laborers and masters of traveling DiamonDs • Watches JeWelry • repairs 19 East Broad strEEt richmond, Va 23219 (804) 648-1044
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through turbulent waters along the James River and traveled as far as Ohio and Pennsylvania. Their craft was equivalent to modern day airline pilots. These men bought their own freedom and that for their family members and settled in Richmond’s Jackson Ward while providing financial freedom to local communities. Former Richmond Mayor Walter Kenney, former Mayor and Sen. Henry L. Marsh III, representatives of Richmond City Council, Richmond Renaissance, former Deputy City Manager Jerry Johnson and Mrs. Grace Jackson were instrumental in raising funds for the statue. What I do to unwind: Eat sherbet and read books on leadership. Perfect day: When I come home and my entire family is home and we eat dinner together. Perfect evening: When my wife and I are in the kitchen cooking a meal together. Quality I value most in other people: Transparency. Best late-night snack: Grilled cheese sandwich. Four words that best describe me: Resilient, risk-taker, visionary and compassionate. The book that influenced me the most: “The Audacity of Hope” by President Obama. Book I’m presently reading: “Martin Luther King, Jr. On Leadership: Inspiration & Wisdom for Challenging Times” by Donald T. Phillips. If I’ve learned one thing, it is: Never judge a book by its cover. My next goal: To become a motivational speaker.
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Richmond Free Press
December 24-26, 2015
B3
Happenings Continentals holiday gala Lots of warm hugs, laughs and toasts to good times were shared at the Richmond Chapter of The Continental Societies’ Elegance in Black & White fundraising gala last Friday at a Downtown hotel. The event benefits special needs children in Greater Richmond. Left, Nkechi George-Winkler, chapter president and former Mid-Atlantic regional director, enjoys a moment with John C. Purnell Jr., advisory board chair. Also attending a pre-dinner reception are, from left, chapter member Diane Bacon; Gov. Terry McAuliffe; Beverly B. Davis, chapter second vice president and gala event chair; Gwen Drayton, chapter corresponding secretary; and Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott.
Photos by Clement Britt
Harvey to host again despite big blunder Free Press wire reports
LAS VEGAS The Miss Universe pageant was going great until the host, popular comedian Steve Harvey, made a big mistake. He already had announced Miss Colombia as the winner last Sunday, and she already was wearing the crown. And then he reread his cue card and had to return to the stage to announce on live television that Miss Philippines actually was the winner. In the following moments, the crown was removed from Miss Columbia and placed on the head of Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach as other contestants rushed to console Ariadna Gutierrez Arevalo of Colombia. ‘‘I feel horrible,’’ Mr. Harvey said afterward. The pageant’s contestant from the United States, Olivia Jordan, was named second runner-up, just before the snafu. Miss Wurtzbach appeared stunned as she walked to the front of the stage alongside the crown-wearing Miss Arevalo. Then, Miss Universe 2014, who also is from Colombia, removed the crown and placed it on Miss Wurtzbach’s head. ‘‘I did not take the crown from her,’’ Miss Wurtzbach told reporters after the pageant
Photos by Steve Marcus/REUTERS
concluded, saying she wished the contestant from Colombia well and hoped the Latin American community understands that ‘‘none of this was my fault.’’ Shortly after Sunday night’s confusion,
Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez Arevalo, left, stands by as the Miss Universe crown is transferred Sunday to the actual winner of the pageant, Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. Host Steve Harvey mistakenly announced the runner up as the winner. He apologized, asking the loudly booing audience not to “hold it against the ladies.” Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega placed the crown on the head of the winner.
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos tweeted a message on his official account to Miss Arevalo: ‘‘For us, you will continue being Miss Universe! We are very proud!’’ Philippines presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda didn’t address the controversial win in his congratulatory statement. ‘‘In bagging this victory, Ms. Wurtzbach not only serves as a tremendous source of pride for our people, but also holds up the banner of our women
and of our country as a true representative of what the Filipina can achieve.’’ Mark Shapiro, chief content officer of the company that owns the Miss Universe Organization, told the Jim Rome Show that he’d love to have Mr. Harvey back as host next year. “He was funny, he was informative, he’s high energy, he’s got a great following,” he said. “He’s going to want a shot to redeem himself.”
Photos by James Haskins/Richmond Free Press
New firefighters Members of the Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services present the colors at the Basic Recruit Graduation Ceremony last Friday at the Richmond Public Main Library in Downtown. Twenty-two new firefighters will begin serving in stations throughout the city. Kevon Young, left, pins a badge on his father, new Firefighter Keith Young, during the ceremony.
With
Appreciation at the Holidays we
Thank You
Season’s Greetings
and wish you
Photos by Clement Britt
Spreading holiday cheer Santa Claus suited up to join the Prince Hall Masons of the 26th District to provide holiday cheer and gifts to children from families in need last Saturday at the Walmart on Sheila Lane in South Side. Santa greets Khaliel Walker, left, and Kameron Perez, as they start their shopping trip. Dwight Hagans, top, helps Kyyon White
choose a shirt, while Tom Graves, bottom, shops for gifts with two youngsters. Organizers expected Operation Santa Claus to provide gifts to more than 50 families. The district includes lodges from Metro Richmond. After shopping, families enjoyed lunch and fellowship at the Richmond Association of Masonic Lodges at 25th and Leigh streets.
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Richmond Free Press
B4 December 24-26, 2015
Faith News/Directory
Seminary president lends voice to national letter Count Union Presbyterian Seminary President Brian K. Blount is among those calling for an end to anti-Islamic rhetoric and religious intolerance toward the Muslim community. The Richmond-based faith leader was among the initial signers of a letter by 10 Presbyterian Church-USA seminary presidents opposing “a climate of fear, the stereotyping of racial ethnic persons, the proliferation of guns and gun violence, the demonization of refugees and dangerous isolationism,” according to T. Erskine Clarke, editor and publisher at the “Journal for Preachers” and professor emeritus at Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta. In addition to the 10 seminary presidents, the letter was signed by more than 320 people of faith from around the country. The letter reads in part: “We the undersigned are deeply concerned that, in the current political climate, many politicians and many in the media are calling on Christian voters to abandon our commitment to the
Broad Rock Baptist Church 5106 Walmsley Blvd., Richmond, VA 23224 804-276-2740 • 804-276-6535 (fax) www.BRBCONLINE.org
Gospel of Jesus Christ and to turn from his call to discipleship. We appeal to all of us who are seeking to be faithful followers of Jesus to reject such calls, to reaffirm our Christian commitments and to seek to be agents of change of God’s justice and reconciliation in the world.” It further states: “Because of fear, we too easily caricature or condemn those who are different from us. Politicians and too many in the media stereotype Dr. Blount African-Americans, Asian-Americans, people from Hispanic backgrounds and followers of Islam. “If we follow their lead, we slander our neighbors and blaspheme against the one God of all peoples. We resist such stereotypes and pledge to work for laws and practices that honor
St. Peter Baptist Church
Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, Pastor
Early Morning Worship ~ 8 a.m. Sunday School ~ 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship ~ 11 a.m. 4th Sunday Unified Worship Service ~ 9:30 a.m. Bible Study: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. Radio Ministry: Sunday: 9:30 a.m. {1540 AM}
Prepare to welcome the birth of Christ!!
“MAKE IT HAPPEN”
Worship Service
Watch Night Service
Christmas Eve Service Thursday, December 24th at 7:00 p.m.
at 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. - Youth Emphasis
Theme for 2015: Becoming a Five-Star Church of Excellence We Are Growing In The Kingdom As We Grow The Kingdom with Word, Worship and Witness
Thursday, December 31st at 10:30 p.m.
Join us as we reflect on the year that has passed and prepare for the year ahead with a positive Spirit-filled service.
2040 Mountain Road • Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 Office 804-262-0230 • Fax 804-262-4651 • www.stpeterbaptist.net
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13
End Of The Year Message 10:40 AM Worship and Praise 11:00 AM Divine Worship
Message by: Pastor Bibbs “2016: Keeping A Christ Like Attitude!”
Facebook sixthbaptistrva
(804) 359-1691 or 359-3498 Fax (804) 359-3798 www.sixthbaptistchurch.org
Mount Olive Baptist Church Rev. Darryl G. Thompson, Pastor
2015 Theme: The Year of Moving Forward
New Year’s Eve, Thursday, December 31, 2015 Join us for Jubilant Praise on the Mount
12 Noon Early Watch Night Service with Guest Psalmist Rev. Almeta Ingram-Miller 10:00 PM Watch Night Service Mount Olive’s own Chosen Generation Choir Face 2 Face Mime Ministry and Praise Dancers Special Guest - Heavenly Hands Ministry You do not want to miss this spirit-filled evening. We hope to see you at the Mount.
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
FirstM iBaptist Church dlothian
11:00 AM Mid-day Meditation
13800 Westfield Dr., Midlothian,VA 23113 804-794-5583 • www.fbcm1846.com
Sunday
Church School 9:45AM Worship 11:00AM
Tuesday
Bible Study 12 Noon
Missionary
Baptist Church
1408 W. Leigh Street • 358-6403
Dr. Alonza Lawrence Pastor
Sundays
Church School 8:30 A.M. Morning Worship 10:00 A.M.
Church School 8:45 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study 7p.m.
Thirty-first Street Baptist Church C
o
everence e with e evanc R ing Dr. Morris Henderson, Senior Pastor bin ❖
SUNDAYS Church School 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. ❖
WEDNESDAYS Bible Study 12:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Rev. Pernell J. Johnson, Pastor
Moore Street
Sunday Service 10 a.m.
MONDAY-FRIDAY Nutrition Center and Clothes Closet 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.
1701 Turner Road, North Chesterfield, Virginia 23225 (804) 276-0791 office (804)276-5272 fax www.ndec.net
Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, Pastor “There’s A Place for You”
Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Sr., Pastor
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New Deliverance Evangelistic Church
11 a.m. *Lunch, free gift, ice skating after service
�
8:00 a.m. Early Morning Worship 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship
Wednesdays
10 AM One powerful Super Sunday Worship Service
SUNDAY SCHOOL - 9:45 A.M. SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE 11:00 A.M.
2006 Decatur Street Richmond, VA 23224
Sundays
6:30 p.m. Prayer and Praise 7:00 p.m. Adult Bible Study
5 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Christmas Day Service
Zion Baptist Church
(near Byrd Park)
Noon Day Bible Study
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Christmas Eve Service
Van Transportation Available, Call 804-794-5583
Tuesdays
8775 Mount Olive Avenue Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 (804) 262-9614 Phone (804) 262-2397 Fax www.mobcva.org
115 N. 1st Street Richmond, Va. 23219 (804) 495-1341 www.richmondrevival.org
7:00PM Prayer & Praise 8:15PM
Thursday, December 31, 2015 10:30 PM Worship, Praise, Preaching & Celebration Join Us!
Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor
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
Wednesday Youth & Adult Bible Study
Philippians 2:1-10
Watch Night Service
400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220
Baptist Church
Service Times
SUNDAY, December 27, 2015
Twitter sixthbaptistrva
Revival Community Church
1127 North 28th St., Richmond, VA 23223-6624 • Office: (804) 644-1402
Sunday, December 27th
Sixth Baptist Church
Riverview
Good Shepherd Baptist Church
Pastor Kevin Cook
the dignity of all people.” The letter states that signers “will seek to limit the proliferation of guns” in the United States, pledge to be advocates for laws “that regulate in a just and orderly manner the flow of refugees and immigrants” and work for “systems of security that guard human dignity and protect the vulnerable as well as the strong.”
Tuesdays
Bible Study 12 noon
Transportation Services 232-2867
Wednesdays
New Mercies Ministry 6:00 A.M. Youth Bible Study 6:00 P.M. Adult Bible Study 6:30 P.M.
“Reclaiming the Lost by Proclaiming the Gospel”
Sharon Baptist Church 22 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23219 • 643-3825 thesharonbaptistchurch.com Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25TH, 2015
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27TH, 2015 8:00 a.m. Morning Worship 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship
No Wednesday or Thursday Prayer/Bible Study
823 North 31st Street Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 226-0150 Office www.31sbc.org
Men’s Christmas Concert
Thursday, December 24, 2015 7:00 P.M.
Bishop G. O. Glenn D. Min., Founder Mother Marcietia S. Glenn First Lady
Sunday 8:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Worship Service
20Founders’ th NDEC . Theme: ,
Senior Citizens
“Building Monuments for Present and Future Generations” “What Mean These Stones” Scripture: Joshua 4:21 - 24
Sanctuary - All Are Welcome! Bible Study Count: noonday Wednesday night 7 p.m. Prayer
Saturday
8:30 a.m. Intercessory Prayer
1858
& Church Anniversary!
Wednesday Services Noonday Bible Study 12noon-1:00 p.m.
Ebenezer Baptist Church
Sunday, January 17 & 24, 2016 9:00 AM - NDEC Saturday, January 23, 2016
Banquet
You can now view Sunday Morning Service The Omni Richmond Hotel “AS IT HAPPENS” online! 100 S. 12th St., Richmond, VA 23219 Also, for your convenience, For more information we now offer and to purchase your banquet “full online giving.” tickets go to: www.ndec.net Visit www.ndec.net.
“The People’s Church”
216 W. Leigh St. • Richmond, Va. 23220 • Tel: 804-643-3366 Fax: 804-643-3367 • Email: ebcoffice1@comcast.net • web: ebcrichmond.org
Thursday, December 31, 2015 12 Noon (for Seniors and Saints) and 7:00 p.m. 2700 Hanes Avenue, Richmond, VA 804-329-7279 church office • firstafricanbaptist.org
Sunday Worship Sunday Church School Service of Holy Communion Service of Baptism Life Application Bible Class Mid-Week Senior Adult Fellowship Wednesday Meditation & Bible Study Homework & Tutoring Scouting Program Thursday Bible Study
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
Spread the Word To advertise your church in the Richmond Free Press call 804-644-0496
Richmond Free Press
December 24-26, 2015
B5
Faith News/Directory
Emancipation Day service Jan. 1 at Fifth Baptist Church The Rev. Elmore E. Warren Jr., a Richmond native and pastor of Whitestone Baptist Church in Baltimore, is scheduled to preach at the annual community service in Richmond to mark the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. The commemoration that also features spirited singing and dramatic presentations will be held 11:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 1, 2016, at Fifth Baptist Church, 1415 W. Cary St., in the West End. The community gathering will mark the 153rd anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. The service recalls the historic New Year’s Day signing in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln that ended slavery in Virginia and
10 other Confederate states that wanted to continue the inhumane practice. Rev. Warren was born and raised in Richmond. He earned a bachelor’s degree in theology from Richmond Virginia SemiRev. Warren nary, a bachelor’s degree from Liberty University and a master’s degree in divinity from Virginia Seminary and College. Rev. Warren began his pastoral career as a student pastor at a Petersburg church. He was pastor of five other churches before
he was called to lead Whitestone, where he now serves. The Emancipation Day decree also paved the way for Union victory in the Civil War and the passage in 1865 of the 13th Amendment that abolished slavery. The annual service in Richmond was launched in 1940 by Dr. W.L. Ransome, a former pastor of First Baptist of South Richmond, to celebrate freedom and promote political participation. The program was later turned over to the Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Richmond and Vicinity, which has hosted the service for more than 50 years. For more information, contact Fifth Baptist Church at (804) 355-1044.
Temple of Judah to hold service at jail Dec. 25
Photo by Clement Britt
Doves are released after a street sign honoring the late Alicia C. Rasin is unveiled Monday in the 1900 block of Princess Anne Avenue in Church Hill. Among those attending the ceremony are, from left, Mayor Dwight C. Jones, Ms. Rasin’s sisters, Patricia Rasin Smith and Albertina Rasin Walker with her grandson, Dillon Carter, in the foreground.
New street sign unveiled to honor Alicia C. Rasin Free Press report
Mayor Dwight C. Jones and others gathered Monday in Church Hill to unveil an honorary street sign in Church Hill for Alicia C. Rasin, a longtime advocate for families of homicide victims in the city. Ms. Rasin, who was known as the city’s “Ambassador of Compassion,” died in October. Ms. Rasin’s sisters, Patricia Rasin Smith and Albertina Rasin Walker, attended the ceremony, along with City Council member Cynthia I. Newbille, 7th District. The mayor praised Ms. Rasin’s role in founding the group Citizens Against Crime and called for an end to gun violence to honor her memory. “For more than 30 years, Alicia was a pillar of the Richmond community and an advocate for families of homicide victims.” The ceremony came after a weekend of violence in the city, whose victims included 12-year-old Amiya Moses, who was killed by gunfire last Saturday night as she was playing with friends at a home in the 4900 block of Old Brook Road in North Side. Amiya, who lived in the 1400 block of Treehaven Drive in South Richmond, had celebrated her birthday Dec. 3. Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham announced Monday at a news conference that two 20-year-old men, Dwight Q. Jackson of the 500 Windomere Avenue in Henrico County and Shaquille D. Maxwell of the 700 block of Windomere Avenue in Henrico, were taken into custody and charged with conspiracy to commit murder. A vigil for the youngster and her family will take place 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24, in the 4900 block of Old Brook Road. Separately, two other people were killed and four others were wounded in Richmond in a 24-hour period during the weekend.
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Men and women at the Richmond Justice Center once again will benefit from the work of the Temple of Judah. Bishop Melvin Williams Jr. and the temple’s congregation are continuing a long tradition of providing Christmas cheer to those spending the holidays behind bars at the facility. Bishop Williams announced Tuesday that the he and a delegation from the church will lead a 9 a.m. service on Christmas Day, Bishop Williams Friday, Dec. 25, at the Justice Center. The service will include prayers, songs and a message of hope, he stated. The church also delivered 1,200 care packages filled with toiletries and other basic items, which Sheriff C.T. Woody Jr. and his deputies are to distribute to inmates on Christmas Eve. “Just as we have done each year, we want to show these
individuals that they are not forgotten,” Bishop Williams stated. The church has been engaged in the holiday jail ministry for more than 35 years. The Temple of Judah is at 2120 Venable Ave. Bishop Williams considered moving the church to Henrico County a year ago, but that effort fell through. Since 1978, Bishop Williams has been pastor of the Temple of Judah, originally known as the True Apostolic Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ. He was elevated to a bishop of the national Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in 1986.
Benefit gospel concert Jan. 10 at Va. Union
Capital City Lodge #107 of the 26th Masonic District is presenting its annual gospel concert 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10, in Coburn Hall at Virginia Union University. The event is designed as “a symbol of giving back a little of that which we have received,” according to concert organizers. Scheduled to perform are Jazmine Allen of First Baptist Church of Midlothian, Raymon Bessix of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Petersburg and Roy Toston and Edward Foster of Holy Rosary Catholic Church
Union Baptist Church Sunday, December 27, 2015 Sunday School 9:30a.m. Morning Worship 11:00a.m.
Guest Preacher: Rev. Timothy Levi Jones, Pastor Community Baptist Church New Haven, Connecticut
Thursday, December 31, 2015 Watchnight Service 10:30p.m.
1813 Everett Street Richmond, Virginia 23224 804-231-5884 Reverend Robert C. Davis, Pastor
in the East End, as well as the Rosary Youth Praise Dance Team. The free event is open to the public. An offering will be collected, with proceeds to benefit the VUU Concert Choir, according to organizers. For more information: Antonio Anderson, (804) 503-0447, or Richard Dotson, (804) 931-5349.
Merry Christmas from
Drs. Anthony &
Taleshia Chandler and the
"A" Team
CEDAR STREET BAPTIST CHURCH OF GOD
2301 Cedar Street • Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 648-8919 • www.csbcog.org • Dr. Anthony M. Chandler, Sr., Pastor
Christmas Eve Worship Service “A Christmas to Believe In” December 24, 2015 - 7:00PM Hull Street Location 1501 Decatur Street, Richmond, VA
New Years Eve Worship Service December 31, 2015 -10:15PM
Meadowbrook High School 4901 Cogbill Road, North Chesterfield, VA
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Richmond Free Press
B6 December 24-26, 2015
Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, January 4, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. in the Fifth Floor Conference Room of City Hall and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, January 11, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2015-256 To close, to public use and travel, a portion of Northampton Street, located between Carlisle Avenue and Goddin Street and consisting of 9,978± square feet, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2015-257 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 910 Goddin Street, 1000 Goddin Street, 4907 Goddin Court, a portion of 1000 A Carlisle Avenue, 1000 B Carlisle Avenue, 1021 Carlisle Avenue, and a portion of Northampton Street for the purpose of authorizing multifamily dwellings with up to 204 dwelling units and accessory parking, upon certain terms and conditions. The Richmond Master Plan recommends “public and open space” for the subject properties, which reflects the previous uses as a school and City park. Ordinance No. 2015-258 To amend Ord. No. 2000218-231, adopted May 22, 2000, which authorized the property known as 1000 Carlisle Avenue for the purpose of the conversion and occupancy of the existing building as an arts center and performance and reception facility, together with accessory off-street parking, substantially in accordance with the attached site plan and floor plans, to authorize up to 62 multifamily dwelling units and commercial uses and to remove part of 1021 Carlisle Avenue, part of Rear 901 State Street, and 910 Goddin Street, and reduce the required accessory off-street parking, upon certain terms and conditions. The Richmond Master Plan recommends “public and open space” for the subject properties, which reflects the previous uses as a school and City park. Ordinance No. 2015-260 To authorize the special use of the property known as 2112 Monteiro Street for the purpose of authorizing a multifamily dwelling with up to 18 dwelling units, upon certain terms and conditions. The subject property is located on a parcel 3.78 acres in size and is improved with the historic Barton Mansion, which was most recently used as a nursing home. The Richmond Master Plan refers recommendations for land use and development to the 1995 Southern Barton Heights Revitalization. The Revitalization Plan designates this property as Residential Single-Family. The Plan also prohibits new multi-family housing in Southern Barton Heights but it does, “Encourage full rehabilitation and occupation of architecturally significant apartment buildings (Wellford Street, Minor Street, and Monteiro Street)” (p. 28). The Plan also encourages decreasing vacancies and increasing owneroccupancies of existing housing to appropriate market levels. Ordinance No. 2015-261 To authorize the special use of the property known as 3100 East Marshall Street for the purpose of waiving the parking requirement for a twofamily dwelling and a dwelling unit located in an accessory building, upon certain terms and conditions. The Richmond Master Plan designates this property as SingleFamily (medium density) in the East Planning District. “Primary uses are multi-family dwellings at densities up to 20 units per acre. Includes day nurseries, adult day care and residential support uses such as schools, places of worship, neighborhood parks and recreation facilities and limited public and semi-public uses (p. 133).” Ordinance No. 2015-262 To authorize the special use of the property known as 3111 West Clay Street for the purpose of permitting a social service delivery use, upon certain terms and conditions. The Richmond Master Plan designates this property as Industrial in the Near West Planning District. “Primary uses include a wide variety of manufacturing, processing, research and development, warehousing, distribution, office-warehouse and Continued on next column
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service uses. Office, retail, and other uses that compliment industrial uses and character of such area may vary depending on the location and available highway access (p. 135).” 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
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 4, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinance: Ordinance No. 2015-255 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Performance Agreement between the City of Richmond, the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond and Fulton Hill Properties, LLC, for the purpose of providing an economic development grant to facilitate the development of at least ten affordable housing units and ten workforce housing units in the area generally bounded by Carlisle Avenue, Goddin Street, and Union Street. 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 OF THE COUNTY OF CHESTERFIELD HARRY ANDERSON WISE, Plaintiff v. SANDRA A. GAGNON WISE, Defendant. Case No.: CL15-3110 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony for the Plaintiff on the grounds that the parties have lived separate and apart without cohabitation and without interruption since July 15, 2007. An affidavit having been made and filed that the Defendant’s present address is Route 1, Box 97, Gilmanton, New Hampshire 03237, it is ORDERED that she appear on or before the 11th day of January, 2016 at 8:30 a.m. to protect her interests herein. An Extract, Teste: WENDY S. HUGHES, Clerk James L. Whitlock, P.C. Attorney at Law 103 East Third Street P.O. Box 218 Farmville, Virginia 23901 (434) 392-3301 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER JACQUELYN WHITE, Plaintiff v. JOHNNY WHITE, SR., Defendant. Case No.: CL1500568-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 3rd day of February, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER LEIDY LOPEZ DUBON, Plaintiff v. JUSTIN MOORE, Defendant. Case No.: CL15002661-00 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 Continued on next column
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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 14th day of January, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667
Defendant. Case No.: CL15002660-00 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 14th day of January, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667
VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER TYRONE SIATTU, Plaintiff v. ANNETTE SIATTU, Defendant. Case No.: CL15002632-00 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 14th day of January, 2016 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 AMY TRUMAN, Plaintiff v. GARRY TRUMAN, JR., Defendant. Case No.: CL15002662-00 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 14th day of January, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ROSSIE DARNELL BURNETT, SR., Plaintiff v. SHARONE WYATTBURNETT, Defendant. Case No.: CL14002585-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that the defendant, who has been served with the Complaint by posted service appear here on or before the 20th day of January, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., 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 THEODORE SEWARD, Plaintiff v. ROSALIND SEWARD, Defendant. Case No.: CL15-1463 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from Rosalind Seward on the ground that the parties have lived separate and apart for a period exceeding one year. It appearing by affidavit that Defendant’s last known address is 500 Bowitch Place, Richmond, Virginia 23223, the Defendant’s present whereabouts are unknown, and diligence has been used by or on behalf of the Plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city the Defendant is without effect, it is ORDERED that the Defendant appear before this Court on or before 11th day of January, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interest herein. An Extract, Teste: YVONNE G. SMITH, Clerk Linda Y. Lambert, Esq. Leonard W. Lambert & Assoc. 321 North 23rd Street Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 648-3325 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER WANDA BRAXTON, Plaintiff v. DOUGLAS SEWARD, Continued on next column
CUSTODY virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of thE city Of richmOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re MY’KEI KHALIL MAY-CRISS, Juvenile Case No. JJ0088404-08 The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Shasha Donald May, (Father), and UNKNOWN (Father) of My’kei Khalil May Criss, child, DOB 9/1/2013, “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support. It is ORDERED that the defendant Shasha Donald May (Father), and Unknown, (Father) appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before March 23, 2016 at 9:00 A.M. Court Room #5. Kate D. O’Leary, Esq. 730 E. Broad St., 8th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 804-646-3493 virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of thE city Of richmOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Nehemiah Elliot, Juvenile Case No. JJ0088004-09 The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Unknown, (Father), of Nehemiah Elliott, child, DOB 11/12/2010, “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support. It is ORDERED that the defendant Unknown, (Father,) appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before February 23, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Court Room #2 (MCG) Kate D. O’Leary, Esq. 730 E. Broad St., 8th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 804-646-3493 virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of the City of Richmond Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Jalin monte eubanks, aka jaylin eubanks, Juvenile Case No. JJ083447-10 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Unknown, (Father), of Jalin Monte Eubanks, aka Jaylin 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 Unknown (Father), appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/her interest on or before January 27, 2016 at 10:00 A.M., Court Room #5. Diane Abato, Esq. 730 E. Broad St., 8th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 804-646-3493 virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt IN the COunty of Chesterfield Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Isabella Grace andrews, Juvenile Case No. JJ084453-03-00, -04-00,-05-00 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON The object of this suit is to: Terminate the parental rights of Jose Garcia, the identified birth father of Isabella Grace Andrews (DOB: 5/22/14), whose mother is Sara Deborah Andrews; and any other possible birth father of Isabella Grace Andrews, whose identity and whereabouts are unknown; and, to allow an adoption of Isabella Grace Andrews, by parental consent, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 63.2-1233. It is ORDERED that the defendant Jose Garcia appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before January 20, 2016 at 12:00 P.M. Christopher M. Malone, Esq. Continued on next column
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Thompson McMullan, PC 100 Shockoe Slip, Richmond, Virginia 23219
Virginia Board for People with Disabilities Requests FFY 2017Competitive Grant Proposals
virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of the City of Richmond Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Elisa JoLYN GONZALES, Juvenile Case No. JJ056949-14, 15 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Immer Gonzales, (Father), of Elisa Jolyn Gonzales, child, DOB 05/03/2013, “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support. It is ORDERED that the defendant Immer Gonzales(Father), appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before March 03, 2016 at 10:20 A.M., Court Room #5. Diane Abato, Esq. 730 E. Broad St., 8th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 804-646-3493
The Virginia Board for People with Disabilities, the state’s Developmental Disabilities Council, has identified one project related to early intervention/ health for which it seeks proposals for FFY2017 competitive grant awards (which would begin October 1, 2016).The Board has approximately $125,000 available for one or more FFY2017 awards, which are 100% federally funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The 2017 RFP Booklet, forms & other important documents needed to complete an application are available at www.vaboard.org. The deadline for Letters of Interest is January 29, 2016. Questions regarding grants management or the RFP process should be directed to Nan Pemberton, at (804) 786-73356 or toll free (800) 846-4464 (Voice/TDD) or by email Nan.Pemberton@vbpd. virginia.gov
INTERNATIONAL TRADE MANAGER Richmond Region
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is seeking an export marketing professional for the International Trade office serving the Richmond Region of Virginia. Responsibilities include increasing sales for Virginia companies by providing international marketing assistance, recruiting companies into the Division’s various export promotion programs and leading trade missions. Click here to apply http://www.yesvirginia.org/AboutUs/Employment Application deadline: December 30, 2015. VEDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or against otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities. It is VEDP’s intent that its employment and personnel policies and practices conform to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Applicants requiring more information or requiring assistance may contact VEDP Human Resources at 1-804-545-5634 or vedphr@yesvirginia.org. TDD 1-800-828-1120
BID COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION I T B # 1 5 - 11 0 4 - 1 2 J K – Creighton Road Improvements, project 00986. The Work consists of construction of realigned Creighton Road and bridge replacement for a distance of 0.513 miles. Improvements consist of new road construction including curb & gutter, storm drainage, water and sewer improvements, bridge replacement with ConSpan structure and pavement. Due 2:30 pm, January 26, 2016. Additional information available at: http:// henrico.us/purchasing/.
Janitorial Positions (richmond) General Cleaners, Floor techs, team leaders, supervisors Janitorial experience in commercial/healthcare setting preferred. Must have valid DL & acceptable background. EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability Apply @ peninsulacleaning.com or call (757) 833-1603
Henrico County, Virginia
Henrico County, a progressive employer of choice, provides job seekers with the promise of fair and competitive compensation; a close-knit atmosphere with low employee turnover; and a benefits package that helps secure financial stability. Henrico County is among the top-rated counties in the nation.
TRUCK DRIVERS-OTR/CLASS A CDL Ashley Distribution Services in Richmond seeks: (No Touch) TRUCKLOAD Earning potential avg. DRIVERS $66,000 year
LTL TRUCK DRIVERS
(Multiple stop loads to retail stores!) Earning potential avg. $85,000 year
• Home Weekly • Paid Vacation • Full Benefit Package • Paid Holidays Class A CDL & at least 2 years current OTR exp. Clean MVR/PSP Reports. Call 1-800-837-2241 email: jobs@ashleydistributionservices.com or www.ashleydistributionservices.com to apply under jobs.
For employment information please visit our Jobs Website at henricojobs.com. Henrico County is an equal opportunity employer.
The City of Richmond is seeking to fill the following position: Director 89M00000001 Office of Community Wealth Building Continuous
Senior digital SaleS SpecialiSt WWBT/NBC12 in Richmond, VA seeks Senior Digital Sales Specialist with deep background in digital advertising AND digital services, including an advanced understanding of SEO, SEM, Reputation Management, Social Media Management, and Web Site Development. Digital Agency background or Digital Ad Sales background ideal. Position reports to Digital Sales Manager and will partner with broadcast Account Executives to create successful digital campaigns for current and prospective advertisers with the goal of growing relationships with the station. Drug Screen and MVR check required. Apply online at https://careers-raycommedia.icims. com. EOE-M/F/D/V
Economic Development Program Administrator for Workforce Initiatives 36M00000037 Economic Development Continuous Engineer IV – Stormwater Utility Administrator Stormwater Utility Division 35M00000850 Department of Public Utilities Continuous Engineer III, Technical Services Division 35M00000077 Department of Public Utilities Apply by 1/10/16 Engineer II, Technical Services Division 35M00000637 Department of Public Utilities Apply by 1/10/16
Freelance Writers: The Richmond Free Press has immediate opportunities for freelance writers. Newspaper
Librarian I-Emerging Technologies Librarian 03M00000102 Richmond Public Library Apply by 01/03/2016
experience is a requirement. To be considered, please send 5 samples of your writing, along with a cover letter to newsrichmond freepress.com or mail to: Richmond Free Press, P. O. Box 27709, Richmond, VA 23261 No phone calls.
****************** 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
Now Hiring Hourly Retail Associates Full-time, Part-time & Seasonal
Opening Soon in Short Pump, VA! The World’s Foremost Outfitter is expanding and is hiring Full-time, Part-time and Seasonal employees to join our Short Pump Retail Store, scheduled to open Spring 2016.
Positions available in all departments, including:
• Hunting • Fishing • Backend • Gun Counter • Clothing • Camo
• Camping • Gifts • Footwear • Customer Service • Cashier
Apply online at www.cabelas.jobs and view Job #25608BR. Cabela’s is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks to create an inclusive workplace that embraces diverse backgrounds, life experience, and perspectives. Cabela’s shows commitment to the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces by providing meaningful, challenging career opportunities where military skills and experience may be applied.