February 19 21, 2015 issue

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Wronged

VOL. 24 NO. 8

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FEBRuary 19-21, 2015

sting costs for 2 local men Richmond police interactions pack sting, Retired factory worker he did not commit.

Leonard McMillian had his Both men are Africanhome invaded by a police American. squad and spent more than Neither has received an an hour in handcuffs when apology for their ordeals, police responded to calls which appear to be relatively about crimes at his home rare in a city where officers rethat proved bogus. spond daily to dozens of calls.

Actor and songwriter Jerome Still, their stories suggest that Arrington spent a miserable things can go dismayingly wrong seven weeks in jail after Richmond even when police and prosecutors believe police arrested him for a street robbery they are going by the book.

Stories by Jeremy M. Lazarus

Mr. McMillian

Phony call results in police invasion of his home, handcuffs Leonard McMillian knows that being a black man in Richmond can bring unexpected trouble.

The retired factory worker has never been charged with a crime. But since moving to Richmond 14 years ago, “the greatest threat to my survival has been the Richmond police,” he says.

City police officers have stopped him and pointed guns at his head because his vehicle resembled the vehicle a shooter was using, he recalled.

Mr. McMillian, 57, also talked about being pulled over by police after he distributed free vegetables in Gilpin Court. Officers jumped into his vehicle and searched it without permission while another officer detained him, he said.

In another incident, he said he was stopped and handcuffed by an officer who told Mr.

McMillian he was being detained because the license numbers on the garden equipment trailer he was pulling were “close” to those on a trailer reported stolen.

He also has been stopped while walking his dog because the officer said he fit the description of someone involved in a domestic dispute.

However, Mr. McMillian said nothing tops Oct. 28, 2014, when city police officers forced their way into his North Side home after being called to investigate what they were told was a violent domestic dispute — even though the complaint would prove to be a malicious prank.

“I felt I was dealing with mad men,” he said of the surreal experience — an example of what can happen when police unquestioningly assume Please turn to A4

Mr. Arrington

7-week jail ordeal ends when case against him collapses Most people believe they cannot be arrested if they have done nothing wrong.

Jerome Arrington is a lesson in how wrong that belief can be.

Before his nightmare began, he appeared to have his life on track.

Fresh from earning a two-year degree at a community college, the 41-year-old lanky, bearded Richmond native had found a job at the Amazon warehouse in Chesterfield County, his first steady work in five years.

Even better, he was starting to achieve his goals as an actor, songwriter and fashion model.

Under his stage name, Foree Shalom, he secured a starring role as the bad guy in a new TV crime drama, “Precinct 757,” airing on Cox Cable in Hampton Roads. And he had started a nonprofit musical association of new

artists called Poor Family to raise money for the less fortunate.

None of that mattered Oct. 22, 2014, when Richmond Police Detective P.E. Riddle came to his Chesterfield County residence and arrested him for a robbery. It was an arrest that would turn Mr. Arrington’s life upside down and ultimately prove to have no basis.

For Mr. Arrington, whose arrest record shows convictions only for speeding and other traffic offenses, this arrest was completely bewildering, terrifying and scary. So was the charge.

“Why would I rob someone for a few dollars?” Mr. Arrington told the Free Press last week in discussing the tumultuous experience he had gone through. “I was working. I had money in the bank. If I needed money, I could

Dr. Bedden leaving?

Former Va. first lady learns her fate Friday

Free Press staff report

By Joey Matthews

to prison Feb. 9, but the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Mr. Will Maureen G. McDonnell be McDonnell can remain free on bond the first former first lady of Virginia while he appeals his conviction. to be sentenced to prison?

Mr. McDonnell is the state’s first U.S. District Court Judge James former chief executive to be convicted R. Spencer will determine that Friof a felony and sentenced to prison. day, Feb. 20, when Mrs. McDonnell Mrs. McDonnell’s sentencing appears before him for sentencing in hearing begins 9 a.m. in room the federal corruption case that has 7000 in the federal courthouse in gained the national spotlight.

Downtown. Courtroom doors are to Mrs. McDonnell She and her husband, former Gov. open at 8:15 a.m. and an overflow Bob McDonnell, were convicted in September room with a video feed also will be open on for taking gifts and loans of more than $177,000 the sixth floor. from former Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams Prosecutors have recommended Mrs. McSr. in exchange for access to the Executive Man- Donnell be sentenced to 18 months in federal sion and state officials to promote his dietary prison, a recommendation falling on the lower supplement Anatabloc. end of federal guidelines.

Mrs. McDonnell was convicted on nine felony They have argued she deserves prison time counts, but one was later dismissed. because she “was a full participant in the bribery In early January, Judge Spencer sentenced scheme” and that she “repeatedly attempted to Mr. McDonnell, who was convicted on 11 cor- thwart the investigation through false repreruption charges, to two years in federal prison sentations.” and two years of supervised probation after Mrs. McDonnell’s lawyers have argued that his release. she should be sentenced to probation and made The former governor was scheduled to report to perform 4,000 hours of community service.

Please turn to A4

Snow angel Kimani Winston, 3, transforms the snow into a whirlwind as she plays Tuesday in the 5700 block of Walter Birch Court in Henrico County. She and thousands of others enjoyed the first big snowstorm of the season in the Richmond area, with accumulations ranging from 4 to 11 inches. Forecasts call for the big chill to continue through Friday.

Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Dana T. Bedden may be on his way out.

The Free Press has learned that he is competing for a higher paying superintendent’s job in a larger school district outside of Virginia.

Should he be chosen and take the position, it would be a jolt to the School Board, which hired Dr. Bedden him just 14 months ago to turn around the city’s failing schools.

Dr. Bedden and the School Board currently are working to craft a new budget and are initiating academic improvePlease turn to A4

Trust fund Historic City Council celebration at Hippodrome pushing affordable housing Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

African-Americans took control of the levers of city political power almost 38 years ago and changed Richmond.

It was 1977, and for the first time in the city’s history, five of the nine members of City Council were African-Americans. And as a result, the new majority was able to elect one member, Henry L. Marsh III, as Richmond’s first African-American mayor since the city’s founding in 1782.

Mayor Dwight C. Jones wants to celebrate that historic moment that he believes paved the way for him. Earlier this month, he won unanimous support from City Council to create commemorative street signs that will go on the blocks where the homes stand of Mr. Marsh and the four other African-American members of City Council at the time — Willie J. Dell, Walter T. Kenney, the late Claudette Black McDaniel and Henry W. “Chuck” Richardson.

Mayor Jones plans to hold a special reception next week to celebrate the people who comprised

By Cindy Huang and Jeremy M. Lazarus

Mr. Marsh

Ms. Dell

Mr. Kenney

the first African-American majority on council.

Open to the public, the event is scheduled to start 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, at The Hippodrome Theater on Second Street in Jackson Ward. The celebration will follow a private reception for the honorees and their invited guests.

“We thought there should be a special event held for the honorees rather than the street signs just being installed,” said Tammy Hawley, the mayor’s press secretary.

The Hippodrome holds about 670 people, according to its website. But only about 400 people comfortably fit in the space when the mayor held

Ms. McDaniel

Mr. Richardson

his 2011 State of the City address there.

Asked why the mayor had his staff rent an expensive space with tax dollars rather than holding the event at City Hall, Ms. Hawley responded that the city was “just trying to have a nice event for the honorees.”

“We felt The Hippodrome was an appropriate venue,” she said.

This spring, the mayor plans to lead another public ceremony to formally rename the Manchester Courthouse on South Side for Mr. Marsh and his Please turn to A4

Cleveland Washington is typical of many working people these days in Richmond.

Instead of having a home of his own, the 35-year-old shares an East End apartment with an aunt.

Mr. Washington said he is hard-pressed to find a place of his own he can afford.

His job working with a moving company just doesn’t bring in enough to pay rent that can run $800 a month in Richmond for a one-bedroom unit or the additional cost of utilities.

Please turn to A4

Richmond Free Press

A2 February 19-21, 2015

Local News

Bon Secours expansion delayed again

By Joey Matthews

Promises.

That’s all East End residents have heard from Bon Secours and city officials so far on Bon Secours’ $8.5 million contractual obligation to expand Richmond Community Hospital at 1500 N. 28th St. Bon Secours is required to further the hospital’s reach into the neighboring East Richmond community by adding at least 25,000 square feet of medical space. It’s part of the highly publicized agreement Bon Secours reached with Mayor Dwight C. Jones and the city in 2012 that made Bon Secours a partner in developing the Richmond training facility for Washington’s professional football team.

The reason for the latest delay is unknown.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press Bon Secours officials deSlices of life and scenes Bon Secours’ blue banner promises “good help coming soon” in the form of a new wellness center at the site of a clined a Free Press interview ZVRIformer (z18) Richmond Freeand Presscar wash at 2600 Nine Mile Road in Church Hill. in Richmond gas station concerning the hospital’s expansion.

At an economic summit last June in Church Hill, Bon Secours Virginia CEO Peter J. Bernard told the Free Press he expected groundbreaking on the project to start before the end of 2014.

Yet, nearly two months after the projected start date, there’s no sign of development at 2600 Nine Mile Road, the site Bon February 18 – February 24, 2015 Secours officials have touted as the future home of the Bon Secours Center for Healthy Communities.

The crumbling former gas station and car wash remains untouched on the site. Blue Bon Secours banners and a large sign are at the site, promising “good help is coming soon.”

Mr. Bernard announced late last month he would retire at the end of August, so it’s unclear who will spearhead the project through to completion.

City officials also declined requests to shed light on the longpromised revitalization project touted by Mayor Jones as a big part of his war on poverty in the East End. top round London Broil By press time, Richmond Redevelopment and Housing AuWithout MVP Card $6.99 LB thority officials also had not responded to requests for updates related to the planned development.

In February 2014, the RRHA board of commissioners Value Pack Boneless, Center Cut unanimously voted to authorize Adrienne E. Goolsby, then chief Chicken Drumsticks or thighs Pork Chops executive officer of RRHA, to negotiate the sale of 13 parcels Without MVP Card Regular Retail Without MVP Card $4.99 LB of land to Bon Secours.

Gaining those parcels, Bon Secours officials said, would LB LB pave the way for applications for special-use permits for the expansion.

Ms. Goolsby was removed as the housing authority’s CEO earlier this month and replaced on an interim basis by T.K. Somanath, a retired Richmond development expert. He served more than 20 years as CEO of the Richmond Better Housing Coalition.

Separately, Bon Secours announced in December a new round of grants totaling $100,000 to 13 East End businesses.

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Hicks to be interviewed Monday for judgeship David M. Hicks, a top adviser to Mayor Dwight C. Jones, is on his way to becoming a Richmond judge, the Free Press has confirmed.

Mr. Hicks is scheduled to be interviewed Monday by a General Assembly panel. If he passes muster as expected, he is to be named to the bench before the session’s scheduled close on Saturday, Feb. 28.

The Free Press reported last month that Mr. Hicks, a former Richmond commonwealth’s attorney and a key player in the Jones administration since 2009, had bipartisan support to replace Judge Phillip L. Hairston in the Richmond General District Court.

The Free Press also reported that Judge Mr. Hicks Hairston would be tapped to move up to the Richmond Circuit Court, which also is now confirmed.

Also to be interviewed Monday, Judge Hairston has the backing of the Richmond delegation and is expected to have no trouble winning General Assembly votes to gain the seat that Circuit Court Judge Melvin R. Hughes is vacating after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.

Mr. Hicks’ departure from city service would leave a major vacancy in the trusted circle around the mayor, who has nearly two years left in his second term.

The mayor has counted on Mr. Hicks for advice on a variety of issues and also named him to temporarily lead two city departments, Justice Services and Social Services, after previous directors quit or were fired.

Among other things, Mr. Hicks has been a leader in the city’s efforts to develop programs that have allowed thousands of people to be diverted from the Richmond Justice Center, reducing overcrowding.

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Richmond Free Press

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.

dom.com

February 19-21, 2015

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Richmond Free Press

A4 February 19-21, 2015

News

4 sentenced in fatal initiation rite

By Joey Matthews

It was a hazing ritual that turned deadly.

And the tragic fallout continued last week from that April 2013 incident in which two 19-year-old Virginia State University freshmen — Jauwan Holmes of Newport News and Marvell Edmondson of Portsmouth — drowned when they attempted to cross the rain-swollen Appomattox River along with five other students about midnight.

They were going through initiation for an off-campus club, “Men of Honor,” which the university described as unsanctioned and unapproved.

Neither drowned student could swim, and their bodies were recovered hundreds of yards downstream over the next four days.

The four men who led the initiates into the river — all originally charged with involuntary manslaughter and hazing — appeared Feb. 12 in Chesterfield Circuit Court , where they accepted plea deals and were sentenced to varying jail terms.

Chief’s swearing-in

Richmond’s new police chief Alfred Durham will officially be sworn in 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at City Hall, 900 E. Broad St. A formal public swearing-in ceremony, or investiture, will be held 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at Coburn Hall on the campus of Virginia Union University, 1500 N. Lombardy St. City Clerk Jean Capel will perform both swearing-in ceremonies.

Chief Durham, 51, who has Deputy Chief Durham served as deputy chief since November, will lead the nearly 740-officer force following Chief Ray Tarasovic, who announced his retirement in January.

City Council celebration Continued from A1

late brother, Harold Marsh. Mr. Marsh expects that to happen in late April.

Mr. Marsh has been a fixture on the political scene since the 1960s. He spent 25 years on City Council and then served 23 years representing the area in the state Senate. He now serves on the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.

Mr. Marsh said he is pleased that the city plans to hold the Hippodrome event to call attention to all of the members of the first majority African-American council.

But Mr. Marsh said he has been given too much credit.

“It’s all been Henry did this, and Henry did that, but it’s not so.

I was able to be the spokesperson” for the majority, he said.

He said that he would have been stymied if the four other members did not vote with him. He said he couldn’t have been elected mayor without them.

“And there was a lot of pressure on them not to vote for me,” he said. “Having five members is what gave us influence, what gave us power. It was not a one-person show.”

Dr. Bedden leaving?

Continued from A1

ment programs for many of the district’s schools, efforts that could be set back if he jumps ship.

So far, School Board members are keeping mum. However, the prospect that Dr. Bedden might leave appears to be the reason the board held an emergency closed-door meeting Wednesday night.

Dr. Bedden’s decision to seek another position apparently has less to do with his pay — which is $225,000 a year, with $22,500 in bonuses if he meets performance goals — and more to do with his contentious relationship with some members of the board who have been critical.

The Free Press also has learned that some of the new members of Dr. Bedden’s leadership team also are putting out feelers for other positions.

One defendant, James Mackey Sr., 36, of Chesterfield, entered an Alford plea and was sentenced to 14 months in prison.

An Alford plea isn’t an admission of guilt, but means that the defendant concedes there is enough evidence against him to be found guilty if the case went to trial.

Charles Zollicoffer II, 30, of Newport News; Cory Baytop, 27, of Newport News; and Eriq Benson, 21, of Quinton, pleaded guilty to one charge of involuntary manslaughter and one charge of hazing.

Mr. Zollicoffer was sentenced to a year behind bars. Mr. Baytop was sentenced to five months in prison, while Mr. Benson

received a sentence of five months and 15 days.

The four turned to the victims’ families and apologized after their sentencing. They have until March 2 to report to prison.

Mr. Zollicoffer, who graduated from Virginia State in 2007, told the judge after his sentencing that the organization he founded had performed seven years of the river crossing initiation safely.

Previous testimony also revealed that Mr. Zollicoffer, Mr. Benson and Mr. Baytop went into the river in an attempt to save the students.

Mr. Mackey didn’t go into the river to try to save the students, his attorney said, because he couldn’t swim.

Wronged: Phony call results in police invasion Continued from A1

that the information received from 911 calls is always truthful and accurate.

He appeared before City Council last week to speak about what happened and was quickly referred to a police officer who took his information and referred it to a superior.

However, Mr. McMillian already has been notified that the department has deemed the officers acted appropriately after an internal affairs review of his complaint.

Here’s what he said happened: It was around 4 a.m. when seven police officers arrived at the darkened, silent, neatly tended brick house and began pounding at the door. Mr. McMillian said he and his wife of 34 years were asleep on the second floor, while his visiting son was asleep in a basement bedroom.

Awakened, Mr. McMillian said he went downstairs to investigate the loud knocking. He said he opened the door after those knocking identified themselves as police officers who had come to investigate a “domestic dispute.”

He said he told the officers to wait outside while he got his wife, only to have three of the officers push him aside and enter his living room. The fact that everything was in place in the room and

the adjacent dining room did not seem to register, Mr. McMillian said.

Mr. McMillian said he was bullied when he protested their entry. Instead of courtesy, he said an officer twisted his arm and forced him down on the sofa where he was left handcuffed. He was told, he said, that he would be shot with a taser if he kept asking for a lawyer or to see a supervisor.

Then, he said, after the officers pounded on the wall, his wife, a sound sleeper, came downstairs to the shocking sight of her husband.

She was able to convince the officers to release her husband and to leave their home when it became obvious she had no injuries and that the 911 call about the dispute had been placed from a cell phone neither she nor anyone else in the house owned, he said.

Upset, Mr. McMillian drove to police headquarters to file a complaint about what he regarded as a brutal assault and entry without a search warrant.

While he was there, he got a frantic call from his wife. The police had returned and were surrounding the house, claiming that the incident had escalated “into a kidnapping and hostage situation,” he said.

When he returned home, he found his wife had barred entry to the officers un-

less they produced a search warrant, and they were threatening to bring in a SWAT team to force entry and to arrest her for impeding their investigation. The standoff went on for more than an hour.

“I was handcuffed and detained on the porch,” he said. “It was embarrassing and humiliating. My neighbors were coming out to go to work and children were passing by on their way to school. And there I was handcuffed like a criminal, with police cars everywhere.”

Finally, he said officers responded to his suggestion “to call the number where the calls have been coming from.”

And suddenly it was all over, after the person who answered said her name was “Ashley” and hung up. It was obvious the phone was not inside the McMillians’ home, and that police had been responding to another phony call.

He said a sergeant only added insult to injury by telling Mr. McMillian how well he had been treated: “I didn’t pull my gun out, did I?” Mr. McMillian is still furious about the invasion and even more so that the department has dismissed his complaint.

“What did I do to justify being strongarmed by officers who are supposed to protect me? This is just not right.”

Wronged: Jail ordeal ends when case collapses Continued from A1

have just gone to the nearest ATM. This made no sense.”

But his bank account and work history made no difference to Detective Riddle.

Detective Riddle has not been available for comment, and the Richmond Police Department is not commenting on a case that raises questions about the quality of its investigations. Nor is Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael N. Herring, whose office prosecuted the case.

Incoming Police Chief Alfred Durham, without talking about the case, said in an interview Wednesday with a Free Press reporter, “I believe in getting all the facts” when presented with allegations about police wrongdoing. “There are three sides to every story: There’s your side, my side and then there’s the truth.”

Back in October, the detective had no doubt he had nabbed the right person.

According to the warrant and other information, the detective was certain that Mr. Arrington was the man who had jumped out of a gray car and robbed a man of a few dollars near Hull and Pilkington streets around 4 a.m. Sept. 21.

Mr. Arrington said the detective told him that he and his car, a 1997 gray Buick LeSabre, had been identified through some kind of lineup, though Mr. Arrington said he was never put in a physical lineup.

The evidence against him seemed to mount when Mr. Arrington told police he thought he might have been in Atlanta filming an independent movie when the robbery occurred — an alibi that quickly evaporated when it was checked.

Unable to account for his whereabouts, Mr. Arrington was locked up in jail without bond — labeled by police as a violent criminal.

Indeed, at a bond hearing, an assistant commonwealth’s attorney told a judge that Mr. Arrington was too dangerous to release, claiming that his car had been identified at an attempted robbery after the initial robbery.

His stay in jail cost him his job and wiped out his savings, things that are commonplace for people who are arrested and remain stuck behind bars.

Mr. Arrington had had brushes with the law years earlier, but nothing like this.

He wouldn’t be a robber, he said, because he knows what it’s like to be robbed. He was seriously wounded in 1994 when a would-be robber shot him as he tried to escape.

“I wouldn’t wish that on no one. I wouldn’t put anyone else through that kind of trauma,” he said.

He couldn’t fathom how he became a target of the investigation. He said he never had frequented the area where the robbery occurred and not at 4 a.m. He said his only connection with that section of

South Richmond is a relative who lives a few blocks away and whom he occasionally visits.

Still the prosecutor, Jamie H. Blackmon, was certain he had a slam-dunk case. In a report to Mr. Arrington’s lawyer on Dec. 9, Mr. Blackmon insisted he was “unaware of any exculpatory evidence” that could clear Mr. Arrington.

Just two days later, Mr. Blackmon was forced to drop the case.

The reason: The robbery victim got his first look at Mr. Arrington and told Mr. Blackmon he had never seen Mr. Arrington before — that he was not the robber.

Suddenly, Mr. Arrington was an innocent man again, with a judge ordering his record expunged of the arrest.

He has never received an apology from the prosecutor or the detective.

And he’s still trying to recover from his losses. He remains a member of the cast of “Precinct 757,” but his time in jail was costly otherwise. He is still looking for full-time work.

“I don’t know why this happened to me,” Mr. Arrington said. “It was a terrible ordeal. I lost my job, and I missed opportunities for independent acting jobs while I was in jail. I was a victim of a poor investigation.

“I believe I was racially profiled. I want to know why the detective said I was picked out of some kind of lineup for a crime I never committed.”

Trust fund pushing affordable housing Continued from A1

He also lacks savings to cover a security deposit — usually two month’s rent that must be paid in advance.

“That’s what’s killing people,” he said sadly.

Aware of the problem, the city is taking another step to improve options for Mr. Washington and thousands like him who are being priced out of the housing market.

The means: The Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

Largely dormant after being created six years ago, this taxpayer-financed housing fund is finally going into action.

On Feb. 11, the fund’s 10-member oversight board approved $1.4 million in housing loans.

The lion’s share, about $1.1 million, is being offered to help jump-start two new apartment developments that would offer lower rents and to help maintain three existing apartment complexes that now serve nearly 200 families. The rest, about $280,000, would go to nonprofits that provide rapid re-housing for homeless people.

If all goes well, the five developments would yield a total of 80 new lower-cost rental units in Jackson Ward and in Whitcomb Court and preserve 193 existing units on Cary Street, Broad Street and Hull Street for low- and moderate-income households.

The board’s hope is the loans

will be closed later this month so the work can begin this spring to increase the supply of lower-rent housing in the city.

The loans come from a $1.6 million pot accumulated in the past three years from city appropriations. That includes $1 million Mayor Dwight C. Jones and City Council provided in the current budget year.

A 2014 resolution passed by the council commits to providing an additional $1 million a year to the fund, a move the mayor endorsed in his budget message last year.

“The money needs to hit the streets,” said Jeffrey M. Bourne, a trust fund oversight board member who also is a member of the Richmond School Board. His remarks echoed the sentiments of many on the housing board led by City Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson.

For the board and housing advocates, the need is urgent.

According to the 2014 City of Richmond Affordable Housing Strategy Report, housing costs are a huge challenge for at least 28,000 families, or 34 percent of the city’s 82,300 households.

Those 28,000 families have yearly incomes below $25,000 a year and can afford, at best, to pay only $500 a month in rent, the report stated.

That’s troublesome, the report stated, noting the current level of rents in Richmond. In 2014, the fair

market rent was $790 a month for an efficiency, $830 a month for a onebedroom apartment, $984 a month for a two-bedroom unit and $1,294 a month for a three-bedroom unit, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Despite the demand, lower-rent apartments are relatively scarce in Richmond, according to the report released in November. Just 19 percent of the apartments in the city currently rent for $500 or less per month — and the rent often does not include all or some utilities.

The scarcity of affordable housing pushes people like Mr. Washington into sharing housing with relatives or friends.

It also raises the importance and value of Richmond’s 3,900 units of public housing where residents pay a fixed 30 percent of income for rent and utilities and can pay as little as $50 a month.

The trust fund was created to provide a resource that developers and nonprofit housing groups could turn to for the last share of money for an affordable housing project if other sources of capital fall short, according to Daniel Cohen, the senior project manager who directs the trust and handles loan applications.

Even so, the trust fund is likely to have only so much impact for families at the lower end of the income scale.

One reason is that $1 million a year is

small change compared with the $10 million a year the housing strategy report recommended being invested.

Also, it is tough to address the needs of the most challenging group, families earning less than 30 percent of the median income, or about $22,000 a year for a family of four.

In Richmond, 17,000 Richmond families — or one in five — have annual incomes below $15,000 a year, with another 10,600 families living on less than $25,000 a year.

However, most new developments — even those advertised as affordable — seek tenants with household incomes that are much higher.

Take one of the developments that the AHTF voted to lend to: The 40-unit Ashe Gardens, which is proposed for 1.8 acres at Whitcomb and Anniston streets. The site once held decaying apartments that were bulldozed and cleared away years ago.

The proposed new apartments are being targeted for families with household incomes ranging from $29,000 to $36,000 a year, or 40 to 50 percent of the area median income of $72,900. (The median is the halfway point; half of the area’s families have higher incomes and half have lower incomes.)

Mr. Cohen noted that 20 percent of its funding in this first round is devoted to helping re-house families with yearly incomes of 30 percent or less of median income, which HUD

defines as extremely low income.

Along with Ashe Gardens, the other new development approved for trust fund loans involves a 41-unit project in Jackson Ward proposed by developer Kelvin Hanson. The development has been on hold since 2010.

The development is to include 31 units at 2nd and Leigh streets on the site of the former Eggleston Hotel, which collapsed and was torn down more than six years ago. Another 10 townhouse-style apartments are to go up a block away at 12-22 E. Jackson St., according to information Mr. Hanson provided to the trust fund.

The AHTF’s board also agreed to renovation loans for Cary 2000, Richmond Better Housing Coalition’s 47-unit complex at Cary and Meadow streets; for the William Byrd Senior Apartments that include 107 units on Broad Street near the Science Museum of Virginia; and for Studio II, Virginia Supportive Housing’s 39-unit complex for formerly homeless individuals in the 5400 block of Hull Street Road.

Board Chairwoman Robertson is concerned that the trust fund is offering only about half of the $2 million that the five projects requested.

Ms. Robertson asked Mr. Cohen to quickly confirm that each project would move forward with a partial loan.

Mr. Cohen said some of the borrowers might reject the funding as inadequate at money could go to beef up loans for other projects.

Richmond Free Press

February 19-21, 2015

A5

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Richmond Free Press

A6 February 19-21, 2015

Local News

Elkhardt school to close for good

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Elkhardt Middle School may be converted to apartments or offices one day.

But the building is finished providing classroom space for public school students.

The end came Feb. 12 when the final bell sounded dismissal.

With help from 50 volunteers, teachers packed up the next day, beginning the move of students to Clark Springs Elementary School to finish the year. Clark Springs will open as the new Elkhardt as soon as the snow emergency passes.

Leaky steam pipes have allowed health-threatening mold to infest the Elkhardt building.

But the cost of making the building usable again is too great,

space use.

Closing Elkhardt does not solve the real problem the school system faces — getting enough money from Mayor Dwight C. Jones and City Council to keep other aging buildings usable. At least 40 other buildings are operating with worn-out heating or cool-

ing systems, leaky roofs and Eppes, the 9th District School other problems.

Board member whose disA new report is to be issued trict includes Elkhardt Middle Monday that will once again School, said she would urge spell out the problems and put her colleagues to seek $40 135546_01 the mayor and council on the million from the city to build hot seat to find the money to a new middle school to reupgrade and improve existing place Elkhardt and Thompson buildings.

Middle, which also is in poor Meanwhile, Tichi Pinkney condition.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Movers are in place at Elkhardt Middle School to load and haul all school materials across town to Clark Springs Elementary School last Friday.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Elkhardt nurse Lionetta Kirkland packs up items from her office for the move to Clark Springs Elementary School.

Superintendent Dana T. Bedden announced the same day.

He said preliminary estimates indicate it would take two years and $9 million to $14 million to replace the heating and cooling systems and roofs, to remove floor and ceiling tiles made with asbestos and to meet other requirements.

“I would be derelict in my duties to recommend the (school) board spend that type of money to fix a 75-year-old building,” Dr. Bedden said.

That’s particularly true at a time when the school system has space for at least 1,000 more students at the seven other middle schools, particularly on South Side.

Thompson Middle School, located a few miles up the road on Forest Hill Avenue, is using only 50 percent of its capacity.

Thomas Boushall Middle School on Hopkins Road is using only 70 percent of its capacity, according to a school system study of

Busted pipe damages offices in City Hall A burst sprinkler pipe has shut down three floors of City Hall occupied by the offices of Richmond Public Schools.

The pipe burst Sunday, Feb. 15, damaging the School Board meeting room and school administration offices on the 15th, 16th and 17th floors of the municipal building at 9th and Broad streets in Downtown.

Repairs are expected to take the rest of the week, with schools employees not allowed in the area until the work is completed. Schools officials have yet to get a full assessment of the damage to files, computers and other equipment.

The problem developed at the same time the school system is engaged in closing Elkhardt Middle School and relocating its 500 students and teachers to Clark Springs Elementary School.

“It’s a mess,” said School Board member Kim Gray, who added the damage is forcing the board to seek other meeting space. “We’re having to go from one crisis to another.”

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Richmond Free Press

February 19-21, 2015

FROM THE BACK OF THE BUS TO THE HEAD OF THE TABLE. WE CONTINUE TO STRIVE.

Real Possibilities is a trademark of AARP.

Celebrating Black Life, History and Culture

Everyday people have the power to do extraordinary things. Like the soft-spoken African American woman who refused to give up her seat on the bus, not knowing that it would someday lead to African American men and women sitting as heads of boards and running their own corporations. As we celebrate Black History, AARP honors those who believe in Real Possibilities for themselves and for the community. This is your season to do something extraordinary. Get started today at aarp.org/blackcommunity or by calling 1-877-601-6020.

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Richmond Free Press

Frozen fountain on Capitol Square

Editorial Page

A8

February 19-21, 2015

Power of questions Sometimes the right questions can be influential.

We started asking questions when we learned that Mayor Dwight C. Jones was planning to hold an invitation-only reception to honor the five Richmonders who formed the first African-American majority on City Council.

Is there a reason, we asked, that this is a private, invitationonly event for what appears to involve the public?

Is there some reason the mayor is spending tax dollars to hold this event at a private venue, The Hippodrome Theater, as opposed to City Hall?

The result: A change and opening of the program to the public.

Before the Free Press went to press Wednesday night, we were notified that the event scheduled for Feb. 25 will be open to the public at 7 p.m., following an invitationonly reception honoring Henry L. Marsh III, Willie J. Dell, Walter T. Kenney, Henry W. “Chuck” Richardson and the late Claudette Black McDaniel.

We’re still puzzled why the relatively tiny — and costly — private theater is considered the most “appropriate” venue for a reception that can be held in a fine public space such as the spacious Observation Deck on the 18th floor of City Hall.

It is laudable that Mayor Jones is holding an affair to honor the council members who reshaped the political landscape of Richmond, and that he has joined with City Council to recognize them by designating commemorative street signs.

We ought to recognize the heroes in our midst, both past and present, and do it in a way where we can teach our children and they can teach theirs so that the true history of this city will never again be buried.

We just think the people should be involved as much as possible when we celebrate those on whose shoulders we all stand.

Where do we go from here?

FBI Director James B. Comey took a giant step for law enforcement last week in acknowledging “hard truths” about racial bias infiltrating police agencies across the nation.

The bias isn’t new, said Mr. Comey, a descendant of Irish immigrants to America, who talked about how law enforcement’s biased views of the Irish a century ago are part of the lexicon today for the vehicles police use to transport prisoners, “paddy wagons.”

But law enforcement’s legacy in being “brutally unfair to disfavored groups” — including African-Americans and people of color, he said — must be acknowledged, along with the unconscious racial biases that make the white-majority culture “react differently to a white face than a black face.”

Those in law enforcement “must redouble our efforts to resist bias and prejudice,” he said. “We must better understand the people we serve and protect — by trying to know, deep in our gut, what it feels like to be a law-abiding young black man walking on the street and encountering law enforcement. We must understand how that young man may see us. We must resist the lazy shortcuts of cynicism and approach him with respect and decency.”

Mr. Comey was lauded in many circles for the frankness of his remarks.

However, we, here in Richmond, see the morose irony that shrouds his message. That’s because the FBI director served as an assistant U.S. attorney in Richmond from 1996 to 2002 and headed an aggressive push with Richmond police, state police and federal ATF officials that targeted, rounded up and incarcerated scores of African-American men in the name of reducing homicides in the city.

The program, called Project Exile, was draconian.

Anyone arrested with a handgun under the program was denied bond, automatically sentenced to five years in federal prison with no parole if convicted and intentionally shipped off to a federal penitentiary in another state far away from family.

To be fair, Richmond had one of the highest murder rates in the nation at the time. The entire community was seeking solutions to end the bloodshed and violence.

But while the number of murders in Richmond dropped 41 percent in four years after the start of Project Exile, and other violent crimes fell by 22 percent, Mr. Comey’s program had other consequences.

Three federal district court judges said at the time that Project Exile was having a disproportionate impact on African-Americans who made up 55 percent of the city’s population, but were being locked up at a higher rate than white people.

The very program that boosted Mr. Comey’s reputation nationally helped to reinforce the stereotype of black people as criminals. Mr. Comey’s Project Exile promoted the “lazy mental shortcut” that he said police fall prey to working in largely black communities.

In his remarks, Mr. Comey also talked about the “hard truth” of young men of color who “too often inherit a legacy of crime and prison” and become entangled with police because they “grow up in environments lacking role models, adequate education and decent employment.”

Project Exile contributed to that cycle of dysfunction.

Now that the hard truth is out, Mr. Comey, where do you and law enforcement go from here?

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Rich must pay fair share The ink was barely dry on President Obama’s projected 2016 budget proposal when GOP leaders virtually declared the proposal dead on arrival.

The real issue is not the amount President Obama wants to spend on domestic and defense programs, but his audacity to again say that some of the funding on these programs should be paid for by a tax hike on the rich. The notion that the rich don’t pay their fair share has stuck in the craw of GOP leaders and conservatives every time President Obama has dared suggest that the rich don’t pay enough and that has been the big reason for government red ink in years past and the looming prospect of that happening again.

President Obama’s tax increases have been anything but drastic. They are little more than a marginal increase in the capital gains tax and modest proposals for closing some of

the canyon-wide loopholes that permit corporations to pay little, and in some cases, no taxes on their profits. It also allows them to park more than $2 trillion in profits in off-shore havens in Europe and the Caribbean.

There’s another compelling reason to raise taxes on the wealthy, one that, ironically,

Earl O. Hutchinson the GOP screams about. It’s the deficit. President Obama repeatedly was warned that the nation simply can’t afford to retain the cuts for the rich.

They will cost the treasury $700 billion. That kind of treasury hit ultimately means even more slashes, cutbacks and elimination of funding for education, health, energy and public works programs to state and local governments, all of which create jobs.

Some polls have shown that the overwhelming majority of Americans want the cuts on upper-income earners ended and the cuts on middle income earners extended. So scrapping the cuts for the wealthy, far from being a

political lose-lose for the Obama administration, is a win-win. But the GOP and its big booster, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, have done a master spin job on the media and the public that if the tax cuts are ended, then all sorts of dire things will happen to the economy, and President Obama will and should get the blame for it.

This is smoke-and-mirrors bluster, but it resonates with so many Americans nervous and fearful about what tomorrow will bring in terms of their jobs and businesses.

There’s a final reason why the wealthy must pay more.

Repeated polls and surveys have shown that the income inequality and wealth gap has leaped during the past decade.

That means there are more poor people than in years past.

According to a report in 2010, one in seven Americans were classified as poor. That’s nearly 45 million Americans. At a time when so many persons are needy, even destitute, doling out another round of money to a handful of high-income earners who don’t need the money is beyond shameful —

The evolution of Malcolm X “You may be shocked by these words coming from me.

But on this pilgrimage, what I have seen, and experienced, has forced me to rearrange much of my thought patterns previously held, and to toss aside some of my previous conclusions.

This was not too difficult for me. Despite my firm convictions, I have always been a man who tries to face facts, and to accept the reality of life as new experience and new knowledge unfolds it.” ~ Malcolm X, Letter from Mecca, April 1964 Perhaps no American civil rights leader has generated as many divergent opinions as Malcolm X. As we near the 50th anniversary of his assassination on Feb. 21, 1965, our nation will scrutinize his life, his work and his lasting impact on our country and our continuous struggle to address racial inequality and its heinous consequences.

Depending on one’s perspective or politics, Malcolm X was a hatemonger filled with a blind, race-based rage. Another view paints him as an inspiring figure, pulling himself up from a life of crime to become a leading human rights figure. I would put forth the view that Malcolm X was much more than any onedimensional interpretation of

his life or its seminal moments.

He was a man who literally and figuratively journeyed far in his short 39 years, reinventing himself countless times along the way.

Born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925, to a Grenadian mother and African-American father who also was a well-known activist, Malcolm became ac-

Marc H. Morial customed to the cruelties of racism at an early age. He lost his father in a suspected attack by white supremacists. His early life was a blur of broken homes, petty crime and incarceration.

Introduced to the teachings of the Nation of Islam during his time in jail, Malcolm X traded prison for a pursuit of racial justice and equality for black people in America.

While his initial approach may not have always been championed by or aligned with other civil rights leaders of the time, Malcolm X’s later life transition and his embrace of multiculturalism is an important story to be acknowledged and retold. But often supporters and critics alike attempt to isolate the “by any means necessary” civil rights leader to one part of his journey.

Malcolm X left the United States on April 13, 1964, for a life-altering trip through the Middle East and Africa, including a pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the holiest city

in Islam. It was during his experience of the pilgrimage that his next transformation would occur.

In letters from his trip, he described scenes of unimagined interracial harmony among “tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over the world. They were of all colors, from blueeyed blondes to black-skinned Africans.” As he began to see that unity and brotherhood were not impossible realities between “the white and the non-white,” his fight for equality never changed. It only became more inclusive.

In a letter to James Farmer, then president of the Congress of Racial Equality, Malcolm, now El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, wrote, “I am still traveling, trying to broaden my mind, for I’ve seen too much of the damage narrow-mindedness can make of things, and when I return home to America, I will devote what energies I have to repairing the damage.”

Unfortunately, Malcolm X’s newfound approach to the pursuit of racial equality was cut short less than a year later under a fatal hail of bullets in Harlem’s Audubon Ballroom.

But rather than end his journey to mend our wounded nation, we can each walk a few steps in his remaining miles to ensure equality and justice for all.

Marc H. Morial, former mayor of New Orleans, is president and CEO of the National Urban League.

The Free Press welcomes letters

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

it’s obscene.

The GOP cynically flips the table and blames the wealth gap and even the poverty rise on President Obama’s supposedly reckless tax and spend policies.

This is more myth-making.

President Obama’s budget has not broken the government’s fiscal bank. The deficit has been steadily reduced during his administration due to the caps he has placed on spending. But those caps have limits and vital programs have to be funded. The funds are in the coffers of major corporations and the wealthy. The GOP will again hammer President Obama hard with the myth that taxing the rich hurts all to ensure that those funds aren’t tapped.

Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst.

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Richmond Free Press

February 19-21, 2015

A9

Letters to the Editor

Lent offers time to reflect on health

Wednesday, Feb. 18, marked the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period before Easter when many Christians abstain from animal foods in remembrance of Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the desert before launching his ministry.

But meat-free Lent is much more than a symbol of religious devotion to Christ. It helps reduce the risk of chronic disease, environmental degradation and animal abuse. Dozens of medical reports have linked consumption of animal products with elevated risk of heart failure, stroke, cancer and other killer diseases. A 2007 U.N. report named meat production as the largest source of greenhouse gases and water pollution.

Undercover investigations have documented farm animals being beaten, caged, crowded,

deprived, mutilated and shocked.

Lent offers a superb opportunity to honor Christ’s powerful message of compassion and love by adopting a meat-free diet for Lent and beyond.

After all, it’s the diet mandated in Genesis 1:29 and observed in the Garden of Eden.

Our supermarket offers a rich array of plantbased meat and dairy alternatives, as well as the more traditional vegetables, fruits and grains.

Entering “vegan recipes” in our favorite search engine offers more products, recipes and transition tips that we can use.

RICK TUSCADERO Richmond

Clean air, but at what price

On the surface, accepting the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan sounds like a great idea — reduced carbon emissions and pollution, ideally leading to cleaner air. Yes, this is a great idea. But at what cost?

This is just another example of the federal government getting involved in state matters and proposing regulations that create catastrophic consequences. I’ve learned that Virginia is held to a higher clean air/carbon standard than our neighbors (Virginia is required to reduce almost twice as much carbon emission as West Virginia and Kentucky), and it will cost us billions to shut down the power stations that have been operating fine for decades.

When we have to shut down power stations, is the demand for electricity lower and do people stop using power? Power still would need to be generated, which means new power stations would need to be built. In turn, we would then have to pay to build those new power stations to compensate for the loss of the ones already efficiently and safely operating today.

I’m supporting Sen. Frank Wagner’s bill, which gives Virginia time to figure out how to deal with these regulations and freezes electric customers’ rates for several years. I, and everyone else I know, enjoy low electric rates, high reliability and some of the cleanest, most modern

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General Assembly A message from Senator Donald McEachin

Part of growing up is making mistakes and learning from those mistakes. Our job as parents and community members is to try and ensure that mistakes made by our youth are minor and inconsequential. When adolescents find themselves on the wrong side of the law, diversionary programs can be a lifesaver. No one wants to see a child go to an adult prison. That just creates a hardened criminal and, in the long run, increases crime. But, as important as rehabilitative and diversionary programs are, the best outcome is for our children to never have a negative encounter with the legal system. To try and ensure this, we need better and stronger preventive programs.

Unfortunately, right now in our country and here in the Commonwealth, we have too many persons wasting away in jail. In the USA, we lock up 716 out of 100,000 Americans and, here in Virginia, the numbers are even more staggering, with 768 out of 100,000 Virginians incarcerated. The percentages are even more devastating when assessed by race. 2290 African-Americans of every 100,000 are in jail and 2331 per 100,000 in Virginia. African-American boys born in 2001 have a 1 in 3 chance of going to prison over their lifetime.

The costs of all of this, both literally and figuratively, are astronomical. In 2013, Virginia spent almost 1.3 billion on state corrections expenditures. One can only imagine how many schools or roads that could finance or how much health care or food and shelter could be provided for those least fortunate were those funds available for other uses.

My good friend and mentor, Congressman Bobby Scott, has initiated in Congress the Youth Promise Act whose goal is to ensure a cradle to college (or workplace) pipeline and not a cradle to prison pathway. In his Act, community experts such as educators, law enforcement officials, mental health professionals, social service providers and business leaders come together and form a panel which will assess a community’s needs and develop a plan to address those concerns. Grants would then be available to finance these proposed plans. Together this would provide communities with much needed tools to ensure youth have a positive outcome growing up. Unfortunately, the Youth Promise Act has not yet passed Congress, but Congressman Scott continues to work hard and with him as its champion, I am confident we will see its success in the future.

This year, I introduced legislation to begin a Youth Promise Act here in Virginia.

The Department of Juvenile Justice, under Governor McAuliffe, has already begun to focus on diversionary and preventive efforts, acknowledging that jail time is not the solution. One of the critical components of the Youth Promise Act is the investment in more preventive plans, not just diversionary. With that in mind, my bill augments exactly those efforts by tasking the Advisory Board of the Juvenile Justice Department with searching for preventive measures and adding the Commissioner of Health to the board. This is only an initial step and, as the Department of Juvenile Justice refines its plans, I will make additional suggestions and legislation to achieve these important goals.

Please let me know of any suggestions you have on this or any other issue. I can be reached at district09@senate.virginia.gov or at 698.7509.

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Public Hearing on Community Development Needs & Fair Housing Choice – Henrico County, Virginia The County of Henrico is preparing its Five Year Consolidated Plan and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) to guide the use of federal CDBG, HOME, and ESG funds and analyze fair housing choice in Henrico County.

Henrico County will conduct a public hearing to hear from citizens their opinions concerning community development needs and fair housing issues on Thursday, February 26, 2015, 6:30 PM at the Belmont Recreation Center, 1600 Hilliard Rd. More information on the Consolidated Plan, AI, and the funding application process can be found at www.henrico.us/revit or by calling 501-7640.

IF SOMEONE LOOKS LIKE THIS, IT COULD BE A STROKE. When one side of someone’s face droops, they could be exhibiting signs of a stroke.

Don’t hesitate. Call 911 and get them to the nearest hospital immediately. About a third of stroke patients at VCU Medical Center have been transferred from other hospitals. Our Stroke Alert team ensures the fastest diagnosis and initiation of treatment, giving you the best chance for the best outcome following a stroke. VCU’s interdisciplinary Stroke Program has the only Hybrid Suite in the region and can provide care for the most complex stroke cases, including pediatric stroke patients.

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A10 February 19-21, 2015

Richmond Free Press

Sports

3 VUU legends to be inducted into CIAA Hall of Fame

By Joey Matthews

Three Virginia Union University luminaries will be inducted into the CIAA John B. McLendon Jr. Hall of Fame.

They are Dr. Allix B. James, president emeritus of VUU; James Battle, former VUU athletic director; and former Panthers basketball star Ben Wallace.

They will be inducted into the Hall of Fame along with six others during the CIAA Tournament in Charlotte during a ceremony 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at the Charlotte Convention Center.

The other inductees are: Terrence Warren, a Ben Wallace Coach Dr. James former track and football standout at Hampton University; Dr. Sunday Adesuyi, a former administrator at St. a Bible instructor. He was promoted to dean of students, then Paul’s College; Dr. Charles Lyons Jr., former chancellor at dean of the Graduate School of Religion and later university Fayetteville State University; Dr. Peggy Green, an instructor vice president before assuming the president’s post. and former administrator at Fayetteville State University; Larry Dr. James oversaw the establishment of a corporate gift Rose, a former basketball official; and Thomas Blue, a former program that led to numerous university renovations. He also basketball standout at Elizabeth City State University. instituted the music program at the university and helped orga“These presidents, former student-athletes, officials and ad- nize the university band. ministrators are not only outstanding individuals, but also have He made probably the two greatest athletic hires in VUU made an immeasurable impact at their respective institutions and history — basketball Coach Dave Robbins, the first non-Africanon the conference as a whole,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie American to coach in the CIAA, and football Coach Willard McWilliams in announcing the 2015 inductees.

Bailey. Both already are members of the CIAA Hall of Fame.

Dr. James served as VUU’s seventh president from 1970 to Coach Robbins led the Panthers to three national championships, 1979. He then served as a professor for 14 more years.

14 CIAA championships and 21 NCAA tournament appearances.

He graduated from VUU in 1944 and returned in 1947 as Coach Bailey was the winningest football coach in CIAA history

and won seven conference titles.

Mr. Wallace, known as “Big Ben” because of his 6-foot-9, 240-pound frame, averaged 13.4 points, 10 rebounds and shot 52.3 percent at VUU from 1994 to 1996.

As a senior in 1996, he was named first-team Division II All-America and helped the Panthers to a 28-3 record and a berth in the Division II Final Four.

He holds the university’s single season record with 114 blocks and was named to the CIAA 60th Anniversary All-Tournament team in 2005.

Mr. Wallace appeared in 34 games for the Washington Bullets (now the Washington WizBattle ards) after going undrafted in 1996 to start a 16-season NBA career.

He appeared in his 1,055th NBA game on Feb. 14, 2012, surpassing the record held by Southern’s Avery Johnson for the most games by an undrafted player.

In addition to an NBA title with Detroit, Wallace was NBA Defensive Player of the Year, named to the All-NBA Defensive Team six times and earned All-NBA five times.

Coach Battle served the CIAA for 22 years. A 1965 graduate of Fayetteville State University, he joined Coach Dave Robbins’ basketball staff at VUU in 1979. He became the Panthers’ athletic director in 1985. Under Coach Battle’s administration, the football program earned three CIAA titles while Coach Robbins’ programs won eight, including four in a row. The 1992 squad won the Division II national championship.

Northern Division Standings

Division Virginia State University 7-1 Bowie State University 6-2 Lincoln University 4-4 Chowan University 4-4 Virginia Union University 3-5 Elizabeth City State University 0-8

CIAA 11-3 11-3 9-5 7-7 4-10 2-12

Overall 17-6 19-7 15-9 13-11 8-16 9-18

Games Saturday, Feb. 21: Bowie State University at Elizabeth City State University, 4 p.m.; Virginia State University at Lincoln University, 4 p.m.; Virginia Union University at Chowan University, 4 p.m.

VSU to go all the way in CIAA tournament?

By Fred Jeter NBAE/Getty Images

Threatt takes to rim to win NBA slam-dunk contest

By Fred Jeter

Following some career setbacks, Jarvis Threatt is on basketball’s comeback trail.

Last Sunday, that travel itinerary led him to Brooklyn, N.Y., site of the NBA’s Developmental League (DLeague) Slam-Dunk Contest and AllStar Game.

Showing there’s plenty of bounce left in his sneakers, the 6-foot-2 guard from Henrico County’s Highland Springs High School and the University of Delaware won the dunking derby in jaw-dropping fashion.

His fourth and final dunk at the Barclays Center involved catching the ball on a high bounce in midair, and then taking it through his legs for a right-handed windmill slammer-jammer.

“That’s one of my favorite dunks,” he said in a phone interview. “It took me a while to get it down, but now I’ve got it.”

The theatrical throw-down drew a maximum score of 50 — meaning he earned perfect 10s from all five judges.

“I won a big ol’ trophy that I sent home to Mom,” said Threatt, son of Cheryl and Jay Threatt Sr. Following the exhibition, he flew to

the Houston, Texas, area where he plays for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the D-League affiliate of the NBA Houston Rockets.

Threatt becomes NBA draft eligible in June. His college career ended a year prematurely, and an overseas pro offer failed to materialize.

Had his original plans gone smoothly, he would be a Delaware senior this winter and a likely Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Player of the Year candidate.

After three seasons in which he scored 1,191 points, Threatt was dismissed from the Newark school last June for what the school called a “violation of rules.”

“Only God never made a mistake,” said Threatt. “I believe things happen for a reason. It’s something I’ve had to go through. It’s made me more mature.”

As a junior, Threatt averaged 18 points, six rebounds and 6.4 assists for the CAA tournament champion Blue Hens. He had 14 points in Delaware’s loss to Michigan State University in the first round of the NCAAs. Following his dismissal from Delaware, Threatt had offers to transfer to other colleges but instead signed a contract with a pro club in Greece.

He flew to Greece, but the team he

signed with folded before he played a single game.

That’s when he signed with the Vipers, coached by Nevada Smith. He’s averaging about 14 minutes per game, coming off the bench for the D-Leaguers.

It was Smith who nominated Threatt for the dunk contest, which was held the same weekend the NBA held its All-Star Game and other functions at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan.

“He (Smith) sees me everyday. He knows what I can do,” said Threatt, noting he can touch his elbow on the rim.

Threatt was not selected for the AllStar game itself.

In Brooklyn, he unleashed some smooth moves to win, even while saving another flashier dunk for possible future contests.

“I’ve got one where I bounce it off the backboard, catch it, take it through my legs, and then dunk it,” he said.

A reporter suggested that might be the winning ticket if he’s ever selected for the NBA All-Star Dunk Contest.

“That’s right,” he said with a goodnatured laugh.

To see the contest and Threatt’s dunks, go to www.youtube.com/ watch?v=VyVL-wH5qDs.

Barksdale a ‘first’ as NBA All-Star

By Fred Jeter

At the 1953 NBA All-Star game, Don Barksdale scored just one point — yet he stood out.

That’s because he was the first AfricanAmerican ever selected to play in the event.

By contrast, the rosters for last weekend’s All-Star game in New York City included 24 African-American and four white players.

From a historical perspective, Barksdale may be underrated as a trailblazing athlete.

The 6-foot-6 Oakland native was the: • First black NCAA Division I AllAmerica while at UCLA in 1947.

• First black on the U.S. Olympic team in 1948 for the games in London.

• First black NBA All-Star.

It’s coincidental that Barksdale at-

tended the same college — UCLA — as the first African-American big-league baseball player (Jackie Robinson, Class of 1947) and the first African-American Don Barksdale NFL players (Kenny Washington and Woody Strode, Class of 1946).

The 1953 NBA All-Star game was played in Fort Wayne, Ind. Barksdale was then in his second season with the Baltimore Bullets.

He later was traded in 1954 to the Boston Celtics, where he played two more seasons.

The 1951 and 1952 All-Star games were all white, although the league had admitted four African-Americans in 1950 — Chuck Cooper, Earl Lloyd, Sweetwater Clifton and Hank DeZone.

Another Barksdale “first:” He was the first African-American to play basketball against the University of Kentucky in Lexington.

In 1948, Barksdale played for the AAU Phillips 66ers in an outdoor exhibition in Lexington against Coach Adolph Rupp’s Kentucky Wildcats.

Rupp, coach of the 1948 Olympic team, was so impressed with Barksdale that he selected him for the U.S. team.

Later in life, Barksdale became a popular disc jockey and was the first African- American to host a TV show in the San Francisco Bay area on KRON-TV with Sepia Review.

Don Barksdale died in 1993 at age 69.

Flip a coin.

That may be as good a way as any to predict the winner for the 70th CIAA men’s basketball tournament that commences Feb. 24 in Charlotte, N.C. There is no clear dominant team this winter and Time Warner Cable Arena has proven to be an equal opportunity venue since the tournament set up shop there in 2006.

In nine previous tournaments in the Queen City, there have been eight different champs.

Livingstone College’s Blue Bears won the title last year for first time in the North Carolina university’s history.

Before that, Bowie State University prevailed in 2013, WinstonSalem State University in 2012, Shaw University in 2011, St. 70th CIAA Tournament Augustine’s University in 2010, Time Warner Cable Arena Johnson C. Smith University Charlotte, N.C. in 2009 and 2008, Elizabeth Tuesday, Feb. 24 City State University in 2007 Women’s play-ins: and Virginia Union University 10 a.m., 12:10 p.m., in 2006.

2:20 p.m., 4:30 p.m.

That’s a far cry from yesterMen’s play-ins: year when the CIAA had become 6:40 p.m., 8:50 p.m. something of a VUU/Norfolk Wednesday, Feb. 25 State University Invitational.

Women’s quarterfinals: Between 1968 and 2006, 10 a.m., 12:10 p.m., 2:20 p.m., 4:30 p.m.

VUU won 13 times and NSU Men’s play-ins: 11 times. The Spartans left the 6:40 p.m., 8:50 p.m.

CIAA for the MEAC in 1996.

Thursday, Feb. 26 Virginia State University, Men’s quarterfinals: under second year coach Lon1, 3, 7 and 9 p.m. nie Blow, probably has its best (Aspire TV live) chance to win the tournament Friday, Feb. 27 since 1988, when the Trojans Women’s semifinals: won their last crown under Coach 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Harold Deane.

Men’s semifinals: VSU’s only other title was 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. in 1947. It made the finals in (Aspire TV live) 1957, 1963 and 1981.

Saturday, Feb. 28 The Petersburg-area univerWomen’s final: 4 p.m. sity started the week atop the (Aspire TV live) Men’s final: 7 p.m.

Northern Division standings and (ESPNU delayed) is pretty much assured to make it into the Feb. 26 quarterfinals.

Virginia Union University’s bubble popped long ago.

The longtime juggernaut has lost its first-round tournament game five straight years and will have to survive a play-in game to reach the quarterfinals.

MVP: Just as there is no overpowering team, there is no easy Player of the Year choice. Strong consideration, however, might go to VSU senior guard Lamar Kearse, averaging 15 points, four rebounds and 2.5 assists, while hitting 49 of 100 3-pointers.

In the beginning: The first CIAA tourney was in 1946 at the 2,000-seat Turner’s Arena in Washington, with North Carolina College, now N.C. Central University, defeating Virginia Union University in the finals.

Get used to it: The tournament will remain in the Queen City through at least 2020. Next year, the league is moving its administrative offices to Charlotte following a long stay in Hampton.

The CIAA this year has booking rights to 3,000 hotel rooms to try and curtail price gouging.

Tickets and hotel accommodations can be booked through the CIAA website, www.theciaa.com.

Starting in 2017, preliminary games will be at the 9,605-seat Bojangles’ Coliseum, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. in Charlotte, to lower costs and to create a more intimate atmosphere.

Time Warner Cable Arena is the home of the NBA Charlotte Hornets. It opened in 2005 and seats 19,077 for basketball.

February 19-21, 2015 B1

Section

B

Richmond Free Press

Happenings

DiamonDs • Watches JeWelry • repairs 19 East Broad strEEt richmond, Va 23219 (804) 648-1044

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Personality: Mary Alice Nesbitt

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery

Dr. Sonya C. FairCloth

Spotlight on 30-year volunteer at Downtown feeding program Mary Alice Nesbitt purposefully walks from the kitchen to the fellowship hall, then back to the kitchen at Centenary United Methodist Church in Downtown.

The 84-year-old North Side resident is on a love-driven mission to help feed the city’s hungry.

She has volunteered for the past 30 years to help prepare and serve meals at the Grace Street church led by the Rev. Matt Bates.

The church usually feeds people from 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Friday.

“This is why I joined this church,” she says of its commitment to open its doors to provide meals to the needy.

She estimates the church fed about 1,000 people in January.

“We try to serve fish whenever we have it,” says Mrs. Nesbitt, who helps coordinate kitchen activities. “We also serve fried chicken, vegetables with rice and we usually have a big green salad and fruit with coffee and iced tea.”

The church feeding programs are coordinated through a consortium known as Downtown Cooperative Church Ministries. Mrs. Nesbitt says the other churches that participate are Second Presbyterian on Mondays, St. Peter’s Catholic on Tuesdays, Third Street Bethel A.M.E. on Wednesdays and St. Paul’s Episcopal on Thursdays.

Mrs. Nesbitt says the food Centenary serves is from FeedMore, the Central Virginia Food Bank and hunger relief organization, and from area Food Lion stores.

Volunteers at Centenary’s feeding program come from Bon Air, Asbury, Beulah, Providence and Forest Grove United Methodist churches, Mrs. Nes-

23 in Hopkinsville, Ky. Education: George Peabody College and a master’s degree from Duke University.

Family: Husband, Burns; three adult children, daughter Jaye White, and sons Phil and Chris; and four grandchildren.

What occupations have you held: I haven’t worked for many years, but my last job was in a public library in Leeds, Ala. When we lived in Japan, I taught English for the University of Maryland.

bitt says.

She serves others with a humble heart.

“Who are we to judge where other people have wound up in life?” she says.

She said most of the people who eat at the church “are very appreciative.”

Mrs. Nesbitt also volunteers to take food to the homebound through Meals on Wheels and is on the board of directors of Virginia United Methodist Women.

Mrs. Nesbitt gets much of her spiritual drive from a family that loves to minister to others.

Her husband, Burns, served as an Air Force chaplain for 20 years, and her daughter, Jaye White, is a United Methodist minister in North Carolina.

In her spare time, Mrs. Nesbitt likes to read, go to stage plays, work in her yard and visit with friends.

Here’s a close-up of this week’s Personality, Mary Alice Nesbitt: Date and place of birth: July

First volunteer position: As a minister’s wife, I suppose my first volunteer job was teaching Sunday school.

When we moved to Richmond, the feeding program really called me to Centenary.

Number of hours I volunteer a week: I go to Centenary on Fridays before 9 a.m. Our guests are asked to leave by 1 p.m.

Number of volunteers: At least seven or eight each time.

Prized possession: I don’t know that one’s children are possessions, but I could not be prouder of our children. Material possessions gathered from here and there and passed down from family are all dear.

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I start the day: Feeding the cat.

Before I’m out of bed, I say a little prayer. There’s so much bad news in today’s world.

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Nobody knows that I: Spend far too much time on Facebook liking other people.

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Dhani Jones Sports Honoree (not shown) Iyanla Vanzant Inspirational Honoree

Kevin Liles Entertainment Honoree Henry Coaxum McDonald’s Owner/Operator Honoree

Al Sharpton Humanitarian Honoree

Will Packer Arts & Entertainment Honoree

Gabrielle Williams Community Choice Youth Honoree

Paulette Singleton/Richmond Free Press

The 2015 Strong Men & Women in Virginia honorees or their representatives show off trophies they received at the recent awards program sponsored by Dominion and the Library of Virginia.

T:10”

2015 Strong Men & Women

Skyler Grey Community Choice Youth Honoree

LOVIN’ BY EXAMPLE. Here’s to the leaders that don’t talk about dedication, they show it. To the people who constantly perform selfless acts as they reach out, reach back and bring others along.

We show our gratitude during Black History Month, but we applaud you everyday. Let’s all be inspired to stay deeply rooted in spreading the love, 365 days a year.

Find your motivation at 365Black.com.

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The Strong Men & Women event honors African-Americans past and present who have made significant contributions to the commonwealth. This year’s event was no exception.

A video montage poignantly paid tribute to the life and legacy of Raymond H. Boone, the late editor/publisher of the Richmond Free Press, who was a 2003 Strong Men & Women honoree.

This year’s honorees, from top clockwise: Kevin Lloyd, representing his father, honoree Earl Francis Lloyd of Alexandria, who graduated from segregated schools and became the first AfricanAmerican to play in a National Basketball Association game and later to be an assistant NBA coach; Juanita Cary, representing honoree Lott Cary of Charles City County, who purchased his freedom from enslavement, set sail for the West African colony of Liberia and became an early Liberian missionary and leader; Carl Cruz, representing honoree Sgt. William Harvey Carney of Norfolk, the first African-American to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for heroism while serving with Union troops during the Civil War in the Battle of Fort Wagner in South Carolina.

Also, Frances Brown, representing her daughter, honoree astrophysicist Beth A. Brown, posthumously, of Roanoke, the first African-American woman to earn a doctorate from the University of Michigan, who later joined NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center; James “Plunky” Branch of Richmond, a longtime jazz-funk singer, songwriter and producer who has gained fame with his “Plunky & Oneness” band.

Also, Dr. Jamelle S. Wilson of Hanover County, the first female and first African-American superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools; and retired Brig. Gen. Shelia R. Baxter of Franklin, the first African-American female brigadier general in the Army Medical Service Corps. Not present: Alonzo H. Mourning Jr. of Chesapeake, a longtime NBA star, Olympic Gold Medal winner and NBA Hall of Famer who currently is vice president of player development programs with the NBA’s Miami Heat.

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Richmond Free Press

B2 February 19-21, 2015

Happenings

Rare book, diary related to ‘12 Years’ author on display

By Joey Matthews

ily and friends enlisted the aid of New York Gov. Washington Hunt to help him regain his When officials at the Earl Gregg Swem Library freedom in 1853. at The College of William & Mary purchased a The book was made into the 2014 Academy 1902 diary from an unknown author in 2009 for Award-winning film by the same name. their special collections unit, they had no idea By coincidence, the Swem Library already they had made an historical connection. had in its special collections a first edition of William & Mary Mr. Northup’s book student Lauren Walwritten in 1853. lace was assigned to Both the rare book research the diary in and the diary inked by 2012 and her work his granddaughter will eventually led to the be on display Thursdiscovery that the day, Feb. 19, at an event diary was written by commemorating Black Florence Barber.

History Month.

Mrs. Barber was The free event will the granddaughter of be held from 5:30 to Solomon Northup, 7:30 p.m. in the library’s whose memoir, “12 Botetourt Theatre and Years a Slave,” details Gallery on the William how he was born & Mary campus.

Courtesy of Swem Library as a free AfricanThe event also will American in Minerva, Above, a first edition copy of Solomon feature Randolph-MaN.Y., later kidnapped Northup’s “12 Years a Slave.” Right, the con College Profesdiary of Florence Barber, Solomon Northup’s in Washington, sold granddaughter. sor Jack Trammell into enslavement in discussing his book, 1841 and shipped to New Orleans. There, he “The Richmond Slave Trade: The Economic was brutally enslaved for 12 years until his fam- Backbone of the Old Dominion.” A reception

with light refreshments will follow so the public can view the historic writings.

Jay Gaidmore, director of the library’s special collections, said even though the diary’s writer was a mystery at the time of its purchase, the library bought the diary because it offered a firsthand view into the life of a middle class, African-American woman living in Virginia’s Tidewater area during the early 20th century.

Further research of the diary by Ms. Wallace revealed that Mrs. Barber and her husband, Dr. Philip Barber, lived in Norfolk and that he belonged to several African-American medical associations.

Six months later, author David Fiske, who co-authored “Solomon Northup: The Complete Story of the Author of Twelve Years a Slave,” contacted the library and said he had determined through his research into Solomon Northup’s family that Mrs. Barber was Mr. Northup’s

Valentine gala benefits scholarships

2-day conference to raise awareness, uplift community It’s called “R.I.S.E. Up Weekend 2015, Awakening Your Inner Giant.”

And it’s scheduled for Friday, Feb. 27, and Saturday, Feb. 28, in room 1201 in the Monroe Campus Academic Learning Commons at Virginia Commonwealth University, 1000 Floyd Ave. The theme of the two-day conference, designed in conjunction with Black History Month, is based on the African proverb: “If you want to go far, go together. If you want to go fast, go alone.”

Organizers tout it as a family oriented enlightenment and education event.

The schedule: Feb. 27, from 6 to 10 p.m.: A libation ceremony will feature Elegba Folklore Dr. Kamene Society’s African Dancers and Drummers.

Other performances will include public speaking, spoken word, art exhibits and music.

There will be a meet and greet with Dr. Kaba Kamene, a social activist, educator and lecturer who is Saturday’s scheduled keynote speaker. He currently is a staff developer at the Harriet Tubman Charter School in Bronx, N.Y. Cost to attend the Feb. 27 event is $25.

Feb. 28, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Dr. Kamene will present multiple lectures as well as answer questions. He is scheduled to discuss “Reading to Our Children: The Importance of Melanin in the Human Body;” “Teaching Hidden Colors to Our Children and Our Community;” and “African-American History and Culture: A Proactive Approach to Culture, Curriculum and Conscience.”

From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Dr. Kamene will lead a youths-only session called “Empowering the Youth,” which is free to faculty, students and youths ages 12 and under.

From noon to 6 p.m., Dr. Kamene will lead two adults-only sessions. There is no cost for faculty and students to attend.

Additional speakers and presentations also are on tap.

Tickets for Saturday are $12 per session for adults, or $20 for the day.

R.I.S.E. Up is a Richmondbased civic engagement organization whose mission is to Above, Darryl Wingo, center, bring awareness to issues that discusses his photograph, “Naturally affect the community through Free,” with art enthusiasts, from left, programming and opportuniPatricia Burrell, Arnetha Carter, Mities celebrating African and chelle Crump and Fay Logan. Artist African-American culture, Unicia Buster, right, chats about her according to Ebony Campquilt, “Field of Afros,” with LaTika bell, the group’s president and Lee, left. Works by more than 20 founder. artists are included in the exhibit R.I.S.E. Up is collaborating “Isn’t She Lovely” at Spotlight Galwith United Parents Against lery at Pine Camp Cultural Arts and Lead to sponsor the event.

Community Center. The exhibit, UPAL is a Richmond-based which opened Feb. 13, focuses on nonprofit organization of netthemes of African-American female working parents whose mission beauty. The work will be on view is to end lead poisoning and through March 13 at the gallery, other environmental hazards 4901 Old Brook Road, on North to children.

Side. Information: Shaunn Casselle, For more information on the (804) 646-6722. event: (804) 761-2211 or email riseuprva@gmail.com.

granddaughter.

“It was a neat connection that just happened,” said Tami Back, a spokesperson for Swem Library.

“It means a lot. It helps us better document African-American history, which traditionally has been under-documented over the years,” said Mr. Gaidmore. “The fact it was in Norfolk and Virginia makes it even better. This incredible story has local ties. This diary is nowhere else.”

Mrs. Barber does not mention her grandfather in her diary.

Instead, she details her day-to-day life, her immediate family, the weather and people she knows.

The first-edition book and diary are preserved in two temperature controlled stack areas at the library, Mr. Gaidmore said.

For more information: www.swem.wm.edu or (757) 221-3072.

Alga and Earlene Evans, left, join other couples in dancing to a love song at the 16th Annual Valentine Gala of the Virginia Area Chapter of Pi Lambda Theta.

The highlight of the educational honor society’s dinner-dance Saturday night in Downtown: The presentation of college scholarships to future teachers.

The winners, from left to right, are Photos by Rudolph Powell/Richmond Free Press Randaisha Nickens of John Marshall High School, Monté Hathaway of Highland Springs High School and Caroline Sisson of Mills Godwin High School. A fourth winner, Miah Hardy of Richmond Community High School, could not attend because of illness; her father, Linwood Hardy, accepted her award on her behalf.

Miss Nickens and Mr. Hathaway, both top scholars at their schools and active in school activities and as volunteers, each were presented a Dr. Dorothy N. Cowling Scholarship worth $1,500.

Ms. Sisson and Ms. Hardy, also top scholars and active students, each received a Dr. Virgie M. Binford Book Award worth $500.

About 230 people attended the Feb. 14 event at a Downtown hotel.

The organization, led by Rahmah T. Johnson, stages the affair as a fundraiser for the scholarships. Pi Lambda Theta is an international honor society and education professional association.

Climate change advocates make point with chocolate lovers

By Frances Broaddus-Crutchfield

Photos by Paulette Singleton/Richmond Free Press

Female beauty focus of Pine Camp exhibit

“Save the Earth! It’s the only planet with chocolate!” The Virginia Sierra Club declared Feb. 8 through 14 Chocolate Lovers for Climate Protection Week.

Sierra Club members and staff, as well as several state senators and delegates, held a news conference Thursday, Feb. 12, featuring a breakfast of chocolates.

In a room adorned with large valentines and messages such as “Virginia is for lovers, not for polluters,” they talked about the effects of climate change on chocolate, particularly the impact on cocoa farms in West Africa. The result has been an increase in the cost of chocolate that is reflected even in the price of a single Mars bar, advocates said.

Kelly Walker, who provided the breakfast of confections from her business Chocolates by Kelly, reminded the media attending the event of the 1930s Dustbowl as an example of the way manmade disasters disturb the balance of nature.

Sen. Barbara Fayola, D-Arlington, and Delegate Alfonso Lopez, D-Arlington, urged concern for climate change’s impact and the need for investment in energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy.

Several lawmakers said that Georgia, North Carolina and Texas are far ahead of Virginia in developing renewable energy resources. They said Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s Climate and Resiliency Update Committee seeks not only to reduce pollution, but also to invest in renewable energy.

One lawmaker said he had sent his wife flowers for Valentine’s Day this year, but skipped chocolates because they are too expensive.

Ivy Main, chair of the Virginia Sierra Club and “self-professed dark chocolate lover,” said the week leading to Valentine’s Day was a good time to draw public attention to the rising cost of chocolate and the reason for it.

Following the news conference, volunteers delivered a small box of chocolates to every state senator and delegate at the General Assembly to remind them of the action that’s necessary.

“Even climate change skeptics love chocolate,” said Glen Besa, Virginia Sierra Club director. “You never know — the threat to chocolate posed by global warming just might bring home the fact that climate disruption will affect us all.”

Richmond Free Press

February 19-21, 2015

B3

Faith News/Directory

Vatican offers homeless showers, shaves Associated Press

VATICAN CITY Homeless men and women lined up Monday off St. Peter’s Square to take advantage of Pope Francis’ latest charitable initiative: A free shave and shower for the least fortunate.

Mauro Casubolo, 49, was one of the first clients as the pope’s barbershop opened in the public restrooms just off the Bernini Colonnade. His chin was still red from the shave — his first in three weeks — but he was grateful.

“It’s a beautiful thing he’s done for us, especially for us who live in the middle of the streets, because if you want to try to go find some work you can come here and have a shower,” he said.

Pope Francis’ chief alms-giver, Monsignor Konrad Krajewski, said the project is

Church to host forum on policecommunity issues L’Osservatoe Romano/Associated Press

This public restroom now includes a barbershop and showers to serve homeless people who will receive a towel and toiletries. Location: Just outside St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. Below, Mauro Casubolo, 49, was one of the first to use the “pope’s barbershop” when the renovated facilities for the homeless opened Monday.

needed because homeless people often are shunned for their appearance and smell.

The initiative is being funded by donations and the sale of papal parchments by Monsignor Krajewski’s office.

Barbers volunteering on their days off as well as students from a local beauty school, are donating their time, as well as nuns from religious orders and other volunteers.

Hairdresser Enrico Palmieri will do his first volunteer shift next week. “I was curious,” he said. “It’s something beautiful.”

Mr. Casubolo said he gets by with handouts from local charitable organizations, but he most wants a job.

“Even if I need to clean steps somewhere, clean bathrooms, I don’t care,” he said. “As long as I have a salary that gets me to the end of the month, I’ll be OK. I can have a home and live like everyone else.”

‘Saviours’ Day’ broadcast live this Sunday Alessandra Tarantino/Associated Press

Episcopal Church embroiled in South Carolina legal battle Free Press wire report

CHARLESTON, S.C. The national Episcopal Church is asking a judge to reconsider her ruling that South Carolina churches that broke away from the national group now own the diocesan name, symbols and $500 million in church property.

Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein ruled earlier this month in favor of the Diocese of South Carolina and its parishes. The conservative diocese and more than half of its 70 congregations left the national church in 2012 amid differences over theological issues.

But the national church filed a 180-page reconsideration motion Feb. 13 detailing mistakes it thinks Judge Goodstein made, according to a local newspaper.

The motion said that Judge Goodstein’s ruling made incorrect statements, didn’t fully address evidence from last year’s three-week trial and ignored the relevant law.

St. Peter Baptist Church

Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, Pastor

Sundays: Morning Worship Church School Morning Worship

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

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

Ebenezer Baptist Church 1858

“The People’s Church”

216 W. Leigh St. • Richmond, Va. 23220 • Tel: 804-643-3366 Fax: 804-643-3367 • Email: ebcoffice1@comcast.net • web: ebcrichmond.org Sunday Worship Sunday Church School Service of Holy Communion Service of Baptism Life Application Bible Class Mid-Week Senior Adult Fellowship Wednesday Meditation & Bible Study Homework & Tutoring Scouting Program Thursday Bible Study

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

Sixth Baptist Church Theme for 2015: Becoming a Five-Star Church of Excellence I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13

Sunday, February 22, 2015 Church School: (New Time) 9:00 a.m.

Worship Preparation: 10:30 a.m.

Worship: 11 a.m.

Black History Month Worship Message by Rev. Joseph Young “Lest We Not Forgot” Deuteronomy 6:4-12

Join The Family Sixth Baptist Church: A Church for the Entire Family Twitter sixthbaptistrva

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

Facebook sixthbaptistrva

Sunday

Church School 9:45AM Worship 11:00AM

Tuesday

Bible Study 12 Noon 7:00PM Prayer & Praise 8:15PM

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

It’s A Family Affair

FirstM iBaptist Church dlothian

Wednesday Youth & Adult Bible Study

Unity Sundays (2nd Sundays) Church School 8:30 A.M. Morning Worship 10 A.M.



The national church said the judge failed to address the freedom of a hierarchical church to govern its own affairs and she improperly ruled the state diocese was created before the national church.

The judge ruled with the Diocese of South Carolina, which argued the case would be decided under state corporation law.

Judge Goodstein will have to make a determination on the request that she reconsider her ruling before any other appeals can be filed.

Both sides said they knew Judge Goodstein’s ruling on Feb. 3 likely would be appealed.

Bishop Charles vonRosenberg, the head of the diocese known as The Episcopal Church in South Carolina, said the ruling was just one step on a long journey like those described in the Bible.

Bishop Mark Lawrence of the breakaway churches said his group would move on with its mission and deal with any appeals.

Both sides also left open the door to reconciliation.

Service Times

Worship Opportunities

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor 400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 359-1691 or 359-3498 Fax (804) 359-3798 www.sixthbaptistchurch.org

Third Street Bethel A.M.E. Church in Jackson Ward is hosting a forum to raise awareness of incidents of police brutality nationwide and to discuss ways the community, Richmond Police and other law enforcement agencies can work together to prevent future incidents, the church’s pastor, the Rev. Reuben J. Boyd Jr., has announced.

The theme: “Being Part of a Solution for Change: Bridging the Gap Between the Community and Law Enforcement.”

The free event will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at the church, 614 N. 3rd St. Panelists will include Richmond’s new police chief, Alfred Durham; Eric English, Richmond deputy chief of operations; Lt. Donald Davenport of Richmond Police’s Fourth Precinct; Sgt. Bill Woo of the Richmond Police Training Academy; Richmond Sheriff C.T. Woody Jr.; and a representative of the Hanover NAACP Youth Chapter.

Discussion topics will include effective police-community relations, use of police cameras and police training.

Audience members will be encouraged to ask questions and share comments.

Details on the event: www.thirdstreetbethel.org or (804) 643-8157.

Van Transportation Available, Call 804-794-5583

Rev. Pernell J. Johnson, Pastor

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

“The Church With A Welcome”

Sharon Baptist Church SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22 WEDNESDAYS THURSDAYS 8:00 a.m. .... Morning Worship 12:00 p.m. .... Noon Day Service 1:30 p.m.

9:30 a.m. .... Church School 6:00 p.m. .... Prayer Service Bible Study 11:15 a.m. ...Morning Worship 6:30 p.m. ... Bible Study Sunday Service 11AM Wednesday Prayer/Bible Study 7PM

ine Fellowship

(Married 48 years!)

Bagby portrays ‘Godfather of Soul’ James Brown, “The Godfather of Soul,” is coming to Unity of Richmond Church in the West End. Well, at least Joseph Bagby, who impersonates the late iconic performer, will perform 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at the church at 800 Blanton Ave. The program, called “Say It Loud, I’m Black & I’m Proud,” also will feature local smooth jazz band QuintEssential Jazz, which will perform several of Mr. Brown’s hits.

Bowie State University Professor Renee Charlow will host the event that organizers

are calling an “entertainment symposium” and will examine the genius, originality and spirituality of an American music icon.

Audience members will be asked for an offering to benefit the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.

For more information: (757) 285-2117 or (434) 808-2472.

Riverview

Dr. Alonza Lawrence

Baptist Church

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

Life in the

Nation of Islam leader Minister Louis Farrakhan is to deliver a keynote address via satellite to a global audience Sunday, Feb. 22.

The occasion: Saviours’ Day 2015.

The day commemorates the birth of Nation of Islam founder Master W. Fard Muhammad on Feb. 26, 1877.

In the Richmond metro area, Minister Farrakhan’s address will be shown live via webcast 3 p.m. Sunday at the Trinity Family Life Center, 3601 Dill Road, on North Side. A $10 donation is suggested.

This year’s commemoration marks the 85th year of the Nation of Islam’s existence in North America, according to the organization’s website.

Minister Farrakhan will deliver his address from Christ Universal Temple in Chicago.

His theme: “The Intensifying, Universal Cry for Justice.”

Doors will open 2 p.m. at Trinity Family Life Center for the address, which also will be carried on the Internet at NOI. org/webcast.

Details: (804) 218-0101.

Come Hear the Wisdom of God on Relationships if you are: Married, Divorced, Separated or Single

Herbert Pollard, Sr., Pastor & Gainell Pollard, Co-Pastor Manchester Middle School (Auditorium) 7401 Hull St., Richmond, VA 23235 •804-780-7862

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

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

Moore Street Missionary

Baptist Church

1408 W. Leigh Street • 358-6403

Pastor

Black History Month



Early Service 8:00 A.M. Church School 9:30 A.M. Morning Worship 11:00 A.M.

Richmond Free Press

B4 February 19-21, 2015

Obituaries/Faith Directory

McEva R. Bowser, former Richmond School Board member Those who knew her best describe McEva Roach Bowser as kind and gentle.

“But she was also demanding,” said her younger sister, Martha R. Lancaster. “She always demanded that we do the right thing, whatever we were doing.”

Mrs. Bowser shared that uncompromising passion as a wife, mother, educator, Richmond School Board member and community servant.

She taught elementary school for nearly three decades, including 24 years in Richmond Public Schools. She later served as a school consultant and curriculum specialist before retiring in 1988.

“She always enjoyed being a teacher and loved helping children learn,” her sister said.

“That was her passion.”

Mrs. Bowser was elected to serve on the Richmond School Board from 1994 to 1998.

Mrs. Bowser is being remonwealth University, where membered following her death she earned a master’s degree in Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015. She elementary education. was 92.

She married Dr. Barrington A memorial service will be H. Bowser Sr., a Richmond held 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, pediatrician, in 1952. He died 2015, at St. Philip’s Episcopal in 1993.

Church, 2900 Hanes Ave. They raised two children in Mrs. Bowser was born Nov. their West End home, daughter, 22, 1922, in Elizabeth City, N.C., Angela Bowser, a Richmond atthe fifth of eight siblings. She got torney; and son, Dr. Barrington her early educational roots from H. Bowser Jr., also a physician. her mother, Rosa Stewart Roach, She began her teaching career who was an elementary school in 1944 at elementary schools in Mrs. Bowser teacher.

Sussex and Louisa counties before Mrs. Bowser earned a bachelor’s degree in she moved to Richmond, where she taught at elementary education from Elizabeth City State Elba, Robert E. Lee, Cary, Clark Springs, MayUniversity in 1944, and continued her education mont and Amelia elementary schools. at Columbia University and Virginia ComIn 1994, she began serving on the Richmond

School Board.

“She was always interested in politics,” her sister said.

And she enjoyed doing community service work through organizations she belonged to, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the Richmond Chapter of The Links, the Richmond Chapter of Jack and Jill, the Richmond Medical Society Auxiliary and the St. Anne’s Guild of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, where she was a longtime member. She also taught Sunday school at St. Philip’s and served as director of Vacation Bible School.

She also served on the boards of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and the Maymont Foundation.

Survivors include her children, one grandson, her sister and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Elizabeth ‘Beth’ Randolph, 90, granddaughter of Maggie L. Walker Elizabeth “Beth” Walker Mickens Randolph loved spending time with her trailblazing grandmother, Maggie L. Walker, the first black female founder and president of a bank in America.

Mrs. Walker chartered the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank in Jackson Ward in 1903.

“My mother grew up one block from her grandmother,” said Mrs. Randolph’s son, Johnny Mickens III, of the family’s neighboring homes in Jackson Ward.

“Maggie Walker used to always have her grandchildren around her on special holidays. They also would play piano on Sundays,” he said. “And, in those days, she would take them out to Evergreen Cemetery, where they would play and have picnics.”

Her son said Mrs. Randolph recalled seeing as a 10 year old her grandmother’s body lying in repose in their home after Mrs. Walker’s death in 1934. She was buried in Evergreen Cemetery.

The granddaughter shared more than a friendship with her iconic grandmother. They shared a deep faith.

“My mother, also like Maggie Walker, had a close contact with God,” Mr. Mickens said. “They were both pretty religious.

And my mother would always speak out against injustice any time she saw it.”

Like her grandmother, she also was a business pioneer.

Mrs. Randolph was the first African-American to work in the accounting department at Home Beneficial Life Insurance Co. in the late 1950s, her son said.

She worked there for more than 20 years before retiring in 1980, he said.

Mrs. Randolph is being remembered following her death Monday, Feb. 16, 2015, in Richmond. She was 90.

The family is planning a memo-

Mrs. Randolph

rial service.

Mrs. Randolph was born Sept. 25, 1924, in Richmond, the youngest of three siblings. She graduated from Armstrong High School, where she played basketball and was a cheerleader.

She later attended Virginia State College (now University), where she studied physical education.

She met her future husband, Johnny Mickens Jr., while in college. They were married for three years until they divorced.

Good Shepherd Baptist Church 1127 North 28th St., Richmond, VA 23223-6624 • Office: (804) 644-1402 Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, Pastor “There’s A Place for You” Tuesday Sunday 10:30 AM Bible Study 9:30 AM Church School 6:30 PM Church-wide Bible Study 11:00 AM Worship Service 6:30 PM Men's Bible Study (Each 2nd and 4th) (Holy Communion Thursday each 2nd Sunday) Wednesday (Following 2nd Sunday) 6:30 PM Prayer Meeting

Mount Olive Baptist Church Rev. Darryl G. Thompson, Pastor

2015 Theme: The Year of Moving Forward



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

Faithful Fridays

In 1957, she married Carl Randolph.

Her son said Mrs. Randolph’s legacy is that she always put family first.

“She was always there to help other people,” he said. “And, she was very athletic,” he added. “She was always on the go.”

In her spare time, Mrs. Randolph loved watching basketball and football games. She also enjoyed fishing and anything involving children.

She relished attending the family’s legendary reunions that have attracted more than 150 people each time, according to her son.

Mrs. Randolph is survived by her son, two grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews and other family and friends.

11:00 AM Mid-day Meditation

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

Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.

Come Join Us! Reverend Dr. Lester D. Frye Pastor and Founder

… and Listen to our Radio Broadcast Sundays at 10:15 a.m. on WCLM 1450 AM

Jesus went throughout Galilee teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

- Matthew 4:23

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

Sundays

8:00 a.m.

Early Morning Worship 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School 11:00 a.m.

Morning Worship

Tuesdays

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church

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

WMission Purpose

Noon Day Bible Study

omen with

Wednesdays

6:30 p.m.

Prayer and Praise 7:00 p.m.

Bible Study

� �

and

17TH

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

at Tabernacle Baptist Church

Friday, February 20, 2015 Dr. Anthony M. Chandler, Sr.

Cedar Street Baptist Church of God, Richmond, VA

Choir: Cedar Street Baptist Church of God Mass Choir

Friday, February 27, 2015 Dr. Sedgwick V. Easley Union Baptist Church, Hempstead, NY

Choir: Trinity Baptist Church Mass Choir, Richmond 7:30PM Prayer and Praise and Mini-Concert • 8PM Worship Service

We’ve Come This Far by Faith 125th Pre-Anniversary Revival

Tabernacle Baptist Church

418 Halifax Street, Petersburg, VA 23803 (804) 733 6541 ~ Email: TBCPTG@yahoo.com Website: www.tbcptg.org Dr. Robert A. Diggs, Sr., Pastor

Funerals & Cremations

Over time, some things change.

But, our tradition of providing service of the highest caliber has remained the same for over 100 years while serving Richmond and surrounding areas with dignity and excellence.

115 E. Brookland Park Blvd., Richmond, Virginia 23222 Toll-Free: 1-888-603-3862 | Phone: 804-321-9095 Fax: 804-321-1033 | www.scottsfuneralhome.com

Richard A. Lambert, Sr., President/CEO

Theme: “In His Presence” Bishop G. O. Glenn D. Min., Founder Mother Marcietia S. Glenn First Lady

Sunday 8 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Service

Wednesday Services Senior Citizens Noonday Bible Study Every Wed. 12noon-1pm

April 17-18, 2015 For more information visit Register Now @ www.ndec.net Tune in on Sunday Morning to WTVR - Channel 6 - 8:30 a.m.

Sunday TV Broadcast WTVZ 9 a.m. Norfolk/Tidewater Thursday & Friday Radio Broadcast WREJ 1540 AM Radio - 8:15 a.m.- 8:30 a.m.

Bible Study Count: noonday Wednesday night 7 p.m. Prayer Sanctuary - All Are Welcome!

THE NEW DELIVERANCE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (NDCA)

Saturday

Our NDCA curriculum also consists of a Before and After program.

8:30 a.m. Intercessory Prayer You can now view Sunday Morning Service “AS IT HAPPENS” online!

Also, for your convenience, we now offer “full online giving.”

Visit www.ndec.net.

ENROLL NOW!!!

Accepting applications for children 2 yrs. old to 3rd Grade

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

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

Richmond Free Press

February 19-21, 2015

B5

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, March 9, 2015 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. 2015-30 To provide for the amendment of Section 3.1 of the Service Agreement by and among the Peumansend Creek Regional Jail Authority, the City of Alexandria, the County of Arlington, the County of Caroline, the County of Loudoun, the County of Prince William, and the City of Richmond originally dated Oct. 4, 1994 and amended on Aug. 29, 1996, for the purpose of better enabling the City and the other jurisdictions who are members of the Authority to use the Peumansend Creek Regional Jail by modifying the restrictions on inmates that can be sent to the Jail.

(COMMITTEE: Public Safety, Tuesday, February 24, 2015, 5:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2015-35 To amend City Code § 2-221, concerning the City Auditor, and City Code § 2-543, concerning the duties of the Department of Information Technology, for the purpose of prescribing that the main internet webpage of each department or other agency include a link to audit reports and information concerning the status of implementations of audit recommendations. (COMMITTEE: Governmental Operations, Thursday, February 26, 2015, 5:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so.

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

Jean V. Capel City Clerk

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER CAROLINA AYALA REYES, Plaintiff v.

JESUS FARIAS, Defendant.

Case No.: CL15000156-00 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 25th day of March, 2015 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

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Continued from previous column

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground that the parties have lived separate and apart without cohabitation and without interruption for more than one year. It appearing from the affidavit that the defendant, Bradley Glenn Hill, cannot be found and that diligence has been used without effect to ascdertain his location, it is ORDERED that the defendant appear before this Court by March 27, 2015, at 9:00 a.m., and do what is necessary to protect his interest herein.

A Copy, Teste: YVONNE G. SMITH, Clerk I ask for this: Suzette L. Hutchens, VSB #22589 HUTCHENS & HUTCHENS, P.C. 2201 Libbie Avenue Richmond, VA 23239 (804) 282-1212 Fax: (804) 288-6222

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 9th day of March, 2015 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

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

Assistant to Minister of Music and Business Administrator

virgiNia: iN thE Richmond JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Shenika Lesha Blackman OrDEr Of puBLicatiON

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Walter Prescott Jones (Father), of Shenika Lesha Blackman, child, DOB 9/21/98 “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: vistation; adoption consent; determination of religious affliation; and responsibility for support.

It is ORDERED that Walter Prescott Jones, appear at the above-named Court and protect his interest on or before March 24, 2015 at 9:20 a.m.

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

The positions of Assistant to Minister of Music and Business Administrator are available to qualified applicants at the First Baptist Church of South Richmond, 1501 Decatur Street, Richmond, Virginia 23224. Applicants must be Christian. For detailed job requirements and descriptions visit www.fbctoday.org.

Resumes are being received by email only at cgreen@fbctoday.org. No “walk-ins” or telephone inquiries.

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HENRICO DARRIN L. SIMON, Plaintiff v.

MARGUERITE Z. SIMON, Defendant.

Case No.: CL14-1643 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to grant Darrin L. Simon, the Plaintiff, a divorce from Marguerite Z. Simon, the Defendant, on the ground that the parties have lived separate and apart, continuously, and without any further cohabitation or interruption, since September 27, 2010, a period in excess of one year;

WHEREFORE,

An Affidavit having been filed that due diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the location of Marguerite Z. Simon, it is ORDERED that Marguerite Z. Simon, appear before this Court on March 23, 2015, at 10:30 a.m., to protect her interests herein.

A Copy, Teste: YVONNE G. SMITH, Clerk We ask for this: Rick A. Friedman, II, Esquire (VSB #46870) Kimberly L. Fitzgerals, Esquire (VSB #74883) Friedman Law Firm, P.C. 9620 Iron Bridge Road, Suite 101 Chesterfield, VA 23832 (804) 717-1969 (telephone) (804) 748-4161 (telecopier) rfriedman@friedmanlawva.com kfitzgerald@friendmanlawva.com Counsel for the Plaintiff VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER DIONA SHEFFIELD, Plaintiff v.

EQUINE SHEFFIELD, Defendant.

Case No.: CL14001083-00 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 9th day of March, 2015 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 NATHAN MOORE, Plaintiff v.

PRINCESS MOORE, Defendant.

Case No.: CL14001411-00 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 9th day of March, 2015 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

CUSTODY VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF RICHMOND CITY In the matter of the adoption of child to be known as India Monet Turner Robinson (Child’s Adopted Name)

by Cedric Anton Robinson, and Olivia Turner Robinson (Petitioner’s Name(s)) Respondent’s name: Ronald Anthony Patterson (Natural Parent) Case No. 14-39 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to adopt a minor child.

And, it appearing by affidavit filed according to law that diligence has been used by the plaintiff to determine in what city or county the defendant is located without success, it is therefore ORDERED that the defendant appear on or before the 18th day of March, 2015, before this Court and do what is necessary to protect his interests.

An Extract, Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HENRICO CANDICE SOLES HILL, Plaintiff v.

BRADLEY GLENN HILL, Defendant.

Case No.: CL14-2086 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER TERESA TATE, Plaintiff v.

JOHN TATE, Defendant.

Case No.: CL13003478-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from

virgiNia: iN thE Richmond JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Commonwealth of Virginia, in re JANELLE SIMONE RUSTERUCCI OrDEr Of puBLicatiON

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Lisa Rusterucci-Hickman (Mother) and Deshawn Hardaway (Father), of Janelle Simone Rusterucci, child, DOB 4/22/2013 “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: vistation; adoption consent; determination of religious affliation; and responsibility for support.

It is ORDERED that the defendants Lisa RusterucciHickman and Deshawn Hardaway, appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/ her interest on or before March 12, 2015 at 9:40 a.m.

Sarah M. Denham, Esq.

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PROPERTY TRUSTEE’S SALE OF LOT 9, SECTION “D” ANDERSON MILL SUBDIVISION HANOVER COUNTY, VIRGINIA

In execution of a deed of trust from JULIAN D. GREEN and CARMEN N. GREEN, dated September 25, 2008, and recorded in the Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court for the County of Hanover, in Deed Book 2926, Page 3343, default having been made in the terms of the debt thereon secured and being required to do so by noteholder, the undersigned substitute trustee with full power to act, after giving fourteen days due notice to the owner of the real estate of the date, time, place and terms of sale, will offer for sale at public auction at the Circuit Court for the County of Hanover, Virginia on March 3, 2015, at 4:00 p.m. the parcel of real estate with improvements thereon known as Tax Map No. 7870-80-2638, Hanover County, Virginia, and more particularly described in the aforesaid deed of trust, to which reference is hereby made.

Sale shall be made subject to all easements, agreements, restrictive covenants, and liens superior to the deed of trust being foreclosed upon as the same may lawfully affect the real estate. Property is sold “AS IS”.

TERMS OF SALE: All cash at settlement. A deposit of Five Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($5,000.00) in cash or certified check payable to Bruce P. Ganey, Trustee, shall be required at time of sale from all bidders except the holder of the Note secured by the Deed of Trust. The balance shall be paid at settlement.

The Trustee reserves the right to: (a) waive the deposit requirement; (b) approve the creditworthiness of any bidder and final purchaser; (c) withdraw the Property from sale at any time prior to the termination of the bidding; (d) keep the bidding open for any length of time; and (e) to reject any and all bids.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Bruce P. Ganey, Attorney At Law 10985 Richardson Road Ashland, Virginia 23005 (804) 516-8020

SKANSKA is accepting pre-qualifications for bidders on the

School Principal Opportunities (Elementary, Middle and High) 2015-2016 School Year For full job announcement and to complete an application, access website at www. richmond.k12.va.us. Richmond Public Schools will conduct a background investigation, tuberculosis screening and drug/alcohol testing as a condition of employment. EOE.

Policy Analyst - 00007 Hiring Range: Up to $55,000 depending on experience Interested in using your policy analysis and research skills and your experience with disability to further the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities advocacy goals for people with disabilities? Small, unique state agency. For additional description and job requirements, visit www.vaboard.org. Application closing is 5 p.m. on March 4. Create your application and submit your cover letter, resume and application at https://jobs.agencies.virginia.gov/applicants/ Central?quickFind=203114. AA/eeo/tty. Reasonable Accommodation Upon Request. Veterans, Minorities, and People with Disabilities encouraged to apply.

MRI Phase 2 bid date TBD, level 1 imaging 6,000 sf up fit targeted bid summer 2015.

Enabling projects phased sequence bidding summer/fall 2015.

Hospital Expansion Project bids anticipated early 2016.

Please contact Robin Robinson for pre-qualification questions: robin.robinson@skanska.com tel: 434.270.3644 Please contact Jean Landis for pre-qualification questions: jean.landis@skanska.com We also welcome and invite all certified SWaM firms to prequalify and participate. To find out more information about project opportunities for 1st and 2nd tiers, please contact our SWaM Coordinators: Johnny Ortiz: johnny.ortiz@skanska.com tel: 919.941.7915 Renee Jones: renee.jones@skanska.com tel: 919.941.7928 Skanska USA Building is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Starting Salary: $55,008.44 - $68,760.55 Open until filled The Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) Finance Division seeks a Fiscal Manager join their team. The candidate must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities to be considered for this position. Exceptional, broad-based management experience with a solid background in governmental finance and healthcare accounting. Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to clearly explain financial issues to non-financial staff. Proven record of success in the management of business plans and budget development, including demonstrated financial control and accounting skills, and experience in financial monitoring systems.

Strong analytical skills. Effective presentation and communication skills, both oral and written. Hold a strong commitment to the team approach and successfully mentor direct reports. Demonstrated supervisory skills & ability to plan, coordinate, and direct work of subordinate staff. Ability to communicate information effectively, motivate project teams and ensure successful completion of department goals. A proven ability to manage multiple assignments under tight deadlines, and to manage timeline to reach milestones. Ability to interpret and apply federal, state and RBHA policies and regulations relevant to the RBHA’s activities.

At least five years management-level experience are required, preferably in an behavioral health, medical center or practice environment; a demonstrated working knowledge of accounting and business practices and procedures. A demonstrated ability to assemble and analyze information for reports and special projects. Experience with third party reimbursements, Medicaid, and Medicare.

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or finance, and 5 years professional fiscal experience. and experience with Microsoft Dynamics Great Plans (GP) software.

The RBHA offers excellent salaries, benefits, on-site gym, and wellness programs.

Interested candidates should visit www. rbha.org for further information.

Assistant Director Career & Industry Advising Position Number: FA2040

Broken P iPes? 1 can fix them.

(804) 332-9397

VCU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Women, minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

BIDS COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION ITB # 15-9726-2CE – Trumpet Branch Area (SH-02A) Sanitary Rehabilitation - This project consists of providing or rehabilitating approx. 3550 feet of 8” through 24” sanitary sewer main, associated sewer laterals, and manholes. Due 3:00 pm, March 17, 2015. Additional information available at: h t t p : / / w w w. h e n r i c o . u s / purchasing/.

licensed plumber

University of Virginia, University Hospital Expansion Project Design Assist for core scopes related to the Hospital Expansion up to 400,000 sf new construction, 50,000 sf + renovation: Bidding Feb/March 2015.

FIscal Manager

Division of Student Affairs - VCU Career Services Deadline: March 25, 2015 Hire Date: May 2015 Description: VCU Career Services has been undergoing an exciting transformation to become the epicenter of career services for a growing and diverse campus of over 32,000 students in a dynamic urban setting. We are seeking an individual that will bring energy, innovation, passion and a strategic approach to career development and services. Provide career advising services to undergraduate and graduate students as well as limited alumni populations in designated departments, schools and industries/professions. Services include both one-on-one advising with students/alumni and program development and delivery in collaboration with faculty, staff, community organizations and employers, and students. Strategically engage partners across campus to provide these services as well as educate students on the career development process and opportunities that exist (internships, experiential opportunities, jobs, graduate school).

Qualifications: Required: Master's degree with emphasis on counseling, student affairs, higher education or related field; 2-5 years experience in higher education, recruitment, or related field (can include graduate school graduate assistantship); Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU; Experience advising students on career-related topics; Outcomes assessment and evaluation strategies; Ability to embrace and drive change and to organize and effectively manage multiple priorities, programs, and projects; Demonstrated experience leading teams and developing positive relationships, partnerships, and alliances; Ability to collaborate cross-functionally in the office environment and to interface with employers, students, alumni, faculty, and university administrators; Exceptional communication (written, oral, presentation). Demonstrated proficiency designing and delivering presentations. Preferred: Ability to assess and report student-learning outcomes; Project management experience; Ability to use social media and database systems, (e.g. Experience, Symplicity).

Work to include some evenings and weekends.

Salary range: $40,000 - $45,000.

Application Process: Applications must be received by March 25, 2015 to be considered for review. Applicants must include a cover letter and resume. Email applications to rvhall@vcu.edu. For additional information about VCU, visit our website at www.vcu.edu.

For additional information or questions about the VCU Career Services or this position, email Joe Testani, Director, VCU Career Services at jatestani@vcu.edu.

Call Anson Bell

following:

News specialist NBC12 seeks news/content specialist. Qualified candidates should have experience in all areas of broadcast operations including microwave, tape editing, graphics, camera and audio. Good computer and internet skills. Work schedule may include days, nights and weekends. Apply on line at https://careers-raycommedia.icims.com Drug Screen required. EOE M/F/D/V.

Jerusalem Baptist Church

994 Three Chopt Road, Manakin-Sabot, VA, an African American church is seeking to hire an organist/pianist, a drummer and a base guitar player for 4th Sundays.

Deadline February 27, 2015. Contact Wendy S. Hobbs, (804) 381-2722 or send resumé to whobbs1117@comcast.net.

To advertise in the

Richmond Free Press

call 644-0496

Freelance Writers: The Richmond Free Press has immediate opportunities for freelance writers.

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

The Richmond Free Press is seeking a reliable and creative person for a part-time graphics position. Enthusiastic individual must be proficient in Macintosh Creative Suite Design software (Indesign and Photoshop) to produce accurate, high quality camera-ready advertisements and news page layouts for print production. Duties will include weekly website maintenance. Meticulous attention to details.

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

Submit resumé and samples of work to address below.

Human Resources Richmond Free Press P.O. Box 27709 Richmond, Virginia 23261 No phone calls please

Richmond Free Press

B6 February 19-21, 2015

Sports Plus

Mo Alie-Cox: VCU’s big man in paint, on court

By Fred Jeter

the team leader with 50 blocked shots.

Following rejections, VCU fans have taken Virginia Commonwealth University’s Mo to shouting “Mo says, ‘No!’” Alie-Cox is a 3-D basketball performer. He stands He alters the trajectory of many more shots out for his defense, dunks and dreadlocks. and, in Larsen’s case, discouraged the mere The imposing 6-foot-6, 255-pound sophomore notion of attacking the rim. Larsen attempted from Northern Virginia is a prime reason the only two shots.

Rams began the week tied for first atop the The 21-year-old Alie-Cox began high school Atlantic 10 Conference standings. at South County in Lorton and transferred to Answering to “Mo-nan the Barbarian,” Alie- Middleburg Academy in Northern Virginia, Cox sparkled in each VCU win over George where he was reclassified and repeated his Washington University, including junior year. the Rams’ 79-66 win Feb. 14 in Alie-Cox sat out his first year Next game: the nation’s capital. at VCU to get adjusted academiSaturday, You can rest assured George cally before joining Coach Shaka Feb. 21, noon Washington’s 6-foot-10 Kevin Smart’s roster.

University of Larsen, an All-Atlantic 10 hopeful, VCU basketball has a proud Massachusetts won’t be sending Alie-Cox any history of premier big men in at Virginia Valentines or roses. the paint.

Commonwealth The Rams’bouncy, long-stemmed Starting with Bernard HarUniversity defender with the head full of flapping ris in 1974, the Rams have had ESPN2 dreads checked Larsen for three points nine post players drafted by NBA in 32 minutes as VCU improved to teams. Others were Ren Watson, 19-6 overall and 9-3 in the Atlantic 10.

Ken Jones, Greg McCray, Ken Stancell, Mike The smothering defense was near identical Schlegel, Phil Stinnie, Sherron Mills and Larry to a Jan. 27 outing when Alie-Cox held Larsen Sanders (first round, Milwaukee, 2010). to one point in 37 minutes.

And that’s not counting Jamie Skeen, MVP Larsen averages 11 points for the Colonials, of the Southwest Regional in VCU’s 2011 drive now 17-8, 7-5. to the Final Four.

Alie-Cox scored 10 points in each victory over It’s about time now to add Alie-Cox to the George Washington and is the Rams leader with glossy big man list.

57 percent shooting, largely due to a shot selection Senior Treveon Graham, who had been siderevolving around a repertoire of dunks. lined with an ankle injury, returned to VCU’s With huge hands, he grips a basketball with lineup in the game at George Washington and the ease most men might squeeze a grapefruit. contributed 10 points and four rebounds in 30 His 7-foot-1 wingspan enables him to outplay minutes. foes several inches taller.

JeQuan Lewis continues to shine since filling In his first year as a starter after backing up in for the injured Briante Weber. Lewis has aversenior Juvonte Reddic a year ago, Alie-Cox aged 15.5 points, 4.2 assists and two steals in four averages seven points and six rebounds and is games as a starter.

James Haskins/Richmond Free Press

Virginia Commonwealth University’s Mo Alie-Cox stretches skyward to block a shot from St. Louis University’s Ash Yacoubou in Tuesday’s game at the Siegel Center. VCU beat St. Louis 74-54.

Inaugural Athletic Hall of Famers announced

By Fred Jeter

The envelope please.

The inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame classes have been announced for Richmond’s five comprehensive high schools.

The idea of establishing the Hall of Fame was proposed by Stefanie Ramsey, instructional specialist for health, physical education and athletics for Richmond Public Schools.

All inductees have been introduced at basketball games at the schools’ campuses. They will be formally honored together April 25 at a

banquet at the new Huguenot High School.

Here are Richmond Public Schools’ first Hall of Famers: Armstrong (including John F. Kennedy): Charles Bonaparte (basketball), Nathan Munford (football), William “Bill” Joyner (football coach/administrator), Max E. Robinson (basketball coach) and Angier Lawrence (football coach).

George Wythe: Robert Booker (basketball coach), Bruce Shaw (football), Len Creech (basketball), Robert “Bobby” Ukrop (basketball, track) and Paul Pressey (basketball).

Huguenot: Richard McFee (football coach), Tracie Mason Harris (track), Brian Still (football, track), Trever Robinson (football) and Jerry Jerman (track, football). A note: Huguenot was part of the Chesterfield County public school system until the 197071 school year.

John Marshall (including MarshallWalker): Rick Rechenbach (basketball), Lou Anderson (football coach), Eric Hopkins (football), Leonard Hopkins (football) and Eric Thompson (basketball).

Thomas Jefferson (including Jefferson-

Huguenot-Wythe): Bobby Bayliss (tennis coach), Jessie Hicks (basketball), Piper Bressant Holloway (track), Dave Robbins (basketball coach) and Keith Valentine (basketball).

From 1979 to 1986, the city’s seven high schools at the time merged to form ArmstrongKennedy, Marshall-Walker and JeffersonHuguenot-Wythe “complexes.”

What’s missing?

Maggie L. Walker existed as a comprehensive high school from 1938 to 1979. Plans are for Walker to establish its own Hall of Fame starting next year.

Chicago little league attorney calls for fair play after team’s title yanked Free Press wire reports

CHICAGO “The story’s not over yet.”

That was the declaration from Victor Henderson, an attorney for the Jackie Robinson West team that was stripped of its Little League national championship earlier this month amid allegations it fielded ineligible players en route to the title.

Mr. Henderson spoke at a packed news conference Feb. 12, a day after the city was stunned by news that last year’s feel-good story had unraveled.

“We want the same rules to apply. Just be fair. Everybody should play by the same rules, and the rules should be applied in a fair, even-handed consistent way,” Mr. Henderson said, flanked by the team’s manager and parents of the players.

Chicago exploded in euphoria in August when Jackie Robinson West became the first all-black contingent to win the U.S. Little League Baseball championship for 11- and 12-year-olds, becoming a rare good-news story from the city’s downtrodden South Side.

But news reports forced Little League International to look into complaints that JRW, as the team is known, illegally had redrawn its boundaries and fielded players who lived outside the geographic area set for the squad.

Little League officials then stripped the team of its title and suspended the team’s manager, setting off soul-searching and angst throughout the city, which has long had a reputation for political corruption.

While many Chicagoans decried wrongdoing by parents involved with the team, others suspect the team was pun-

ished for practices widespread throughout Little League.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. compared the team’s plight to racist policing, and the team hired the law firm Henderson Adam LLC, which has represented high-level politicians accused of corruption, including imprisoned former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who now is

serving time in prison on corruption convictions.

When first confronted over the problem in December, JRW officials denied complaints that some players were not eligible.

But now the team says it is being picked on unfairly for practices that are tolerated elsewhere in the league.

“We don’t want one set of rules for a team from Chicago, and another set of rules for a team from Evergreen Park,” said Mr. Henderson, referring to a neighboring league that complained about JRW players’ eligibility.

Little League International said in a statement it stands by its “difficult decision.”

“Little League International will be working with its counsel to ensure Jackie Robinson West Little League officials and their attorney are fully educated regarding the factual basis of the decision,” it said.

Meanwhile, the Jackie Robinson team is still being saluted by many in the community for its inspirational march to

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the title.

The team received a warm welcome at a Chicago Blackhawks National Hockey League game the day after it was stripped of the title. The players sat in a suite at the game and there were loud cheers when they were recognized during a break in action in the first period.