Richmond Free Press April 28-30, 2022 edition

Residents rally A2

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VOL. 31 NO. 18

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

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Meet this week’s Personality B1

APRIL 28-30, 2022

Working through long COVID Months to years after being infected by the coronavirus, thousands in Virginia, including Delegate Delores L. McQuinn and U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, push through lingering symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, headaches, brain fog and tingling nerves

By George Copeland Jr.

Natarsha Eppes-Kelly has been working hard for the last four months to establish a new normal in her life.

A Dinwiddie resident and former mortgage specialist who now works as a beauty and skin care entrepreneur, Ms. Eppes-Kelly contracted COVID-19 in late August. Unable to be vaccinated at the time because of her diabetes, Ms. Eppes-Kelly initially focused on getting the rest of her family tested and taking stock of the potential impact.

The larger effects of her infection would quickly become clear in just a few days when she laid down but couldn’t seem to wake up. That lasted for four days.

Ms. Eppes-Kelly was rushed to a hospital by her husband when she proved unresponsive and was barely breathing. Her infection led to months of care in a Richmond hospital and later, at-home treatment, as the long-term effects of COVID-19 subsided and emerged again and again.

Now, nearly nine months after coming down with COVID-19, Ms. Eppes-Kelly is on the path to recovery at Sheltering Arms Physical Rehabilitation and Therapy Center in Bon Air, where she began rehab for her fatigue, diminished lung capacity and physical decline on New Year’s Day. The experience can be taxing, with Ms. Eppes-Kelly taking regular breaks between activities and needing a portable oxygen machine to assist with breathing. But her determination to regain a measure of the health she has lost to COVID-19 is clear. And

Living 2 years under

COVID

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Natarsha Eppes-Kelly sits to catch her breath after completing physical therapy exercises with a weighted four-pound ball. Her therapist, Dr. Jason Seltzer, enters on his computer notes about her progress. Ms. Eppes-Kelly has been undergoing physical therapy at Sheltering Arms Physical Rehabilitation and Therapy Center in Bon Air.

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‘Something in the Water’ flows to D.C.

City Council poised to approve $838.7M general fund budget for 2022-23

Free Press staff report

The council’s action to authorize the transfer of the money followed a 5-4 School Board vote April 11 accepting the demand by the City Council

Entertainment superstar Pharrell L. Williams has found a new home for his huge music festival “Something in the Water.”

Snubbing his hometown of Virginia Beach where he held the inaugural edition of the event in 2019, he’s taking the mega-event to Washington, D.C., where it will run for three days during the Juneteenth holiday weekend, Friday, June 17, through Sunday, June 19.

The dates and location were chosen to coincide with Juneteenth, a new federal holiday celebrating emancipation and the end of slavery in this country. Mr. Williams actively advocated for recognition of June 19 as a state holiday in Virginia, which was signed into law by former Gov. Ralph S. Northam on Oct. 13, 2020.

President Biden later signed legislation making it a federal holiday beginning last year.

Mr. Williams, a Grammy Award winner who has scored as a singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, fashion designer and social justice advocate, made the decision to relocate the music festival from Virginia Beach after police in the resort city shot and killed his 25-year-old cousin, Donovon Lynch, at the oceanfront in March 2021.

Mr. Williams sent a letter to Virginia Beach city officials in October expressing his disappointment in the city’s response

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By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Major salary increases for police officers and firefighters, along with a 5 percent increase for other city employees and a city minimum wage of $17 an hour.

A one-time boost in subsidy for the Richmond Ambulance Authority to maintain robust service.

A jump in investment in public schools.

Restoration of staff to care for Richmond’s trees and the expansion of hours at the city’s public libraries.

And initial funding of City Hall expenses should employees be allowed to unionize, along with a small cost-of-living bonus for retirees.

Those are a few of the highlighted items included in the new budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year that City Council is poised to approve and that will go into effect July 1.

The council wrapped up its work on the Mr. Saunders budget Tuesday after nearly two months of review.

The result: Only a few changes to the general fund proposal Mayor Levar M. Stoney presented in early March, and adoption without any changes of his plan for spending on sidewalks, streets, parks and other infrastructure needs.

Final approval is anticipated before May 15.

Overall, Richmond’s budget will top $2 billion – spending nearly $9,600 for each of the estimated 230,000 men, women and children in the city—when utilities, grants, infrastructure spending and other internal funds are included.

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Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

A sign welcomes Fox Elementary School students to their new home at the once-vacant Clark Springs Elementary School building on Dance Street in Randolph.

Displaced Fox Elementary students to start classes May 9 in Clark Springs building

By Ronald E. Carrington

Fox Elementary School students, teachers and staff will move into Clark Springs Elementary School in early May for the remainder of the school year.

In a 5-0 vote on Monday night, the Richmond School Board approved an amended recommendation for the students to move Monday, May 9, into the school at 1101 Dance St. in Randolph from their temporarily quarters at First Baptist Church in The Fan. This will be the second relocation for Fox students since their 111-year-old school building

Full speed ahead for a new George Wythe High School.

That’s the new message from City Hall after a monthslong battle over the future size and student capacity for the new South Side School ended.

On Monday night, City Council cleared the way for the start of design work by approv-

Helping hand EJ, a young volunteer, hands out medals to runners as they cross the finish line last Saturday in the annual Monument Avenue 10K. Thousands of people participated in the 6.2-mile event, with the course going up Monument Avenue to Staples Mill Road and back to Franklin and Shafer streets near Virginia Commonwealth University.

Please see more photos, B2.

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City Council approves design funds for a new George Wythe

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Carlos Bernate/Richmond Free Press

on Hanover Avenue in The Fan was ravaged by fire on Feb. 11. Following the fire, students had virtual instruction before resuming in-person learning March 21 at the church.

In the interim, Richmond Public Schools made $800,000 in repairs and upgrades to the vacant Clark Springs building, including electrical work, fresh paint, new exterior doors, ceiling tiles, mold removal and a new fire panel.

Clark Springs is expected to remain the learning space for Fox students until the firedamaged school is rebuilt. No estimate has been

ing the transfer of $7.3 million to Richmond Public Schools so it could pay the architectural firm it is preparing to hire.

The 9-0 vote was taken during Monday’s short meeting at which council officially terminated the 24-year-old Slave Trail Commission. The commission was down to three members who had not met for more than two years.

Free COVID-19 testing, vaccines Free community testing for COVID-19 continues.

The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations: • Thursday, April 28, 4 to 7 p.m. – Broad Rock Sports Complex, 4899 Old Warwick Road.

• Wednesday, May 4, 9 a.m. to noon – Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, 1440 N. Laburnum Ave. • Thursday, May 5, 4 to 7 p.m. – Broad Rock Sports Complex, 4899 Old Warwick Road.

Walk-up testing is provided. Appointments, however,

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A2 April 28-30, 2022

Richmond Free Press

Local News

Virginia AG launches investigation into Washington NFL team The Associated Press

Virginia Attorney General Jason S. Miyares has launched an inquiry into the Washington Commanders following allegations of financial improprieties raised by a congressional committee.

Mr. Miyares, a Republican, disclosed his office’s investigation in a letter to a team lawyer Monday, saying he viewed it as his “responsibility to carefully examine the material facts regarding this matter.”

“To be clear, I have not prejudged the issues raised regarding the Commanders,” he wrote.

The announcement Mr. Miyares Mr. Snyder from Mr. Miyares comes about two weeks after the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform wrote to the Federal Trade Commission saying it found evidence of deceptive business practices over the span of more than a decade, including withholding ticket revenue from visiting teams and refundable deposits from fans.

The Commanders denied the allegations in a letter to the FTC. “The team categorically denies any suggestion of financial impropriety of any kind at any time. We adhere to strict internal processes that are consistent with industry and accounting standards, are audited annually by a globally respected independent auditing firm, and are also subject to regular audits by the NFL. We continue to cooperate fully with the Committee’s work,” the team said in a statement Monday.

The NFL has said it engaged former Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Mary Jo White “to review the most serious matters raised by the committee” — notably an allegation by a former team employee that owner Dan Snyder groped her, which Mr. Snyder denies.

In Virginia, Deputy Attorney General Steven Popps will lead the inquiry, according to the letter, which a spokeswoman for Mr. Miyares shared with The Associated Press.

“I request full cooperation and transparency from your client during this inquiry,” Mr. Miyares wrote in the letter, which was addressed to attorney Jordan Siev of the law firm Reed Smith.

Separate from the investigation by Congress, which began after the NFL did not release a report detailing the findings of an investigation into the team’s workplace culture, the Commanders are in the midst of a lengthy search for a site for a new stadium, with Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia all potential options.

Virginia has aggressively tried to broker a stadium deal.

Lawmakers considered but did not approve legislation during their regular session that would have given the team hefty tax breaks to build a stadium in Northern Virginia. The General Assembly is expected to return to the issue soon during a special session.

Poetry workshop for youths slated for April 30 at Black History Museum April is National Poetry Month, and to celebrate, a poetry workshop for youths ages 10 to 18 will be held 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia in Jackson Ward.

Participants are to sample the works of renowned Black poets Nikki Giovanni, Anne Spencer and Naomi Long Madgett and write their own poems.

The program at the museum, 122 W. Leigh St., is being offered without charge; registration is requested.

Details: (804) 780-9093, blackhistorymuseum.org or Facebook. com/bhmvamuseum

Correction Langston Brooks is the father of Javon A. Brooks, a Church Hill Academy student who was awarded an all-expense paid summer trip to a leadership institute in Athens, Greece.

Mr. Brooks’ first name was incorrect in an article about Javon’s selection for the award that was published in the April 21-23 edition.

The Free Press regrets the error.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

Gavin Thomas, 10, tests out the city’s newest and largest skateboarding facility last Saturday before its official opening. Informally called the “Best Life Ever” Skateboard Park, the facility is located on Old Warwick Road on the campus of the Southside Community Center, where Mayor Levar M. Stoney and others cut the ribbon to officially open the facility Monday. Skateboard parks are rare in Richmond, with only two others listed. Those include the smaller Fonticello Skate Park located at Carter Jones Park in the 2800 block of Bainbridge Street in South Side and the Treasure Island Community Skatepark, a community-built facility located at Texas Beach Park in Maymont.

RRHA may start eviction proceedings this summer; homeless have little alternative

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

More than half of the 3,084 households currently living in public housing in Richmond are still $51 or more in arrears on rent, according to the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

Still, RRHA is reporting progress in securing payments from the state Rent Relief Program, with hundreds of households still safe from eviction.

On April 14, Sheila Hill Christian, interim RRHA chief executive officer, and Kenyatta Green, interim RRHA chief

Ms. Hill-Christian

Ms. Lynch

operating officer, told City Council’s Education and Human Services Committee that the total number of households in arrears has dropped from 1,700 in February to the current level of 1,597.

In addition, Ms. Green reported that another 597 households have applied with RRHA support for rent relief. Of those, 324 have applications in with the state and 273 have applications that need to be processed by the authority, she said.

Based on state rules, such households could not be placed in the eviction process until a decision is made on whether their application for relief has been accepted or denied.

Still, around 950 households are at risk for eviction, Ms. Green indicated, or about one-third of current RRHA residents.

That includes more than 600 households with incomplete applications for

rent relief, Ms. Green indicated. She said those applications have been filed, but still need signatures from tenants on several forms. In addition, 344 households have not responded at all, she said.

The timing is critical as the state is closing the door to new applications on Sunday, May 15, as the original pool of more than $1 billion dries up. Through March 31, the state had paid out $713 million to enable 105,000 households to come current and avoid eviction.

Ms. Hill-Christian said RRHA would soon distribute letters to households in arrears asking them to come in to their property offices to complete or file forms. Though Ms. Hill-Christian was not specific, it appears that RRHA is preparing for a June start for court action for eviction, based on her Ms. Sneed information,.

“We have many steps we need to go through,” she told the City Council committee, but she said there is a limit.

RRHA has been a major benefactor of the state’s now dwindling rent relief program. The authority has collected about $4 million of the $62 million the program has distributed to Richmond landlords, but still is carrying about $1.7 million in unpaid rent on its books.

Ms. Hill-Christian told the committee that under the regulations of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which owns the public housing properties, RRHA has to take action given that it has a waiting list of more than 2,000 households seeking to rent.

Currently, there are only 51 vacancies, Ms. Green said.

Councilwoman Stephanie A. Lynch, 5th District, said that “several hundred

families” in RRHA housing could lose their homes “sometime in the summer.”

She noted that those families would only add to other households that could become homeless during the summer.

A state-supported shelter operation that provided 115 rooms for families, seniors and the medically fragile at the Days Inn in South Side closed April 22.

Jay Brown of Commonwealth Catholic Charities told the committee that only 34 families remained before the closing, and he said housing arrangements had been put in place for each family prior to the closing deadline.

His report ended any council effort to come up with the $450,000 needed monthly to keep the shelter open, despite Ms. Lynch’s concern about the need.

Richmond already is feeling the impact of the April 15 closure of a separate citysupported inclement weather shelter at the Quality Inn in North Side that served single adults. Most of the 110 people who used that shelter remain unhoused, Mr. Brown acknowledged.

Their plight has been worsened by a city policy of barring people from camping on city property, according to Rhonda Sneed, founder and head of the nonprofit homeless support group Blessing Warriors.

She photographed police posting signs on the tents of people camping on Arthur Ashe Boulevard under the Interstate 95 bridge stating that they are barred from doing so and that “any items or belongings remaining on city property will be considered abandoned property and disposed of.”

Calls come in “during the night asking for suggestions on where to sleep,” she stated in a Facebook post. “Unfortunately, I have no answers. Pray for our unsheltered.”

Tenants hold rally at problem-plagued South Side apartment complex

By George Copeland Jr.

Dozens of Southwood Apartments residents gathered with housing advocates Monday afternoon outside the South Side complex’s leasing office, where they called on management to fix broken and malfunctioning appliances and address additional issues to ensure a quality living environment for all within the community.

The rally, which was largely made up of Latino residents, was the latest in a monthslong campaign to get an assortment of issues addressed, including mold and infestations of roaches and mice. Previous outcry from residents and advocates and media coverage have drawn widespread attention to the complex, including a civil rights investigation into living conditions by former state Attorney General Mark R. Herring’s that is still unresolved.

The scrutiny has led to some welcome repairs, said organizers, noting that a majority still face housing issues.

“In the past few months, maintenance has been doing better, but there are still hundreds of tenants who have been waiting for days, months and even years in some cases for necessary repairs,” said Sophia Vega, a community organizer from New Virginia Majority who is working with affected residents.

“Nobody deserves to live in conditions where there are cockroaches, bedbugs, rats, broken appliances or electrical systems for days, much less months or years.”

These issues and others were presented in more than 60 documents and taken during the rally to the leasing office. But the office doors were locked and people inside the office provided no response when the tenants tried to submit the documents.

New Virginia Majority is working with affected residents to continue documenting the unaddressed issues they face in their homes.

Delia Lopez Figueroa, who has lived with her children in Southwood for three years, said she has ongoing problems needing

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Elena Camacho, left, a community organizer with New Virginia Majority, leads a group of frustrated Southwood tenants Monday in a rally to present complaints and repair requests to the apartment management. The complex is located on Southwood Parkway off Hull Street in South Side.

repairs, such as a flooding sink and broken refrigerator. She urged Southwood management to expand the number of maintenance workers. Other residents echoed this request, with some calling on owners to allocate the money necessary to ensure the hundreds of units are able to get prompt and quality help.

“We have a lot of problems,” said Dislaury Holuin, a senior at George Wythe High School whose family has continued to deal with mold, broken bathroom appliances and more since they first began living in Southwood four years ago.

Other residents who watched the rally from afar had their own take, disputing the problems raised by residents at the rally. Some expressed concern for how the complaints overlook the repair work being done by management and are ruining the complex’s reputation.

Some also claimed that some residents seeking better responses

from management have been disorderly and that advocates have failed to reach out to African-American residents in the complex.

“I don’t have these problems,” said Tina Tonzo, a six-year Southwood resident who at one time worked in apartment maintenance in the complex.

“I’m not complaining,” Ms. Tonzo said. “All I’m trying to say is that all of us need to get together and get it right.”

But that viewpoint was challenged by rally organizers and other residents, as well as representatives of the Virginia Student Power Network and Tavorise K. Marks of the Chesterfield County Branch NAACP. They said such comments show that management gives unequal attention to residents’ concerns.

“I’m glad they live in good conditions,” Ms. Vega said, “but a lot of people don’t, and that’s what we’re fighting for.”

Richmond Free Press

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Richmond Free Press

A4 April 28-30, 2022

News

City Council poised to approve $838.7M general fund budget Continued from A1

Council focused solely on the general fund and capital budgets.

The finished product allows the city to spend a record $838.72 million — or nearly $3,650 per person — in general fund dollars. The new budget represents a $64 million jump from the $772.8 million that the council approved in May 2021 for the current 2021-22 fiscal year.

Council’s spending figure represents a $2.7 million increase from the mayor’s proposed $836.1 million spending plan. The council gained the extra money after the administration, working with the city assessor, certified an increase in projected revenue from real estate taxes.

One big loser in the budget-making process is GRTC. Councilman Andreas D. Addison, 1st District, had proposed adding $1 million to the budget to match a state grant and ensure that free fares continued.

The mayor’s administration pushed back and secured council backing for its position.

Lincoln Saunders, the city’s chief administrative officer who now serves on GRTC’s board, noted that GRTC has sufficient funds to cover the $1 million, though that may not be the case in future years.

He said $28 million in new revenue from the Central Virginia Transit Authority has flowed to GRTC, with only $21 million set to be used. GRTC also has unspent American Rescue Plan dollars that could be available, he said.

Mr. Saunders acknowledged that the amount of matching money is set to increase in the next budget cycles, and he said the city would work with Henrico and Chesterfield officials on finding the money to keep fares free through 2025 and perhaps after that.

The boost in pay for first responders was a council priority after reports showed Richmond was paying far less for emergency services than surrounding departments. The council embraced the mayor’s plan to invest $17.4 million in pay improvements for police and firefighters and to increase pay for other employees by 5 percent, the biggest raise in years.

The mayor’s administration also found a creative patch to meet the council’s demand to boost the subsidy for ambulance service, using the city’s borrowing power.

The mayor had proposed maintaining the city subsidy at $4 million, which the Richmond Ambulance Authority publicly said would force service cutbacks. That raised an alarm.

In response to council pressure, Mr. Saunders worked with the finance and budget staffs to come up with a temporary,

Free COVID-19 vaccines Continued from A1

can be set by calling (804) 205-3501 or going to www.rchd. com.

Call the Richmond and Henrico COVID-19 Hotline at (804) 205-3501 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for more information on testing sites, or go online at vax.rchd.com.

The Virginia Department of Health also has a list of COVID19 testing locations around the state at www.vdh.virginia. gov/coronavirus/covid-19-testing/covid-19-testing-sites.

Want a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot?

The Richmond and Henrico health districts are offering free walk-up COVID-19 vaccines at the following locations: • Thursday, April 28, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Hillside Court Resource Center, 1615 Glenfield Ave., Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

• Saturday, April 30, noon to 4 p.m. – Highland Springs Community Day, 305 E. Nine Mile Road, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

• Wednesday, May 4, 10 a.m. to noon – Hilton Downtown Richmond, 501 E. Broad St., Pfizer and Moderna; 2 to 4 p.m. – First African Baptist Church, 2700 Hanes Ave., Pfizer and Moderna.

Children ages 5 to 17 may only receive the Pfizer vaccine.

Vaccinations and booster shots are available for all eligible on a walk-in basis. People still may schedule an appointment online at vaccinate.virginia.gov or vax.rchd.com, or by calling (804) 205-3501 or (877) VAX-IN-VA (1-877-829-4682).

VaccineFinder.org and vaccines.gov also allow people to find nearby pharmacies and clinics that offer the COVID-19 vaccine and booster.

Those who are getting a booster shot should bring their vaccine card to confirm the date and type of vaccine received.

The Richmond and Henrico health departments also offer at-home vaccinations by calling (804) 205-3501 to schedule appointments.

A report released Tuesday by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that more than 57 percent of people in the United States have been infected with COVID-19. The Omicron surge last winter led to a sharp increase in Americans with COVID-19 antibodies from infection. CDC data showed that reported cases of COVID-19 peaked at nearly 800,000 per day from December to February.

Earlier this week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced its approval of expanding the use of the drug Remdesivir for children under age 12 who have COVID-19.

The drug can be used for pediatric patients 28 days old or older and weighing at least seven pounds.

A total of 1,540 new cases of COVID-19 were reported statewide Wednesday for the 24-hour period, contributing to an overall state total of 1,697,577 cases in Virginia since the pandemic’s outbreak. As of Wednesday, there have been 449,430 hospitalizations and 20,202 deaths statewide. The state’s seven-day positivity rate rose to 8.5 percent on Wednesday. Last week, the positivity rate was 7.2 percent.

On Wednesday, state health officials reported that 73.2 percent of the state’s population has been fully vaccinated, while 81.8 percent have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

State data also showed that nearly 3 million people in Virginia have received booster shots or third doses of the vaccine.

Among those ages 5 to 11 in Virginia, 313,153 have received their first shots, accounting for 43.2 percent of the age group in the state, while 267,283 children, or 36.9 percent, are fully vaccinated and 562 children have received a booster shot or third dose. As of Wednesday, fewer than 141,450 cases, 861 hospitalizations and nine deaths have been recorded among children in the state.

State data also show that African-Americans comprised 22.2 percent of cases statewide and 23.2 percent of deaths for which ethnic and racial data is available, while Latinos made up 11.9 percent of cases and 5.1 percent of deaths.

Reported COVID-19 data as of Wednesday, April 29, 2022 Cases Hospitalizations Deaths 45,318 1,092 511 Richmond 65,589 1,438 932 Henrico County Chesterfield County 73,810 1,410 759 21,940 565 283 Hanover County

one-time fix to boost that amount to about $7.5 million in the coming fiscal year.

The proposal that the council endorsed calls for the city to borrow and pay for 14 new ambulances at a cost of about $3.5 million, allowing the authority to free up money it planned to spend on those ambulances to use in operations. The fix, though, only solves the problem in the 2022-23 fiscal year, and would not be repeated, leaving the issue to be dealt with again during the next budget cycle.

The council also went along with Mayor Stoney’s proposal to provide an additional $15 million for public education, boosting the total city contribution for school operations above $200 million for the first time. It also ensures a 5 percent pay increase for teachers and other staff.

Council also provided funding to provide for selected increases in staff, including funding to enable the city to hire a second employee in homeless services and the hiring of an urban forestry specialist and an arborist.

In addition, the council earmarked more money for public libraries. The mayor’s budget already had included an increase that City Librarian Scott Firestine said would allow branch libraries to restore evening hours. Libraries now close at 6 p.m., but would begin to stay open until 8 p.m., he said.

The increase that the council included would allow some libraries, notably the Ginter Park and Broad Rock branches, to have Sunday hours, with the potential for additional libraries to open.

On the collective bargaining front, the council filled in a missing piece in the mayor’s budget. Initially, the council proposed $750,000 to provide staff for collective bargaining, but reduced that to $330,000 for initial expenses.

Mr. Saunders projected the lower amount would be suf-

ficient during the coming budget year, given the multiple steps needed, including a vote by employees for an organization to represent them.

The council also included more than $600,000 to provide a one-time bonus to retirees. Initially, Council President Cynthia I. Newbille, 7th District, had sought $6.2 million to provide a 1 percent cost of living increase, but the cost was too great. In the end, she accepted Mr. Saunders’ suggestion to make it a bonus of up to $300.

Mr. Saunders also advised the council that the administration is exploring various options for the city’s pension program, apparently the last program that is not linked to the Virginia Retirement System.

VRS’ program includes funding to provide annual cost of living increases for retirees, which Richmond’s program does not. Mr. Saunders said that by early fall, the administration could be ready to make a presentation to the council on potential changes and costs.

In other changes, the council provided $200,000 to enable Venture Richmond to expand to the Manchester area the Clean and Safe program that now serves Downtown, along with beefed up support for nonprofits beyond what the mayor recommended.

Among the beneficiaries are the Neighborhood Resource Center in Fulton, Girls For A Change’s Camp Diva program, the Storefront for Community Design, the Metropolitan Business League and the Literacy Lab. The council also rejected a proposal to strip the $200,000 Mayor Stoney recommended for the Help Me Help You Foundation, which former City Council President Michelle Mosby operates to provide housing, education and other services for people returning to the community from jails and prisons.

Displaced Fox Elementary students to start classes May 9 in Clark Springs building Continued from A1

given on when that project will start or be completed.

To accommodate the move to Clark Springs, Superintendent Jason Kamras proposed that Fox not hold classes on Thursday and Friday, April 28 and 29 or on Monday, May 2. He told the board that would give teachers and staff three days to move into their new classrooms and offices at Clark Springs.

But the board voted for Fox classes to be canceled all of next week, May 2 through 6, giving everyone a chance to

make the needed adjustments. The entire school system will be closed Tuesday, May 3, in observance of Eid al-Fitr, the Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan.

Four of the nine School Board members had left the long meeting before the vote was taken, hence the 5-0 vote. Members who left the meeting early were Liz B. Doerr, 1st District; Cheryl L. Burke, 6th District; Dawn C. Page, 8th District; and Nicole Jones, 9th District.

A recent RPS survey found that nearly 70 percent of Fox teachers wanted to move to Clark Springs Elementary as soon as possible.

Mr. Kamras said a professional moving company has been secured so teachers won’t have to move their classrooms on their own.

Additionally, every Fox teacher will get a $500 Amazon gift card to help them with supplies.

“The time at the church has been extremely stressful,” a speaker told the board during Monday’s meeting. “The kids fight, the teachers yell and then they retreat into the hallway where they also cry.”

Mr. Kamras thanked First Baptist Church for being a “flexible, generous and loving host” to the Fox Elementary family.

City Council approves design funds for a new George Wythe Continued from A1

and Mayor Levar M. Stoney for development of a school that could accommodate 1,800 students.

School Board member Jonathan M. Young, 4th District, a leading advocate for a smaller 1,600-student capacity school, said the council’s action “is good news even if it came six months late.”

“Obviously, the delay in having the money transferred has set us back,” he said. “But I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we can get this project in a posture where we could be ready to bid the construction by next winter. The goal of our board still is to get this school built and open as soon as possible. We are still hoping for September 2024, but no later than 2025.”

RPS and the city had been divided over George Wythe’s development ever since the board retook control of school construction in April 2021 after ceding building work to the city for more than 10 years. Both sides agreed, however, that replacing the 61-year-old George Wythe High School building in South Side is the top priority on the list of school building needs.

The debate over size began when a five-member majority of the board decided that anew school with a capacity for 1,600 students would be sufficient and would save millions of dollars that could be used to start the process of replacing Woodville Elementary School in Church Hill.

A larger capacity high school would not be needed given the plans for developing a second new high school on South Side also are in the works, according to the five-member School Board majority that took charge of school development.

Miffed over the board’s action to control construction, Mayor Levar M. Stoney, though, had insisted that a building that could serve 2,000 students was needed because of projected population growth in the area, a position the board held until last year when it revisited the capacity issue.

The mayor corralled majority support from the council for his position, and the council prevented the money transfer until the School Board agreed to the 1,800student new building.

Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson, 6th District, advanced the compromise to set

the capacity at 1,800 students, ending the impasse which threatened to delay design work on a new building for at least two more years.

The Slave Trail Commission, led by Richmond Delegate Delores L. McQuinn, had been in decline for some years after the council declined to appoint new members. In addition to Delegate McQuinn, the commission’s only members included the Revs. Benjamin P. Campbell and Sylvester L. Turner.

The commission termination ordinance sponsored by Council President Cynthia I. Newbille, 7th District, indicates that the commission has completed its work and is to be replaced in the future by a foundation to create a slavery museum on the Shockoe Bottom site of Lumpkin’s Jail.

Located on 15th Street near Main Street Station, Lumpkin’s Jail was the notorious pre-Civil War slave pen known as the “Devil’s Half-Acre,” where enslaved people were kept before and after they were bought and sold. After the Civil War, Lumpkin’s Jail became the initial location for a school that educated freed slaves. That school later became Virginia Union University.

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to the fatal violence.

But Mr. Williams has been upbeat with the official announcement Tuesday of the festival’s move to Washington. It will take place on the National Mall, along Independence Avenue, and will have three stages featuring entertainers ranging from Usher and the Dave Matthews Band to Lil Baby and Calvin Harris.

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April 28-30, 2022 A5

Local News

Working through long COVID Continued from A1

through the deep breaths she takes as she trains, she repeats a simple phrase: “I got this.”

“Mentally, I struggle every day. I break down at times. But I have to remember that I do this for a reason,” Ms. Eppes-Kelly said. “I feel like this was something that I had to go through.

I’m very strong on faith and faith-driven, so I feel like this was my destiny.”

Ms. Eppes-Kelly is one of around 200 people with post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, also known as “Long COVID,” being treated at Sheltering Arms, according to Dr. Jason Seltzer, a manager of therapy services who serves as her physical therapist.

On a larger scale, Ms. Eppes-Kelly is among 7.9 million to 23.9 million people in the United States who are grappling with the long-term effects of COVID-19. That’s about 10 percent to 30 percent of those who were infected with the virus.

In Virginia, an estimated 166,237 to 498,712 people are COVID long-haulers. Those great numbers are forcing a shift in how the medical community, including physicians, therapists and others, are dealing with the after-effects of COVID-19.

“I think we’re in a state of evolution,” said Dr. Seltzer, who noted how long COVID symptoms add difficulty when it comes to providing the best possible medical treatment for those affected.

“I think we’re learning that it’s not one-sizefits-all for treatment,” Dr. Seltzer said. “How I treat one patient is very different from how I treat the other. Diagnostics alone are not the only thing that can guide treatment and therapies.

Interventions and management approaches need to be tailored.”

While Ms. Eppes-Kelly’s condition has caused a major change in her daily life, for Ed Coleman, long COVID is a hill he’s been working to climb since the pandemic started.

Mr. Coleman first discovered his infection in early 2020 during a routine visit to McGuire Veterans Administration Medical Center in South Richmond. The virus led to severe health complications. He was even placed in a medically induced coma to help stabilize his blood pressure and other functions that were erratic under the effects of the virus.

He was 76 at the time and had a history of health issues. COVID-19 treatment was still nascent at the time and doctors weren’t positive about his prospects of making a recovery.

Today, he continues to strive to improve as he gets acclimated to his new health status.

“I’m still in recovery,” Mr. Coleman told the Free Press in late March. “And I guess that’s going to go on for a little while longer.

“I’m still on oxygen 24 hours a day and went from six liters down to three, but it’s an effort, you know,” he said.

The initial impact of long COVID also had a mental toll for Mr. Coleman. He recognized the cognitive impairment from the virus, known as “brain fog,” even briefly forgetting during his recovery at home that he had lost a son in 2019.

Currently, Mr. Coleman continues to teach Shotokan karate as much as he can, and he regularly walks in his Chamberlayne Farms neighborhood to improve his health.

still on oxygen 24 hours a day “andI’mwent from six liters down to three, but it’s an effort, you know.”

—E C d

oleman

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Ed Coleman requires oxygen around the clock, two years after his nearfatal battle with the coronavirus. His wife, Charlene Warner Coleman, believes faith, prayer and the healing power of music got them through the ordeal.

Ms. Eppes-Kelly also is working to adjust to the cognitive impact of her COVID-19 infection. It has forced her to re-learns parts of her new business and the work she previously put into it. Like Mr. Coleman, family support has been a major benefit for Ms. Eppes-Kelly. She said family members have stepped up to aid her entrepreneurial ambitions and home life and to help boost her physical and mental state.

“They have been such a big help,” Ms. Eppes-Kelly said. “It was a lot that was put on them and they answered the call.”

Ms. Eppes-Kelly’s and Mr. Coleman’s situations are a stark reminder of the high costs the virus presents for many, even months after initial infection and despite vaccines being widely available.

Delegate Delores L. McQuinn knows the situation all too well in both her professional and personal life. On March 14, she gathered with people at Virginia Union University for COVID-19 Remembrance Day, a day set aside by the Virginia General Assembly to remember the more than 20,000 Virginians who have lost their lives since the pandemic’s start. The resolution to make March 14 a day of remembrance each year was sponsored by Delegate McQuinn and approved during the 2021 legislative session.

The effects of COVID-19 have had a toll on Delegate McQuinn’s own family. Delegate McQuinn, her husband, Jonathan McQuinn, and their daughter, Daytriel McQuinn-Nzassi, continue to monitor and manage their long COVID symptoms, including shortness of breath, headaches and exhaustion. While Delegate McQuinn’s and her daughter’s symptoms are

In this May 2020 photo, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine wears a mask as he listens to testimony during a hearing before the Senate Committee for Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on Capitol Hill in Washington.

Sen. Kaine, who has nerve tingling since contracting COVID-19 two years ago, recently introduced legislation to raise awareness of long COVID and treatment possibilities.

Toni L. Sandys/Associated Press

mild and sporadic, Mr. McQuinn’s moderate symptoms have left him with headaches, feeling exhausted and unexpected medical costs.

Delegate McQuinn has mixed feelings about the initial response of authorities to the spread of COVID-19 and its impact on communities

do know a lot of people have paid already for the negligence of those who should have and could have helped us to better understand this disease.

“We have a responsibility, and we have an obligation to do what we can to help those folks.”

The greater question now is how society can better understand and accommodate the long-term health consequences of COVID-19.

Millions of people across the United States, including Ms. Eppes-Kelly, Mr. Coleman and the McQuinn family, are likely to be impacted

by COVID-19 for years to come.

Dr. Seltzer stressed the need for long-term research into long COVID’s effects, as well as an expansion in understanding and awareness of symptoms to properly respond to the changes it will bring for individuals and groups.

“The more people who are aware of long COVID symptoms, the more health care providers who are seeking to address it, the faster we’ll get to a solution,” Dr. Seltzer said.

On the national level, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia introduced a bill in early March focused on improving the understanding of and response to long COVID, while accelerating research into the affliction.

Sen. Kaine’s own development of mild long COVID symptoms, which include a constant nerve tingling two years after becoming infected with the virus, was a major influence in his efforts to help people who live with long COVID. The bill, called the CARE for Long COVID Act, would raise public awareness of long COVID and treatment possibilities.

“We still just don’t know much about it,” Sen. Kaine said. “That’s why we need to do more research, put more information out there and then come up with treatments that work for people.”

Though his bill and a $10 billion COVID-19 spending bill have yet to be approved by Congress, Sen. Kaine seemed confident the legislation would find the support needed to pass.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Delegate Delores L. McQuinn, right, and her husband, Jonathan McQuinn, and their daughter, Daytriel McQuinn-Nzassi, were stricken with COVID-19 in March 2020. They continue to experience mild to moderate symptoms two years later.

of color. The trauma caused by COVID-19 continues to strike Black and brown communities, she said.

“We did some things right, but I also think that, in retrospect, there were some things that we could have done better, and not just Virginia but as a nation,” Delegate McQuinn said. “I’m hoping that we still understand that there are vulnerable communities. You still have to be careful. You have to be cautious of how communities are impacted.”

She believes more needs to be done to ensure a better quality of life for those affected long term by COVID-19 as well as for those who have lost friends and family to the virus.

This will require more from those in positions of power to help, she said. No expense should be spared to correct and address the gap in care and research that has occurred so far in the pandemic.

“I know people are going to say, ‘Do you know what it’s going to cost?’ ” Delegate McQuinn said. “I don’t know the final cost, but I

“Employers also need to know how to accommodate employees with things like Zoom and telework and open up some opportunities for people that they might not have had before,” he said.

Dr. Seltzer believes the growing response to long COVID by the medical community will have a positive impact on treatment of those with the virus and other long-term afflictions.

“I’m happy to see that more and more long COVID clinics are popping up because that is a place where a patient with a single condition can go and be seen by specialists,” Dr. Seltzer said. “It sets a good example for how chronic conditions and diseases should be managed in the future.”

Ms. Eppes-Kelly urged people facing a future with long COVID to be steadfast in working to improve their health post infection, but not to overwhelm themselves in the effort.

“Take it day by day, hour by hour,” Ms. Eppes-Kelly said. “Just give yourself grace and just be patient.”

Mentally, I struggle every day.

“I break down at times. But I have to remember that I do this for a reason.

”

— Natarsha Eppes-Kelly

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Natarsha Eppes-Kelly carries a portable oxygen source as she and Dr. Jason Seltzer walk to the various exercise stations during her hourlong physical therapy session at Sheltering Arms in Bon Air.

Richmond Free Press

A6 April 28-30, 2022

News

Sen. Bernie Sanders helps celebrate Starbucks workers’ unionization victory

By George Copeland Jr.

The sounds of music, community and solidarity filled the National Theater in Downtown for several hours Sunday as visitors from Virginia and beyond, including U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, celebrated the unionization efforts of Starbucks employees in Richmond and nationally and ongoing work to improve labor conditions in the United States.

The event, called Unity Fest, was organized by Starbucks Workers United and attracted more than a hundred celebrants who enjoyed eight hours of live entertainment from multiple local bands.

Unity Fest came just days after seven Starbucks stores in Virginia voted to unionize their workplaces, including five in metro Richmond and two others in Leesburg and Falls Church in Northern Virginia. For Sen. Sanders, who offered keynote remarks, these efforts were part of a larger push nationwide to revive the spirit of collective bargaining and worker representation in the face of ongoing inequality.

“It is an honor for me to be here because you are extraordinary American heroes and

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who was joined on stage by local Starbucks workers, speaks at Unity Fest last Sunday at the National Theater in Downtown to celebrate their successful efforts to unionize.

heroines,” Sen. Sanders said.

“You are in the process, along with many others around this country, of standing up for justice, standing up for dignity and helping to revitalize the trade union movement in this country, which will give workers a seat at the table.”

Starbucks employees and visitors from throughout Virginia, New York, Colorado, North Carolina and elsewhere enjoyed the event’s warm and communal atmosphere. Store organizers who backed the unionization effort also were recognized at the event.

City Councilman Michael J. Jones files again to run for House of Delegates

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

M. Adams and Delegate Jeffrey M. Bourne.

When the new House of Delegates elections Pastor and City Councilman Michael J. will be held is still up in the air. The normal Jones will try again for a seat in the House of timeframe would be in November 2023. But Delegates.

Paul Goldman, a former chairman of the VirDr. Jones has filed to run in the 77th Dis- ginia Democratic Party, has filed suit in federal trict, which includes a major chunk of South court to force elections this year in the newly Richmond and part of Chesterfield County, redrawn districts, citing the fact that none of including Bon Air. the current members of the General Assembly “I’m thrilled at the prospect of servrepresent legitimate districts after ing in the newly drawn 77th House the state Supreme Court approved District,” which includes “parts of an overhaul that changed the district South Side that I currently represent boundaries and numbering. on City Council,” Dr. Jones said.

Mr. Goldman also cited the state “During my time on council, I and federal constitutional requirements have a proven record of advocacy for new elections once new census for all residents, and I look forward data is available and new maps are to continuing this work in the General created.

Dr. Jones Assembly.”

He also has argued that the populaDr. Jones sought to challenge Richmond tion changes in the old districts has created a 78 Delegate Betsy B. Carr in the 2021 Democratic percent disparity between the most populous and primary, but a failure to file sufficient signatures least populous districts that is unconstitutional by the deadline ended his bid. on its face. The U.S. Supreme Court, in past Under the redrawn House district maps precedents, has limited disparity between the approved by the Virginia Supreme Court in least and most populous districts to 10 percent, December, no incumbent now lives in the new Mr. Goldman has noted.

77th District, opening the door for Dr. Jones.

Both former Democratic Attorney Gen. Mark The maps were redrawn based on changes R. Herring and current Republican Attorney in population in the 2020 Census.

Gen. Jason S. Miyares have sought to have Mr. The Virginia Public Access Project lists the Goldman’s lawsuit thrown out. Both argue that 77th District as strongly Democratic given that current House members were elected in 2021 70 percent of voters in the district cast ballots for two-year terms and should be able to serve for President Biden in 2020. them out, notwithstanding that new districts Delegate Carr, who has announced plans to have been approved and are in place. seek re-election, now lives in the 78th District, as Federal judges are now considering the issues do two Democratic incumbents, Delegate Dawn that have been raised.

“It was a crazy experience, honestly,” said Iman Djehiche, a barista at the Starbucks store in Midlothian. “It was really wonderful to be able to meet partners from a bunch of different states.”

Richmond area Starbucks employees, including Ms.

Vice President Kamala Harris tests positive for COVID-19 Free Press wire report

WASHINGTON Vice President Kamala Harris tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, the White House announced, underscoring the persistence of the highly contagious virus even as the United States eases restrictions in a bid to return to pre-pandemic normalcy.

Neither President Biden nor First Lady Jill Biden was considered a “close contact” of Vice President Harris in recent days, said Kirsten Allen, the vice president’s press secretary.

Vice President Harris had been scheduled to attend President Biden’s Tuesday morning Presidential Daily Brief but was not present, the White House said. She had returned Monday from a weeklong trip to the West Coast. The last time she saw President Biden was Monday, April 18.

“I have no symptoms, and I will continue to isolate and follow CDC guidelines,” Vice President Harris tweeted. “I’m grateful to be both vaccinated and boosted.”

After consulting with her physicians, Vice President

Portsmouth lawmaker led successful ouster of Filler-Corn; seeks to replace her as House minority leader

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Delegate Don L. “Scotty” Scott Jr. of Portsmouth, an attorney and former Navy officer who once served time in prison, took a first step to becoming the Democratic leader in the House of Delegates.

He led a revolt that resulted in the ouster Wednesday of current Minority Leader Eileen R. Filler-Corn of Fairfax, who previously served as Virginia’s first female speaker of the House of Delegates.

Members of the House Democratic Caucus met behind closed doors, and Delegate Filler-Corn lost her leadership post on a 25-22 vote. The decision came months after the November 2021 elections that saw the party lose full control of the state government to Republicans.

Democratic delegates, however, voted to retain Delegate Charniele L. Herring of Alexandria, a 13-year House veteran, in the No. 2 post of Democratic Caucus leader.

She, like Delegate Scott, is a member of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus.

Fairfax Delegate Mark D. Sickles later disclosed the vote count. He also told reporters that the caucus did not immediately elect Delegate Filler-Corn’s replacement in order to provide interested members an opportunity to be considered.

He said the caucus is expected to vote for a new leader when members of the House reconvene at a future date.

Given the initial secrecy, Henrico Del-

Delegate Scott

Delegate Herring

egate Lamont Bagby, chair of the VLBC, declined immediate comment.

Delegate Scott emerged as a candidate after he began calling on his fellow members to replace Delegate Filler-Corn, also the first Jewish person to hold the leadership post. On Sunday, Delegate Scott resigned his caucus post, vice chair for outreach, and urged the caucus to hold a leadership vote during Wednesday’s session to consider Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin’s vetoes of legislation.

He also put himself forward as a candidate and nominated Delegates Sally L. Hudson of Charlottesville and Daniel I. Helmer of Fairfax to serve with him.

After Democrats gained a 55-seat majority in the House of Delegates in November 2019 for the first time in years, Delegate Filler-Corn, an attorney and 10year House veteran, won the job of leading the Democrats in bringing unprecedented change.

But Republicans roared back in the November 2021 elections to win 52 seats

Djehiche, are working on the salary, benefit and other changes they plan to present to corporate leadership when contract negotiations begin. No concrete timeline has been set yet for those negotiations.

Additional Starbucks stores across the country also are prepar-

ing to vote in the coming months on whether to join a union.

Sen. Sanders said it is evidence that the movement to unionize is “spreading like wildfire.”

“I think the momentum of one store winning feeds into other stories winning,” said Colin Cochran, a Starbucks worker from Buffalo, N.Y., who attended Sunday’s celebration.

“We’ve seen a lot of momentum building on our side right now, which is great.”

“It also just brings a sense of hope to the community,” said Grace Marvell, a Starbucks employee from Boone, N.C. “I know there are some other places in Boone that have messaged us and have also been interested in the unionization process.”

Sen. Sanders said the work Starbucks employees have done so far in unionizing carries an influence far beyond a single company.

“What you are doing is helping to spark a political revolution in this country,” Sen. Sanders told the crowd.

“People all over this country admire your courage and your tenacity. They stand with you because you are doing exactly, in many ways, what they want to do as well.”

in the House, along with the top three state offices. Concern began circulating about Delegate Filler-Corn and her ability to lead the party back to a majority.

Delegate Scott would bring an array of experiences to the post if Democrats elect him.

Born into a Houston family of six children, Delegate Scott appeared to be on the fast track. He graduated from Texas A&M University and then, after his military service, earned a law degree from Louisiana State University Law School.

His prospects appeared to sour after his arrest in 1994 on federal drug charges. But he began bouncing back after his release seven years later.

By 2015, he was able to gain admission to the Virginia State Bar and open a general law practice in criminal defense, family law and civil litigation.

Four years later, he jumped into the Portsmouth House race to succeed Delegate Matthew James, who stepped down to accept Gov. Ralph S. Northam’s appointment to an executive post as deputy director of the state Department of General Services.

While much of Delegate Scott’s legislation has languished in committee, he drew public attention when he successfully defended state Sen. Louise Lucas against criminal charges stemming from the toppling of a Confederate statue in Portsmouth that left one person injured.

those expected to be in close contact with them. President Biden is tested regularly on the advice of his physician, the White House has said, and last tested negative on Monday.

“We have a very, very contagious variant out there,” said White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Aashish Jha on Tuesday.

Vice President Harris “It is going to be Harris, 57, was prescribed and hard to ensure that no one gets is taking Paxlovid, the Pfizer COVID in America. That’s not antiviral pill, her office said even a policy goal.” He said late Tuesday. The drug, when the administration’s goal is to administered within five days make sure people don’t get of symptoms appearing, has seriously ill. been proven to bring about a Dr. Jha added that despite 90 percent reduction in hospi- the precautions, it is possible talizations and deaths among that President Biden himself patients most likely to get will come down with the virus severe disease. at some point.

President Biden phoned the “I wouldn’t say it’s just a vice president Tuesday after- matter of time, but of course it noon to make sure she “has is possible that the president, everything she needs” while like any other American, could working from home, the White get COVID,” he said. “There is House said. no 100 percent anything.”

Vice President Harris, Ms. Psaki said she “would received her first dose of the not expect” any changes to Moderna COVID-19 vaccine White House protocols. weeks before taking office After more than two years and a second dose just days and nearly a million deaths in after Inauguration Day in the United States, the virus January 2021. She received a is still killing more than 300 booster shot in late October people a day in the United and an additional booster on States, according to the CDC. April 1.

The unvaccinated are at a far Fully vaccinated and boosted greater risk, more than twice people have a high degree of as likely to test positive and protection against serious ill- nine times as likely to die from ness and death from COVID-19, the virus as those who have particularly from the most com- received at least a primary dose mon and highly transmissible of the vaccines, according to omicron variant. the public health agency.

Her diagnosis comes a Vice President Harris’ dimonth after her husband, Doug agnosis comes as the Biden Emhoff, recovered from the administration is taking steps virus, as a wave of cases of the to expand availability of the highly transmissible omicron life-saving Paxlovid, reassursubvariant has spread through ing doctors that there is ample Washington’s political class, supply for people at high risk infecting Cabinet members, of severe illness or death from White House staffers and the virus. lawmakers, including House In addition to her husband’s Speaker Nancy Pelosi. diagnosis, Vice President HarU.S. Sen. Ron Wyden of Or- ris was identified as a “close egon and Sen. Chris Murphy of contact” after her communicaConnecticut, both Democrats, tions director tested positive tested positive on Tuesday. on April 6.

Ms. Allen said Vice PresiThe CDC defines “close dent Harris would follow contact” with an infected person federal Centers for Disease as spending 15 minutes or more Control and Prevention guide- with them during a 24-hour lines “and the advice of her period. The CDC says people physicians.” with “close contact” do not The White House has put in need to quarantine if they are place strict COVID-19 proto- up to date on their vaccines, but cols around the president, vice should wear well-fitting masks president and their spouses, around other people for 10 days including daily testing for after the contact.

Richmond Free Press

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April 28-30, 2022 A7

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Editorial Page

A8

April 28-30, 2022

Wake up Virginians — and all Americans — need to wake up when it comes to the assault on Black history and truth-telling.

Right-wing politicians and their followers around the country continue to inflame the weak-minded by ginning up fears against books that have any connection or mention of race or racial issues or that contain anything regarding sexual orientation or gender identity.

The latest: Some school systems are banning a book about President Obama.

The book, titled, “Who Is Barack Obama?” was published in late 2009 and is part of a series of biographies targeting elementary and middle school students. It talks about President Obama’s childhood, growing up without a father and his mother’s move to Indonesia, his years trying to fit in during high school in Hawaii and his later quest to succeed in college and law school.

According to the Pen America index of school book bans, “Who Is Barack Obama?” is among more than 1,300 books banned late last year in school systems nationwide.

Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin used the boogeyman of books, such as Pulitzer Prize-winner Toni Morrison’s “Beloved,” and the false rumor of critical race theory being taught in Virginia schools to secure his election as the state’s chief executive last November.

We must come up with an effective plan to combat this nonsense, which mistakenly has been branded part of the culture war when, in actuality, it is another method to extend white supremacy.

As descendants of Africans who were brought to this nation enslaved, we must understand that our community has seen this before. The history of our ancestors deliberately was erased — and individuals were deliberately renamed — when they arrived on slave ships in Virginia and elsewhere. The banning our history then was just one tactic to ensure America’s system of white dominance in the social order.

We have seen through more than 400 years of history in America the dreadful and debilitating impact that erasure of history has had on Black people. With Barack Obama’s election as the nation’s 44th president in 2008, we felt a ray of hope that change may come for racial progress and acceptance.

The banning of books, including one about the former president himself, is part of the great backlash by certain segments of the white population against racial progress by exerting their control and dominance.

By banning our history, our story and our truth from being discussed in classrooms, they seek to wrestle control of the narrative and return to white supremacy as the social order.

If we let this continue, future generations may be hard-pressed to even identify Barack Obama as the first African-American president of this nation.

We cannot have our history eliminated, shrouded or controlled. What are we, as individuals and a people, going to do about it? We must emphatically and innovatively push back against white supremacy in all its forms.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Where are we with COVID-19?

I don’t know about you, but I am sometimes confused about circumstances which dictate our compliance and action, and what those appropriate actions must or should be.

COVID-19 created that type of conundrum for me and millions of others. The 81 million U.S. COVID-19 cases and the 990,000 American COVID-19related deaths suggest a breakdown in understanding the seriousness and avoidance of this dreaded disease.

Initially, we were told that facial masks were unnecessary. Later, we were all told to mask up. Some did. Others refused. Later, we were told that masks were only necessary indoors.

For their survival, some businesses and many restaurants began setting up outdoors. For the sake of public health, many businesses and local jurisdictions elected to err on the side of caution and demand masking compliance.

Some of us really want to do

the right thing, but don’t know what the “real” right thing is.

We do know that some never took the vaccine or booster and never took their children to be vaccinated. We do know that we had more cases of the virus than necessary, and far too many people died.

After two years of discomfort, my concern is that we have lapsed into a dangerous state

Dr. E. Faye Williams of indifference. Panic no longer informs our conduct, and our own arrogance lies by telling us, “It can’t happen to you or anyone you love.”

Political hacks exploit COVID-19 for their personal advantage and become “pandemic experts” who peddle a false sense of invulnerability to the masses.

I wish for the time when collective efforts against COVID-19 were driven by public health officials who spoke scientific truth. Sadly, an active mob of COVID-19 deniers have bullied and threatened public health officials across the nation into silence. Where is Dr. Fauci? Where is the director of the Centers for Disease Con-

trol? I want reassurance from Dr. Kavita Patel or others of a like mind. Instead of self-serving political hacks, I would rather have competent public health officials provide guidance to direct the prevention of a reemergence of this disease.

For more than two years, we have been told to wear masks indoors and outdoors, and on public transportation. This guidance included wearing masks on airplanes, trains and other public transportation. Although there was resistance to these masking requirements, most rational adults accepted them as necessary and lifesaving.

Unfortunately, those who bastardize and distort the definition of “freedom” to mean “I can do what I want when I want,” recurringly initiate episodes of resistant violence on aircraft and other modes of public transit.

Now, unqualified judges are getting in the act. Without hearing testimony, federal District Court Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle of Florida exercised her medical expertise and invalidated the mask mandate on public transportation. Rated as “Unqualified” by the American Bar Association, Judge Mizelle issued a ruling that was in direct opposition to a planned exten-

Banking, the Black community and the Durbin Amendment Access to banking, and all the opportunities it affords, is an absolute necessity for historically disenfranchised and marginalized communities. It’s how we pay for our everyday essentials, take out loans to start businesses or buy homes and attempt to build generational wealth to make the American Dream a reality.

Unfortunately, access to banking has been increasingly declining during the past decade.

According to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation data, more than 4 percent of Virginia households overall are unbanked, meaning no member of the household has a bank account.

When we look at minority communities, the numbers are much worse.

The United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg found that roughly 15 percent of Black and brown households are unbanked in this region. These numbers are compounded as we think about the number of merchants that rarely accepted cash during the pandemic or had limited change to refund to customers.

Representatives in Congress should focus on policies that will help rectify this issue of unbanked households. Yet, certain special interest groups are lobbying federal leaders to push policies that will make it even more difficult for communities that need the most help in this arena. Big corporate retailers

currently are working to get these elected officials to extend the 14-year-old Durbin Amendment to credit cards, an amendment that imposed regulations on the interchange fees merchants pay banks to process debit cards.

In short, every time you swipe a debit card, the place where you are swiping pays the bank a small fee. In some places,

Taikein M. Cooper businesses pass on that fee to the customer with a “convenience fee.” Historically, that fee was a percentage of the purchase, but the Durbin Amendment capped those fees. The idea was that by capping the fees on debit cards, corporate retailers like Walmart, Amazon, Kroger and Costco would lower prices for consumers.

However, the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond found that 90 percent of merchants have not decreased their prices, and corporate retailers have made an additional $90 billion.

Even worse is the impact this policy has had on banking access.

Banks depend on interchange fee revenue to keep their fees and minimum account balances low, but after they saw revenue drop substantially, they have taken drastic measures.

A study from the Government Accountability Office found that after the Durbin Amendment went into effect, covered banks were about 35 percent less likely to offer free checking accounts and increased the average minimum balance to avoid a monthly fee on these accounts by 50 percent.

As banking got pricier, com-

munities that already were struggling were hit the hardest. George Mason University reported in 2014 that these regulations increased our nation’s unbanked population by 1 million people, disproportionately so in minority and low-income areas.

Looking at the historical data on the Durbin Amendment, it seems obvious that our congressional members should reject any expansion of these regulations to credit. In 2021, economists estimated that extending this amendment to credit cards would transfer around $40 billion to $50 billion every year from consumers to big box stores, which we already know won’t be used to lower prices.

Just like before, banks will lose billions in interchange revenue and raise fees for credit cards like we saw them do before with debit cards. Since the credit market is much larger than the debit market, banks will have to take even more drastic measures—like cutting rewards programs, raising interest rates and raising credit standards.

Banks often absorb billions of dollars annually from fraudulent transactions and unpaid credit card bills. If we cap credit card interchange fees and slash billions of dollars in bank revenue, banks will simply stop taking on these liabilities.

Virginians deserve accessible and affordable banking and credit access. Extending Durbin Amendment regulations to credit cards would be harmful to marginalized consumers and the wrong choice for our communities.

The writer is a Richmondbased education and equity advocate.

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.

sion of the mask mandate to combat the spread of the new COVID-19 variant.

Those on the radical right assert that the government has no authority to force us to wear masks or take vaccinations or boosters. That seems strangely inaccurate because the government can force us to pay income tax, possess a drivers’ license if we drive, qualify for professional licenses, pay property taxes, pay child support or alimony or get something called a “Real ID.” Now, if we must comply with those requirements forced upon us by the government, why must we suffer with false claims of the right of exemption from the mask? Someone please explain why it is wrong to protect our health as well as the health of those around us.

The writer is a minister, a U.N. peace ambassador, an author and radio show host and president of the Dick Gregory Society.

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Richmond Free Press

April 28-30, 2022 A9

Letter to the Editor YOU CAN STILL FILE

Speak out on transportation funding

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Get rid of debts that you can’t pay.

“Get A Fresh Start” Keep paying on your house and car as long as you owe what they are worth.

Also Chapter 13 “Debt Adjustment” STOPS FORECLOSURES, GARNISHMENTS AND HARASSING PHONE CALLS

The funding decisions local leaders make today impact our collective future. That’s why the Central Virginia Transportation Authority would like to hear from the public about a new proposed funding scenario that includes $276.4 million to improve the region’s bike, pedestrian, bridge and highway infrastructure.

The upcoming infrastructure investments for 30 different projects will improve the mobility and quality of life for residents, while establishing an important framework for transportation planning and implementation in our region.

We are encouraging people to share feedback about what projects are most important to them.

Sharing feedback is easy. You can submit comments online or provide comments in person or via Zoom during the CVTA’s meeting on Friday, April 29.

More information is available at planrva.org.

OTHER LEGAL SERVICES PROVIDED: Divorce, Separation, Custody, Support, Home Buy or Sell

Start with as little as $100

Call Rudy McCollum at (804)218-3614 24-7. Talk to an attorney for free

and get legal restrictions, fees, costs and payment terms.

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Mail to: P.O. Box 4595, Richmond, VA 23220 422 E. Franklin St., Suite 301, Richmond, VA 23219 (Franklin & 5th Sts.)

FRANK J. THORNTON The writer represents the Fairfield District on the Henrico County Board of Supervisors. He currently serves as vice chairman of the Henrico Board of Supervisors and chairman of the CVTA.

We are a federally designated Debt Relief Agency under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and we help people file for bankruptcy.

Web Address: McCollumatLaw.com E-mail: rudy@mccollumatlaw.com

Ramadan for All People a solution for Mankind “Mecca” House Abraham and Ishmael Built

T

he people of the Abrahamic faiths fast. Ramadan is coming.

Prophets throughout the ages fasted as commanded for spiritual nearness to God, people of Abrahamic faiths fast to gain control over the forces of destruction to our hearts and minds that separate us from God and the true nature in which we were created to be. There are 80 suicides a `>Þ Ì i 1°-° / i i> Ì Li iwÌÃ v fasting for the body are well known. >ÃÌ } Li iwÌÃ v À Ì i ` > ` Ã Õ are not so commonly known. Fasting and prayer in Ramadan increases the effectiveness of our prayers it is a shield against the hell in our lives and the storm of evil without and within us. Fasting is an effective way to develop the feelings of nearness to God, strengthen unity and charity in communities, and turns us to the Almighty for help.

The prophets fasted. Prophet Moses fasted for forty days on Mount Sinai and was >vÌiÀ µÕ> wi` Ì ÀiVi Ûi Ì i ÀiÛi >Ì v `° iÃÕÃ Ì i à v >ÀÞ Ài > i` the forest fasting for forty days and forty nights as commanded by his Lord where he was strengthened against the persuasions of Satan. Prophet Muhammad’s iÜ Ã Ü vi v>ÃÌi` Ƃà ÕÀ> Ü V LÃiÀÛià *À « iÌ Ãià > ` Ì i ÃÀ>i Ìi½Ã iÃV>«i from Egypt. Prophet Muhammad joined her in observing this fast and millions of Õà à LÃiÀÛi Ì Ã v>ÃÌ Ü Ì iÜ Ã V Õ Ì iÃ Ì À Õ} ÕÌ Ì i Ü À ` Ì `>Þ° à v «i « i v Ì i à > V > Ì Ü v>ÃÌ v À Îä `>Þà > } Ü Ì vÀ i `à v Ì i v> Ì `ÕÀ } Ì i à > V V> i `>À Ì v ,> >`> Li} } Ƃ«À Ó >Þ Ó° Fasting begins with a light breakfast before the dawn and ends at sunset each day for thirty days. Each night community prayers are held at mosques and Muslims pray through the night in their homes and at mosques for the Almighty’s mercy, forgiveness, and help.

For more information about Ramadan in the Richmond metro. ƂÀi> V Ì>VÌ\ nä{ Î{Ç Èx£ À i > \ w ` ÕÃi° >Ã `J} > °V

PUBLIC NOTICE Virtual Public Engagement

Hull Street Corridor Streetscape Project and Hull Street over Manchester Canal Bridge Replacement Project Project Details Available Online: April 7 - May 12, 2022 Go to: rva.gov/public-works/construction-projects-roadimprovements The Department of Public Works invites the public to learn about the Hull Street Corridor Improvements Project which includes streetscape improvements along Hull Street from the floodwall to 9th Street and plans to replace the Manchester Canal Bridge.

We stand

for Equality Justice Opportunity Freedom and we fearlessly fight for Equality Justice Opportunity Freedom

Join us online at https://www.rva.gov/public-works/constructionprojects-road-improvements from April 7 - May 12 to review the conceptual designs and project information, to share your thoughts, and submit comments and questions.

Your feedback is encouraged and will help refine the proposed project designs before moving forward with the detailed designs. Please reference "Hull Street Corridor" in the subject line of all comments submitted. Comments must be received by 5 pm on May 12, 2022.

Please send emails to: Winston.Phillips@rva.gov and Thomas.Westbrook@rva.gov Or, mail comments to: Department of Public Works Hull Street Corridor Improvements 900 East Broad Street, Room 603 Richmond, VA 23219 The City of Richmond ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Richmond Free Press

For more information or if you need assistance with alternative means to review and comment, please call 804-646-5994.

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Employment Opportunities

DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING &KHVWHU¿HOG &RXQW\ 9LUJLQLD (Richmond-Metro Area), a recognized leader and award-winning local government, is seeking an experienced, innovative, and forward-thinking leader who will lead, plan, direct and oversee the operations of the Department of Accounting. The department has an annual budget of $4.2 million. The Accounting Department employs 42 staff members, is part of the Finance division and reports to the Deputy County Administrator for Finance and Administration.

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DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Negotiable, Commensurate Upon Experience &ORVHV 2SHQ XQWLO ÀOOHG Exempt

GRTC Transit System in Richmond, Virginia seeks a skilled candidate to plan, organize, manage and direct the Information Technology Department; including the design, implementation and maintenance of complex and critical technology solutions that enable GRTC to meet its long-term strategic business goals. A bachelor’s EFHSFF JO UIF *5 mFME JT SFRVJSFE XJUI B .BTUFS T QSFGFSSFE .VTU IBWF ZFBST FYQFSJFODF JO WBSJPVT BSFBT PG JOGPSNBUJPO UFMFQIPOF TZTUFNT BMPOH XJUI ZFBST JO TVDDFTTGVM project management. Experience in the Transit *OEVTUSZ QSFGFSSFE 5IF TVDDFTTGVM DBOEJEBUF XJMM IBWF XPSLJOH LOPXMFEHF PG BOUJ WJSVT TPGUXBSF .JDSPTPGU &YDIBOHF BOE 42- 4FSWFS BMPOH XJUI FYQFSJFODF XJUI $JTDP 3PVUFST 4XJUDIFT BOE 1*9 EFWJDFT &YDFMMFOU DPNNVOJDBUJPO BOE QSPCMFN TPMWJOH TLJMMT SFRVJSFE 'PS B NPSF EFUBJMFE KPC description and the ability to apply online, please WJTJU XXX SJEFHSUD DPN " QSF FNQMPZNFOU ESVH TDSFFOJOH XJMM CF SFRVJSFE GRTC is an equal opportunity employer with a drug-free work environment.

&LUFXLW &RXUW &OHUN¶V 2I¿FH City of Richmond Criminal Section Supervisor Immediate opportunity for professional candidate to lead, plan and coordinate the supervision of FOHUN¶V RI¿FH HPSOR\HHV &DQGLGDWH WR SRVVHVV strong decision-making capabilities, high degree RI FUHDWLYLW\ DQG LQLWLDWLYH 0RQLWRUV TXDOLW\ DQG TXDQWLI\ RI ZRUN WKURXJK GLUHFW REVHUYDWLRQ &RPPXQLFDWHV FOHDUO\ FRQFLVHO\ DQG UHVSHFWIXOO\ LQ ERWK ZULWWHQ DQG RUDO IRUPV &RQGXFWV DQQXDO performance evaluations based on established VWDQGDUGV 6HUYHV RQ LQWHUYLHZ SDQHOV PDNHV KLULQJ UHFRPPHQGDWLRQ IRU WKH GHSDUWPHQW $XWKRUL]HV ¿QDO DSSURYDO RQ OHDYH UHTXHVWV WR HQVXUH VXI¿FLHQW FRYHUDJH DW DOO WLPHV 6HUYHV DV SRLQW RI FRQWDFW ZLWK RXWVLGH DJHQFLHV DQG assumes additional responsibilities other than those primarily assigned to the position, as QHHGHG &RPSHWLWLYH DSSOLFDQWV PXVW GHPRQVWUDWH D SUR¿FLHQF\ LQ PDQDJLQJ WHDPV KDYH RXWVWDQGLQJ YHUEDO DQG ZULWWHQ FRPPXQLFDWLRQ VNLOOV DQG experience in high volume, customer service PDQDJHPHQW $ KLJK VFKRRO GHJUHH RU HTXLYDOHQW LV UHTXLUHG FROOHJH GHJUHH DQG RU KDQGV RQ H[SHULHQFH LQ D FULPLQDO FOHUN¶V RI¿FH VHWWLQJ LV KLJKO\ UHFRPPHQGHG ,GHDO FDQGLGDWH ZLOO KDYH SUR¿FLHQF\ ZLWK FRPSXWHU UHVSRQVLELOLWLHV WR LQFOXGH &DVH 0DQDJHPHQW )LQDQFLDO 0DQDJHPHQW DQG 2XWORRN &RXUW H[SHULHQFH DGYDQFHG IDPLOLDULW\ ZLWK FRXUW GRFXPHQWV DQG PDVWHU\ RI EDVLF EXVLQHVV PDWK LV GHVLUHG Please submit resume and cover letter to: &LUFXLW&RXUW&OHUN(PSOR\PHQW#UYD JRY RU PDLO WR 5LFKPRQG &LUFXLW &RXUW &OHUN¶V 2I¿FH 3HUVRQQHO 'HSDUWPHQW 1RUWK WK 6WUHHW Richmond, Virginia 23219 1R :DON ,QV RU 3KRQH &DOOV (2(

Richmond Free Press

A10 April 28-30, 2022

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

Liberty’s Malik Willis and VSU’s Will Adams hoping to hear their names called in NFL draft The much-anticipated NFL draft starts Thursday, April 28. Two state players to watch for are Malik Willis and Will Adams.

A gifted dual-threat quarterback from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Willis is a likely first round selection.

Adams, a safety from Henrico County’s Hermitage High School and Virginia State University, is much more of a long shot, but could hear his name called on the third day.

The 21st century NFL draft track record for athletes from historically Black schools is poor, but Adams turned a lot of heads at the HBCU Combine in Mobile, Ala., in late January.

Willis and Kenny Pickett, the ACC Player of the Year out of the University of Pittsburgh, figure to be the first two quarterbacks chosen. Matt Corral of the University of Mississippi is another expected to be selected in the first two rounds.

The 6-foot, 225 pound Willis, a native Georgian who transferred to Liberty University from Auburn University, threw for 2,857 yards and 27 touchdowns last season, while also running for 878 yards and another 13

Solomon Bates

touchdowns.

Willis was MVP of the Cure Bowl in 2020 and the Lending Tree Bowl this past fall. He is compared to Russell Wilson, Malik Willis and many agree he has a chance to be the NFL’s next outstanding Black quarterback.

Liberty has one previous first round draft pick. In 1990, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Flames tight end Eric Green in Round One; he was picked 21st overall.

Adams was a four-season starter at VSU under Coach Reggie Barlow and earned All-CIAA this past fall on the strength of 61 tackles in nine games and some fly-paper-style sticky pass coverage.

An electrical engineering major, Adams was a show stealer at the HBCU Combine with his big-time skill set. The 6-foot-1, 186-pound Adams ran the 40-yard dash in 4.57 seconds, did 21 bench press repetitions at 225 pounds, recorded a 10-foot-3 standing broad jump and 40.5-inch

Michael Gigliotti

NFL and NBA players are closely identified with the colleges where they earned reputations before entering the professional ranks.

Not so much with pro baseball.

While few fans at The Diamond may be thinking about it, the Richmond Flying Squirrels are a smorgasbord of former collegians from across the nation.

Here’s a sampling of the Squirrels’ alma maters (consider, minor league rosters are fluid): Pitchers: Solomon Bates (University of Southern California); Tristan Beck (Stanford University); R.J. Dobovich (Arizona State University); Jake Dahlberg (University of Illinois-Chicago); Matt Frisbee (University of North CarolinaGreensboro); Travis Perry (Indian River Junior College in Florida); Taylor Rashi (University of California-Irvine); Blake Rivera (Wallace State Junior College in Alabama); Tyler Schimpf (University of Texas); Ryan Walker (Washington State University); Chris Wright (Bryant University in Rhode Island).

Catchers: Brett Auerbach (University of

Scottie Barnes

Jacob Heyward

When: Thursday, April 28, through Saturday, April 30 Where: Las Vegas TV: ESPN, ABC and NFL Network Format: Seven rounds, 262 picks First pick: Jacksonville Jaguars Washington Commanders: The Commanders have the 11th, 47th, 113th, 189th and 230th selections.

vertical leap.

He’s hopeful of becoming the VSU Trojans’ first NFL draftee since Trenton Cannon went to the New York Jets in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL draft.

Before Cannon, VSU’s last draftee was Kelvin Kinney in 1996 in the sixth round by the Washington NFL team.

Overall, there has been only one draftee from an HBCU in the last two years. Even if Adams’ name is not

the NFL as a combo running back/ slot/kick returner. He reminds some of former North Carolina A&T State University mini-back Tarik Cohen who played with the Chicago Bears.

Fayetteville State University pass rusher Keyshawn James is another to catch the NFL scout’s eye. The 6-foot-3, 280-pound All-CIAA pick had 23.5 tackles for losses last season with 10.5 sacks, seven quarterback hurries and four forced fumbles.

History: This will be the 87th NFL draft and times have changed.

Before the NFL paid big money, the very first pick in the 1936 draft, by the Philadelphia Eagles, was halfback Jay Berwanger out of the University of Chicago.

Berwanger could not come to terms with the Eagles who then traded his rights to the Chicago Bears. When Chicago couldn’t sign him either, Berwanger scrapped his pads and went to work for a rubber company in Chicago.

Stakes are higher now. Last year’s No. 1 draft pick, quarterback Trevor Lawrence out of Clemson University, inked a four-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars worth $36.8 million, including $24.1 million guaranteed.

Richmond Flying Squirrels hail from a number of colleges

Alabama); Rob Emery (University of San Francisco); Brandon Martorano (University of North Carolina) Infielders: Tyler Fitzgerald (University of Louisville); Shane Matheny (Washington State University); Sean Roby (Arizona Western Junior College); Frankie Tostado (Oxnard Community College of California); Simon Whiteman (Yale University); Will Wilson (N.C. State University).

Outfielders: Michael Gigliotti (Lipscomb University in Tennessee) and Jacob Heyward (University of Miami in Florida) Not all have college backgrounds. Some players become pros straight out of high school and others are signed as free agents from other countries and are not subject to the draft.

Squirrels pitchers: Bryan Brickhouse signed straight out of The Woodlands High School in Texas; Gray Fenter went pro from West Memphis High School in Tennessee; Kai-Wei Teng hails from Taiwan.

Outfielders: Franklin Labour was signed out of his native Dominican Republic and Diego Rincones entered the U.S. pro

Squirrels return to nest Richmond Flying Squirrels Manager Dennis Pelfrey’s squad has returned to The Diamond for a 12-game home stand on Arthur Ashe Boulevard.

Richmond came home with an 8-7 record after dropping four of six games at Erie, Penn.

The San Francisco Giants’ AA affiliate will play the Bowie Baysox, the Baltimore Orioles’ farm team, through May 1 and then the Akron RubberDucks, the Cleveland Guardians’ farm team, May 3 through 8.

On Friday, April 29, the Squirrels will celebrate Dominican Republic Night by giving away Ardillas Voladoras bandanas to the first 1,000 fans ages 15 and older. Fireworks will follow the games on Thursday, April 28, and Saturday, April 30.

Scottie Barnes is NBA Rookie of the Year; ‘Bones’ Hyland ranks 8th among rookies in scoring

Scottie Barnes is the NBA Rookie of the Year, but don’t overlook former Virginia Commonwealth University star Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland on the top newcomers list.

In his first NBA season, the 6-foot-8 Barnes averaged 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists while helping the Toronto Raptors to the playoffs.

A native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Barnes played just one season at Florida State University, earning ACC Freshman of the Year honors before opting for the NBA. Barnes finished first in rookie voting over Evan Mob-

called, he might be a high priority free agent.

Party time: The NFL draft has become almost like a mini Super Bowl for serious fans. In Will Adams some ways, the draft is even more appealing because all 32 teams are involved and not just the Super Bowl finalists.

First to go: The Jacksonville Jaguars likely will lead off by taking one of two defensive linemen, Aidan Hutchinson from the University of Michigan or Travon Walker from the University of Georgia.

HBCU hopefuls: Aside from VSU’s Adams, a player to watch will be Alabama A&M University quarterback Aqeel Glass. The 6-foot-5 Glass was a two-time SWAC Player of the Year and a two-time Deacon Jones Player of the Year, an award going to the nation’s top HBCU player.

What the 5-foot-7, 175-pound Ezra Gray lacks in size, he makes up for with speed and elusiveness. The Alabama State University standout could make

ley of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons’ Cade Cunningham. Barnes becomes Toronto’s third Rookie of the Year following Damon Stoudemire (1997) and Vince Carter (1999).

Hyland, the Atlantic-10 Player of the Year in 2020-21 for VCU, received no votes in the rookie balloting but was the league’s eighth highest scorer among newbies.

In 69 games for the Denver Nuggets, Hyland averaged 10.1 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists. His 37 percent accuracy from beyond the arc was the best of all rookies. Hyland

also hit 86 percent of his free throws.

A 6-foot-2 native of Wilmington, Del., Hyland played two seasons for VCU before entering the NBA draft. The Nuggets made him the 26th overall draft choice.

Hyland showed off both his jump shot and his dancing moves in Denver’s 126121 playoff win April 24 on ABC-TV. He scored 15 points and dished seven assists in 20 minutes and got the crowd excited with his “Tressi Bop” dance moves. It’s a celebratory dance he started with friends in Wilmington that inspired a

‘Bones’ Hyland

song by a rapper.

The NBA initiated its Rookie of the Year Award in 1953, with Don Meineke of the Fort Wayne Pistons the winner. Meineke played collegiately for the University of Dayton.

In 1954, 6-foot-11 Ray Felix out of Long Island University became the first Black Rookie of the Year with the Baltimore Bullets.

Former rookies of the year with Virginia connections are Ralph Sampson (1984) and Malcolm Brogdon (2017), both from University of Virginia, and Hampton native Allen Iverson from Georgetown in 1997.

Top high school sophomore hoops player signs with pro league The ever-changing sport of basketball has taken another turn.

Naasir Cunningham, the top rated player in the high school Class of 2024, has elected to sign with the fledgling professional league, Overtime Elite, or OTE. The 6-foot-7 rising junior at Gill St. Bernard’s School in West Orange, N.J., will forgo any payment from the OTE to maintain his college eligibility once he graduates from high school.

Eventually, he is considered a high-end NBA draft pick.

Already, Cunningham has offers from most of the premier college programs, including Duke University and University

Tahraun Hammond

VSU freshman baseball player Tahraun Hammond logs impressive stats

As freshmen baseball players go, few have posted more impressive statistics than Virginia State University’s Tahraun Hammond.

From Essex High School in Tappahannock, the college newcomer leads the Trojans in most offensive categories.

Through games of April 24, Hammond was hitting .364, with 44 hits, 31 runs scored, 12 doubles and 22 RBIs. He also has three home runs and eight stolen bases in nine tries.

The right-hander plays mostly infield positions, but also takes his turn on the pitching mound with 22 strikeouts in 18.1 innings.

The CIAA does not have enough member schools with baseball teams for a season-ending tournament. Therefore, the Trojans’ season is likely to end April 30 and May 1 with doubleheaders in Ettrick against Salem University of West Virginia.

VCU Rams to welcome Michigan transfer Brandon Johns Jr. Virginia Commonwealth University basketball Coach Mike Rhoades needed another big man and found what he was looking for in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Following four full seasons — 117 games — at the University of Michigan, Brandon Johns Jr. is coming to Richmond to play for the Rams.

The 6-foot-8, 240-pound power forward has been granted a fifth season of eligibility under the NCAA’s COVID-19 policy.

He is the second former Wolverine to join the Rams. Earlier this spring, 6-foot-4 Zeb Jackson transferred to VCU. Johns was a blue-ribbon prospect at East Brandon Johns Lansing High School in Michigan, but his star dimmed in Ann Arbor. Relegated to backup duty, he averaged 3.2 points and two rebounds this past season and saw little action in Michigan’s three NCAA Tournament games.

VCU still has two scholarship slots to fill heading into the 2022-23 season.

Coincidentally, Johns and Jackson could be facing their former team soon. VCU and Michigan are both playing in the Legends Classic Nov. 16 and 17 in New York.

Jordan Nesbitt transferring to Hampton to play basketball

Naasir Cunningham

of Kansas.

While playing for OTE, Cunningham will be permitted to engage in Name-Image-Likeness (NIL) financial benefits.

Jordan Nesbitt’s basketball journey is taking him to Hampton University.

Following stops at the University of Memphis and St. Louis University, the 6-foot-6 guard has transferred to HU where he will play under Pirates Coach Ed “Buck” Joyner.

This past season, Nesbitt averaged 8.2 points and 4.3 rebounds for the St. Louis Jordan Nesbitt Billikens of the Atlantic-10 Conference.

HU is coming off a difficult season in which it went 9-19 overall and 5-11 in the Big South Conference. This coming season, HU athletics will move into the Colonial Athletic Association.

April 28-30, 2022 B1

Richmond Free Press

Section

Happenings

B

Personality: Lucia Medek

A chance encounter led Lucia Medek to take up the cause of animal advocacy in Richmond in a major way.

Ms. Medek discovered a pit bull-type dog living chained up in a backyard a few blocks from her house. The dog had limited shelter and was underfed. Unable to stand the conditions he lived in, Ms. Medek would sneak into the yard to feed him periodically.

Eventually, Ms. Medek managed to get the dog out of that yard with the help of local rescue groups and animal control.

The dog, whom she renamed Salem, lived the rest of his life in comfort with Ms. Medek before dying at age 7 from an aggressive form of cancer.

The experience, Ms. Medek says, left her with an awareness of the poor conditions some pets live under that she became committed to addressing.

“This experience opened my eyes to the fact that countless animals were living in my city, lonely and suffering, hidden away from view with little to no help available to them,” Ms. Medek says. “We use Salem’s story and his inspiration to be ‘light in the dark’ for animals that are suffering due to lack of care.”

The lack of care usually is due to owners not having the resources to provide the basics for their pets, including supplies, shelter and medical care, which can be costly.

That’s where Salem’s Light, the nonprofit Ms. Medek cofounded in 2019, comes in. The organization works to build a network of community resources for pet owners, from low-cost veterinary care to free supplies such as food, collars and dog houses.

The goal is to improve the lives of animals through community outreach, education, advocacy and proactive spaying and neutering.

Ms. Medek believes the experience of having a pet and building a relationship with a four-legged member of the family is a deeply valuable one.

Pets, she says, “are the true meaning of unconditional love. Animals live in the moment. They don’t worry about what happened yesterday, hold grudges or worry what tomorrow brings. We can learn a lot from that.”

While the pandemic has left Salem’s Light unable to host many community events, Ms. Medek remains hopeful that the nonprofit will be able to provide vaccine clinics and similar outreach programs in the future. In the meantime, the organization continues its work, with volunteers coordinating

Spotlight on co-founder and president of Salem’s Light advocacy and education efforts and community donations used to fund veterinary care and the building of dog houses.

Ms. Medek has several adopted pets and foster animals in her care. They provide her with a sense of love and companionship that she says is comforting and motivating in her life and work.

“They remind me tomorrow is a new day, no matter how wonderful or horrible the current one is, that another is coming and that I need to live it to the fullest,” she says.

Meet a friend and advocate for mankind’s best friends and this week’s Personality, Lucia Medek:

proper, safe sheltering by building dog houses or offering crates to bring animals inside; supplying basic supplies such as food, toys, collars and leashes; adoption information and assistance; and education via media outlets or speaking/presentations to schools and the community.

No. 1 volunteer position: Co-founder and president of Salem’s Light.

the fact that countless animals were living in my city, lonely and suffering, hidden away from view with little to no help available to them.

Occupation: Registered nurse.

Date and place of birth: Aug. 22 in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia).

How Salem is still inspirational: We use Salem’s story and his inspiration to be “light in the dark” for animals that are suffering due to lack of care.

This can be due to intentional mistreatment or, more often, owners that lack resources to provide basic supplies, shelter and/or medical care to their owned and loved companion animals.

Where I live now: Richmond.

Education: Bachelor of science degree in nursing.

Salem’s Light is: A 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission of improving the lives of animals through community outreach, education, advocacy and proactive spaying and neutering.

Salem’s Light and community outreach: We use a “boots on the ground” approach by going into and working directly with our community to identify needs and make contact with animals in need and their owners.

When and where founded: Founded in 2019 in Richmond.

Co-Founder: Clair Tetrick.

Salem’s story: I found Salem accidently. He was living at the end of a heavy logging chain attached to an old jukebox in a dusty, dirty backyard a few blocks from my house with no shelter, food or water. I just could not forget about him. I used to sneak into the yard to feed him and bring him presents.

It took me more than a year to get him out of there, with the help of local rescue groups and animal control. Salem became “my little buffalo” and lived the rest of his life with me in my home, on a soft bed, loved, warm, dry and fed. He had doggie buddies and hiked the trails around the James River.

Salem passed away from an aggressive cancer at age 7, and I am convinced it was, in part, due to lack of care during the first few years of his life. This experience opened my eyes to

No. 1 goal or project for Salem’s Light: To alleviate the suffering of unwanted and/or improperly cared for companion animals.

Strategy for achieving goal: Outreach, education, advocacy and spay and neuter.

Top three areas to educate pet owners: The reasons to spay and neuter companion animals; the importance of proactive health care, such as vaccinations, heartworm, flea and tick prevention and proper nutritional intake for companion animals; and the need for adequate shelter throughout the seasons.

Resources Salem’s Light provides: Funding of spay and neuter surgeries; assistance with veterinary care; assistance with

Why pet ownership is not for everyone: Companion animals require money for proper care and time. We need to educate ourselves on the responsibilities of pet ownership.

During different phases of our lives, we may not have the space or ability to care for certain types of animals. A large, young, working breed dog needs to be exercised and be in a home that has space. An apartment may not always be the best fit in this situation. Rentals or homeowner associations may have restrictions on breeds or sizes. Animals need and thrive on companionship, and working often out of town or long hours can make this difficult. Small children must be monitored with animals both for the safety of the pet and that of the child.

Animals need food, toys, beds, leashes, collars, vaccinations and at times emergency care, among other things. We need to be prepared for those costs to keep our animals happy, healthy and safe.

Pets are irreplaceable because: They are the true meaning of unconditional love. Many studies have shown the positive effects on mental and physical health. Animals live in the moment. They don’t worry about what happened yesterday, hold grudges or worry what tomor-

row brings. We can learn a lot from that.

Salem’s Light partners with: Local animal welfare groups, local municipal shelters, low cost spay and neuter clinics, veterinarians, schools, businesses and anyone who shares in our beliefs and has the desire to improve the lives of the animals in our communities.

Ways to become involved with Salem’s Light: We depend on volunteers for our community-based initiatives.

Opportunities for involvement include outreach initiatives, vaccine clinics, advocacy and education efforts and administrative support. Donations of supplies such as dog and cat food, leashes, collars, toys and blankets always are needed and welcome, along with monetary donations that will fund veterinary care and the building of dog houses.

A perfect day for me: Knowing we have helped an animal stay in a home with their loving owners after they feared they may not be able to keep their pet because of a lack of a resources. Sometimes it is as simple as fixing a hole in a fence or suppling food or vaccines after an owner has found themselves dealing with a sudden financial hardship.

What I am learning about myself during the pandemic: Being a hermit is enjoyable sometimes.

Names of my fur babies and the unconditional support I receive daily: Where do I start?

Demi, Zucchini, Gilbert and Willa are my own dogs, and Ernest, Baloo, Nigel, Bucky and Chico are my foster pups.

They make me laugh every day. They know when I’m sad or anxious and just need

a snuggle, kiss or warm, furry body next to me. They get me up and moving, even on the days I would rather not.

They teach me responsibility, forgiveness, unconditional love and kindness. They remind me tomorrow is a new day, no matter how wonderful or horrible the current one is, that another is coming and that I need to live it to the fullest because we never know how many more we have to be together.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Sew. Quote that inspires me: “Men have forgotten this truth, but you must not forget it. You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.”

Friends describe me as: The unluckiest lucky person in the world.

At the top of my “to-do” list: To be sitting in the cool, salty water of the ocean.

Best late-night snack: I must be craving salt because the only thing that comes to mind is sea salt and vinegar kettle chips.

Person who influenced me the most: My little sister. Life recently dealt her a hand that would have taken many down.

She never had a doubt in her mind that she was going to make it through. The power of positive thinking and a refusal to be knocked down.

Book that influenced me the most: “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupréy.

What I’m reading now: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association: 7th Edition by The American Psychological Association.

Next goal: Finish grad school!

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Richmond Free Press

B2 April 28-30, 2022

Happenings BlackTop youth program reopens in new location

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Harris family photo

From left, wife, Tiffany Harris; daughter, Ti-Mani Harris, 13; and Arthur E. “Manny” Harris Jr.

The BlackTop Kings and Queens Sports Academy, a private youth basketball program, is back in action, though in a much reduced capacity.

Best known for its operation in a gym on the United Nations Church campus in South Side, the program that serves children and youths ages 5 to 17 shut down for a few months after losing the rental site last September.

But founder and director Arthur E. “Manny” Harris Jr. has revived the program, which is held at Ben Wallace Gym, also known as Big Ben’s Home Court, 2208 Westwood Ave., which Mr. Harris rents several days a week. He said he also plans to use outdoor basketball courts at city recreation centers when the weather is good.

“That’s how we started. Before we had

the gym, we used to move around from court to court,” he said. “So, we’re back to our roots.”

Mr. Harris said he spent a few months “in a funk after losing the gym, but I got so many calls from people who were supportive and wanted it for their children, I couldn’t let it go,” said Mr. Harris, who launched the program 12 years ago and has led it with his wife, Tiffany Harris.

The 47-year-old Richmond native said the program currently enrolls 30 young people and has room for 50, far below the 300 youths it was serving at its peak. He also can no longer operate the program from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily as he could when he leased the church’s gym.

Mr. Harris said the program will offer a summer camp from Thursday, June 9, through Friday, Aug. 19.

Mr. Harris, who uses money from his company, Victory Irrigation, to underwrite

the sports program, said his one regret is that all the children must contribute.

“When the program had more children, it was easy to shoehorn children who couldn’t afford to pay into the program,” he said. “But the operation just costs so much, particularly the gym rent, I just can’t afford to do that anymore.”

He said his policy had been that “no kid would be left behind. We’ve received an outpouring of messages from parents and kids stating how much they miss our program and everything we were able to provide before. We’d like to get back to providing a safe haven and a positive outlet. That could happen if we can find other space.”

During the school year, he charges $35 a day for participants, with the summer camp costing $150 a week, he said.

Details: Mr. Harris, (804) 683-1864, or on Instagram @btkqs.

Young Prince Charles

Rapper Young Prince Charles presented ceremonial key to city Free Press staff report Photos by Carlos Bernate/Richmond Free Press

Rapper Young Prince Charles has been given the ceremonial key to the City of Richmond in recognition of his career success.

Mayor Levar M. Stoney made the presentation last Saturday in showing Richmond’s support for the entertainer as he mourned the loss of his father, Charles “Baby Charles” Jones Jr., who also was his manager, promoter and mentor.

Mr. Jones, 47, suffered a fatal heart attack April 6 during a family trip to Las Vegas. Final tributes were paid to Mr. Jones during a celebration of his life last Saturday at John Marshall High School in North Side, his alma mater.

Crossing the finish line More than 17,000 runners, walkers and strollers took part in the annual Monument Avenue 10K last Saturday, which returned to its traditional course along Broad Street, Monument Avenue and Franklin Street for the first time since 2019 before the start of the pandemic.

The 6.2-mile race, which was launched in 2000, attracted people of all fitness levels, with some participants dressing up in costumes and matching regalia for a fun time together on the course. The event also featured a Mini Kids Run, a mile-long course for youngsters ages 4 to 12.

Fans cheered from the sidelines along the route and runners were encouraged as bands played.

Left, Brody Smith, 24, of Syracuse, N.Y., a former Purdue University track and field star, was the first to cross the finish line at Franklin and Shafer streets in 30 minutes, while, bottom left, Peri Pavicic, 24, of Washington, D.C., gives a thumbs up as the first woman to cross the finish line with a time of 35:15.

Below, a collection of medals awaits runners as they complete the course.

Arts in the Park returns this weekend after two-year hiatus Richmond’s biggest outdoor art show returns this weekend to Byrd Park after a two-year pause because of the pandemic.

Arts in the Park, featuring 450 craft and fine artists, will run 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 30, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 1, around the Carillon.

The 51st annual show will feature the works of local and regional artists, as well as artists from across the country.

The free event is sponsored by the Carillon Civic Association, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting various nonprofits, charities and organizations. The proceeds also help maintain the Carillon neighborhood through the nonprofit civic association.

Free parking with free shuttle service is available at City Stadium, 3201 Maplewood Ave. Handicapped parking is available in a lot by the Carillon.

Food and concessions will be available. People are asked to leave their pets at home.

Details: richmondartsinthepark.com or (804) 358-2711 or ArtsintheParkRVA on Facebook and Instagram.

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April 28-30, 2022 B3

Faith News/Directory

Richmond Public Schools to close May 3 in observance of Eid al-Fitr

File photo

One of the most significant holidays of Islam, Eid al-Fitr, will be recognized for the first time by Richmond Public Schools.

The school system will be closed Tuesday, May 3, in honor of Eid al-Fitr, the traditional day of feasting and family activities marking the end of Ramadan, a monthlong observance in which Muslims fast from dawn to sundown.

In the United States, Eid al-Fitr will begin at sundown Monday, May 2, the first day of the month of Shawwal, and end at

Climate crisis increasingly a refugee crisis, faith resettlement groups say Religion News Service

For Monique Verdin, the apocalypse came in 2005.

When Hurricane Katrina struck Louisiana’s Gulf Coast, about a million gallons of oil from a nearby refinery spilled into St. Bernard Parish, where Ms. Verdin lives. Her family home was engulfed in 11 feet of water.

Ms. Verdin, 42, a citizen of the United Houma Nation and member of grassroots collaborative Another Gulf Is Possible, said she realizes now how much of her early adult life — even the direction of her work — was shaped by that experience.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Every year, she said, the storms only seem to get more frequent and more intense. Then last year, 16 years to the day Hurricane Katrina made landfall, she found herself fleeing the coast once again as Hurricane Ida struck.

Ms. Verdin, who made the documentary “My Louisiana Love,” is exhausted by the constant flight, figuring out where to go and who to stay with, she said. She’s thinking through how to create spaces where people can retreat during disaster, remain in community and return home when able.

“But I also think that you can’t run from climate change,” she said.

Talking about climate change wasn’t as widespread at the time Hurricane Katrina struck, Ms. Verdin said, but they were feeling its effects even then.

Those effects are becoming more difficult to ignore, according to Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, one of nine agencies contracted to resettle refugees in the United States.

“Climate change will eventually be the biggest source of refugees the world’s ever seen if estimates are anywhere near correct,” said environmentalist and author Bill McKibben, a member of LIRS’ advisory committee.

For more than 80 years, LIRS has helped resettle refugees and other people displaced by conflict and persecution around the globe. Increasingly, those people have been displaced, in whole or in part, because of climate disasters. But there are, as of yet, few pathways to protection for climate-displaced persons, also known as climate refugees.

The impacts of climate change aren’t a faraway threat, though, according to Susannah Cunningham, manager for advocacy at LIRS. Rather, she said, they’re familiar to many Americans.

“Americans know this story.

We are feeling these stories in our families, in our homes, in our communities. And there are versions of those playing out all over the globe,” Ms. Cunningham said.

Take, for instance, the deadliest and most destructive fire in

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Monique Verdin in Montegut, La., in 2017.

California history’ the 2018 Camp Fire that incinerated the town of Paradise, she said. Or the three, 500-year rains that flooded Ms. Cunningham’s hometown of Houston three years in a row.

In the United States and beyond, the effects of climate change-related disasters are worsening humanitarian crises and driving people to relocate, according to LIRS, which released its first report on the impact of climate change on migration last year — as did the White House.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates more than 20 million people are forced to leave their homes and move to other areas of their countries every year by extreme climate disasters.

Relocating is never easy, and some populations face additional challenges to do so, according to Ms. Cunningham.

For many Indigenous peoples, spirituality and culture are tied to the lands where they’ve lived for generations. Leaving the land means losing sacred spaces, plants needed for medicine and ceremonies and access to culture bearers who carry Indigenous wisdom, history, language and songs, Elizabeth Crocker of the American Association for the Advancement of Science told journalists at the Religion News Association’s annual conference last month in Bethesda, Md. “You can’t bring the sacred mountain to New York City,” Ms. Crocker said.

“You can’t take the bayou,” added Theresa Dardar, spokesperson for the Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe.

The Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe is one of four coastal Louisiana tribes that filed a formal complaint with the United Nations in 2020, claiming the U.S. government violated their human rights by failing to act on climate change.

The only reason Pointe-auChien citizens have left their homes in Lafourche Parish is because of land loss, Ms. Dardar said.

And she described their neighbors on Isle de Jean

Charles as the “first climate change refugees,” though she said she dislikes the term.

“Even though you take us off a piece of land and you put us in another place, it doesn’t matter, because at one time it was all Native American land,” Ms. Dardar said. “So no matter where you move us, we’re not refugees. We’re still in our land.”

The Isle de Jean Charles Band of Biloxi-ChitimachaChoctaw Tribe is resettling with assistance from the first federally funded program to relocate residents endangered by the impacts of climate change. Their island home in the bayous of Terrebonne Parish has lost much of its land to severe storms, subsidence, coastal erosion and rising sea levels, according to the Isle de Jean Charles website.

The “iron law” of climate change is, the less one did to cause it, the sooner and harder one is impacted by it, according to environmentalist Mr. McKibben.

That’s one reason people of faith should care about the growing climate crisis. The Hebrew Bible and the Gospels are full of messages about welcoming the stranger and loving one’s neighbor, he noted.

And when it comes to Scripture about caring for the environment, he said, “You don’t really have to pass the first page, do you?” The biblical book of Genesis opens with the story of creation.

“Those two things seem to me to dictate that we work hard to stop climate change and we work hard to take care of the people who’ve been damaged by that which we can’t stop,” said Mr. McKibben, who is a member of the United Methodist faith.

The facts are bleak: 2020 was the most active hurricane season in U.S. history, according to the environmentalist. The fossil fuel that causes climate change is the thing allowing Russian President Vladimir Putin to wage war in Ukraine, he added, which alone has created more than 5 million refugees.

But there also are things

Roxanne Stone/Religion News Service

people can do and reasons to hope, he said.

Mr. McKibben said he is encouraged by solutions like solar and wind power and by the growing movement to address climate change, led especially by young people like Greta Thunberg and groups like Young Evangelicals for Climate Action.

LIRS continues to provide assistance for climate displaced persons and to advocate for more lasting protections for them, including a pathway to U.S. citizenship for those unable to return to their homes.

And, in the face of despair, Ms. Verdin is planting a garden.

She is planting maypop and goldenrod, elderberry and wild onions, medicinal plants that can be used to relieve anxiety or to create natural dyes. She chooses plants that are in danger of disappearing along with the coastline, moving them to a plot of land further inland and hoping they’ll adapt.

She’ll see how they take, she said.

It reminds her that humans may not live to see the results of their actions, she said, but she can still do her part.

“The seas are rising here.

We’re witnessing that,” Ms. Verdin said.

“We’re learning how to adapt to it. We just have to think of things a little differently, and we also have to remember that you have to respect nature. We can’t control it or manipulate it anymore.”

Moore Street Missionary Baptist Church

1408 W. Leigh Street · Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 358—6403

Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, Pastor

Sharon Baptist Church 500 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222 www.sharonbaptistchurchrichmond.org (804) 643-3825 Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor

Sundays Morning Worship 10:00 A.M.

Back Inside

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

“Due to the Corona Virus Pandemic, Services Are Cancelled, until further notice; but, please join us, by visiting BRBCOnline.org or YouTube (Broad Rock Baptist Church).”

“MAKE IT HAPPEN” Pastor Kevin Cook

Triumphant

Baptist Church 2003 Lamb Avenue Richmond, VA 23222 Dr. Arthur M. Jones, Sr., Pastor (804) 321-7622 OPEN FOR IN PERSON WORSHIP Morning Worship - 11 am Conference Calls are still available at: ( 503) 300-6860 PIN: 273149 Facebook@:triumphantbaptist

Worship With Us This Week!

Communion Sunday Morning Worship On Site & Virtual May 1, 2022 @ 10:00 A.M.

“Your Home In God’s Kingdom”

We Embrace Diversity — Love For All!

God is doing a new thing in & through the Mosby Family! We invite you to come and share with us each week.

Come worship with us!

Additional Opportunities to Engage with Us:

8LIQI 1SFMPM^MRK *SV 1MRMWXV] 6IJVIWLMRK 8LI 3PH ERH )QIVKMRK 8LI 2I[

Back Inside Sundays Join us for 10:00 AM Worship Service Live on Facebook @sixthbaptistrva Live on Youtube @sixthbaptistrva Or by visiting our website www.sixthbaptistchurch.org 400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

(near Byrd Park)

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

Riverview Baptist Church Via Conference Call (202) 926-1127 Pin 572890# Virtual Sunday Morning Service on FACEBOOK and YouTube

7M\XL &ETXMWX 'LYVGL A 21st Century Church With Ministry For Everyone

sundown Tuesday, May 3. In some countries in the Middle East and Asia, the holiday will occur a day earlier.

RPS has marked major holidays of other faiths during the academic year, including the Jewish high holy days of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur in September, and Diwali, a holiday observed by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs in early November. There were also the traditional closures for the Christian holidays of Christmas and Easter.

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

*Faith Formation/ Church School (Sat. @ 9:00 AM) Zoom Meeting ID: 952 9164 9805 /Passcode: 2901 *Bible Study (Wed. @ 7:00 PM) Zoom Meeting ID: 854 8862 2296 *Give Via: http://mmbcrva.org/give Or through Givelify

2901 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 648-2472 ~ www.mmbcrva.org Dr. Price London Davis, Senior Pastor *Faith Formation/ Church School (Sat. @ 9:00 AM) Zoom Meeting ID: 952 9164 9805 /Passcode: 2901 *Bible Study (Wed. @ 7:00 PM) Zoom Meeting ID: 983 8639 0975/ Password: 012563

Richmond Free Press

B4 April 28-30, 2022

Legal Notices

City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, May 9, 2022 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. 2022-100 As Amended To authorize the special use of the properties known as 6 West 21 st Street and 20 West 21st Street for the purpose of a community center, office use, and special events, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2022-114 To p r o v i d e f o r t h e granting by the City of Richmond to the person, firm or corporation to be ascertained in the manner prescribed by law of a nonexclusive easement over, under, through, upon, and across certain portions of the property located at 8800 West Huguenot Road for the laying, construction, operation, and maintenance of one or more lines of underground conduits and cables and all equipment, accessories, and appurtenances necessary in connection therewith to provide electrical service for the construction of new water capacity facilities and a pump station by the County of Chesterfield on a portion of Lewis G. Larus Park located at 8850 West Huguenot Road in the city of Richmond with a certain Right of Way Agreement.

Ordinance No. 2022-115 To p r o v i d e f o r t h e granting by the City of Richmond to the person, firm or corporation to be ascertained in the manner prescribed by law of a nonexclusive easement over, under, through, upon, and across certain portions of the property located at 8850 West Huguenot Road for the laying, construction, operation, and maintenance of one or more lines of underground conduits and cables and all equipment, accessories, and appurtenances necessary in connection therewith to provide electrical service for the construction of new water capacity facilities and a pump station by the County of Chesterfield on a portion of Lewis G. Larus Park located at 8850 West Huguenot Road in the city of Richmond with a certain Right of Way Agreement.

Ordinance No. 2022-119 To determine that the election of the members of the Council to be held on November 5, 2024, shall be conducted by ranked choice voting in accordance with section Va. Code § 24.2673.1(B).

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so by following the instructions referenced in the May 9, 2022 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at https:// www.rva.gov/office-cityclerk, 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.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, May 16, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, May 23, 2022 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. 2022-125 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1308 North 26th Street for the purpose of two single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions.

The City’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the future land use category for the subject property as Neighborhood Mixed-Use. Primary Uses: Single-family houses, accessory dwelling units, duplexes, small multifamily buildings, and open space. Secondary Uses: Large multifamily buildings, retail/ office/personal service, institutional, cultural, Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

and government. The proposed density is approximately 18 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2022-126 To authorize the special use of the property known as 300 West Leigh Street for the purpose of a twofamily attached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. The City’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the future land use category for the subject property as Neighborhood MixedUse. Primary Uses: Single-family houses, accessory dwelling units, duplexes, small multifamily buildings, and open space. Secondary Uses: Large multifamily buildings, retail/ office/personal service, institutional, cultural, and government. The proposed density is approximately 28 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2022-127 To authorize the special use of the property known as 2417 Stuart Avenue for the purpose of a singlefamily attached dwelling with an accessory dwelling unit, upon certain terms and conditions. The City’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates the future land use category for the subject property as Neighborhood MixedUse. Primary Uses: Single-family houses, accessory dwelling units, duplexes, small multifamily buildings, and open space. Secondary Uses: Large multifamily buildings, retail/ office/personal service, institutional, cultural, and government. The proposed density is approximately 28 units per acre.

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so by following the instructions referenced in the May 23, 2022 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at https:// www.rva.gov/office-cityclerk, 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.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ASTRID CHEVEZGONZALEZ, Plaintiff v.

JOSE GONZALEZ-MIXCO, Defendant.

Case No.: CL22001197-00 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 15th day of June, 2022 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ADELAIDA LANZO, Plaintiff v.

JOEL CASTRO-ROMERO, Defendant.

Case No.: CL22001208-00 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 15th day of June, 2022 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: The Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER DAWUD NUBIAN, Plaintiff v.

DIANE SIMMONS-BROWN, Defendant.

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Case No.: CL22001198-00 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 15th day of June, 2022 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: The Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER AMEERA DELANDRO, Plaintiff v.

DORIAN DELANDRO, Defendant.

Case No.: CL20004189-00 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 3rd day of June, 2022 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Counsel VSB# 27724 The Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ANGELA SIDELL, Plaintiff v.

JOSE CORTEZ, Defendant.

Case No.: CL22001139-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown appear here on or before the 3rd day of June, 2022 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Counsel VSB# 27724 The Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ANDREA HARRIS, Plaintiff v.

RASHON FRENCH, Defendant.

Case No.: CL22000674-00 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 3rd day of June, 2022 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests.

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

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FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Counsel VSB# 27724 The Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

FRANSTINE COONE and C A S S A N D R A COO N E HART, who have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known address, have not been personally located and have not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

I T I S OR D ERE D that MARIE FRANSTINE COO N E , C A S S A N D R A COONE-HART, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JUNE 16, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

Case No.: CL22-210 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 318 Brook Road, Tax Map Number N000-0119/008, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Baptiste Development, LLC. An Affidavit having been filed that LEON BAPTISTE, Registered Agent for BAPTISTE DEVELOPMENT, LLC who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

I T I S OR D ERE D that LEON BAPTISTE, Registered Agent for BAPTISTE DEVELOPMENT, LLC, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JUNE 16, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949

expression created on or about April 28th 1982 with all rights reserved, held

by Michael-Prince:Hodges and MICHAEL PRINCE HODGES LLC for the Michael Prince Hodges ,hereinafter Trust,domiciling Richmond, Virginia 00074312-1 | Commercial documents | Copyright for my sons for MICHAEL PRINCE HODGES LLC (copyrightdepot.com)

Virginia: In the Circuit Court of the COUNty of HENRICO TAMARA HOPE REESE, Plaintiff, v.

RONALD CAWALING CANETE, Defendant.

Civil Law No.: CL22-1371 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of the abovestyled suit is to obtain a divorce from the bonds of matrimony from the defendant on the grounds that the parties have lived separate and apart without interruption and without cohabitation for a period of more than one year, since May 15, 2012.

And it appearing by Affidavit filed according to law that Ronald Cawaling Canete, the above-named defendant, is not a resident of this state and that due diligence has been used by or in behalf of plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city the defendant is, without effect.

It is therefore ORDERED that the said Ronald Cawaling Canete do appear in the Clerk’s Office of the Law Division of the Circuit Court of the County of Henrico, 4301 East Parham Road, Richmond, Virginia 23273, on or before May 23, 2022 and do whatever necessary to protect their interest in this suit.

A Copy, Teste: HEIDI S. BARSHINGER, Clerk I ask for this: Rudolph C. McCollum, Jr. VSB #32825 P.O. Box 4595 Richmond, Virginia 23220 Phone (804) 523-3900 Fax (804) 523-3901 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER SUSAN HAWN, Plaintiff v.

GEORGE HAWN, II, Defendant.

Case No.: CL22000944-00 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 31st day of May, 2022 at 9:00 AM and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Esquire Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER IRVIN DAVIS, SR., Plaintiff v.

DEANNA BASSETT, Defendant.

Case No.: CL22001062-00 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 31st day of May, 2022 at 9:00 AM and protect her interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

property Abandoned boat for registration VA 5201BC Last titled 2005 For More Information Contact (804) 928-2886

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER SHIRLENE JEAN, Plaintiff v.

JOHNNY ACHIL, Defendant.

Case No.: CL22001138-00 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 22nd day of June, 2022 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste:

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

MARIE FRANSTINE COONE, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL22-914 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2510 Belt Boulevard, Tax Map Number C009-0480/016, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Marie Franstine Coone and Cassandra Coone-Hart.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, MARIE

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

RENOVATIO III, LLC, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL22-548 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 4200 North Avenue, Tax Map Number N000-1902/001, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Renovatio III, LLC. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, RENOVATIO III, LLC, LEE ARZT, Registered Agent, which has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to the registered agent’s last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that RENOVATIO III, LLC, LEE ARZT, Registered Agent, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JUNE 16, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

THE ELMA G. WILLIAMS REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL22-505 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 5270 Sheridan Lane, Tax Map Number C005-0797/020, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, The Elma G. Williams Revocable Living Trust.

An Affidavit having been filed that said THE ELMA G. WILLIAMS REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST, DAVID B. WILLIAMS, TRUSTEE, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that THE ELMA G. WILLIAMS REVOC A B L E L IVI N G TRUST, DAVID B. WILLIAMS, TRUSTEE, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JUNE 16, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

BAPTISTE DEVELOPMENT, LLC, et al, Defendants.

Continued on next page

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

MARVIN A ROBINSON, SR, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL22-291 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 445 West Duval Street, Tax Map Number N000-0210/053, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Marvin A Robinson, Sr and Goldie L. Robinson.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, MARVIN A ROBINSON, SR, and GOLDIE L. ROBINSON, who have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known address, have not been personally located and have not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that MARVIN A ROBINSON, SR, GOLDIE L. ROBINSON, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JUNE 16, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949 Virginia: in the Circuit Court of Henrico County Joan W. Cavendish Plaintiff, v.

Craig A. Cavendish Defendant.

Case No.: CL22000716-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to pay over any and all the amounts due to Craig A. Cavendish from the Estate of Richard Clark Cavendish.

Craign A. Cavendish has an interest in the distribution as beneficiary under the duly probated Last Will & Testament of Richard Clark Cavendish.

Affidavit having been made and filed that due diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the location of Craig A. Cavendish, and that he has an interest in the subject matter of this suit; It is ORDERED that Craig A. Cavendish appear before Court on or before the 23rd of May, 2022 to protect his interest(s) in this suit.

I ask for this: Lynn M. Tucker, Esq., V.S.B. # 25384 Jason L. Shaber, Esq., V.S.B.96186 DANKOS, GORDON & TUCKER, P.C. 1360 E. Parham Road, Suite 200 Richmond, Virginia 23228 Telephone: (804) 377-7427 Facsimile: (804) 262-8088 Email: ltucker@ dankosgordon.com Email: jshaber@ dankosgordon.com Counsel for Plaintiffs COPYRIGHT NOTICE 00074312-1 This constitutes actual an constructive notice of the copyright protections f o r t h e Tr a d e - n a m e / Trademark,Michael Prince Hodges© Khaiden Malachi Shackleford/Cevallos©,Kai Avery Shackleford/ Cevallos©, Makeibe Lamar Harris Hodges© , an original Continued on next column

ABC LICENSE Otto Enrique Rodriguez/ Marines Carta Trading as: Chamos Arepa House LLC 8211 Hull St. Road Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

N Chesterfield Chesterfield, Virginia 23225 The above establishment is applying to the Virginia D epartment of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) for a Wine and Beer On Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Otto Rodriguez, President Marines Carta, Director NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www. abc.virginia.gov or 800-5523200.

REQUEST FOR BIDS For Easement, Franchise, Privilege, Lease or Right Over, Under, Through, Upon and Across 8850 West Huguenot Road In the City of Richmond The City of Richmond is seeking bids for a non-exclusive easement over, under, through, upon, and across certain portions of the property located at 8850 West Huguenot Road for the laying, construction, operation, and maintenance of one or more lines of underground conduits and cables and all equipment, accessories, and appurtenances necessary in connection therewith to for the construction of new water capacity facilities and a SXPS VWDWLRQ E\ WKH &RXQW\ RI &KHVWHUÀHOG RQ D SRUWLRQ of Lewis G. Larus Park located at 8850 West Huguenot in accordance with a certain Right of Way Agreement, for a duration of 40 years, subject to certain responsibilities to be imposed by the Right of Way Agreement and subject further to all retained rights of the City of Richmond.

All bids for the easement hereby offered to be granted PXVW EH VXEPLWWHG LQ ZULWLQJ WR WKH &LW\ &OHUN·V RIÀFH by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 6, 2022. Bids will be SUHVHQWHG WR WKH SUHVLGLQJ RIÀFHU RI WKH &RXQFLO RI WKH City of Richmond on Monday, May 9, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. in open session and then will be presented by the SUHVLGLQJ RIÀFHU WR WKH &RXQFLO DQG EH GHDOW ZLWK DQG acted upon in the mode prescribed by law.

The City of Richmond expressly reserves the right to reject any and all bids. The successful bidder shall reimburse the City for all costs incurred in connection with the advertisement of this ordinance in accordance with section 15.2-2101 of the Code of Virginia and shall post the bond required by the ordinance. $ FRS\ RI WKH IXOO WH[W RI WKH RUGLQDQFH LV RQ ÀOH LQ WKH &LW\ &OHUN·V 2IÀFH DQG WKH IXOO WH[W RI WKH RUGLQDQFH DQG Right of Way Agreement to be executed is available at: https://richmondva.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?

ID=5552601&GUID=E365E026-76F3-482F-907B%) %$ '( 2SWLRQV 6HDUFK Please address any questions or bids to:

Candice D. Reid, City Clerk City of Richmond (DVW %URDG 6WUHHW 6XLWH Richmond, Virginia 23219 (804) 646-7955

REQUEST FOR BIDS For Easement, Franchise, Privilege, Lease or Right Over, Under, Through, Upon and Across 8800 West Huguenot Road In the City of Richmond The City of Richmond is seeking bids for a non-exclusive easement over, under, through, upon, and across certain portions of the property located at 8800 West Huguenot Road for the laying, construction, operation, and maintenance of one or more lines of underground conduits and cables and all equipment, accessories, and appurtenances necessary in connection therewith to for the construction of new water capacity facilities and a SXPS VWDWLRQ E\ WKH &RXQW\ RI &KHVWHUÀHOG RQ D SRUWLRQ of Lewis G. Larus Park located at 8850 West Huguenot in accordance with a certain Right of Way Agreement, for a duration of 40 years, subject to certain responsibilities to be imposed by the Right of Way Agreement and subject further to all retained rights of the City of Richmond.

All bids for the easement hereby offered to be granted PXVW EH VXEPLWWHG LQ ZULWLQJ WR WKH &LW\ &OHUN·V RIÀFH E\ 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 6, 2022. Bids will be presented WR WKH SUHVLGLQJ RIÀFHU RI WKH &RXQFLO RI WKH &LW\ RI Richmond on Monday, May 9, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. in open session and then will be presented by the presiding RIÀFHU WR WKH &RXQFLO DQG EH GHDOW ZLWK DQG DFWHG XSRQ LQ the mode prescribed by law.

The City of Richmond expressly reserves the right to reject any and all bids. The successful bidder shall reimburse the City for all costs incurred in connection with the advertisement of this ordinance in accordance with section 15.2-2101 of the Code of Virginia and shall post the bond required by the ordinance. $ FRS\ RI WKH IXOO WH[W RI WKH RUGLQDQFH LV RQ ÀOH LQ WKH &LW\ &OHUN·V 2IÀFH DQG WKH IXOO WH[W RI WKH RUGLQDQFH DQG 5LJKW of Way Agreement to be executed is available at: https://richmondva.legistar.com/LegislationDetail. aspx?ID=5552601&GUID=E365E026-76F3-482F-907B%) %$ '( 2SWLRQV 6HDUFK Please address any questions or bids to:

Candice D. Reid, City Clerk City of Richmond (DVW %URDG 6WUHHW 6XLWH Richmond, Virginia 23219 (804) 646-7955

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