Free press dec 28 30, 2017 issue by Richmond Free Press

Caught on camera

2017 in photos A4 and A5

A first for Richmond Squirrels A8

Richmond Free Press

VOL. 26 NO. 52

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

www.richmondfreepress.com

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c e l e b rat ing o u r 2 5 t h A nniv e rsar y

December 28-30, 2017

Trump’s first year in office marked by controversy and protests Free Press wire, staff report

WASHINGTON

Carlos Barria/Reuters

President Trump speaks during an Oval Office interview with Reuters in late April. He had printed maps of the United States showing areas of red where he won during the November 2016 presidential election.

City loses last independent, black-owned radio station

Meanwhile, many of the shows that were WCLM staples have migrated to WQCN “The Choice” 105.3 WCLM-1450 AM, the last independent, AfricanFM, a low-powered station that a Richmond church American-owned radio station in Richmond, is off owns and operates. Others shows are being streamed the air after 21 years. over a new internet station, Richmond Soul Radio, The how and why are part of a tangled web of which Preston T. Brown, former general manager legal conflict. and part owner of WCLM, has created. Since its launch in 1996, WCLM became a Mr. Brown is not shy about giving his version bedrock of community radio. Richmond politicians of what happened to WCLM. He has spoken about regularly appeared on the station that featured an it on YouTube videos he released and in lawsuits array of shows ranging from community affairs he filed in Richmond courts. to Latin jazz, sports talk, traditional gospel and Mr. Brown In a suit filed Wednesday, Mr. Brown claims that ministry. members of Mobile Radio Partners that bought the station Now sold and renamed WUWN, or You Win, the station duped him and have failed to pay him an agreed upon salary has been broadcasting ad-free music since early November, of $3,000 a month. with a simulcast on the renamed WBTL-1540 AM, formerly Please turn to A4 known as WREJ. By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Bagby to lead Va. Legislative Black Caucus

Less than 24 hours after Donald Trump took office, his presidency started generating controversy. Photographs showing that the crowd at President Trump’s swearing-in was smaller than at Barack Obama’s first presidential inauguration in 2009 caused the first ruckus in his administration — but not the last. President Trump’s first year in office has been colored by an investigation into whether his campaign colluded with the Russian government to affect the election outcome, insults and threats of war with North Korea, and an effort to pass businessfriendly legislation. More than 20 of his senior White House staffers or cabinet members have been fired or resigned, including his national security adviser, acting attorney general, secretary of Health and Human Services, FBI director, chief of staff, press secretary and chief strategist to name a few. The list of the departed in less than a year far eclipses the staff turnover for previous presidents. He has yet to host an official state dinner for visiting dignitaries and, according to published reports, President Trump has spent nearly a third of his first year in office at Trump-owned properties, including his latest 10-day Christmas vacation at the luxury resort he owns in Palm Beach, Fla., Mar-a-Lago. From the start, the White House took a combative approach, accusing the media of framing photographs of the Jan. 20 inauguration in a way that appeared to understate the crowd size. Former Press Secretary Sean Spicer argued that the images were not what they seemed and that crowds of historic size watched President Trump take the oath of office. Protests would become a hallmark of President Trump’s first year. On Jan. 21, the day after the inauguration, hundreds of thousands of women — and men — jammed the streets of Washington to demonstrate in opposition to President Trump. A week after taking office, the Republican president signed an executive order to prevent citizens of seven predominatelyMuslim countries from traveling to the United States. Known by critics as the “Muslim ban,” protesters quickly demonstrated at airports in opposition. President Trump would ignite protests again in August, when he was asked to respond to white nationalists, neo-Nazis and Ku Klux Klan members marching in Charlottesville, including one who drove his car into a crowd of counterprotesters, killing a woman. The president argued there were bad people “on both sides.” Following his remarks, business leaders resigned from President Trump’s business councils and the panels were disbanded. A defining feature of President Trump’s first year in office was the investigation into whether his campaign colluded with Russia during the election. He ignited a political firestorm in May when he fired FBI Please turn to A4

Fired or resigned?

Omarosa out at White House By Hazel Trice Edney

Omarosa Manigault Newman, who has resigned under duress from her public liaison job at the White House, is leaving true to By Jeremy M. Lazarus form — amidst a cloud of controversy and with sparks flying. Henrico Delegate Lamont Bagby will lead The White House confirmed her resignation effective Jan. the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus in the 20. The official White House reason was that she is leaving to 2018 General Assembly session. pursue “other opportunities.” Delegate Bagby, a Democrat, represents “Thank you Omarosa for your service! I wish you continued the 74th House District that also includes success,” President Trump tweeted about the Dec. 13 departure Charles City County and a small part of of Ms. Manigault Newman, who is best known by her first name Richmond. since being a contestant 14 years ago on President Trump’s He was elected chairman last week at television reality show, “The Apprentice.” The two have been a pre-session meeting of the 20-member personal friends since then, and the president handpicked her Delegate Bagby caucus, the largest number ever for the to join his White House staff. all-Democratic group whose mission is to improve conditions But the full circumstances surrounding her departure remain for African-Americans and other underrepresented groups in cloudy at best amid numerous reports that she actually was fired Cheriss May the state. or forced to resign during a heated and cursing confrontation Other officers include Richmond state Sen. Jennifer L. Stories swirl about Omarosa Manigault Newman’s with retired Gen. John Kelly, President Trump’s chief of staff. departure from the Trump White House, where she was McClellan, vice chair; Delegate Marcia S. Price of Newport assistant to the president and director of communications She has conceded only that there was a tense conversation with Mr. Kelly in the White House Situation Room. in the White House Office of Public Liaison. Please turn to A4 Since he took the post in July, Mr. Kelly had limited Ms. Manigault Newman’s access to the Oval Office, where she initially had the freedom to come and go. Free Press wire report National Urban League President giveaway for millionaires, billionaires Although the tax bill would not have During an interview on ABC and CEO Marc H. Morial believes the and corporations that will ultimately an immediate impact, Mr. Morial and News on Dec.14, the clearly President Trump and Republicans bill will undermine the economic ad- increase the hardship of ordinary Ameri- others believe the passage of the bill angry Ms. Manigault Newman are heralding their new tax legisla- vancement of low and middle income can families through the reduction in forecasts future cuts to make up for called the reports that she was tion as a major help to middle class Americans through anticipated future federal support.” the loss of revenue. fired “100 percent false.” She Americans and as a certain way of cuts to key programs and services. The services and programs Mr. Morial In a letter to Congress, national then added that “as the only boosting the economy by cutting the While families might face reduced referred to include Medicaid; the Supple- NAACP President Derrick Johnson, African-American woman in corporate tax rate from 35 percent to tax bills, they eventually will feel the mental Nutrition Assistance Program, or the Rev. Al Sharpton of the National this White House senior staff, 21 percent impact in the loss of those services. SNAP, commonly known as the food Action Network and other civil rights I have seen things that have But how will the tax bill impact “To be clear, this is not a tax reform stamp program; housing assistance; low-income people? Please turn to A4 bill,” Mr. Morial said, “but a massive public education; and Medicaid. Please turn to A4

Civil rights groups decry tax bill impact

A2 December 28-30, 2017

Richmond Free Press

Local News

Funding extended for CHIP

Nine million American children — including 68,000 in Virginia — will continue to have government-supported health insurance for three more months. Just before Christmas, Congress passed a stop-gap funding bill that extends funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program until March 31. Most states, including Virginia, were running out of money to pay for the program; the congressional action is expected to provide a brief reprieve. Virginia officials had notified families that without congressional action, the state program, known as FAMIS, would end on Jan. 31. In additional to extending CHIP, Congress also extended funding for community health centers that serve people who cannot afford health insurance or have only limited coverage with high deductibles. Congress stripped funding for the Centers for Disease Control’s Prevention and Public Health Fund to help cover the cost of extending CHIP and funding the health centers, and that could ultimately impact federal contributions to state and local public health offices. Separately, the funding bill prevented a shutdown of government operations, which were set to run out of money last Friday. The bill extended government funding through Jan. 19. One issue left unaddressed was the status of children of immigrants. Known as Dreamers, more than 800,000 such children, many of whom have lived their entire life in the United States, are becoming subject to deportation following the Trump administration’s decision to revoke protections created by President Obama. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

GRTC rolling out new fare passes

GRTC is changing its tickets as it upgrades to new fare boxes on buses and prepares for the start of the Bus Rapid Transit system whose completion date is still uncertain. As part of the change, riders will no longer be able to use the $10 Go Card after Sunday, Dec. 31, GRTC has announced. New passes that need only to be tapped on the modern fare box instead of being inserted are being rolled out, GRTC stated. GRTC Chief Executive Officer David Green noted that the advent of the new passes means that Go Cards and their “storedvalue magnetic strips need to be retired.” He stated that the change reflects upgrades started in 2015 that include unlimited ride passes and now the new fare boxes. GRTC’s next steps will include the introduction of mobile phone apps that will allow people to pay and ride using their cell phones.

Tax law change to affect city utility customers

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

A giant fruitcake now stands on the lawn of the Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St. Actually, it’s a fruitcake-shaped balloon advertising the museum’s annual “Fruitcake Science” experiments. Through Saturday, Dec. 30, the museum is holding activities and demonstrations involving possibly the most unpopular holiday treat. “We burn it, freeze, smash it and new this year, let people build contraptions to send it down a zip line,” said museum spokeswoman Jennifer Guild. “It’s our fun, quirky little way of teaching some science concepts in a different way.”

Newport News House race still up in the air By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Control of the Virginia House of Delegates remains unsettled. At the last minute, the state Board of Elections postponed Wednesday’s drawing to decide the winner of a Newport News House seat. The drawing would have determined whether Republicans would have a slim 51-49 majority in the House or whether Democrats and Republicans would split the House 50-50, requiring a power-sharing arrangement. Democrats picked up 15 seats in the Nov. 7 election, but needed one more seat to end 17 years of Republican dominance in the House. Three other recounts in close House races affirmed the victories of two Republicans and one Democrat, creating suspense in the unresolved contest for the 94th House District in Newport News. The drawing had been scheduled after a three-judge panel ruled last week that a recount ended in a tie between the two candidates, three-term Republican incumbent Delegate David E. Yancey and Democratic challenger Shelly Simonds. Ms. Simonds appeared to win by one vote after the recount, but that lead was erased when the panel counted a previously discarded ballot for Delegate Yancey. Wednesday’s drawing was postponed after Ms. Simonds filed legal papers urging the panel to reconsider its decision to count the contested ballot. “My opponent made an end run around the clear rules of the

recount,” Ms. Simonds said during a Tuesday conference call with reporters ahead of the filing. Lawyers for Ms. Simonds argue that the panel’s decision to accept the disputed ballot vioMs. Simonds Delegate Yancey lated the order the panel issued to set the terms of the recount, noting that Delegate Yancey helped write and agreed to the rules laid out in the order. Ms. Simonds’ lawyers also argued that the panel wrongly considered the disputed ballot. In the motion, they noted that state law requires a ballot to be disputed during the recount, but they state that did not happen. Instead, everyone, including Republican observers, signed off on discarding the ballot because the voter had filled in the ovals on the ballot beside the name of both candidates. It was only after the recount was completed and ready for the judicial panel to accept that a recount official raised a question and Delegate Yancey filed his request for the ballot to be counted. The motion asks the panel to reverse its decision to avoid “a manifest injustice.” If the panel rejects the request and upholds its earlier decision, the decision would be final. State law bars an appeal to the state Supreme Court of issues arising from a recount, Ms. Simonds’ lawyers said.

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

In an unexpected twist, Richmond’s utility customers could gain a few dollars of savings on their water, sewer and natural gas bills as the result of the tax overhaul bill that Congress passed last week and President Trump signed into law. That legislation, as it turns out, will reduce the amount of federal tax the city Department of Public Utilities is required to pay each year into the city treasury, opening the door to returning the savings to customers in the form of reduced rates. Just as importantly, the change in the tax law could leave City Hall scrambling to make up the money DPU no longer would have to contribute. City officials have confirmed that the federal income tax overhaul would have an impact, but have yet to calculate what it means for customers or for city revenues. A suggestion that DPU’s contribution could be reduced as much as $5 million a year has yet to be confirmed. The upheaval is being caused by the change in business tax rates, officials stated in response to queries from community activist Charles Pool and the Free Press. Among other things, the tax bill slashed the top tax rate on business income from 34 percent to 21 percent, effective Jan. 1. The reason that impacts DPU is a little-known provision in the City Charter that requires the city-owned utility enterprise to pay into the city treasury the equivalent of the taxes that would be owed if DPU were privately owned. The budget lists the DPU contribution as a payment in lieu of taxes, or PILOT. In the current 2017-18 budget, the PILOT is projected at $27 million, or about 4 percent of the total revenue the city anticipates collecting. The PILOT that DPU is mandated to pay to the city includes federal income taxes and city taxes on real estate, personal property and gross receipts. Richmond is the only municipality in Virginia that incorporates income tax into the required payment from a utility department. The PILOT payment rarely is broken down, and the figures provided by DPU over the years have varied when it comes to the amount attributed to tax. DPU reported a combined net income before taxes of $40.6 million for its gas, water and sewerage utilities, according to the city’s comprehensive annual financial report. Based on a 34 percent rate, the federal income tax share of the PILOT would have been $13.8 million. That tax amount would shrink to about $8.5 million if the federal income tax rate were reduced to 21 percent. The tax law change will begin to affect business and personal income in 2018. Thus, any change in DPU’s contribution could be felt in the final six months of the current city budget and beyond.

UNCI to move Dec. 31 to new home at former Richmond Christian Center The Richmond Christian Center will end the year as the new home of United Nations Church International. The founder and pastor, Bishop Orrin K. Pullings Sr., and his wife and co-pastor, Dr. Medina Pullings, will lead the 700-member UNCI congregation in a procession from their current building at 5200 Midlothian Turnpike to their new, larger sanctuary at 214 Cowardin Ave. around 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. “We are moving forward in faith and confidence in our future,” said Bishop Pullings, who oversees the Richmond church and affiliated churches in five other cities. However, for now, UNCI will be leasing the RCC property instead of buying it as the result of a fresh twist in the Richmond Christian Center’s long-running bankruptcy case. UNCI agreed to purchase the Richmond Christian Center for about $3 million in a bankruptcy sale, but has been unable

to complete the purchase after the founder and former pastor of RCC, Stephen A. Parson Sr., appealed the bankruptcy court’s approval of the sale to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Parson alleges that the bankruptcy court erred in denying him an opportunity to pay off creditors and retake control of the property. He wants the appellate court to overturn the sale. Until that appeal is resolved, UNCI agreed to lease the Richmond Christian Center property, having already sold the Midlothian Turnpike property that it occupied for 12 years to The Liberation Church Inc. for $1.2 million, according to city records. The Liberation Church, currently located in the 1200 block of Hull Street, offers family counseling services, behavioral health services and mental health care and treatment. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

Richmond Free Press

A3 December 28-30, 2017

News

Trump’s first City loses last independent, year in office black-owned radio station marked by controversy and protests Continued from A1

Continued from A1

Director James Comey, who had been leading an investigation into possible collusion by the Trump presidential campaign with Russia to influence the election outcome. Russia has denied meddling in the election and President Trump has denied any collusion. Soon afterward, the Justice Department named former FBI chief Robert Mueller as special counsel to lead the investigation. Paul Manafort, who briefly served as Trump’s campaign manager, and his business associate Rick Gates of Richmond were indicted by Mr. Mueller’s team in October, accused of illegally lobbying on behalf of foreign governments. A month later, Michael Flynn, who briefly served as President Trump’s national security adviser, pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his conversations last December with Russia’s thenambassador in Washington just weeks before President Trump took office. President Trump also found himself embroiled in a war of words with North Korea over its missile program, exchanging insults and threats with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. At home, President Trump has struggled to enact sweeping changes he promised on the campaign trail. He threatened to withdraw the United States from the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, but business lobbyists persuaded him to renegotiate it. He signed an executive order setting up talks on the trilateral trade deal, which has hit roadblocks with Mexico and Canada. His team also failed to repeal the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, despite Republican control of the White House and Congress. It was not until December that President Trump had his first legislative victory as both chambers of Congress passed a sweeping tax overhaul that permanently cuts federal taxes for businesses and corporations, while giving temporary cuts to individuals. Hundreds of people protested the tax bill from the public gallery in the U.S. Capitol and outside the offices of several members of Congress.

He also has started the process of evicting Mobile Radio Partners from the former WCLM studio at 3165 Hull St. in South Side for falling behind in rent payments. A longtime Richmond entrepreneur who also has owned a car lot and restaurant, Mr. Brown said the change began when Richmond radio veteran Michael Mazursky approached him earlier in 2017 about buying the station from him and the majority owner, Washington attorney George Lacy and his family. Mr. Brown said the new group agreed to pay Mr. Lacy $75,000 for his share and induced him to put up his share of WCLM to become part of Mobile Radio Partners. The new group, he said, envisioned changing the station’s call letters and expanding the station’s footprint. According to Mr. Brown, Mobile Radio Partners secured a $300,000 loan to fuel their ambitions, which, with FCC approval, involved the purchase of WCLM, buying the defunct WREJ from a Delaware educational group, simulcasting both stations and using FM translators to allow the signal to be heard on the FM band for the first time.

To Mr. Brown, Mr. Mazursky had some credibility. In radio since 1980, Mr. Mazursky had worked in Phoenix and Chicago before coming to Richmond to start WVNZ 990 AM in 1997. Mr. Mazursky’s online information states that he helped start seven Richmond radio stations under his 4M Communications banner before he and other partners sold their interests to Davidson Media Group of Charlotte. Mr. Brown said he initially agreed that it was a good plan and went along with the deal. That included shutting down WCLM to allow Mobile Radio Partners to replace the failing transmitter, make other station improvements and repair the WCLM tower in Highland Springs. “It was supposed to take 30 days,” Mr. Brown said, “but it dragged on into late October. We could have stayed on the air, but (Mr. Mazursky) would not allow it.” After the station returned to the air, Mr. Brown said he was astonished when Mr. Mazursky on Nov. 6 introduced the new call sign, WUWN, cut Sunday programming that ministers were paying for and then eliminated the rest of the programming. Mr. Brown produced financial information indicating that the fees and advertising for the WCLM programs were bringing in

about $6,000 a week, all of which disappeared after Mr. Mazursky moved to an all-music format. Mr. Brown also said he noticed that payments Mr. Mazursky promised, including $3,000 a month salary, never materialized. Mr. Brown said he went to “The Choice” to help former WCLM shows gain a new home. And earlier this month, he launched Richmond Soul Radio, the internet station. According to emails, Mr. Mazursky offered to buy Mr. Brown’s share in Mobile Radio Partners for $1,000 and pay him to sell advertising. Mr. Brown rejected the offer and countered with a request for $100,000. Mr. Mazursky has not responded to Free Press texts, emails or phone calls seeking comment. Attorney Gary Schwartz of Richmond, a minority partner in Mobile Radio Partners who has handled the legal paperwork, has denied Mr. Brown’s claims in email responses to Mr. Brown. Amid the legal disputes, Mr. Brown said that he is not in a position now to bring back WCLM and its community programming. He also is making no promises that will ever happen.

Bagby to lead Va. Black Caucus Continued from A1

News, secretary, succeeding Richmond Delegate Delores L. McQuinn; and Delegate Matthew James of Portsmouth, reelected as treasurer. Delegate Bagby succeeds Delegate Roslyn C. Tyler of Sussex County, who held the post for the past year. She moved up from vice chair after state Sen. Mamie E. Locke of Hampton resigned from the caucus post following her election as chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus in November 2016. Re-elected in November to his second full House term, Del-

egate Bagby said he is “humbled and excited” to serve as the caucus’ chair and to continue the work of fighting “for those who have a limited voice.” A former member of the Henrico School Board, Delegate Bagby works outside the legislature as director of operations for the nonprofit Peter Paul Development Center that serves youths and adults in the Church Hill area of Richmond. Sen. McClellan served 11 years in the House of Delegates before winning a special election last January to replace now Congressman A. Donald McEachin as the representative for the 9th Senate District.

Omarosa out at White House Civil rights Continued from A1

made me uncomfortable, that have upset me, that have affected me deeply and emotionally, that has affected my community and my people.” She said when she gets to tell her story of what happened in the Trump White House, it will be “a profound story that I know the world will want to hear.” Ms. Manigault Newman declined to comment for this reporting, citing the fact that she is still a White House employee. She said she was only allowed the interviews with ABC News. Meanwhile, several black Republicans now claim that Ms. Manigault Newman blocked them from jobs in order to maintain her status as the “only African-American woman ... senior staff and assistant to the president” as she described herself in the ABC News interview. Her actual White House title is assistant to the president and director of communications in the White House Office of Public Liaison. But her actual job description appears not to have been clearly defined. In interviews, several African-Americans blamed her for blocking black job applicants from opportunities within the Trump administration. “I was blocked personally,” said Eugene Craig of Maryland. “Essentially, my file was pulled. The official excuse was that I wasn’t pro-Trump enough although I was the sitting chair of the Maryland Republican Party.” Sources said loyalty was among the top considerations for key White House positions. Mr. Craig acknowledged that he was a “never Trumper” during the campaign. But he said he noticed that when the time came for consideration for jobs, white Republican “never Trumpers” were given consideration while African-Americans were not. “The flood gates were opened, but Omarosa held all of us to a different standard. She had say over a lot of the black (people’s) résumés.” Mr. Craig said during a January conference call with the Republican National Committee and Trump transition team held specifically for African-American activists and party loyalists, Ms. Manigault Newman “made us these promises that this would be the most diverse administration in history.” She said she would help “wherever we wanted to go into government and to shoot our résumés over to her,” Mr. Craig recalled. “She said this administration had a goal of having 25 percent minority hiring. They wanted 25 percent of the workforce to be black and Hispanic ... So she positioned herself as the end all, be all for black things, for black people in the administration.” But her promises didn’t materialize. Ayshia Connors, former deputy director of African-American engagement at the RNC, agrees. She talked about an initiative by two organizations, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Students and Insight America that is headed by former GOP Congressman J.C. Watts of Oklahoma. Hundreds, “probably thousands,” of résumés of qualified African-Americans “were ready and prepared to go into any administration, no matter who won the election,” said Ms. Connors, who is now a senior adviser to GOP Rep. Brian

Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania. “When President Trump got elected, all of those names were submitted and Omarosa literally trashed those names. Nobody got a call back. Nobody got an interview. Nobody was ever heard about again. “People tried to go in,” she continued. “People were eager and willing to serve the president, willing to serve our country. But Omarosa didn’t want other black Republicans there. She wanted to be the big shot. She wanted to be the only one.” Ms. Connors added that Kay Coles James, a former Virginia secretary of health and human resources under GOP Gov. George Allen and director of the federal Office of Personnel Management under former GOP President George W. Bush, received the same treatment. Mrs. James also had served on the Trump transition team. “She was willing and prepared to go back into government and to help the administration. But Omarosa was such a distraction and created so much drama and confusion that Mrs. James just decided not to engage anymore. That’s why you only saw Omarosa as a senior black Republican in the White House.” In a brief interview with Mrs. James upon her appointment as president of the Heritage Foundation, Mrs. James was clear about why she did not work in the Trump White House. “When Donald Trump said that he wanted to improve the urban areas and that he wanted to make the lives of minorities in this country better, I said, ‘Wow, if he wants to do that, I genuinely want to be a part of that.’ I was excited and hopeful about the opportunity,” she said. “But that opportunity never really afforded itself. I am told that I was blocked ... I don’t have specifics about how that happened, but I was extremely disappointed that I didn’t have the opportunity to serve.” Ms. Connors said the clearest evidence that Ms. Manigault Newman was not going to work with other black Republicans came in February, when Ms. Manigault Newman was in charge of pulling together the Black History Month program for President Trump. “Credible Republicans such as Kay Coles James and J.C. Watts and Elroy Sailor tried to engage Omarosa,” she said. Instead, Ms. Manigault Newman put an event together that included her personal picks of African-Americans, including black Democrats, Ms. Connors said. “She didn’t invite any of the prominent black Republicans. In fact, we had folks calling us from the White House saying, ‘Why aren’t your names on the list for this event?’ It was very evident from the beginning that she wasn’t going to work with us and that she was just going to do her own thing.” Ms. Connors said the turning point came when a similar situation occurred with an event for Vice President Mike Pence was planned by black Republicans to be held at West Point. “That was another example of Omarosa using her position in the White House to block that event as well,” she said. Sources willing to speak on the record in defense of Ms. Manigault Newman were difficult

to find. High placed Republican sources said it is not possible for her to have made such decisions without oversight from the White House and most likely from President Trump himself. Other Republican sources said Mrs. James was offered positions within the administration, but Ms. Manigault Newman fought against any African-American staff appointment that would be above her own. Others said black Republicans seeking employment in the new administration may be been rejected because they had left the RNC in protest of their treatment by then RNC Chairman Reince Priebus. When Mr. Priebus became President Trump’s first chief of staff, they said, Mr. Priebus may have been averse to their hiring, one source said. “At the end of the day … Omarosa is not a conservative. She is not a Republican. She is simply an opportunist,” said Christopher Metzler, a member of the Black GOP Coalition who has long worked in Republican policy and strategy. Black Republicans aren’t the only ones claiming to be blocked by Ms. Manigault Newman. American Urban Radio Network reporter April Ryan, a White House correspondent who has covered four presidents, confirmed that Sean Spicer, President Trump’s former press secretary, told her that Ms. Manigault Newman had asked him to “stop calling on me” during press briefings. Had Mr. Spicer adhered to that request, it could have blocked important information and coverage on behalf of millions of African-American listeners of AURN radio stations across the nation. Ms. Ryan also said Ms. Manigault Newman tried to get her fired by calling her boss at AURN. In an off-the-record meeting with several hundred black leaders last January during the transition, including Ben Chavis, president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, Ms. Manigault Newman said NNPA would get the first interview with President Trump. She later denied that promise despite multiple sources confirming the conversation. Mr. Chavis said Ms. Manigault Newman indicated the NNPA interview was still possible when he interviewed her in September at her office in the Old Executive Office Building. He also said she never gave any indication at that time that she would be leaving the administration. He said NNPA will continue to push for the interview with President Trump. Mr. Chavis speculated that, based on his September interview — which he said has not been published — Ms. Manigault Newman may have been let go for pressing for diversity. “She indicated broadly her determination to press diversity and inclusivity issues. She has always maintained that posture,” Mr. Chavis said. “I think that’s probably one of the things that probably got her in trouble in the White House.” But Ms. Connors said the story Ms. Manigault Newman is telling is different from those told by sources. “Based on her patterns of erratic and disruptive behavior, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if she was confrontational with Gen. Kelly and things were played out the way they were reported to have played out — outside of her story.”

groups decry tax bill impact Continued from A1

leaders made that point. “Twelve million African-Americans and 20 million Latinos depend on Medicaid for their health care,” the leaders stated in expressing worry about cuts. “The Pell grants that 62 percent of African-American students and half of Latino students depend on to attend college” are likely to be slashed, they wrote. And SNAP, which ensures “13 million African-Americans and 10 million Latinos have enough to eat,” is slated for deep reductions. According to the Wa s h i n g t o n - b a s e d nonprofit Center on Budget and Policy Mr. Johnson Priorities, the tax plan would add $1.5 trillion to the deficit, which Republicans are likely to try and reduce through program cuts to SNAP and Medicaid. Officials at the center said some of the 34 million children receiving health coverage through Medicaid could lose coverage entirely, while some school-based services for children with disabilities also may be cut. The plan also is expected to impact federal housing programs, including forcing large cuts to rental assistance such as vouchers, aid tied to certain private developments and public housing. By 2027, more than 300,000 families with children would lose rental aid under the congressional budget plan, the CDPP estimates. Congress could cut the Earned Income Tax Credit in the future as part of budgetcutting legislation, as an earlier House budget proposal would have done, according to the center. The EITC is a refundable tax credit for low to moderate income working individuals and couples, particularly those with children. For working families, the credit could be worth up to $8,463. The tax bill also could affect public education, which has a high population of African-American children and children of color. The center estimated that K-12 funding could be cut by $2.3 billion, eliminating grants to school districts for recruiting, training, supporting and retaining high-quality teachers and cutting support for after-school programs in high-need schools.

Richmond Free Press

A4 December 28-30, 2017

December 28-30, 2017 A5

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Ava Reaves

Mist rises on the James River in South Side.

2017

Family members embrace new Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney in a prayer circle before he takes the oath of office at Richmond City Hall on Dec. 31, 2016. Below, throngs of demonstrators, many wearing signature pink hats, crowd Washington streets the day after President Trump’s inauguration in January for the Women’s March on Washington.

Student Nick Booker, center, takes a selfie with aviator Barrington Irving, left, and Douglass School Dean Elbert Brinson after Mr. Irving’s February talk at the Science Museum of Virginia.

Year in

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Teens mourn the shooting deaths of friends Mikkaisha D. Smoot, 16 and Taliek K. Brown, 15, during a prayer vigil in April in Mosby Court. Below, Julius Jackson, left, and Tristan Albers of Chimborazo Elementary School perform the tango at the Dancing Classrooms GRVA Colors of the Rainbow Team Match in April.

photos

During the last 12 months, the Free Press has documented life and events in the Richmond area. Photographers have captured through their lenses the growing engagement of people in civic affairs — through protests on the local, state and national levels; through speaking out in School Board meetings and rallies against violence; and through effecting change at the ballot box. Here, photographically, are some of the highlights.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

A portrait of the late Farmville activist Barbara Johns is displayed at the March dedication of a state building at 202 N. 9th St. that is named in her honor. At right is her sister, Joan Johns Cobbs.

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Former Special Officer Brad Hughes visits a memorial outside State Police Headquarters for his slain former colleague, State Police Special Agent Michael T. Walter, who was fatally shot in May in Mosby Court.

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Brigette Newberry, center, a teacher at Open High School, calls in May for transparency from the Richmond School Board on circumstances surrounding Superintendent Dana T. Bedden’s departure. Ava Reaves

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Ram Bhagat, left, and his drum circle set the beat for a yoga session in June at a Jackson Ward juice and yoga bar.

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Cheers arise from the crowd as a statue honoring Richmond businesswoman and icon Maggie L. Walker is unveiled at a July 15 ceremony at the plaza at Broad and Adams streets.

Shanna Battle, right, leads a group of youngsters with the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities in safely viewing the phenomenal solar eclipse Aug. 21 from the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge in Downtown.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Above, Richmond Police officers in riot gear separate neo-Confederates and counterprotesters during a rally Sept. 16 at the Robert E. Lee monument in Richmond. Center, former President Barack Obama energizes the crowd during a campaign appearance in Richmond with Virginia’s Democratic ticket candidates, from left, Justin Fairfax, lieutenant governor; Mark Herring, attorney general; and Ralph S. Northam, governor. Right, Virginia State University tailback Trenton “Boom” Cannon goes airborne for a touchdown in the Trojans’ nail-biting 40-39 victory over Virginia Union University on Nov. 4.

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Birds flock to a feeder at 4th and Grace streets in Downtown.

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Richmond Free Press

Decorative grass in North Side

Editorial Page

December 28-30, 2017

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Ebenezer Scrooge and the ‘tax scam’

Happy New Year and best wishes for 2018!

One of my favorite Christmas pastimes is looking through my television content guide, finding a scheduled airing of “A Christmas Carol” and tuning in to watch. I don’t know how many iterations of this movie classic have been made, but I’ve viewed multiple versions made from the 1930s to the recent past. It seems like each generation produces a film with a modern twist designed to keep the message of the movie fresh for new viewers. I find that this story and its original message maintain a relevance that doesn’t diminish with age. For clarification, it’s not a scary story written for one of the most joyous holidays of the year, and it’s much more than the simple story of the renewal and redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge. Its message is, in fact, a social commentary by author Charles Dickens that provides a critical analysis of the social order of Victorian England. In it, I find the parallels with the contemporary United States to

be uncanny. The story was written in 1843, approximately six years into the reign of Queen Victoria. Mr. Dickens was extremely critical of the established social order of Great Britain. Observers suggest that during that period, people either were ﬁnancially

Dr. E. Faye Williams secure or poor — with little room in between. Describing conditions with the use of the contemporary term “income inequality” would not be incorrect. Poor families suffered and, as is always the case with the vulnerable, the children of poor families suffered most. Like modern public housing, workhouses were established to house those who couldn’t independently afford living space. Men and women were physically separated to prevent “breeding.” The physical separation of children from their parents contributed to the dissolution of the nuclear family unit. Debtors prisons were common to the times and required inmates to work off the cost of their debt and the expense of their imprisonment.

Mr. Dickens was greatly disturbed that those least capable of correcting these social ills — the poor and uneducated — were given that task. Scrooge symbolized the greed, avarice and indifference of the wealthy class to the masses. He famously offered these solutions to the problems of the times, “Are there no prisons?” and “If they would rather die, they had better do it and decrease the surplus population.” That same Scrooge-like indifference seems to be baked into the Republican psyche. They have illustrated this with their hysterical efforts to repeal Obamacare, removing millions of Americans from the only health care insurance they’ve ever known, and throwing the remaining masses back into a commercialized, profit-driven system run by insurance companies. Their recently passed “tax scam,” approved by only 29 percent of Americans, offers questionable temporary tax relief to the masses of earners while giving major corporations permanent relief. Under this plan, the top tax rate for corporate income will be lower than the top tax rate for “labor” income. Although the stan-

Kwanzaa, a balm in Gilead

The sickening sight of smug sycophantic Republicans celebrating the passage of their tax bill on the White House lawn was the Scrooge-like move to drop a lump of coal into the stockings of the 13 million Americans likely to lose health insurance coverage thanks to the move. Of course, corporations are so ecstatic that some — AT & T a n d Comcast among them — are offering employee bonuses because they will benefit so much from the tax plan. As disgusted as I am, there is a “balm in Gilead,” to quote the Bible, or an opportunity to heal the many wounds inﬂicted by 45 and his callow and kleptomaniacal administration.Yes, stooping so low as to propose regulations that will give restaurants control of employee tips. Still, there is balm in Gilead — good things, good news that have happened this year despite the utter depravity that has shaped this administration. My balm comes at the end of the year when we celebrate Kwanzaa, the African-principled holiday invented by Maulana Karenga, the celebration of seven unifying principles for African descendants around the world, a time to be unapologetically black. And it is important to be unapologetically black in a nation that has decided that we can be prosecuted for our very blackness, broadly deﬁned as “black identity extremists” because we fail to humbly embrace the possibility of assimilation, because

we dare to believe that Black Lives Matter. Kwanzaa is a time for renewal and repurposing. It is the celebration of the Nguzo Saba (Seven principles) — Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith). It makes the end of the

Julianne Malveaux year something to look forward to — this year all the more so. Everybody doesn’t celebrate Kwanzaa, but this is a year when a balm is especially needed. We have seen a civil rights hero, Congressman John Lewis of Georgia, disparaged by a president unﬁt to empty his garbage. We have seen courageous football players who took a knee for their beliefs being cursed by a “leader” who called them “sons of b-tches,” insulting both them and their mothers. To list every verbal assault — not to mention legislative assaults — that 45 has unleashed against black people, women, Latinos, disabled people and others is to write a series of columns. It is sufﬁcient to point out that after this barrage of assaults, there is a balm in Gilead, healing for the wounds — Kwanzaa. There are also moments and memories that provide some balm. For me, the activist year began with the Women’s March in Washington in January, the day after 45’s inauguration. The young women leaders who drew a million or more women to the nation’s capital deserve high praise. And while relations

between black and white women are not smooth, the moment of unity was powerful. It was exhilarating to celebrate the moment with new Democratic women U.S. senators like Kamala Harris of California and Catherine Cortez Mastio of Nevada, who have offered pointed and principled leadership during this tumultuous year. Moments, memories and victories include the stunning rebuke to Republicans delivered by Democrats in elections in Virginia, New Jersey and most recently Alabama. They also include some local races and the anticipatory smiles that come from those who have stepped up to run for ofﬁce, despite the odds, like Stacey Abrams of Georgia and Maya Rockeymoore of Maryland. These candidates are a balm because their focused candidacies and furious optimism provide hope for all of us. Notably, both Ms. Rockeymoore and Ms. Abrams have received the support of the progressive women’s PAC, EMILY’s List, which suggests this organization has come a long way from 1992 when they were very late to the table in former Sen. Carol Mosley Braun’s primary race for the Illinois Senate. They supported Sen. Mosley Braun earlier and more enthusiastically in the general election race. As 2017 comes to an end, I am among those who will lay my weapons down for a few moments, to refresh and renew for the battles ahead, especially around the upcoming 2018 elections. Kwanzaa is a balm in the middle of this madness, an antidote to 45 and his insanity. The writer is an author and economist.

The Free Press welcomes letters Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Fireworks over the James River in 2015.

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.

dard taxpayer deductions are increased, deduction for state, local and property taxes have been capped at $10,000. Time will reveal the full implications of this “tax scam,” but, from where I stand, I now see Ebenezer Scrooge incarnate. I’m always mindful of this time of year as a period of renewal and of a coming together of humanity. I urge people to remember that the differences that divide us are far fewer than the commonalities that could unite us, if we give them a chance. The birth of our new year serves as a starting point from which we all can work for the betterment of our nation and our world. I pray for your prosperity and health throughout the coming year. The writer is national president of the National Congress of Black Women Inc.

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Commentary/Letters to the Editor

Civil rights groups push to open housing policy deliberations Wherever you live or your household size, home is a special place where children are raised and memories are made. Owning a home is also the largest, single investment that most families make in a lifetime. Since the nationwide housing crash, family outcomes have varied. While some households have witnessed full recovery, others – often people of color – wonder when or how they, too, can turn the proverbial financial corner. Now, nine national civil rights organizations are demanding to know why related deliberations of a key policy issue on the future of affordable housing are being conducted in private. The deliberations are now underway in the U.S. Senate Banking Committee and its counterpart, the House Financial Services Committee. “Our constituents represent the majority of future homebuyers, and any system that is not structured so as to ensure that they have fair access to safe and sustainable mortgages will not serve the country well,” wrote the coalition to leadership of both committees on Dec. 15. Signing the letter were the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the National Coalition for Asian Pacific Community Development, the Center for Responsible Lending, National Fair Housing Alliance, the NAACP, UNIDOSUS (formerly known as the National Conference of La Raza), the National Urban League, National Community Reinvestment Coalition and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “At a time when the national homeownership rate is declining, and local rents are skyrocket-

ing, every effort should be made to increase sustainable homeownership opportunity and make rental housing more affordable,” the coalition continued. “Alternative facts and false math should not be used to undo the access and affordability provisions that have

Charlene Crowell helped secure opportunity for hardworking families for more than 25 years.” Central to these discussions is the future of two government-sponsored enterprises — Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. During the housing crisis, the Federal Home Loan Corporation, more commonly known as Freddie Mac, and the Federal National Mortgage Corporation, or Fannie Mae, went into federal conservatorship. As a result, the entities created decades ago by Congress to reduce the cost of credit for low and moderate income households have remained in government control. Now, as much of the housing market has recovered, questions are being posed as to when or how Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will return to private operations. Secondly, as housing costs continue to soar for renters and homeowners alike, affordable housing is a growing concern nationwide. Without an affirmative policy in place, many low and moderate income consumers, as well as consumers of color, could easily question whether fair access to mortgage credit

will be possible for them. The civil rights organizations’ letter offered committee chairs a list of 10 items that, if left unaddressed, will trigger organized opposition: 1. Align with and support long-standing federal anti-discrimination laws and enforcement; 2. Provide adequate capital to protect taxpayers and the housing system; 3. Serve all credit-worthy borrowers; 4. Eliminate and ban excessive risk-based pricing; 5. Serve all markets across the country throughout the business cycle; 6. Require utility regulation and expand restrictions that prevent risky behaviors; 7. Ensure equal treatment for small lenders; 8. Promote cost effective loan modifications; 9. Strengthen FHA and preserve low down payment mortgage loans; and 10. Address the federal government’s history in fostering racially discriminatory mortgage lending policies. Historically, African-Americans and other consumers of color have experienced difficulties accessing private, conventional mortgage loans. According to the most recent data from the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, AfricanAmericans and Latinos together received only 9 percent of the 2,123,000 conventional mortgage purchase loans in 2016. The data additionally shows that African-Americans alone received just 3.1 percent, or 65,451, of these loans, the ones that come with fewer fees and are the most cost efficient over time. By contrast, African-American mortgage

borrowers received 142,329 out of 866,000 Federal Housing Administration loans during the same year. Should housing finance reform fail to preserve access and affordability in mortgage lending, these data points could worsen and become even more disproportionate. For Nikitra Bailey, an executive vice president with the Center for Responsible Lending, a firm commitment to affordable housing goals is essential to any housing policy discussion. Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s “affordable housing goals have made a tremendous impact on helping credit-worthy borrowers purchase homes,” noted Ms. Bailey. “They are also a metric for accountability to address underservice to important and often excluded market segments, including people of color, low and moderate income families and rural communities. The goals must be strengthened and fully enforced, not rolled back.” Similarly, the nation’s oldest minority professional real estate organization echoed Ms. Bailey’s concerns in a report released earlier in 2017. “We must remain vigilant,” said Ron Cooper, president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers in the foreword of the organization’s report, 2017 State of Black Housing in America. “We must continue to advocate that (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) stay true to their intended mission to promote homeownership and adhere to the housing goals and duty to serve clause.” The writer is communications deputy director with the Durham, N.C.-based Center for Responsible Lending.

Taxpayers are being groped

Expression of thanks

The family of the late Rev. Curtis W. Harris sincerely appreciates the wealth of support we have received since the death of our beloved patriarch on Dec. 10. The visits, phone calls, tweets, Facebook expressions, food, flowers, cards and contributions to the Lucas Spicely Medical Fund are indicative of your thoughtfulness during this difficult time. We extend special thanks to the City of Hopewell; Carter G. Woodson Middle School; First Baptist Church, Hopewell; Union Baptist Church, Hopewell; Virginia Free & Accepted Masons, Shiloh Lodge #33; Hundley Carriages Inc.; Chaplain James Palmer Jr.; Vivienne and Hilton McDaniel Photography; and Bland & Tucker Funeral Homes for the valued roles they played in the viewing and funeral of Rev. Harris. The family is cognizant of the transition from the labors of Earth to the rewards of heaven, yet we grieve the absence of our patriarch. We are grateful for the unabating outpour of love that certainly eases the pain of our loss.

Speaking of groping, why are our politicians continuing to allow powerful people in the corporate sector and elsewhere to obscenely grope our tax dollars? From Section 8 housing owners to NASCAR CEOs, our politicians are doling out our tax dollars to them. When two white male beer factory owners from California get $33 million in tax money from Virginia taxpayers, it gets to be more local and in your face. To add insult to injury, Gov. Terry McAuliffe smiles broadly in pictures while guzzling a glass of this beer. This situation screams for more major political

parties in America. Stop sending politicians your political donations. Send your votes elsewhere. Stop sending them the very same sledgehammers that they will then use to pound you, the voter, upside the head. They will do a photo op with you and then go behind closed doors in corporate boardrooms to help their real constituents – the corporate CEOs. All Americans have been groped. We need to stop the politicians who allow it to happen. NAOMI GAYLE SAUNDERS Richmond

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Flying Squirrels have 1st African-American manager The Richmond Flying Squirrels have their first African-American manager, Willie Harris. Harris, 39, played for the former Richmond Braves in 2007. He succeeds Kyle Haines as manager of the Class AA Eastern League Squirrels. Coincidentally, Harris shares the same hometown — Cairo, Ga. — as Major League Baseball’s first black player, the late icon Jackie Robinson. Harris still lives in Cairo during the off-season. Robinson,

who broke baseball’s color line in 1947, was born in Cairo in 1919. Known for his speed and defensive versatility, Harris, a left-handed hitter, played in 1,046 big league games with Baltimore, the Chicago White Sox, Boston, Atlanta, Washington, the New York Mets and Cincinnati. In 2005, Harris was a second baseman and outfielder with the World Series champions Chicago White Sox. On Sept. 24, 2010, while with the

Willie Harris

Washington Nationals, he smacked the first inside-the-park home run at Nationals Stadium in a game against Atlanta. In 2016, Harris served as a hitting instructor for the White Sox Rookie League affiliate in Glen Falls, Idaho. Harris becomes the Squirrels’ first African-American manager. The franchise had two previous managers of color, José Alguacil, a native of Venezuela, in 2015 and Miguel Ojeda

of Mexico in 2016. The Richmond Braves, which preceded the Squirrels on the Boulevard from 1966 to 2008, had two African-American managers, Tommie Aaron in 1977 and Chris Chambliss in 1992. Aaron, the younger brother of Hall of Famer Hank Aaron, was the first African-American manager in the International League. The Flying Squirrels open the 2018 season April 5 at Trenton, N.J., against the Trenton Thunder.

Tillman sets pace for VCU record books

Justin Tillman

Rams honor roll These former Virginia Commonwealth University players won regular season player of the year honors in their respective conferences: • Calvin Duncan, 1985, Sun Belt Conference. • Bernard Hopkins, 1996, Colonial Athletic Association. • Domonic Jones, 2004, CAA. • Eric Maynor, 2008 and 2009, CAA.

Virginia Commonwealth University’s affiliation with Atlantic 10 Conference basketball is missing one golden nugget — an A-10 Player of the Year recipient. Could Justin Tillman change that? To go with his stellar play, Tillman is known for relentless effort, fierce facials and a distinctive hairdo — some call it a “frohawk” — that coincidentally matches VCU’s black and gold team colors. Entering A-10 play on Saturday, Dec. 30, against Fordham University at the Siegel Center in Richmond, the 6-foot-8, 220-pound Tillman from Detroit’s Pershing High School is an A-10 statistical pacesetter in three categories you might expect, plus another that is surprising. Tillman is fourth in the A-10 in scoring (18.2), fifth in rebounding (8.3) and fifth in shooting percentage (55.6), all somewhat predictable considering past numbers. Not so predictable is his sixth-place standing in 3-point accuracy (15 for 34). Prior to the current season, he’d attempted just three 3-pointers with zero connections. He’s also 40 for 50, or 80 percent, at the foul line. The dramatically upgraded range increases his future NBA and/or overseas team chances. Considering his elaborate hair and pro potential, shampoo endorsements might be possible, too, along the lines of the New York Giants’ Odell Beckham Jr.. Tillman would be the head and shoulders headliner even with a more traditional coiffure. As a senior, the “Golden Fleece” is

indisputably the Rams’ go-to man. In the first 13 games, Tillman has led in scoring nine times and in rebounding on eight occasions, helping the squad improve to an 8-5 record so far with a 75-65 home victory on Dec. 22 over Virginia Military Institute. Tillman had 19 points and 13 rebounds in the Rams’ third straight win. Few VCU players have climbed the ladder to continued improvement more than the Motor City native. His scoring averages have jumped from 2.5 as a freshman to 6.1 as sophomore, to 8.2 as a junior and to 18.2 for his final season. After a later start, Tillman joined the Rams’ 1,000-point club on Dec. 19 in a 69-55 win over Winthrop University at the Siegel Center. He scored at least 20 points in six straight games from Nov. 28 to Dec. 19, before securing 19 points against VMI. Tillman’s handiwork shines all over VCU’s record book. His career shooting percentage of .580 ranks first of all time in Ramland. Until recently, most of his shots were from around — and sometimes above — the cylinder. During his time in Richmond, he has graduated from back-up player as a freshman — even considering transferring — to certain All A-10 candidacy, and perhaps Player of the Year in the 14-school conference. It’s not much of a stretch to think Tillman might be the Rams’ first A-10 Player of the Year. Tillman was third team All A-10 a year ago and was first team preseason All A-10 this season. Last year’s A-10 Player of the Year,

the University of Richmond’s T.J. Cline, has graduated, leaving the top individual accolade vacant. Coincidentally, among Tillman’s Player of the Year challengers might be another Detroit native out of Romulus Senior High School, E.C. Matthews at the University of Rhode Island. The senior guard has returned to action following a November wrist injury. When healthy, Matthews is arguably the conference’s top NBA prospect. Much could be determined, individually and team-wise, when defending A-10 champion, the University of Rhode Island, visits VCU on Feb. 2. To his credit, Tillman has adjusted to playing for three different coaches — his recruiter, Coach Shaka Smart; former Coach Will Wade; and current Coach Mike Rhoades. Since joining the A-10 prior to the 2012-13 season, VCU has been the premier program, posting an overall 64-22 mark during the regular season and a 76-26 record counting tournaments. The Rams won the A-10 tourney in 2014 and have been to all five previous finals, each time qualifying for the NCAAs. Still, the best VCU has fared individually is four All A-10 picks — JeQuan Lewis a year go; Melvin Johnson in 2016; and Treveon Graham in 2013 and 2014. Tillman’s all-round talents qualify him as a candidate to become the Rams’ first ever Player of the Year, an overdue tribute considering the program’s lengthy prominence.

Micah Thomas finding success at VUU Micah Thomas arrived late — but fortunately not too late — to make an impact on Virginia Union University basketball. Instead of the normal short commute from Highland Springs High School in Henrico County to VUU’s Barco-Stevens Hall, Thomas spent five years weaving through Petersburg, Georgia, Tennessee and West Virginia en route to the Lombardy Street campus. The 24-year-old graduate student is determined to make the most of the brief time he has wearing the VUU maroon and steel. “I’ve bounced around to a lot of places. Now I’ve come home to play my last season,” said the 5-foot-11 son of Ronald and Lizzie Thomas. Mostly coming off the bench for Coach Jay Butler’s Panthers, Thomas has averaged five points and 15.3

minutes per game, helping the team to 7-7 overall and a 2-0 CIAA start. He shined brightest in the CIAA win over Livingstone College on Dec. 16, nailing five of nine three-pointers and collecting 17 points. Coach Butler likes what he sees. Over the last five games, Thomas has averaged 23 minutes per game. VUU returns to action 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, at home against CIAA rival Shaw University. “Micah’s a great shooter,” Coach Butler said. “He’s also proven to be a good defender and ball handler breaking the press. He has given us a spark.” Thomas wears the No. 2 jersey, but No. 3 might be more apropos considering his affection for the 3-point arc. Of his 53 shots taken, 42 have been from the distance. Thomas provides VUU with a third, bona fide 3-point threat along with leading scorer Kory

Thomas’ basketball timeline 2011-12: Averages 27.5 points for Henrico Highland Springs High School, leading the state Group AAA in scoring. 2012-13: Spends prep season at Action Sports Academy in Stone Mountain, Ga. 2013-14: Leads Richard Bland College, a two-year institution in Petersburg, with a 16-point average. 2014-15: Transfers to Lincoln Memorial University in Harrowgate, Tenn., but misses the entire season with an injury. Micah Thomas 2015-16 and 2016-17: Front-line guard for Glenville State College in West Virginia, earning a bachelor’s degree. 2017-18: Arrives as a graduate student at Virginia Union University for the final year of his hoops eligibility.

Cooley and Todd Hughes. “I’ve always been a shooter. People expect me to shoot,” Thomas said. “I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing.” He credits his father with developing his smooth, high-arching, long-

range touch. “My dad is still my shooting coach — 100 percent,” he said. His dad, Ronald Thomas, isn’t without credentials. He served as coach at Thomas Jefferson High School from

Roland ‘Fatty’ Taylor, guard with the former Virginia Squires, dies at 71

Roland ‘Fatty’ Taylor

Roland Morris “Fatty” Taylor, who starred for the Virginia Squires died Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017, in Denver following a lengthy illness. Mr. Taylor, 71, was diagnosed with cancer in 2000. He was a native of Washington. A quick, defensive-minded 6-foot guard out of LaSalle University, Mr. Taylor played with the Squires from 1970 to 1975, helping the team to the American Basketball Association finals in 1972 against the New York Nets. Mr. Taylor scored 3,495 points, passed for 1,735 assists

and grabbed 1,715 rebounds with the Squires. Twice, he was named to the ABA All-Defensive team. His Virginia teammates included Julius “Dr. J” Erving and George Gervin. In fact, Mr. Taylor is credited with giving Gervin his “Iceman” nickname. The Squires were part of the ABA from 1970 to 1976, splitting games between the Richmond Coliseum, the Hampton Coliseum and the Norfolk Scope. The franchise folded following the 1976 season, missing out on the ABA-NBA merger.

2000 to 2009. Micah Thomas split his high school career between Hermitage High School for his freshman and sophomore years and Highland Springs High for his final two seasons under Coach George Lancaster. He tallied a whopping 1,750 points in his four seasons combined, earning All-Metro and All-Region honors as a junior and senior with the Springers. As a senior, he scored 50 points for Highland Springs in a game against Hanover’s Atlee High School and 44 points in a game against Petersburg High School. VUU becomes Thomas’ fourth college basketball address. And even that almost didn’t happen. Actually, he had committed to Benedict College in Columbia, S.C., for this season, “but I changed my mind and decided on Union,” he said. “It has so much tradition.” He was a late, unexpected addition to Coach Butler’s roster. “Micah dropped by the office in August,” Coach Butler recalled. “I told him we didn’t have much (scholarship) money left, but he registered himself basically as a walk-on. But he has played his way into a scholarship.” Thomas insists he isn’t relying on his reputation to earn playing time. “I practice my shot all the time — before school, even between classes. I keep cranking it up,” he said. He aims to put an exclamation point at the end of his basketball travels. “I’ve got 14 (regular season) games left,” he said. “That’s what I’m concentrating on.”

December 28-30, 2017 B1

Section

Helping people in the special needs community is a labor of love for Pam Mines. “I am not the advocacy voice for the special needs community. I am simply a voice,” says the Chesterfield County resident. Mrs. Mines is the founder and president of the JP JumPers Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families dealing with special needs through education, financial assistance, public awareness and advocacy. Mrs. Mines started the foundation in 2013. It is named for her 11-year-old son, J.P., who is autistic and has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. He was diagnosed with autism at age 2. “I became proactive once I realized J.P. was delayed,” says Mrs. Mines, who has a background in early childhood education and development. The Mines also have a daughter, Michelle, 13 and an adopted godniece, Sydnee, 13, who has neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form along the nervous system. She also has ADHD and is blind in her left eye. The family began by organizing teams for local autism walks to raise money and awareness. But the teams grew over the years from seven to more than 200 walkers, Mrs. Mines says. “At that point, I figured it was time to turn the walk team into something bigger that impacted more individuals affected by special needs, not just autism.” That’s when the JP JumPers Foundation was started, and its reach and impact have grown. Because of the efforts of Mrs. Mines and the foundation, Virginia adopted what’s called “JP’s Law” in 2014 that was approved by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. Terry McAuliffe. Under the law, individuals can voluntarily ask that a code be added to their Virginia driver’s license or Department of Motor Vehicles ID card noting they have autism spectrum disorder or an intellectual disability. “It helps law enforcement officers to be more aware of an individual’s diagnosis so they can better respond to a person’s unique abilities and limitations,” Mrs. Mines says. “This is not a pass for those with special needs. This just lets the officer know that the individual’s response may be different from most.” Mrs. Mines and the foundation are working to get a similar law passed nationally. The foundation also sponsors the Wandering Project, in which if pays for a year for tracking devices through Project Lifesaver for families who have a loved one who may wander because of autism, Alzheimer’s disease or some other form of dementia, or Down’s syndrome or other special needs. “JP JumPers Foundation is different from other nonprofits. We want to have a tangible impact,” Mrs. Mines says. “We recognize that if you have a child with special needs, it adds a financial burden no matter what your profession. Our goal is to help alleviate that burden.” For example, she notes, “If your child has dietary issues and parents can only buy food from

Richmond Free Press

Happenings

Personality: Pam Mines

Spotlight on founder of nonprofit JP JumPers Foundation more, make people laugh more and gain more allies for this community. A quote that I am inspired by: My uncle, Wayne Winborne, said something to me in 2015 when we were having a conversation about giving, why we give and the impact of giving. I quote it often: “You never give to get anything in return, but your giving will give you everything in return.” Best late-night snack: Tostitos chips with salsa and cheese, mixed with a dollop of sour cream. Best thing my parents ever taught me: My parents taught

Whole Foods Market because this is the only thing your child can eat, get with us. We can get you a gift card to cut down on the cost.” Mrs. Mines says the foundation wants to help parents understand that having a special needs child is “an appointment by God.” “It is not a punishment, an accident or a curse,” she said. “If parents with autistic children can feel a little bit better knowing that they have been chosen, then we have helped one person with that message. That’s our goal.” Meet this week’s Personality and special needs advocate Pam Mines: Occupation: Capital region director at Special Olympics VA. Duties of position: Managing Special Olympics VA programs, athletes and volunteers in the City of Richmond and Henrico, Hanover and Charles City counties. Community involvement: Founder and president of JP JumPers Foundation. Current residence: North Chesterfield County. Education: Associate degree in early childhood education and certifications. Family: Husband, Perry Mines, and children, Michelle Mines, JP Mines and Sydnee Baker. Foremost mission of JP JumPers Foundation: To provide support for those affected by special needs through tangible assistance, public awareness, education and partnering with other organizations. Why I am excited about this organization: I am extremely excited that, through this organization, this unseen community is in the spotlight and seen by those who are affected by special needs and those who are not. How organization is working with law enforcement about JP’s Law: We train cadets and officers regularly about JP’s Law, not on how to be a police officer. We are very appreciative to law enforcement and what they do for our community. So our role is to speak to them from the “we” perspective. Steps the organization is tak-

ing for JP’s Law to become national: We are meeting with members of Congress and talking with neighboring state legislatures in an effort to make this law national. I initiated this law because I wanted to do it in honor of my son, not in memory of him. The goal is to be proactive, not reactive. What motivated me to get involved in community service: My mom and dad always involved us in volunteering but my dad really had us out in the community doing things little girls didn’t typically do, like going to the “Shelter-Thon” every year to help clean, paint and ﬁx up shelters in the Richmond and Tri-Cities areas. We fed the homeless with him. We just always gave back and I guess it kind of stuck. Now it’s a part of my everyday life. It is truly all I think about, and now my kids are giving back at a young age as well. They understand the power of giving to those in need and the community as a whole. Community involvement and the kindness of others who give back motivate me daily. How I start the day: I literally start every day thinking what can I do for the special needs community, and I go to bed at night wondering if I did all I could for the special needs community. I want to do all that I can to positively impact this often overlooked community because none of us chose to be a part of this community. However, God chose us! Having a loved one in your life with special needs is not an accident, a punishment or a curse. It is an assignment by God and we need to take it seriously. Not only that, God chose the person with special needs because he knew they had the determination to handle it and they had you to care for them and be in their corner. Perfect day for me: A day where I’ve introduced someone to the special needs community who would not otherwise be impacted and now they consider themselves a part of the “We” (not “them”), when addressing the special needs community. If I had more time, I would: Give more, speak more, engage

me a lot, but the best thing my mom taught me was to live by the quote, “Nothing beats a failure but a try.” Because of that, I think I can accomplish anything because I’ll always beat failure because I always will try. Person who inﬂuenced me the most: My husband, Perry Mines. He is always cheering for me. He knows my heart, he knows my passion, he knows my goals, he listens to me talk a lot about a lot. He is also honest, caring and wants what’s best for me. He is the only one who can tell me to slow down. He is the one who makes sure I eat. He is the one who buys champagne for

things that occurred that no one knows about. He is my biggest support and, at times, the only opinion that matters. His strength as a husband, father, brother and friend inﬂuences me to be strong, too. The book that influenced me the most: “The Success Principles” by Jack Canﬁeld. What I’m reading now: “Seize Your Life: How to Carpe Diem Every Day” by Jasmine Brett Stringer. The one thing that I’ve learned in life is: Being positive yields positive results. Make it a way of life, not just something for the moment. My next goal: To make JP’s Law a national law and to make the JP JumPers Foundation a national organization with multiple chapters of people #JumPingIn across the world.

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Richmond Free Press

B2 December 28-30, 2017

Happenings New Year’s Eve celebration at Main Street Station By Ronald E. Carrington

Richmonders can ring in the new year at “Le Masque 007 NYE Celebration,” a New Year’s Eve bash at the newly renovated Main Street Station and the glass-enclosed train shed in Shockoe Bottom. The dress-up party, which will have a James Bond Casino Royale theme, starts at 9 p.m. Sunday,

Dec. 31, and ends at 1 a.m. While the event is privately sponsored by MR Networker Consulting LLC of Henrico, it is being promoted in part by the city in touting the $86 million renovation at Main Street Station. The Office of Mayor Levar M. Stoney emailed a press release about the event to media. But Jeannie A. Welliver of the city Department of Economic

and Community Development told the Free Press the city is not a sponsor and proceeds benefit the nonprofit organization Single Mothers United. Tickets are $60 for general admission and $150 and $250 for VIP packages. The celebration will feature performances by aerialists, casino-like games such as blackjack tables, roulette wheels and craps

tables, DJ music and dancing and a fashion show by renowned designer Andres Aquino, founder and producer of Couture Fashion Week New York. The evening will be topped off with special 007-themed surprises and a masquerade treasure hunt. Marcus Jones, president and founder of MR Networker Consulting, said he selected Single Mothers United as the beneficiary of the event because of the support the Northern Virginia-based organization provides primarily to single moms

and some single fathers. The nonprofit was founded in 2010 and is in the process of expanding throughout Virginia and the nation, according to its website. “For single, struggling parents, getting clothes and school supplies, as well as finding day care grants when the school year ends, is difficult,” said Mr. Jones, who described himself as a single father. “SMU provides that support.” For details and tickets, go to www.lit4lyfe.com, www.showclix.com/event/LEMASQUE007-NYE2018 or call (888) 71-TICKET. DiamonDs • Watches JeWelry • repairs 19 East Broad strEEt richmond, Va 23219 (804) 648-1044

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Richmond Free Press

December 28-30, 2017 B3

Sheriff C.T. Woody, Jr.

January 1, 2006-December 31, 2017

l l e w e r a F ond

Citizens of RiChmond,

For the past 12 years, I have been honored to serve you as your sheriff. As I reflect on my time spent as the Sheriff of Richmond, I recognize all the good we have managed to accomplish together. Though there were some difficult moments, I believe the majority of my time spent as sheriff has produced a new way of looking at incarceration, criminal justice, and managing a correctional facility. From the ground up, we built a rehabilitation and recovery program that has shown REAL results. The Recovering from Everyday Addiction and Lifestyles program has gained national and international acclaim for the forward thinking, groundbreaking approach taken to combat addiction, a disease often formed to deal with traumatic events in oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. I am proud that we will be able to continue this important work in the new REAL Community Center in Richmond. Countless lives have been helped by this program, and with statistical evidence proving the REAL program can help reduce recidivism, I know we will help even more. Together with community leaders and Richmond City officials, we worked to fund and build a new justice center that would house incarcerated persons in a humane manner. Gone is the old Richmond City Jail, known as one of the worst local jails on the Eastern seaboard, and in its place is a true center of justice, one that adheres to the latest security protocols, and yet one that can also provide effective programming to help those who come here leave as better citizens and not better criminals. Because of the REAL program and our new Richmond City Justice Center, we have been able to provide programs and opportunities to the residents who do well during their incarceration, which enable them to take advantage of privileges such as work release and home electronic monitoring (HEI). We have worked to lower our Average Daily Population (ADP) from 1,400, when I first came into office, to 1,000. I am proud of the accomplishments the Richmond City Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office has made during my tenure. I leave behind capable individuals who will continue to serve with dignity and honor, and for the betterment of the City of Richmond and its citizens.

Be Blessed, Sheriff C.T. Woody, Jr.

Richmond Free Press

B4 December 28-30, 2017

Riverview

Faith News/Directory

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

City Church to host New Year’s Eve prayer service, after-party By Ronald E. Carrington

and runs until 12:30 a.m. Child care is available for the service and the party for those age 13 and younger. The after-party is open to those ages 14 and older. “Being a believer does not mean it has to be boring,” Pastor Bradley said. “We like to go Pastor Bradley out and enjoy ourselves. The congregation can serve the Lord and have fun while still being holy.” Fake money winnings from the casino games can be used for real prizes, Pastor Bradley said, including teddy bears, small-screen televisions and other items. A big-screen TV will be tuned to the celebration in New York City’s Times Square for the countdown to 2018.

Many African-American churches have Watch Night services on New Year’s Eve, and then their congregants go out to clubs and other places that may not be safe, said Pastor Dimitri Bradley of City Church. “My thought was, ‘Why don’t we create (a safe) environment since we know that’s happening?’ ” The church, formerly known as Mountain of Blessings Christian Center, is doing just that. On Sunday, Dec. 31, City Church is hosting an inaugural New Year’s Eve service and casino-themed after-party at the Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel St. The service begins at 8 p.m., with Pastor Bradley preaching. The after-party, featuring food, beverages, a disc jockey and dancing, along with casino-type games such as roulette, poker and blackjack, starts at 10 p.m.

“I believe the style of City Church has a tendency to reach urban people. So we wanted to do something that reached them,” the pastor told the Free Press. “I believe God gave us a name that helps us reach our assignment and what we are called to do — reach the lost.” The church adopts families throughout the year, helping them to cover needs they can’t fully cover on their own, such as rent, food and clothing. “We are not just trying to reach Richmond’s East End,” Pastor Bradley said. “We are trying to reach the whole city.” While the service is free, tickets to the after-party are $25. Proceeds will pay for the ballroom facility and food, which is all you can eat, Pastor Bradley said, as well as the church’s ministries in and around the city. Details and tickets: www.rvacity.org.

Emancipation Proclamation Day event to feature Roslyn Brock as speaker By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Richmond once again will celebrate one of the greatest days in American history — the emancipation of enslaved people. That momentous day came amid a raging Civil War and 87 years after America declared its independence from Great Britain. With a stroke of his pen, President Abraham Lincoln abolished slavery in Virginia and nine other rebellious Confederate states on Jan. 1, 1863, with the issuance of his Ms. Brock famed Emancipation Proclamation. The proclamation, a war measure, would lead to the adoption in December 1865 of the 13th Amendment that, through the U.S. Constitution, abolished slavery throughout the nation. The Emancipation Proclamation Day service will be 11:30

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

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

a.m. Monday, Jan. 1, at Fifth Baptist Church, 1415 W. Cary St. Roslyn M. Brock, former chair of the national NAACP, is to deliver the keynote address. The Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Richmond and Vicinity sponsors the public service, which contributes donations from the event to area NAACP branches. According to the conference, the goal of the service — this year is the 79th — is to highlight the importance of freedom and promote citizen involvement in protecting hard-won rights. People also are asked to bring packs of diapers sizes 4 and 5 for the Capital Diaper Bank in Richmond. “The Church With A Welcome”

Sharon Baptist Church 500 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222 www.sharonbaptistchurchrichmond.org (804) 643-3825

Zion Baptist Church 2006 Decatur Street Richmond, VA 23224 zbcoffice@verizon.net

Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Sr., Pastor Sunday Service 10 a.m. Church School 8:45 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study 7p.m.

Sunday December 31, 2017

7:00 PM

  

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



 Church School Worship Service

 ile Su

1 p.m.



Transportation Services (804) 859-1985 “Reclaiming the Lost by Proclaiming the Gospel”

e ercies iisr  a.m. ul ile Su :0 p.m. ie oore Sree o 

New Year’s Eve Services Sunday, December 31, 2017

Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor

Church School 8:45 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:00 am

Mission Sunday

8:45 a.m. 10 a.m.

sunday, december 31, 2017 Wednesdays Thursdays 6:00 p.m. ..... Prayer Service 8:30 a.m. ....Sunday School 1:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m. ...Morning Worship 6:30 p.m. ..... Bible Study Bible Study

11:00 AM Mid-day Meditation

Serving Richmond since 1887 3200 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23223• (804) 226-1176

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

Early Morning Worship ~ 8 a.m. Sunday School ~ 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship ~ 11 a.m. 4th Sunday Uniﬁed Worship Service ~ 9:30 a.m. Bible Study: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. Sermons Available at BRBCONLINE.org

Sunday 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Worship Service

WedneSday 12:00 p.m. Bible Study 7:00 p.m. Bible Study



Broad Rock Baptist Church

Reverend Kevin L. Sykes, B.A., M.Div., Senior Pastor

All ARe Welcome

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

“MAKE IT HAPPEN”

Sunday,December 31, 2017

New Year’s Eve Unity Worship Service

2017 Theme:

The Year of Elevation

10:00 AM

(First Peter 5:6)

New Year’s Eve Watch Night Elevated Praise

Pastor Kevin Cook

Sixth Baptist Church

Missions Emphasis Unity Service

Theme for 2016-2020: Mobilizing For Ministry Refreshing The Old and Emerging The New A 21st Century Church With Ministry For Everyone

We Embrace Diversity — Love For All!

Come worship with us!

Sunday, December 31, 2017 10:45 AM ~ Worship Service

New Years Message by Pastor “His Year” Part One Matthew 6:10

Watch Night Service 10:30 PM ~ Message By: Rev. Herman West and Rev. Joe Young Music By: The Gospel Truth

Twitter sixthbaptistrva

, Pastor

Facebook sixthbaptistrva

400 South Addison Street, Richmond, Va. 23220 (near Byrd Park)

Sunday, December 31, 2017

10:00 a.m.

Installation of 2018 Officers/Leaders Larry Bland & The Volunteer Choir Youth Summit

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church

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

New Year’s Revival January 3 - 5, 2018 (Wednesday - Friday) 7:30 pm

The Baptist Ministers Conference of Richmond & Vicinity Dr. Cheryl Ivy Green, Conference President Celebrates

Proc

2018

Day

Monday, JANUARY 1 11:30 A.M. FIFTH BAPTIST CHURCH 1415 West Cary Street Richmond, VA 23220

Speaker: Dr. Roslyn M. Brock Chairman Emeritus of the National N.A.A.C.P. Board of Directors Asking all in attendance to support the community service project for 2018. Bring packs of diapers sizes 4 & 5 for the Capital Diaper Bank in Richmond, Virginia.

Sunday, December 31, 2017 10:30 p.m. Join us as we reflect on the year that has passed while praising God for bringing us through and preparing us for the year ahead.

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

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

cipa Emalnamatiotnion

Watch Night Service

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

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

Wednesday Services Noonday Bible Study 12noon-1:00 p.m. Attendence: 70 Sanctuary - All Are Welcome! Wednesday Evening Bible Study 7 p.m. Prayer Attendence: 94

Saturday 8:30 a.m. Intercessory Prayer

You can now view Sunday Morning Service “AS IT HAPPENS” online! Also, for your convenience, we now offer “full online giving.” Visit www.ndec.net.

Theme: “They Shall Ask The Way Back To Zion” Jeremiah 504-5 (KJV) 4 In those days, and in that time, saith the Lord, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the Lord their God. 5 They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten. Tune in on Sunday Morning to WTVR - Channel 6 - 8:30 a.m. THE NEW DELIVERANCE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (NDCA)

ENROLL NOW!!! Accepting applications for children 2 yrs. old to 4th Grade Our NDCA curriculum also consists of a Before and After program. Now Enrolling for our Nursery Ages 6 weeks - 2yrs. old. For more information Please call (804) 276-4433 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm

10:00 PM

Mount Olive Baptist Church 8775 Mount Olive Avenue, Glen Allen, Virginia 23060

(804) 262-9614 Phone • (804) 262-2397 Fax • www.mobcva.org

Rev. Darryl G. Thompson, Pastor

Ebenezer Baptist Church 1858

“The People’s Church”

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

11:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. Every 3rd Sunday 2nd Sunday, 11 a.m. Mon. 6:30 p.m. Tues. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Wed. 6:45 p.m. Wed. 4:30 p.m. Wed. 6:00 p.m. Thurs., 11:45 a.m.

Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus  Rev. Dr. James E. Leary, Interim Pastor

Richmond Free Press

December 28-30, 2017 B5

Legal Notices 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 Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. in the Fifth Floor Conference Room of City Hall and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, January 8, 2018 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. 2017-242 To amend Ord. No. 2000-410-2001-10, adopted Jan. 8, 2001, as previously amended by Ord. No. 2001-220231, adopted Jul. 23, 2001, which approved the “Shops at Stratford Hills Community Unit Plan,” for the purpose of increasing the area subject to the community unity plan by 3.4 acres to 67.9± acres and modifying the development standards, under certain terms and conditions. The property consists of 6935, 6935 A, 6941, 6941 Adj, 6931 A, 6931, 6945, 6933, 6965, 7017, and 7101 Forest Hill Avenue and 2606, 2604, 2604 Rear, and 2602 Gravel Hill Road. The property is zoned R‑2 Single‑Family residential and B‑2 Community Business. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates the subject property for General Commercial Land Use, which includes a broad range of office, retail, general commercial, wholesale, and service uses, typically located along major transportation corridors and serving large portions of the City. Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at www.Richmondgov. com and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Candice D. Reid Interim 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 Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. in the Fifth Floor Conference Room of City Hall and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, January 8, 2018 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. 2017-244 To close, to public use and travel, a portion of West Marshall Street located between the west line of Hermitage Road and the eastern boundary of the property known as 2220 West Broad Street, consisting of 41,468± square feet, upon certain terms and conditions, and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept a dedication of a public access easement, consisting of 60,074± square feet, over certain parcels adjacent to the closed portion of West Marshall Street, in connection with vehicular and pedestrian access to a proposed mixed-use development in the area. Ordinance No. 2017-245 To close, to public use and travel, an alley bounded by McDonough Street, West 12th Street, Perry Street, and West 13th Street, consisting of 1,219± square feet, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2017-246 To authorize the special use of the property known as 225 Plazaview Road for the purpose of a twofamily detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates the subject property for Single Family (Low density) land use. Primary uses for this category are single family detached dwellings at densities up to seven units per acre. The proposed development would have a density of approximately ten units per acre.

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land use category for the subject property as Mixed Use Residential. Primary uses for this category include single-, two-, and multifamily dwellings, live/work units and neighborhood serving commercial uses developed in a traditional urban form. No residential density is specified for this land use category. Ordinance No. 2017-248 To amend Ord. No. 85193-244, adopted Oct. 28, 1985, as previously amended by Ord. No. 88-210-196, adopted Sep. 12, 1988, Ord. No. 92367-314, adopted Oct. 12, 1992, and Ord. No. 2011-13-26, adopted Feb. 28, 2011, which authorized the special use of the properties known as 1090 and 1100 German School Road for use as an elderly housing facility, to authorize an increase in the number of units within the elderly housing facility from 121 to 133, upon certain terms and conditions. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates the property for Single family Low Density land use. This designation is characterized by dwellings at densities up to seven units per acre and includes residential support uses such as schools, places of worship, neighborhood parks and recreation facilities, and limited public and semi-public uses. Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at www. Richmondgov.com; the Main City Library located at 101 East Franklin Street; 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 Interim City Clerk City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, January 8, 2018 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. 2017-234 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute the City of Richmond 20172018 Continuum of Care Contract in the amount of $707,406.00 for the Richmond Shelter Plus Care program between the City of Richmond and Virginia Supportive Housing for the purpose of completing necessary projects and services for homelessness assistance. Ordinance No. 2017-235 To accept a quitclaim deed from the School Board conveying 2200 Ingram Avenue to the City and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to act on behalf of the City in executing such deed. Ordinance No. 2017-240 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $1,790.81 from the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond, Virginia and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 20172018 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Social Services by $1,790.81 for the purpose of supporting the Department of Social Services’ Healthy Families Richmond program. Ordinance No. 2017-241 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $206,150.00 from the City of Richmond Public Library Foundation and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Richmond Public Library by $206,150.00 for the purpose of designing and developing young adult space, digital media space, and collaborative space at the Main Library as part of the second phase of the Richmond Public Library’s 2008 Facilities Master Plan.

Ordinance No. 2017-247 To authorize the special use of the property known as 909 North 27th Street for the purpose of a twofamily detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates a future

Ordinance No. 2017-243 To amend and reordain City Code § 30-930.3, concerning the Commission of Architectural Review, for the purpose of reflecting certain compositional changes by (i) eliminating the requirement that one member be appointed from a list of nominations by the Better Housing Coalition and (ii) adding

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the requirement that at least one member of the Commission be a resident of a historic district. Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at www.Richmondgov. com and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Candice D. Reid Interim City Clerk

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE CITY OF Richmond PATRICK MACCLENAHAN, Plaintiff v. GWENDOLYN MACCLENAHAN, Defendant. Case No.: CL17-4176-7 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of the above styled suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the Defendant on the grounds that the parties have lived separate and apart, without any cohabitation and without interruption, for a period of more than one year. It appearing by affidavit filed according to law that the Defendant, Gwendolyn MacClenahan has no known permanent address in the State of Virginia and that the Plaintiff has used diligence in attempting to locate the Defendant without success. It is therefore ORDERED that the Defendant, Gwendolyn MacClenahan, appear before this Court on or before the 12th day of February, 2018 and do what is necessary to protect her interest in this suit. An Extract, Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk Eppa Hunton VI, Esq. 6720 Patterson Ave., Ste. D. Richmond, VA 23226 (804) 513-2595 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER TESHA GOODWINE, Plaintiff v. KORY GOODWINE, Defendant. Case No.: CL17003365-00 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 13th day of February, 2018 at 9:00 AM and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE CITY OF Richmond HARRY RAGLAND, Plaintiff v. ANDREA RAGLAND, Defendant. Case No.: CL17-2049-1 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Obtain a divorce a vincullo matrimonii or from the bonds of matrimony. It appearing from a affidavit that diligence has been used without effect, by or on the behalf of the plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city defendant is. It is ORDERED that Andrea Ragland appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before the 6th day of February, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. A Copy Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER CRISTINA HADDOCK, Plaintiff v. CHRISTOPHER HADDOCK, Defendant. Case No.: CL17001341-00 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 16th day of January, 2018 at 9:00 AM and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

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Bottoms appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before January 24, 2018 at 9:00 A.M.

COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. MIZAN KHAN, et al. Defendants. Case No.: CL17-4994 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 4005 Jefferson Davis Highway, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S009-0144/003, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Mizan Khan and Sadia R. Khan. An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, MIZAN KHAN and SADIA R. KHAN, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action, that KHORSHED A. CHOWDHURY and MEE N A W A T IE CHOWDHURY, who may be creditors with an interest in said property, 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 MIZAN KHAN, SADIA R. KHAN, KHORSHED A. CHOWDHURY, MEENAWATIE CHOWDHURY, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 25, 2018 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

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 RO B ER T H. SMALLENBERG and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 25, 2018 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

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 ANGELINE TAYLOR, MARY LEE EDWARDS, LEROY WILLIAMS, JR., FERLEY WILLIAMS, CHAMPION WILLIAMS, LENA FLIPPEN, LATANYA EDWARDS, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 25, 2018 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

Virginia: In the Juvenile and domestic relations district court for Essex County 300 Prince Street Tappahannock, Virginia 22560 In re: Arthur White Jr and Anita White v. Jessica White v. Brian Fayne Case No. JJ006287 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of the abovestyled suit is to obtain a final custody and visitation arrangement for the minor child. It appearing by affidavit filed according to law that the Respondent, Brian Fayne’s current address is unknown and that his last known address is 4235 Lamplighter Court, N. Chesterfield, VA 23234, it is therefore ORDERED that the said Respondent, Brian Fayne, appear before this Court on or before the 2nd day of April, 2018, at 1 pm, at which time I wll appear before this Court to request an Order be entered regarding the custody and visitation of the minor child to this suit, counsel fees and court costs, and do what is necessary to protect his interest in this suit. VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Alex valentine Case No. J-062646-14-15 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) Alex Valentine, Sr. (Father) and Unknown Father of Alex Valentine, child, DOB 06/27/2002, “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support. It is ORDERED that the defendant Alex Valentine, Sr. (Father) and Unknown Father to appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/her interest on or before 02/07/2018, at 10:00 AM, Courtroom #5 VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re QUON’ASIA CLEVEAH WHITAKER Case No. J-092163-09-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Unknown. (Father), of Quon’asia Cleveah W h i t a k e r, c h i l d , D O B 02/24/2016, “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of; visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support. It is ORDERED that the defendant Unknown (Father) appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/her interest on or before 04/10/2018, at 9:20 AM, Courtroom #2 virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt IN the COunty of Chesterfield Commonwealth of Virginia, in re XANDER JAKOB SHAFFER LiSA BROWN v. ROBERT & SHARON Taylor Case No. JJ086447-07-01, -08,-01 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON The object of this suit is to: Amend custody and visitation, as previously ordered by this court, of Xander Jakob Shaffer (DOB: 3-11-15), whose mother is Chelsie Bottoms, and whose father is Donald Bland, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 16.1-241A3. Mother’s whereabouts are unknown. It is ORDERED that the defendant Chelsie Cheyenne Continued on next column

PROPERTY VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. KELLY JOHNSON, et al. Defendants. Case No.: CL17-4854 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 214 Minor Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0000376/006, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Kelly Johnson. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, KELLY JOHNSON, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to her 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 K ELLY JOH N S ON and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 25, 2018 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. SOLOMON JOHNSON, et al. Defendants. Case No.: CL17-4889 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1708 Monteiro Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number Tax Map Number N000-0334/010, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Fred Lee Reynolds. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, FRED LEE REYNOLDS, died intestate on September 7, 2010, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, have not been located and have not field a response to this action; that SOLOMON JOHNSON, prior owner in chain-of-title, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that CATHERINE R. JOHNSON AKA CATHERINE FORD JOHNSON, died intestate on April 29, 2001, prior owner in chain-of-title, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, have not been located and have not field a response to this action; that CAROL REYNOLDS, who may have an ownership interest in said property, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that DEBRA WINSTON, who may have an ownership interest in said property, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to her last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; that NORTH STAR CAPITAL ACQUISITIONS, LLC, a terminated Minnesota limited Liability company, which may be a creditor with an interest in said property, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that FRED LEE REYNOLDS, died intestate on September 7, 2010, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, SOLOMON JOHNSON, CATHERINE R. JOHNSON AKA CATHERINE FORD JOHNSON, died intestate on April 29, 2001, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, CAROL RE Y N O L D S , D E B R A WINSTON, NORTH STAR CAPITAL ACQUISITIONS, LLC, a terminated Minnesota limited Liability company, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 25, 2018 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. 21ST STREET TRUST, REALVESTOR, LLC, et al. Defendants. Case No.: CL17-4567 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1209 North 21st Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0000557/021, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, 21ST STREET TRUST, REALVESTOR, LLC. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, 21ST STREET TRUST, REALVESTOR, LLC, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that REALVESTOR, LLC, an entity which does not exist in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, which may have an ownership interest in said property, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that LEON BAPTISTE, who may have an ownership interest in said property, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that ALBERTA SCOTT fka ALBERTA JONES, who may have an ownership interest in said property, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that 21ST STREET TRUST, RE A LVE S T OR , L L C , REALVESTOR, LLC, an entity which does not exist in the records of the Virginia State Corporation C o m m i s s i o n , L EO N B A P T I S T E , A L B ER TA S CO T T f k a A L B ER TA JONES, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 25, 2018 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. WILLIE R. JOYNER, JR., et al. Defendants. Case No.: CL17-4890 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1511 Drewry Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0071332/021, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Willie R. Joyner, Jr. and Eunice L. Joyner. An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, WILLIE R. JOYNER, JR., upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, and E U N ICE L . J O Y N ER aka EUNICE SPENCER JOYNER, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that COREY L. JOYNER and JAMAL D. JOYNER aka JERMAHL DAVIS JOYNER, who may have an ownership interest in said property, who have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known addresses, have not been personally located and have not filed a response to this action; that NATIONAL AUTO SALES, INC., a terminated Virginia corporation, which may be a creditor with an interest in said property, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; 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 WILLIE R. JOYNER, JR., upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, EUNICE L. JOYNER aka EUNICE SPENCER JOYNER, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, COREY L. JOYNER, JAMAL D. JOYNER aka JERMAHL DAVIS JOYNER, NATIONAL AUTO SALES, INC., a t e r m i n a t e d Vi r g i n i a corporation, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 25, 2018 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. TAYLOR’S VISION LLC, et al. Defendants. Case No.: CL17-4450 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2810 – 2812 5th Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0000814/004, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, TAYLOR’S VISION LLC. An Affidavit having been filed that John L. Taylor, III, Registered Agent for TAYLOR’S VISION LLC, the last owner of record of said property, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; that WILLIAM P. BENSTEN, Trustee, for a deed of trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 9725493 on November 19, 1997 and an assignment of mortgage at Instrument Number 00-9348 on April 21, 2000, 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; that DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY (California) pka BANKERS TRUST COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA NA, which may be the holder of a deed of trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 97-25493 on November 19, 1997 and an assignment of mortgage at Instrument Number 00-9348 on April 21, 2000, 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 John L. Taylor, III, Registered Agent for TAYLOR’S VISION LLC, WILLIAM P. BENSTEN, Trustee, for a deed of trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 9725493 on November 19, 1997 and an assignment of mortgage at Instrument Number 00-9348 on April 21, 2000, DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY (California) pka BANKERS TRUST COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA NA, which may be the holder of a deed of trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 97-25493 on November 19, 1997 and an assignment of mortgage at Instrument Number 009348 on April 21, 2000, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 25, 2018 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. ROBERT H. SMALLENBERG, et al. Defendants. Case No.: CL17-5033 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1415 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E000-0768/027, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Robert H. Smallenberg. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, ROBERT H. SMALLENBERG, who has been served by posting and by

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. ANGELINE TAYLOR, et al. Defendants. Case No.: CL17-5016 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2003 Dinwiddie Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0000346/014, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Mary Williams Life Estate. An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, ANGELINE TAYLOR, MARY LEE EDWARDS, LEROY WILLIAMS, JR., FERLEY WILLIAMS and CHAMPION WILLIAMS, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that said owner, LENA FLIPPEN, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to her last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; that LATANYA EDWARDS, who may have an ownership interest in said property, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to her last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action;

TRUSTEE’S SALE OF 1701 Joplin Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23224 In execution of a deed of trust in the original principal amount of $54,500.00, dated June 21, 2001 and recorded among the land records of the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond, Virginia as instrument number 01016754, the undersigned Trustee, will offer for sale at public auction, at the main entrance of the courthouse for the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond, 400 North Ninth Street, Richmond, Virginia 23210 on January 3, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. The improved real estate lying in the City of Richmond, Virginia and more particularly described as follows: All that certain lot of land with improvements thereon located at 1701 Joplin Street, lying, being and situated in the City of Richmond, Virginia, and being known and designated as Lot 32, on a

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Trustee’s sale

Richmond Free Press

B6 December 28-30, 2017

Sports Plus

Sportscaster Herm Edwards named head coach at Arizona State

The Giants were leading 17-12 with a few seconds left in the game and had the ball. The Eagles had no Herm Edwards is taking his football expertise from timeouts. Instead of “taking a knee,” as teams do now, the broadcast booth back to the sidelines. the Giants ran a play and fumbled the handoff from Joe An ESPN personality on NFL Live since 2009, Edwards Pisarcik to Larry Csonka. was named head coach at Arizona State University. Coach Edwards scooped up the loose pigskin and scampered “I’m here to build a program on top of the foundation 26 yards for the winning touchdown as time expired. that’s already been built here,” he said in his introducArizona State is hopeful Coach Edwards will be tory news conference on Dec. 4 in Tempe, Ariz. “We’re more successful as a college coach than he was in the here to be relevant in the Pacific 12.” NFL. He was a combined 54-74 (2-4 in playoffs) with Coach Edwards, 63, insists his lengthy absence from the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs from 2001 coaching won’t be a deterrent. He to 2008. He was 2-14 during his also has served as a motivational final year in Kansas City before speaker during that absence. being fired. Black coaching “I’m proud to be coach here, Soon after, he was hired by ESPN, fraternity and I promise you whatever I have wherehehasbecomeafanfavoritewith — and I got a whole lot, a whole his down-to-earth “Hermisms.” Looking ahead to 2018, here is a lot — I will work tirelessly and The NFL to college coaching list of African-American head football be committed,” he said. train is filled with greatly differing coaches at colleges in the Power 5 conferences — the ACC, SEC, Big 10, Coach Edwards succeeds Todd results. Nick Saban was just 15Big 12 and Pac 12: Graham, who was fired following 17 in two seasons with the NFL Herm Edwards, Arizona State a six-year, 46-31 record, including Miami Dolphins. Since then, he University; David Shaw, Stanford 7-5 this season. has built arguably the nation’s most University; Dino Babers, Syracuse Coach Graham will lead the Sun dominant college program at the University; Willie Taggart, Florida State Devils in the Dec. 29 Sun Bowl University of Alabama. University; Derek Mason, Vanderbilt in El Paso, Texas, against North On the other hand, Lovie Smith University; James Franklin, Penn State Carolina State University, with was 81-63 with the NFL Chicago University; Lovie Smith, University of Coach Edwards simply observing Bears, but has struggled to make Illinois and planning the future. a 5-19 mark in two seasons at the Coach Edwards already has University of Illinois. been active on the recruiting front. Last week, he anIt isn’t terribly rare for NFL coaches to leave for nounced 11 signees, including two with a “four-star” college coaching. Coach Edwards, however, falls into rating — linebacker Reggie Hughes and cornerback a unique category with nearly a decade in between as Dominique Harrison. an announcer. He insists he hasn’t lost his feel for the This represents a new chapter in Coach Edwards’ game during his years of speaking to a TV audience as football saga. opposed to a locker room of athletes. Coach Edwards was a standout NFL cornerback, “I coach football and I’ve been coaching football all mostly with the Philadelphia Eagles, from 1977 to 1986, my life,” he told the Tempe media. “That’s what I do. collecting 33 interceptions. He may be best known for I coach football. They’ve given me the ability to coach the “Miracle in the Meadowlands” on Nov. 19, 1978, from a monitor. They’ve given me the ability to come at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.Y. into your home and coach.” By Fred Jeter

Arizona State University photo

Former NFL coach turned sportscaster Herm Edwards, right, receives a jersey for his new coaching job at Arizona State University from Athletic Director Ray Anderson.

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plat entitled “Resubdivision of Block G, Richmond Summit, and an Adjacent Parcel of Land, Richmond, Virginia,” made by Foster & Miller, Certified Surveyors, dated September 15, 1967, and recorded in the Clerk’s Office, Circuit Court of the City of Richmond, Virginia, Division II, in Plat Book 8, page 53, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description of said lot. A nonrefundable bidder’s deposit of $10,000.00 or 10% of the sales price whichever is less, by cashier’s or certified check required at time of sale, except for the party secured by the Deed of Trust. Risk of loss is on the purchaser from date and time of auction. Balance of purchase price must be paid by cashier’s check within 14 days from sale date. Except for Virginia Grantor tax, all settlement costs and expenses are purchaser’s responsibility. Taxes are prorated to the date of sale. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining possession of the property. If purchaser defaults, deposit may be forfeited and property sold at the risk and cost of the defaulting purchaser who shall be liable for any deficiency in the purchase price and all costs, expense, and attorney’s fees of both sales. If Trustee does not

convey title for any reason, purchaser’s sole remedy is return of deposit without interest. This sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan secured by the Deed of Trust including but not limited to determining whether prior to sale a forbearance, repayment, or other agreement was entered into, the loan was reinstated or paid off, or whether the property became subject to an automatic stay under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code prior to sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void and purchaser’s sole remedy shall be return of deposit without interest. Pursuant to the Federal Fair Debt Collections Practices Act, this law firm is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

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School of Education, Virginia Commonwealth University The VCU School of Education seeks applications for the position of Coordinator in the Office of Strategic Engagement, with a start date of February 25, 2018. At VCU, we believe different perspectives and expertise enhance possibilities and solutions. This philosophy drives our recruitment process, so we welcome applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, who will contribute to an already diverse community of faculty, staff, and students. The mission of the Office of Strategic Engagement is to partner with regional stakeholders, particularly school divisions, along with national and international stakeholders to leverage expertise and resources to address identified needs and meet mutually established goals for the advancement of high-quality learning for educational professionals. The Coordinator will work closely with the Executive Director to promote, manage, and execute partnerships with external stakeholders and partners, especially school divisions, in development of mutually beneficial professional development agreements, degree and non-degree program cohorts, and collaborative agreements. Questions may be directed to Dr. Tomika Ferguson, Search Committee Chair, at 804-828-9805 or via email tlferguson2@vcu.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position closing date, January 15, 2018. For a detailed job description, required skills, VCU/SOE information and to apply, please visit: https://www.vcujobs.com/postings/68424. Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, veteran’s status, political affiliation or disability.

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