Richmond Free Press Dec. 21-23, 2023 edition

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VOL. 32 NO. 51

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DECEMBER 21-23, 2023

On probation VUU has a year to meet financial accreditation standards

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Virginia Union University remains optimistic of lifting the dark cloud that hangs over its accreditation – a key requirement for its students to access federal student loans – despite record enrollment, a strengthened academic program and increased donations.

According to Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, president of the 158-year-old historically Black private university, the Richmond school is doubling down on its efforts to ensure its financial operations meet the standards required to maintain accreditation.

In his view and that of the school’s board chairman, Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, a school

devoted to excellence can do no less.

“Our march toward best-in-class continues, and we continue working to align our operations with our aspirations,” Dr. Lucas stated in vowing to eliminate any concerns about the school’s status as an accredited institution.

VUU has 12 months to get its financial house in order after receiving the strongest warning yet from its accreditation agency, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The commission, which has monitored VUU for two years for compliance, placed VUU on probation Dec. 3 and gave the school a year to Please turn to A4

Coburn Hall at Virginia Union University

Regina H. Boone/Free Press file photo

Homeless people who died on U.S. streets are increasingly remembered at winter solstice gatherings The Associated Press

The Associated Press

Documentary photographer Eric Elmore displays one of his images of Roosevelt White III in Phoenix at the site of a fire where Mr. White lived in a tent before he died last September.

PHOENIX With his gap-tooth smile, hip-hop routines and volunteer work for a food charity, Roosevelt White III was well known in the downtown Phoenix tent city known as “The Zone.”

But like many homeless people, Mr. White suffered from diabetes and cardiovascular disease. He died one sweltering September day at age 36.

Thousands of people like Mr. White who died this year without a permanent home

are being memorialized on Thursday in communities from Cape Cod, Massachusetts to La Crosse, Wisconsin, to Riverside, California. Established in 1990, the increasingly popular Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day is observed with prayers, candles, moments of silence and the reading of names on Dec. 21, the first day of winter and the longest night of the year.

A national gathering called “One Life, Too Many. Another Year, Too Long” is planned Thursday afternoon in Washington, with a Zoom call so people can follow from afar.

Despite defendants’ inability to pay court fees, many still incur costs

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

“Anyone charged with a crime that can result in jail or prison time is entitled to legal representation.

In the familiar line from the Miranda warning, “You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be

appointed to you.”

But in Virginia, defendants who sign an affirmation in court that they have no funds to pay for an attorney are never told their right to a court-assigned lawyer is not free.

To the surprise of many, they received a bill from the court for that attorney if they

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

A light on the town The illumination of the Downtown Richmond skyline continues at Kanawha Plaza, 701 E. Canal St. This annual light spectacular is always a people pleaser during the holiday season, so bundle up and take a drive or stroll for a light on the town! Happy holidays, Richmond!

are convicted or accept a plea deal.

Depending on the case, the initial bill runs between $300 and $600 in Richmond and across the state, far lower than a paid attorney would charge.

But in felony cases, that bill can be double or triple that amount.

And over time, an initial bill will steadily grow each year as interest is applied.

Left unpaid after release, that debt will hamper a former inmate’s ability to rebuild their lives, negatively affect their credit score and sometimes result in a new jail term, according to the Charlottesville-based Legal Aid Justice Center (LAJC).

“Defendants get charged a fee for their court-appointed attorney or public defender, despite the judge already having decided they couldn’t afford an attorney,” notes the 56-year-old nonprofit legal aid group that represents immigrants, juveniles, public housing residents and other low-income people.

Shining a new spotlight on the trouble that fee causes, the LAJC is now calling on the Virginia General Assembly to end this fee-based system that traps people in debt.

In a report issued earlier this month, LAJC points out that lower court judges are using the unpaid fee for a court-appointed lawyer as an excuse to end parole or reinstate a suspended sentence — flouting a 1974 Virginia Supreme Court decision that found such tactics were never justified Please turn to A4

Other gatherings will be in Cincinnati, Ohio; Wilmington, Del.; and San Diego.

A ceremony in Phoenix will honor 758 homeless people confirmed to have died so far this year in Maricopa County, the most populous in Arizona and home to Phoenix, the state’s largest city.

That’s already a record. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner investigated 732 deaths of homeless people in 2022, representing a 42% jump in deaths from 2021.

“Without sufficient housing and services, people will continue to die on the streets,” said Lisa Glow, CEO at Central Arizona Shelter Services, which operates the state’s largest emergency shelter, a 600-bed facility in Phoenix.

DeBorah Gilbert White, the public education director for the National Coalition for the Homeless, said learning about those who died can shatter stereotypes. At one event several years ago, she learned of a

3-year-old homeless girl who died in the nation’s capital.

“Meanwhile, as our overall population is growing older, we are seeing more homeless people dying in their 60s,” said Ms. White. She noted that many older homeless people with chronic conditions like diabetes don’t have the necessary conditions, such as refrigeration for insulation, to care for their health.

Overall, homelessness is surging. The recent Annual Homeless Assessment Report from the Department of Housing and Urban Development showed that roughly 653,100 people in the United States were experiencing homelessness.

That’s a 12% overall increase over the previous year and the highest since reporting began in 2007.

“A lot of people living in encampments are uninsured and without access to medical treatment for a variety of Please turn to A4

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Making a list Zeniyah Trent, 3, needs the support of her father, Colby Trent, as she confers with Soul Santa about her Christmas wish list Dec. 2 at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.

Richmond church gains $1.25M mental health program grant Free Press staff report

A historic East End church has been awarded $1.25 million from the Lilly Endowment to promote mental health and hire psychologists and other professionals to serve congregants and the community.

Founded 156 years ago and now one of the largest predominantly Black churches in Richmond, Cedar Street Baptist Church of God was awarded the grant to start a program called “Support for Addressing Stigma and Promoting Mental Wellness among African-Americans,” the endowment stated.

Cedar Street in its grant application stated that funds would

be used to increase mental health and wellness messaging through a collaboration with other churches and to expand mental health services in the area by opening a clinic with professional staff at its sanctuary at 2301 Cedar St. The first program of its kind in Richmond, the initiative challenges a tradition of promoting prayer as the best resource for relieving Dr. Chandler stress and mental health concerns.

In the nuanced view of Cedar Street’s pastor, Dr. Anthony M. Chandler Sr., who led the effort to secure the grant, prayer and

pastoral counseling are not always enough to meet the mental health needs of the people the church serves.

“I have learned through more than 20 years of pastoring that faith in God and your affiliation with a church are not the only resources necessary to holistic health,” Dr. Chandler said.

“Depression, suicide, anxiety, feelings of guilt and loneliness are just a few of the stressors that affect members of my congregation and the African-American community at large,” said the pastor, who started his ministerial career in Baltimore and has been with Cedar Street since 2007.

Please turn to A4

Richmond Free Press

A2 December 21-23, 2023

Local News

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

Christmas holiday closings In observance of Christmas, Monday, Dec. 25, please note the following: Government State and federal offices: Closed.

City of Richmond offices: Closed Friday, Dec. 22 and Monday, Dec. 25.

County offices in Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover: Closed Monday, Dec. 25 and Tuesday, Dec. 26.

Public schools Richmond, Henrico and Hanover public schools will be closed from Monday, Dec. 25, to Friday, Dec. 29, while Chesterfield public schools will be closed from Friday Dec. 22 to Friday, Dec. 29.

Public libraries Public libraries will be closed in Richmond from Friday, Dec. 22, to Monday, Dec. 25, in Henrico from Sunday, Dec. 24, to Tuesday, Dec. 26, in Chesterfield from Monday, Dec. 25, to Tuesday, Dec. 26, and in Hanover on Monday, Dec. 25, to Tuesday, Dec. 26.

Garbage and recycling collection Recycling and trash collections will be delayed by

one day from Monday, Dec. 25, to Friday, Dec. 29.

U.S. Postal Service Post offices closed and no regular mail delivery on Sunday, Dec. 24, and Monday, Dec. 25. Regular service and delivery resume on Tuesday, Dec. 26.

DMV service centers All DMV offices are closed Saturday, Dec. 23, and Monday, Dec. 25.

GRTC Buses operate on a Sunday schedule on Monday, Dec. 25.

Banks and financial institutions Closed.

ABC stores Retail stores will close at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 24, and reopen Tuesday, Dec. 26.

Malls, major retailers, movie theaters Varies. Inquire at specific locations.

Richmond Free Press office Closed.

Free community testing for COVID-19 continues The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations: • Thursday, Dec. 21, 1 to 5 p.m. - Henrico Arms Apartments, 1566 Edgelawn Circle.

• Friday, Dec. 22, 10 a.m. to noon - Southside Women, Infants and Children Office, 509 E. Southside Plaza.

• Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2 to 4 p.m. - St. Luke’s Apartments, 117 Engleside Drive.

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

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

Want a COVID-19 vaccine?

Those interested can schedule an appointment with RHHD by calling (804) 205-3501. Vaccines.gov also allows people to find nearby pharmacies and clinics that offer the COVID-19 vaccine, and those interested can also text your ZIP code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends that children between the ages of 6 months to 4 years old may need multiple doses of the updated vaccines depending on their COVID-19 vaccine status and whether they had previously received Pfizer and Moderna.

Waiting periods for additional vaccines can range from three to eight weeks or four to eight weeks, depending on the vaccine dose previously received.

Children between the ages of 5 to 11 years old who are unvaccinated or received a vaccine before Sept. 12, 2023, should get one updated Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

Those age 12 and older who are unvaccinated should get either one updated Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two doses of the updated Novavax vaccine. People in that age range who received a vaccine before Sept. 12, 2023, should get one updated Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax vaccine.

People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of updated COVID-19 vaccine, and are encouraged to talk with their health care providers about how and when to receive them.

Site work is underway at George Wythe High School in South Side for the new Richmond School of the Arts. During a tour of the site on Monday, Superintendent Jason Kamras told local news media that the school, built in 1960, will open in 2026.

GRTC to upgrade service on Jan. 14 on four routes GRTC will ring in the new year with service improvements on four routes, including the Pulse rapid-transit line.

The regional transit company’s biggest change involves Route 1A, a Route 1-Midlothian Turnpike line that currently stops at the former Spring Rock Green shopping center just across the city line with Chesterfield County.

Effective Sunday, Jan. 14, the 1A will be extended eight miles into the county into the job-rich areas that include Johnston-Willis Hospital, office parks, retail operations and restaurants as well as Chesterfield Towne Center and the Walmart and Sam’s Club just a bit further that will be the end of the line.

This will be GRTC’s furthest penetration of this corridor, which now has a separate line, 2B, that reaches to Centura College at Buford Road.

According to GRTC spokesman Henry Bendon, the extended 1A will offer 30-minute service from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. on six days and to 11:30 pm. on Sundays and have 27 bus stops, with 13 outgoing and 14 returning from Walmart Way. A state grant and county funds are providing $2.35 million to cover planning and first-year costs of providing the added service without charge to riders.

Pulse service, which was reduced during

the pandemic, also will be fully restored on Jan. 14, with 10-minute service between 6 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. on weekdays and 15-minute service Saturdays and Sundays during that same time frame. Service after 11:30 pm. would be every 30 minutes as has been the case since the rapid-transit line went into service in June 2018.

Separately on Jan. 14, GRTC will speed up service on Route 19 that runs from Willow Lawn where the Pulse stops and Short Pump Town Center in Henrico County.

Mr. Bendon said the route now has service every 30 minutes, but will start running buses every 15 minutes along that line between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily and also extend service a mile or so to the Sheltering Arms-VCU Health operation on Wilkes Ridge Road in Goochland County.

Also on Jan. 14, GRTC will increase service on Route 91, the Laburnum connector that extends from White Oak Village shopping mall to Williamsburg Road and primarily runs on Laburnum Avenue.

Currently, service is hourly, Mr. Bendon said, but after the change, the service will be every 30 minutes.

These are among new steps GRTC is taking to improve service.

In November, the company began a test

of micro-transit program that allows people in the Azalea Avenue area of the city and Henrico to call a van to take them from their home to their bus stop.

In 2024, other changes will include expanding the 1 line to Parham and Brook roads and expanding micro-transit.

The changes are being ushered as GRTC continues to report growth in passenger numbers and greater success in hiring drivers.

GRTC also has reported fending off a ransomeware attack that hit computers in government and government-related entities across the country as well as some credit unions.

The attack from a Russian hacking group called Play happened just after Thanksgiving, GRTC has confirmed, but the regional transit company stated that the disruption to GRTC’s computers was temporary as its information technology staff “quickly restored our computer network.”

Other Central Virginia entities that have dealt with disruption from the hackers include the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) based in Richmond and Vantage Point Credit Union in Hopewell.

The attacks have been linked to a since repaired flaw in a software called Citrix that allows employees to remotely access a company’s computers.

9th District School Board seat open Free Press staff report

With Nicole Jones moving to City Council, the Richmond School Board Tuesday began seeking applicants interested in filling the 9th District School Board until a new representative is elected in November 2024.

The board announced that applications will be accepted at schoolboard@rvaschools.net through Tuesday, Jan. 16, from

registered voters who live in the South Side district.

According to the schedule, the board plans to interview selected candidates on Wednesday, Jan. 24, and Wednesday, Jan. 31, and to vote on the appointment at the Monday, Feb. 5, meeting.

The new member would participate in the second meeting in February, which is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 20, as the school system will be closed on Monday, Feb. 19, for Presidents Day.

VMFA announces free admission to ‘Elegy’ for state employees, preschool, K-12 teachers Free Press staff report

Commonwealth of Virginia employees and preschool and K–12 teachers (public and private) will receive free admission to the new exhibition Virginia Museum of Fine Arts “Dawoud Bey: Elegy,” according to the museum. Active duty military and their immediate families also can receive free admission to special exhibitions through the museum’s year-round participation in the Blue Star Museums program. The exhibition is now on view at VMFA through February 25, 2024.

A profound meditation on early experiences of African Americans in the United States, “Dawoud Bey: Elegy” marks the first exhibition of three photographic series and two film installations by renowned contemporary artist Dawoud Bey (American, born 1953). “Elegy” also debuts Mr. Bey’s new photographic series, Stony the Road (2023), as well as the artist’s latest film, 350,000 (2023), both created in Richmond.

“The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is a significant cultural and educational resource for all Virginians,” said VMFA’s Director and CEO Alex Nyerges. “With a series of new works that explore Virginia’s connection to our nation’s history, I encourage all Commonwealth employees and educators to enjoy free admission to the exhibition “Dawoud Bey: Elegy.” This important exhibition, which spotlights the artist’s brilliant historical landscape, offers visitors space to contemplate America’s

Courtesy VMFA

Museum visitors viewing the photograph Cabin from the series In This Here Place, 2019, Dawoud Bey (American, born 1953), gelatin silver print. Rennie Collection, Vancouver. Photo by Sandra Sellars, © 2023 Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

past, present and future.”

The historically grounded images included in the exhibition spur moving experiences, inviting visitors to become active participants within Mr. Bey’s immersive compositions. From the Richmond Slave Trail, where enslaved Africans were first marched onto auction blocks, to the plantations of Louisiana where enslaved people lived and labored, to the last stages of the Underground Railroad in Ohio, a route fugitive slaves traveled in their quest for freedom, Mr. Bey’s powerful images evoke both factual and imagined realities.

Commonwealth employees and educators must show their employee IDs or badges at the Visitor Services Desk in the museum when picking up their tickets.

One free ticket is available per badge.

Reservations for first-available tickets to the exhibition also can be made in person at the Visitor Services Desk.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is open 365 days a year with free general admission. In keeping with its annual schedule, the museum will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

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A4 December 21-23, 2023

Richmond Free Press

News

VUU has a year to meet financial accreditation standards Continued from A1

meet the financial standards or face the consequences. Probation is the final step before accreditation is removed.

VUU knows what is at stake. At the same time that VUU was placed on probation along with several other schools, SACSCOC voted to remove accreditation from another historically Black school, St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh. The beleaguered 166-year-old school is appealing, allowing it to remain accredited until the appeal is decided.

The Richmond school, which operates on a July 1-June 30 fiscal year has faced accreditation trouble since 2022 due to late delivery of its financial audits. SACSCOC placed VUU on warning that year and continued monitoring the school in 2023.

The December decision noted that SACSCOC only allows a school two years to come into compliance but can grant a third year of probation “for good cause,” which was found in VUU’s case.

Audit deadline met, common “findings” Dr. Lucas, who became the 13th president in 2017, wrote in a letter to the faculty, staff and students that VUU met the initial concern of SACSCOC this year by providing a timely audit to the accrediting body prior to the Dec. 3 meeting.

He reported VUU achieved its goal “of meeting standards for institutional effectiveness and for filing the financial audit in a timely manner and won recognition from SACSCOC’s board that the school ‘has demonstrated recent significant accomplishments.’

We have come a long way over the past year.”

However, according to Dr. Belle Wheelan, president of SACSCOC, the standards require every accredited school to deliver an audit that is free of auditor findings of problems with financial controls, and, as Dr. Lucas confirmed, VUU did not do that.

Dr. Lucas wrote that the audit delivered to SACSCOC “included findings,” which he noted are quite common in the

Homeless people who died on U.S. streets are remembered Continued from A1

illnesses that are exacerbated by living unsheltered,” said Etel Haxhiaj, a spokesperson for the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council.

The council supports the remembrance events to push for better tracking of the deaths.

Maricopa County is among few U.S. jurisdictions engaged in such tracking.

Drug and alcohol abuse figured into many deaths and was often the main cause. While a stroke killed Mr. White, methamphetamine intoxication contributed to his death, according to the medical examiner. Cardiovascular events like strokes and heart attacks, followed by traffic injuries, are also common ways that homeless people die.

Many homeless people are estranged from family, which means their deaths can pass virtually unnoticed. But when Mr. White died, at least 60 people, including family members from Arizona and Oklahoma, showed up for his funeral. The food was catered by Feed Phoenix, the nonprofit organization he volunteered with.

Among the mourners was Phoenix documentary photographer Eric Elmore, who created numerous black and white portraits of Mr. White over a year. The downtown encampment where Mr. White lived once housed hundreds of people in tents, but has since been cleared out under a court order.

“He had this kind of energy that would just draw you in,” Mr. Elmore said of Mr. White. “He had a huge personality.”

Megan Kepler, who volunteered with Mr. White, remembered him on Wednesday as “a man who was full of kindness and joy.”

“Although he had many struggles, he always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude. He stayed hopeful in the face of difficulties,” Ms. Kepler said. “We miss our friend dearly, and hope that others can see that he was not just a number, but instead a valued and loved human being.”

Dr. Lucas

Dr. Richardson

Dr. Wheelan

audits of large organizations but still kept VUU squarely in SACSCOC’s crosshairs.

He expressed disappointment that a university where “great things are happening” was placed on probation, but added, “it is important to understand the university agrees (with the probation decision). We aspire to an audit with no findings. We have delivered these in the past, and we expect to deliver one again in 2024.”

In an interview, he acknowledged that the last audit VUU provided without any findings was submitted in 2016. He declined to disclose the specific findings that were included in the audit that was completed by late summer for the 2022-23 fiscal year that ended June 30.

Step by step To ensure a zero finding audit, Dr. Lucas spelled out the steps that are being taken to ensure SACSCOC will not take any further action against the school.

The steps including having the university’s chief financial officer report directly to Dr. Lucas and to work with the school’s business office to implement an audit readiness and effectiveness plan.

In addition, Dr. Lucas stated the business office has been allowed to hire additional staff and an outside accounting firm

has been retained to supplement the internal staff.

Dr. Lucas also stated that he has directed that internal processes be streamlined to allow quicker processing of transactions and authorized the school’s external auditor to conduct an interim review of the school’s procedures for preparing for the audit in order to identify and correct any concerns.

An Audit Committee also is being created, he stated, and a schedule of monthly meetings is in place for the board’s executive committee to meet with the new committee and members of the school’s Finance and Investment committees to monitor progress. “This will further strengthen the board’s ability to exercise its fiduciary responsibility,” he stated.

He stated those actions are being taken while the university continues to meet other challenges, including ensuring that the curriculum remains strong, that students are not overburdened with debt and that the school’s buildings are maintained.

Record enrollment, ranking Dr. Lucas noted that the accreditation problem arises as VUU hits its stride in other ways.

VUU enrolled a record 2,068 students in undergraduate and graduate programs in September, an 11% increase from 2022, he stated.

The school also has increased revenue by 39% from 2019 and increased net assets 13% while reducing long-term debt by 39% and increasing fundraising by 350% over pre-pandemic levels, he continued.

VUU also is now No. 39 on U.S. News magazine’s rankings of historically Black colleges and universities, he stated. Before he arrived six years ago, he stated, VUU “was not ranked at all.

“Today, we are the only HBCU to consistently improve in ranking seven years in row,” he continued and also just won the CIAA football championship for the first time in 22 years.

“These are all reasons to celebrate,” Dr. Lucas stated, “and they challenge us to move faster and do more.”

Despite defendants’ inability to pay court fees, many still incur costs Continued from A1

for an ordinary debt and that collection should only be attempted when a person was able to pay.

LAJC cites the case of Shakil Ali, who had gotten a job after his release and started making monthly payments on his court debt that had reached $3,000 and included a $1,000 fee for his courtassigned attorney.

However, Mr. Ali ended up before a judge who told him to pay off the full amount in 45 days or he would be jailed for contempt of court, according to LAJC, and staved off jail time by raising the money through an appeal to neighbors and community residents.

“The state’s existing policy of charging people for court-appointed attorneys taxes low-income people for equal justice, takes money out of family budgets for basic needs, costs localities across the Commonwealth dearly and is unnecessary,” LAJC states in the report.

“Virginia can and should eliminate the court-appointed attorney fee,” LAJC concludes.

LAJC quotes a former inmate Hassan Shabazz, who wrote that, “I didn’t know I’d get charged for my attorney until after my appeal was decided! That’s when I learned I had about $650 in counsel fees, and I was shocked. I thought that’d come from the state budget, just like the money for the commonwealth’s attorney. How do you charge someone for their attorney when

they were too poor to afford one?

“While I was in prison, I was making just 45 cents an hour working in the law library — and the prison was taking money out of that pay for fees,” Mr. Shabazz continued. “How am I going to buy hygiene items and decent food, especially since I wasn’t getting money from home?”

Data collected by LAJC show Virginia courts billed defendants an average of $34.7 million for assigned attorneys each year between 2019 and 2023, but collected only about $12.7 million a year, much of it from older debt.

LAJC reports that just $1 million or about 3% of the $34.7 million billed yearly in assigned lawyer fees was paid when it was initially billed.

The state and localities share any repayment, and localities that included a line item in their budgets reported receiving an average of $5,000 a year from that source, LAJC notes.

Debt that is paid later typically involves removal of money from people and family members who do not have the capacity to pay without serious hardship, LAJC states.

LAJC notes that at least one state agency has called for reform, the Office of the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts. The state auditor did so in 2013 after conducting a review of Virginia courts’ collections of debts defendants accumulated.

So far unheeded, the auditor’s review concluded that court debt should be stratified, with judges putting greater emphasis on people’s ability to pay and showing

greater recognition that some of that debt is simply uncollectable and should be written off.

And such debts live on for decades under state law. General district courts are entitled to pursue collection for 30 years while the debts imposed by circuit courts are collectable for 60 years, LAJC notes.

LAJC is not the first to call attention to this issue. In 2021, the Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis, a think tank that seeks to advance racial and economic justice, did so in report titled “Set Up To Fail: How Court Fees Harm Black Communities and Punish Poverty in Virginia.”

With Democrats once again holding majorities in both the House of Delegates and the Senate, LAJC is hopeful change can gain traction in the 2024 session.

In a summary, LAJC states that “courtappointed attorney fees create a needless penalty on Virginia families who can’t pay.”

In the view of LAJC, “public defenders should be well paid and indigent defense should be well-funded; this is critical in our adversarial court system for the promise of equal justice to become a reality. Just like libraries, police, and firefighters, indigent defense should be funded as a public necessity, without cost to the Virginians who are assisted.”

LAJC states that “the solution is to follow the lead of such states as Delaware, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey and New Mexico that have eliminated that fee. It’s now time for Virginia.”

Richmond church gains $1.25M mental health program grant Continued from A1

“Having trained professionals available to assist is a muchneeded addition to the congregational and community services we provide,” said Dr. Chandler, who has faced his own challenges since the death of his wife, Dr. Taleshia L. Chandler, in 2022.

Cedar Street is one of 104 organizations that shared $115

million in grants that the endowment recently awarded through its Thriving Congregations Initiative.

“Congregations play an essential role in deepening the faith of individuals and contributing to the vitality of communities,” said Christopher L. Coble, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for religion.

“We hope,” he continued, “that these grants and the programs

they support will nurture the vibrancy and spark the creativity of congregations, helping them imagine new ways to share God’s love in their communities and across the globe.”

Based in Indianapolis, the foundation was started in 1937 by family members associated with the Eli Lilly and Co. pharmaceutical business. The endowment annually awards grants that support community development, education and religion.

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Richmond Free Press

December 21-23, 2023 A5

Local News

His home has become a museum

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

John W. Bynum Jr. loves Black history so much he’s turned his split-level home in Chesterfield County into a small museum.

Walk through the front door of his home in the 9900 block of Huguenot Road and you are greeted with a display featuring Muhammad Ali and a tribute to Tuskegee Airman James Harvey III. His living room features pictures of civil rights leaders and Black political figures who served during the Reconstruction era after the Civil War. The Richmond-born 70-yearold has turned a guest bedroom in what he calls “The Colored Waiting Room,” in which he spotlights racial injustices of the segregation era and also pays tribute to Black heroes, including the Buffalo Soldiers and President Obama.

For example, Mr. Bynum displays a reproduction of a water fountain for “colored people” that he had built as a reminder that separation by race in Richmond and across the South was once the reality, down to life-giving water.

Jeremy M. Lazarus/Richmond Free Press

John W. Bynum Jr. has turned a guest bedroom into what he calls “The Colored Waiting Room,” in which he spotlights racial injustices of the segregation era and also pays tribute to Black heroes, including the Buffalo Soldiers and President Obama.

Mr. Bynum, who was once a professional drummer in a band and spent much of his adult life as a skilled printer, said he has created the museum to share his passion with visitors.

“Black history didn’t get much attention when I was in school,” Mr. Bynum said.

He said his interest in collecting and displaying historical items was sparked 40 years ago by a picture of Black children that made him think he should learn more about the past.

Mr. Bynum said that he began collecting photos and other items that intrigued him and learning more about Black people who have made a difference.

He said he will soon convert his master bedroom into a tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, the Black fighter pilots of World War II who won acclaim for defending American bombers from the German fighters trying to down them.

Now a full-time security guard at Virginia Housing, Mr. Bynum said he enjoys showing off the collection.

“I’m hoping,” he said, “that this stimulates people who drop by to ask questions and begin to do their own research.”

RVA Sports Awards finalists announced Free Press staff report

The Richmond Region Tourism Foundation and its partners have announced the finalists for the 3rd Annual RVA Sports Awards, an event to honor athletes, coaches and groups working to better the region through sports.

Public voting will take place online until Jan. 15. Winners will be recognized at the RVA Sports Awards on Feb. 3 at the Altria Theater.

The regionwide celebration is presented by Colonial Downs® and Rosie’s Gaming Emporium®. Event tickets are now on sale.

Finalists for the RVA Sports Awards include: Female Athlete of the Year Presented by Kings Dominion •Addie Budnik – University of Richmond Women’s Basketball •Britton Wilson – University of Arkansas Track and Field (Godwin graduate) •Gurún Karítas Hallgrímsdóttir — Virginia Commonwealth University Track and Field •Rilee Baughan – Randolph-Macon College Softball Male Athlete of the Year Presented

by Colonial Downs® and Rosie’s Gaming Emporium® •Ace Baldwin Jr. – Virginia Commonwealth University Basketball •Miles Mallory – Randolph-Macon College Basketball •Tristan Wheeler – University of Richmond Football •Willie Drew – Virginia State University Football Team of the Year Presented by Synergy Technical •Randolph-Macon College Softball •Richmond Flying Squirrels •Virginia Union University Football Coach of the Year Presented by Brown Distributing Company •Andy Steuart – Patrick Henry High School Boys’ Volleyball •Anne Harrington – University of Richmond Women’s lacrosse •Cheryl Groce-Wright – Sports Backers Marathon Training •Dennis Pelfrey – Richmond Flying Squirrels Manager •Pedro Arruza – Randolph-Macon College Football Moment of the Year Presented by Virginia Is For Lovers •Josh Parker – Collegiate High School Soccer (State Championship winning goal) •Midlothian High School Baseball – (Catcher consoles pitcher after giving up walk-off hit in Regional Final) •Virginia Commonwealth University Wins A-10 Men’s Basketball Championship Youth Athlete of the Year Presented by Techno Branded SWAG •Eli Cramer – Cosby High School •Isaac Lamprecht – New Kent High School •Julia Mann – Godwin High School •Lanie Grant – James River High School •Tony Allen Jr. – Armstrong High School Youth Team of the Year •Armstrong High School Football •Hanover High School Baseball •John Marshall High School Boys’ Basketball •Richmond United U17 Soccer Event Impact of the Year Presented by Virginia Sports Hall of Fame •Dominion Energy Riverrock •Jefferson Cup Soccer •Richmond Raceway/Bubba’s Block Party •Tri-Cities Chili Peppers Baseball– Faulkner Foundation

Proceeds from the RVASports Awards support the Richmond Region Tourism Foundation’s Sports Tourism Grant initiative, a program that distributes grants to local sports organizations to develop new events and expand existing events to attract new

visitors to the region.

The event also will fund a scholarship program to support two annual scholarships for students in Virginia State University’s Sports and Hospitality Management Program and the Center for Sport Leadership

at Virginia Commonwealth University.

The RVA Sports Awards will be broadcast live on CBS6 on Feb. 3 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

For more information on tickets and sponsorships visit www.

RVASportsAwards.com.

Gov. Wilder

A Wilder celebration Free Press staff report

Former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder will be celebrated for his 70 years of public service and historic achievements next year in “A National Ovation to L. Douglas Wilder.”

The VCU L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs will host the event across two days, two states and two events in collaboration with Virginia Union University and Howard University. The celebration starts with the premiere of a documentary about Gov. Wilder’s life on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 5 p.m. in VUU’s Claude G. Perkins Living and Learning Center at 1500 N. Lombardy St. in Richmond.

The documentary will be followed by a National Ovation Gala on Saturday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m. in the Washington Hilton Hotel at 1919 Connecticut Ave. in Washington, D.C. Scholarships also will be provided as part of this event to VCU, VUU and Howard University students who enroll and attend the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs for undergraduate or graduate studies.

To RSVP for the documentary, visit www.support.vcu.edu/ event/WilderDoc, while tickets for the black-tie affair can be purchased at www.support.vcu.edu/event/NationalOvationWilder.

More information can be found at wilder.vcu.edu/news-andevents/a-national-ovation-to-l-douglas-wilder.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF AN APPLICATION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY D/B/A DOMINION ENERGY VIRGINIA FOR REVISION OF RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE: RIDER OSW, COASTAL VIRGINIA OFFSHORE WIND COMMERCIAL PROJECT, FOR THE RATE YEAR COMMENCING SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 CASE NO. PUR-2023-00195 ā 9LUJLQLD (OHFWULF DQG 3RZHU &RPSDQ\ G E D 'RPLQLRQ (QHUJ\ 9LUJLQLD ³'RPLQLRQ´ KDV DSSOLHG IRU DSSURYDO WR UHYLVH LWV UDWH DGMXVWPHQW FODXVH 5LGHU 2൵VKRUH :LQG ³5LGHU OSW”). · In this case, Dominion has asked the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) to approve Rider OSW for the rate year beginning September 1, 2024, and ending August 31, 2025 (“Rate Year”). · For the Rate Year, Dominion requests a revenue requirement of $485,933,455, which would increase the monthly bill of a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per month by $3.89. · A Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing in this case on May 8, 2024, at 10 a.m., for the receipt of public witness testimony. · An evidentiary hearing will also be held on May 8, 2024, at 10 a.m., or at the conclusion of the public witness portion of the hearing, whichever is later, in the Commission’s VHFRQG ÀRRU FRXUWURRP ORFDWHG LQ WKH 7\OHU %XLOGLQJ (DVW 0DLQ 6WUHHW 5LFKPRQG 9LUJLQLD WR UHFHLYH WKH WHVWLPRQ\ DQG HYLGHQFH RI 'RPLQLRQ DQ\ UHVSRQGHQWV DQG &RPPLVVLRQ 6WD൵ · Further information about this case is available on the SCC website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information.

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VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY

Richmond Free Press Berry Christmas, North Side Editorial Page

A6

December 21-23, 2023

Watch out ’Tis the Christmas season and Gov. Glenn A. Youngkin played Santa Claus on Wednesday when passing out his new Virginia spending plan for the next two years.

Tax cuts for everyone who pays taxes, the Republican millionaire announced as he once again made changes in what people pay to support the government, the centerpiece of his plan.

But he may find there are plenty of people waiting to exchange what he brought for something more to their liking.

Gov. Youngkin said his plan would reduce income tax payments 12%, making Virginia more competitive with North Carolina and other Southern states that have seen even more economic growth and job creation than Virginia.

But our governor is a different kind of Santa.

In his budget message, he said the gift of tax cuts would be accompanied by lumps of coal in the form of increased sales taxes.

In order to justify the cuts and not rip a hole in the state budget, he wants everyone to pay a bit extra to the government when they make purchases – about a penny more on each dollar spent to the state and a penny more to localities.

And he wants to expand the list of items on which the sales tax would be collected, including streaming services like Netflix and downloads of music and other digital downloads.

Just as last year when the governor vainly sought to cut business taxes, he’s already getting pushback and being told he’s being naughty, not nice.

The switch to sales taxes would mean a larger tax on the lowest income individuals. “The sales tax is regressive,” Hampton Sen. Mamie E. Locke, chair of the Senate’s Democratic Caucus, said in calling it a nonstarter.

The Senate Democratic Caucus piled on with a statement describing the governor’s proposal on sales taxes as “a slap in the face of our most vulnerable individuals.”

For us, Gov. Youngkin’s fixation with monkeying with the tax code doesn’t seem to fit with a guy who came into office in 2022 with promises of big changes.

His budget plan does include other gifts, including a $500 million in investment in Virginia’s mental health services. Included is a big present for parents of children who are developmentally disabled. His plan includes enough money to wipe out the waiting list of 3,400 families who are seeking support from Medicaid to provide care for their children.

He also is doling out money to working parents who need quality day care for their pre-school children, but who often can’t afford the cost without a government subsidy. His budget would provide $448 million a year to ensure subsidies continue to flow.

But in other ways, Gov. Youngkin’s spending plan falters.

His gift-giving list includes wage increase proposals for teachers, school staff and local employees on the state payroll, but only far smaller than anticipated.

He also appears to have reconsidered a promise he made in his first speech to the legislature in 2022. That’s when he vowed to end the practice of dumping raw sewage into the James River and “see the cleanup of the Chesapeake Bay to the finish line.”

His gift list includes just $50 million to help Richmond, the largest local government polluter of the James, upgrade its sewer system. That amount is just half the $100 million the city needs each year from the state to meet the 2035 cleanup deadline.

State help, the city has said, is essential if customers are to avoid huge hikes in their water and sewer bills to cover the $1 billion cleanup cost.

Speaking of cleanups, Gov. Youngkin’s budget offers nothing to help localities replace worn-out school buildings. And the public policy group Freedom Virginia pointed to another shortcoming in his plan – a decline in state funding for K-12 public schools.

In Freedom Virginia’view, Santa Youngkin is more interested in passing out tax cuts than in meeting the needs of people who need strong local institutions.

That’s the real problem. If Santa Youngkin’s top priority is tax cuts, then there will be less money for other priorities.

We agree with Freedom Virginia: “We need a state budget where big businesses and the wealthy pay their fair share and hardworking families get the support and tools they deserve and rely on.”

The governor’s spending plan, of course, is just that. A plan. He has handed it off to the House and Senate.

Like Freedom Virginia, we implore our legislators to take a hard look at the governor’s proposed budget.

We further demand that essential adjustments be made that guarantee our state’s correct course when using tax dollars.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

College presidents on antisemitism Over five hours at a congressional hearing, lawmakers pressed the presidents of Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania and MIT on the topic of antisemitism. In some instances, they were unable to say whether calls for the genocide of Jews would violate their schools’ conduct policies.

The backlash started almost immediately. Penn’s leader stepped down within days. Harvard’s president was on the hot seat for nearly a week before a university governing board announced she would stay on the job.

Republicans and Democrats alike criticized responses the presidents gave at the Dec. 5 hearing of a U.S. House committee on antisemitism on college campuses. In particular, the uproar centered on a line of questioning from Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., who repeatedly asked how each university’s code of conduct would handle calls for the genocide of Jews.

Early in the questioning, Rep. Stefanik asked the presidents about chants for “intifada,” an Arabic word for “uprising” or “resistance.” Rep. Stefanik equated calls for an intifada as a call for a global Jewish genocide.

Here is a look at the testimony given by Claudine Gay, of Harvard, Liz Magill of Penn, and Sally Kornbluth of MIT. Liz Magill of PENN During the hearing, Rep. Stefanik asked Ms. Magill, “Does calling for the genocide of Jews

violate Penn’s rules or code of conduct? Yes or no?”

Ms. Magill repeatedly declined to give a yes or no answer.

She emphasized the university’s policies considered whether “speech turns into conduct,” in which case it would be considered harassment. Rep. Stefanik continued to demand a definitive answer.

Ms. Magill responded that if speech were “directed and severe, pervasive, it is harassment,” and that whether a student would be

Annie Ma punished is “a context-dependent decision.”

That answer became a flashpoint of the criticism of Ms. Magill.

The day after the hearing, Ms. Magill said in a video statement released by the university that a call for the genocide of Jewish people would be considered harassment or intimidation.

Still, Penn alumni and donors increased pressure on the board for Ms. Magill to resign, a campaign that dated to earlier in the fall, when the university allowed a Palestinian literary festival to take place on campus despite allegations that some speakers had shown antisemitism in other comments.

Amid growing pressure from donors who said they would pull money from the university, Ms. Magill and board chairman Scott Bok resigned.

Claudine Gay of Harvard Dr. Gay, the first Black woman president of the 400-year-old university, also was asked by Rep. Stefanik whether similar speech would violate Harvard’s policies.

She gave a similar response to Ms.

Magill, emphasizing that context and whether the speech turned into conduct would factor into any disciplinary decisions.

“Antisemitic rhetoric, when it crosses into conduct, that amounts to bullying, harassment, intimidation. That is actionable conduct, and we do take action,” Dr. Gay said.

“So the answer is yes. That calling for the genocide of Jews violates Harvard’s Code of Conduct. Correct?” Rep. Stefanik asked.

Dr. Gay reiterated that it depended on the context.

“It does not does not depend on the context,” Rep. Stefanik responded. “The answer is yes, and this is why you should resign.”

A day after the hearing, Dr. Gay condemned calls for violence against Jewish students in a statement posted by the university to X, formerly Twitter.

Sally Kornbluth of MIT Dr. Kornbluth also was questioned by Rep. Stefanik about policies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She responded by saying speech targeted at individuals, not public statements, would be considered a violation of bullying and harassment policies.

Rep. Stefanik then asked, “Yes or no: Calling for the genocide of Jews does not constitute bullying and harassment?”

Dr. Kornbluth responded that she had not “heard calling for the genocide of Jews on our campus.”

Rep. Stefanik then asked Dr. Kornbluth whether she had heard demonstrators calling for an intifada.

Palestinians have launched two intifadas against Israel — one in the late 1980s and one

Problematic political rhetoric As someone who has appreciated the power of protest and activism on achieving progress in the U.S. and the world, it’s hard for me to watch the current high emotions over the Middle East devolve into arguments about the meanings of slogans.

Not only are those at loggerheads over Israel and Hamas taking the temperature to extreme levels, they w o n ’t e v e n agree on how to argue. Is, for example, “from the river to the sea” fair comment?

For those advocating for the Palestinian point of view, using phrases that the other side views as hateful is self-defeating and, frankly, hateful.

That’s why I appreciate the bold new effort by Cenk Uygur (“pronounced Jenk, like short for Jenkins” and You-ger) — host of the popular left-wing YouTube political commentary show, “The Young Turks” — to eliminate that oft-voiced and problematic slogan: “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”

“Can everyone please stop the dumb ‘from the river to the sea’ chant?” Uygur posted on X, formerly Twitter. “It is incredibly hurtful to our Jewish brothers and sisters. It’s also incredibly counterproductive to protecting Palestinians. Do not chant something that the majority thinks is a call for genocide. Not complicated.”

I appreciate his call for clarity in sloganeering. I felt the same way when “Black Lives Matter” first appeared on the national scene during the great racial reckoning that followed George Floyd’s death. Passionate but leaderless movements often have too little control over their messaging. We all witnessed that when the political right took

Clarence Page BLM’s name and attached their own cynical meanings to it.

The slogan is controversial enough to have led to the censure last month of Michigan Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian American member of Congress.

Rep. Tlaib, like other Palestinians I know, claims a very different understanding of the phrase going back to the time when the territory historically called Palestine stretched between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea under British rule from 1920 to 1948.

When Israel was established, the Palestinian territory was divided. Now the West Bank lies on the Jordan River, the Gaza Strip is on the Mediterranean coast and Israel lies between them.

As a result, the phrase “from the river to the sea” sounds like a call for the destruction of Israel, the country that now occupies that location.

Which is why antisemitism watchdog groups such as the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee understand the phrase to mean

calling for the removal of Jews from Israel, while others — particularly on the Palestinian side — hear the slogan as an expression of hope for Palestinian unity and autonomy.

Mr. Uygur’s critics are pointing out that, when it comes to problematic political rhetoric, he might need to get his own house in order.

He wrote, “We can all see the genocide in Gaza with our own eyes. Yet, almost every one of the politicians in Washington is pretending that it isn’t happening.

And that we should send $14 billion to help Israel commit obvious war crimes because they are being oppressed by the Palestinians.”

In another post, Uygur accused the U.S. government of hypocrisy for reprimanding college administrators who have allowed anti-Israel rhetoric on campuses while supporting what he called Israel’s so-called genocide in Gaza.

Uygur, like numerous others on the left, uses words such as “apartheid” and “genocide” to describe Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. As a journalist who reported in apartheid South Africa on the Soweto uprising in the 1970s, I learned firsthand how real apartheid worked for — or against — those of us who deemed the underclass by that regime.

Gaza, you’re no Soweto, although the difference surely isn’t meaningful to those whose neighborhoods are being bombed.

The writer is a columnist for the Chicago Tribune.

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

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

in the early 2000s. Both were to protest Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and both involved violence. But since Hamas’ massacre in Israel in October, some Jews have interpreted calls for globalizing the intifada as a call for broader attacks against Jews.

“I’ve heard chants which can be antisemitic, depending on the context when calling for the elimination of the Jewish people,” Rep. Kornbluth said.

Speech would be investigated as harassment if it were “pervasive and severe,” she said.

In a written note to the MIT community two days after the hearing, the chair of the MIT Corporation signaled the executive committee’s support for Rep. Kornbluth, who is Jewish. “She has done excellent work in leading our community, including in addressing antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hate, all of which we reject utterly at MIT,” the statement said.

The writer covers education, race and ethnicity for the Associated Press.

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Richmond Free Press

December 21-23, 2023 A7

Letters to the Editor/News

Increasing opportunities for underrepresented minorities in STEM On Dec. 15, House Science, Space and Technology (SST) Committee Member, Virginia Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan; SST Ranking Member, California Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren; and Ranking Member of the SST Subcommittee and Technology, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens sent the following letter Comptroller General Gene Dodaro, asking the Government Accountability Office to study the financial instability of graduate and postdoctoral STEM scholars.

Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars play an important role in the United States science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) research and development enterprise.

The recruitment, training, and retention of these early-career researchers are essential to fulfilling the potential of the CHIPS and Science Act (Public Law No: 117-167) and ensuring that the United States remains the global leader in science and technology. However, increases in costs and personal expenses needed to pursue a STEM career have led to unsustainable levels of financial instability for some researchers.

For example, according to data from the National Science Foundation’s Survey of Earned Doctorates, the median reported education-related debt of science and engineering doctorate recipients was $35,000 in 2022. Further intertwined with the financial instability issues are discrepancies in the stipends and benefits offered to graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, especially across demographic groups, research disciplines, and the issuing federal agency.

Broadly, these lead to many concerns, including the uncertain financial return-of-investment for graduate education and inadequate support for the researchers and their dependents during their training phase. These challenges are further corroborated by data from the Survey of Earned Doctorates, which reported that only 67% of science and engineering doctorate recipients had a definite postgraduation commitment consisting of new employment, a postdoctoral study position, or a return to predoctoral employment.

Although there are additional stakeholders that financially support graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, not least the institutions themselves, federal agencies play an important

Stand’n up for books!

There’s lots of folks who want to secede, From cultural books afraid they might read, Teachers, Principals, and School Board Admin, Have made bash’n books America’s new passion, Censorship cuts are exceedingly deep, Inadmissible books burned in fiery heaps, Every day brings a news article caption, It’s become a bonafide media attraction!

The whole dang thing ain’t noth’n but toxic, As grownups lead with harebrained logic, Books being banned in Hitlerite fashion, Indoctrination thru “Big Brother” action, It’s easier to ban books than it is God’s people, While read’n Bibles neath HIS church steeple, We ain’t got no one to blame but ourselves, For the umpteen books now pulled from their shelves.

Won’t be long before books will be obsolete, And education scribed merely for the elite, Don’t y’all think we better stop!

Before literacy is one more thing that they steal?

Bookless shelves need their legislative repeal.

Rick Knight Henrico County

Let’s move to correct shelter issues A recent Richmond Free Press article noted there are not enough shelters for adults with children in the Richmond area.

This problem needs to be rectified very soon. This winter is predicted to be the coldest in a while. We should not have babies, toddlers, school-age children and their parents without a place to stay. This is a travesty that needs to be fixed immediately for the greater good. No one should be left out in the cold during this frigid winter season. City officials, let’s move expeditiously to correct this problem by doing the right thing.

ERNEST PARKER JR. Richmond

Rep. McClellan

Rep. Lofgren

Rep. Stevens

role in establishing an expectation of what is considered a fair, equitable, and sufficient wage with corresponding in-kind benefits for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. As we strive to make STEM fields more accessible to participants from diverse backgrounds, it will be necessary to understand the extent to which underrepresented groups may be adversely and differentially impacted by the financial strain of seeking advanced STEM training.

Due to the importance of STEM professionals to our nation’s health, economy, and well-being, and due to the long and resourceintensive training period these researchers must undertake, it is vital for us to understand the factors that may affect entry into and completion of such training. Therefore, we ask the Government Accountability Office to study what is known about financial instability among graduate students and postdoctoral scholars and assess the extent to which federal support for STEM research and training addresses financial instability. To the extent practicable, the study should address: •What is known about the prevalence and amount of federal research and training assistance awards among graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, and what impact does the availability of such awards have on participation by underrepresented groups?

•How do different funding models, such as traineeships, fellowships, research assistantships, or teaching assistantships, vary in the amount of stipend, benefits, or career development opportunities offered to graduate students and postdoctoral scholars?

•Are there opportunities for federal agencies to provide more

consistent support for both personal and professional expenses encountered by trainees, such as health care, housing, childcare, travel, or publishing?

•Are there any federal research agencies or agency programs that have set minimal standards for what is considered an acceptable living wage and benefits?

•To what extent do characteristics of agencies’ assistance awards such as stipend amounts, salaries, and benefits vary — including for underrepresented groups — and how do agencies determine recommended award amounts? a. Is there any existing interagency coordination or other mechanism to create consistency across agencies?

•How have agency assistance award amounts changed over time, and how do they compare to changes in inflation, cost of living, geographic location, and other costs, as appropriate?

•What is known about challenges faced by institutions of higher education in recruiting and retaining graduate students and postdoctoral researchers due to stipend levels or benefits?

•To what extent are graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in selected STEM fields eligible for federal food, housing, or medical assistance, and to what extent are these programs utilized?

•What is known about how offered status, benefits, protections, and rights-as-employees vary among institutions for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars? Are there any policies, such as those from institutional, state, locality, or funding source, that can significantly affect what is offered?

•To what extent do federal statistical agencies or selected research funding agencies have data characterizing the financial stability of these groups that may be useful to inform policy action?

•What opportunities are there for federal policies, programs, or activities that research agencies can undertake to help promote the financial stability of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers?

Thank you for your prompt attention to this request. Please contact Albert Hinman or Dahlia Sokolov of the Committee’s Minority staff at (202) 225-6375 and Melody Tan of Rep. McClellan’s staff at (202) 225-6365 for any questions.

Oklahoma judge rules man who wrongfully spent nearly 50 years in prison for murder is innocent The Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY An Oklahoma judge has exonerated a man who spent nearly 50 years in prison for murder, the longest serving inmate to be declared innocent of a crime.

Glynn Simmons, 71, who was released in July after prosecutors agreed that key evidence in his case was not turned over to his defense lawyers, was ruled innocent Tuesday.

“This court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the offense for which Mr. Simmons was convicted, sentenced and imprisoned ... was not committed by Mr. Simmons,” according to the ruling by Oklahoma County District Judge Amy Palumbo.

Mr. Simmons served 48 years, one month and 18 days since his conviction, making him the longest imprisoned U.S. inmate to be exonerated, according to data kept by The National Registry of Exonerations.

Mr. Simmons said afterward that he feels vindicated after his time in prison that included initially being sentenced to death row.

“It’s a lesson in resilience and tenacity,” Mr. Simmons said during a brief news conference following the ruling.

“Don’t let nobody tell you that it (exoneration) can’t happen, because it really can.”

Mr. Simmons has maintained his innocence, saying he was in Louisiana at the time of the 1974 slaying of Carolyn

is currently living on donations while undergoing treatment for cancer that was detected after his release from prison.

“Glynn is having to live off of GoFundMe, that’s literally how the man is surviving right now, paying rent, buying food,” Mr. Norwood said. “Getting him compensation, and getting compensation is not for sure, is in the future and he has to sustain himself now.”

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“Get A Fresh Start” Glynn Simmons served 48 years, one month and 18 days since his conviction, making him the longest imprisoned U.S. inmate to be exonerated, according to data kept by The National Registry of Exonerations.

Sue Rogers inside an Edmond liquor store.

He and co-defendant Don Roberts were both convicted in 1975 of the murder and initially sentenced to death.

Their sentences were reduced to life in prison in 1977 after U.S. Supreme Court rulings related to capital punishment.

Mr. Roberts was released on parole in 2008.

Judge Palumbo in July ordered a new trial for Mr. Simmons after District Attorney Vicki Behenna said prosecutors had failed to turn over evidence in the case, including a police report that showed an eyewitness might have identified other suspects in the case.

Ms. Behenna in September

said there is no longer physical evidence in the case against Mr. Simmons and announced she would not retry him, though she opposed declaring him actually innocent.

A spokesperson for Ms. Behenna declined immediate comment on Wednesday.

The ruling makes Mr. Simmons eligible for up to $175,000 in compensation from the state for wrongful conviction and opens the door for a federal lawsuit against Oklahoma City and law enforcement involved in Mr. Simmons’ arrest and conviction, defense attorney Joe Norwood said Wednesday.

Compensation, though, is likely years away, Mr. Norwood said and Mr. Simmons

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Richmond Free Press

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Stories by Fred Jeter

Miller and son are dynamic duo at VSU

Toddler steals hearts of basketball team and fans

Amesha Miller is more than just a student-athlete at Virginia “People are always coming over to visit and help,” she said.

State University.

“It doesn’t get any better than that.”

She’s that rare student-athlete and mother.

The party doesn’t last late, however.

There is a saying that “it takes a village to raise a child.”

“I take Avery to Miss Crystal’s (babysitter) at 7:30 a.m.,” she Never could that be truer than at VSU where Miller’s 2-year-old said. “Then I go to morning practice … then I have classes at son Avery is among the most popular “Trojans” on campus. noon, one, five and six … go home, do dinner, bathe Avery, go “Virginia State is our village,” said his doting mother. to bed.”

The toddler has probably charmed and fist-bumped everyone At a recent practice session, Avery wandered off to explore in on campus at one time or another. the 5,000 or so empty seats at the Multi-Purpose Center.

He’s present at all home games and many practices, where When he was retrieved, there was something missing ­— his he has the run (although closely shoes. watched by many) of the sprawling A concerned search party went Multipurpose Center. into action and quickly returned the Along with mothering an infant, sneakers to their rightful owner.

Miller, a 6-foot junior from Suffolk, Following an All-State career is the leading scorer and rebounder at King’s Fork High in Suffolk, for the Trojans. When not on the where she scored more than 1,000 court, she studies for her major points and grabbed more than 1,000 in psychology with an academic rebounds, Miller played two seasons courseload of 18 hours. at Division I UNC-Greensboro.

“It’s challenging, all about time In 2019-20, she transferred to management, but I’m so appreciaNorfolk State, to be closer to home. tive,” she said. “My parents (AdriShe sat out the first year under NCAA enne and Michael), grandparents, transfer rules. The 2020-21 season other family members … my teamwas canceled by COVID-19.

Photo by James Haskins/Richmond Free Press mates, the students, everyone.”

With Avery on the way, Miller Younger brother Mikel Miller (a basketball player at The Ap- dropped out of school to work at Suffolk’s John Yeates Middle prentice School in Newport News) has been an enormous help School. But she continued to shoot hoops in a recreation league “running up and down the road,” Miller said, adding, “We use a where she was spotted by former NSU assistant coach Kymesha lot of gas.”

Alston.

VSU Coach Nadine Domond describes Miller and her son’s Alston, a longtime friend of VSU’s Domond, began putting presence as akin to family. the pieces together.

“Avery’s our mascot … he’s got 15 aunts and uncles watching Several calls were made and one of them was from Domond over him,” she said, referencing the other Trojans and various male offering a scholarship to Miller, who eagerly accepted. figures who are close to the program.

“That was always my goal, to graduate,” Miller said. “I’d been Miller, who answers to “Meesha” and even “Ol’ Lady,” is 24 taking some classes on my own back home, but it’s a lot different and the oldest team member. She had been away from basketball when you don’t have to pay for it.” for two years before enrolling at VSU this past summer.

VSU is getting a good return on its scholarship investment.

The young mother lives with her son in a student apartment In helping the Trojans to a 9-1 start, Miller leads the team with that often is buzzing with activity. averages of 15 points, 10 rebounds and more than a blocked shot

Virginia State University basketball player Ameesha Miller is a leading scorer and rebounder. When not on the court, she is a student and doting mother to her 2-year-old son Avery, who attends all home games at the VSU MultiPurpose Center.

per outing. She carded 22 points and 18 rebounds in the 76-64 win on Dec. 14 over St. Augustine’s.

Quickly in Ettrick she has become a star. Factoring in Avery, better make that co-star.

Rattlers shine in James’ shoes

Hall of Famer McGinnis dies at age 73 George McGinnis, whose basketball Hall of Fame career spanned multiple seasons in the old ABA and NBA, died Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, of heart complications. He was 73.

The powerful, 6-foot-8 forward scored 17,009 points (20.2 average), grabbed 9,233 rebounds (11.0) and passed for 3.089 assists (3.7) between 1971 and 1982.

Mr. McGinnis was a three-timeABAAll-Star with the Indiana Pacers and three-time NBA All-Star with Philadelphia and Denver.

A native of Indianapolis, he helped Washington High to the 1969 Indiana state title and signed with nearby Indiana University.

Freshmen were not eligible for varsity play then. As a Hoosiers sophomore, Mr. McGinnis averaged 30 points per game, leading the Big 10.

In 1971, after one college season, he became one of the first players to leave school early when he signed with the ABA Pacers.

His jersey number, 30, was retired by the Pacers. In 2017, Mr. McGinnis was elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

Florida A&M University, perhaps with a little help from LeBron James, is the Celebration Bowl and National Black Colleges football champion.

Prior to the Rattlers’ 30-26 win over Howard University at Atlanta’s MercedesBenz Stadium on Dec. 16, a large package arrived at the A&M locker room.

It was a pair of black and white Nike LeBron 21 Conchiolin kicks (priced at $200 a pair) for every member of the team.

For the past two years, James has partnered with A&M, through Nike, to supply footwear not only for football, but also men’s and women’s basketball, cheerleading and the Marching 100 Band.

Whether the shoes made the difLeBron James ference in Atlanta will never be known, but it certainly put the contingent from Tallahassee in an upbeat mode.

The game drew a live crowd of 41,108, including Howard alum and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, and a national ABC television audience.

Many fans arrived late for the noon kickoff, but in plenty of time for the pulsating halftime battle of the bands between the Marching 100 and Howard’s Showtime.

Much of the halftime show was televised to the delight of the coast-to-coast TV followers.

Florida A&M’s Jah’Marae Sheread celebrates after his touchdown catch in the Rattlers 30-26 win Saturday over Howard University in the Celebration Bowl.

A&M, finishing 12-1, rallied from an early 14-0 deficit on the strength of three, fourth-quarter touchdown passes from Jeremy Moussa.

Two of the TD tosses went to Kelvin Dean, who was named the offensive MVP, and another to Jah’Marae Sheread, who also had a 48-yard punt return.

Linebacker Isaiah Major, whose late interception clinched the deal, was named defensive MVP. Moussa, a senior who previously played at Hawaii and Vanderbilt, shook off a slow start that included two costly interceptions (one a pick six) to hit 19 of 32 passes for 289 yards.

Since 2015, the SWAC and MEAC champions have chosen to meet in the Celebration Bowl rather than accepting invitations to the FCS playoffs. The gig in Atlanta draws $1 million for each conference plus more exposure than the playoffs.

This was just the second time a SWAC champ prevailed. The other was in 2016 when Grambling downed North Carolina Central.

A&M will open its 2024 season back in Atlanta (Georgia State Stadium) on Aug. 24 against Norfolk State in the MEAC vs.

SWAC Challenge. Howard will open at Rutgers Aug. 31.

Number of Black quarterbacks honored with Heisman continues to climb A running back was the model for the iconic Heisman Trophy statue, but over time it is increasingly awarded to quarterbacks.

LSU senior Jayden Daniels is the latest QB to receive the honor as college football’s most outstanding player.

Daniels is the eighth Black QB to be so honored since 2010, joining Caleb Williams

in 2022, Bryce Young in 2021, Kyler Murray in 2018, Lamar Jackson in 2016, Jameis Winston in 2013, Robert Griffin in 2011 and Cam Newton in 2010.

The 6-foot-4 Daniels is on a roll. Prior to the Heisman announcement, he was named Associated Press, Davey O’Brien, Walter Camp, Southeastern Conference and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Player of

the Year.

He has decided A native Califorhe will not play for nian, Daniels played the Tigers in the Jan. three seasons at Ari1 ReliaQuest Bowl zona State and the past in Tampa against two for LSU. Wisconsin.

With perhaps a Five of the first six bowl game left to play, top vote getters were Daniels has passed for QBs. Washington’s Jayden Daniels 3,812 yards and 40 Michael Penis was touchdowns and run for 1,134 second, Oregon’s Bo Nix third, yards and another 10 TDs. Florida State’s Jordan Travis

fifth and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe sixth.

The exception was Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who finished fourth.

The Heisman, arguably the most famous award in all of sports, was created in 1935

by New York’s Downtown Athletic Club.

Serving as model for the 45-pound bronze statue was Ed

Smith, a running back for New York University. Smith would go on to play in the NFL with Boston and Green Bay. Between 1935 and 1951, before there was much passing, 15 running backs were chosen.

Since 2000, 21 QBs have been honored. Alabama’s Milroe is the likely frontrunner next season.

Is it time for a new statue?

December 21-23, 2023 B1

Richmond Free Press

Cherished Holiday Memories Holiday memories are created by family — whether it is the family in which we are born or the family we create through church, work or social interactions.

May these reflections of cherished holiday memories, shared by four Richmond residents, bring you a renewed sense of joy and peace now and in the coming year. Happy holidays!

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Magic of Christmas Shakia Gullette Warren Executive director, Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia The memories of past Christmases fill me with a comforting nostalgia, particularly the ones spent with my parents and grandparents, steeped in cherished traditions and shared laughter. The anticipation and joy that built up in the days leading to Christmas created a magical atmosphere that I hold dear.

One standout memory that I often revisit is from a year when my family went all out to make sure Santa Claus made a special stop at our home. Every detail was meticulously planned, from the elaborate decorations to the thoughtful spread we left out for Santa, including sweet potato pie, Oreo cookies, and a glass of milk. The sense of anticipation and excitement hung thick in the air as we eagerly waited to see if our efforts would pay off.

On Christmas morning, I awoke to find reindeer hay scattered across the floor, forming a trail that led directly to the fireplace. Santa had indeed paid us a visit, leaving behind a treasure trove of gifts. I unwrapped a Cabbage Patch doll, an Etch A Sketch, and a collection of beautiful black Barbie dolls. The enchantment of that moment lingers, and I hold it close to my heart as a testament to the magic of Christmas.

Santa even left us a note, spreading the message of a Merry Christmas and emphasizing the importance of giving over receiving, while urging us to keep Christ at the center of all our celebrations. That day left an indelible mark on me, igniting a deep love for the holiday season. It was during this magical Christmas that the true spirit of the holidays instilled in me the values of generosity and faith, making it one of the most cherished memories I carry with me to this day.

Shakia Gullette Warren

Nothing like family Gregory Gallop II Senior community impact officer, Community Vibrancy Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond As an only child, Christmas was all about the gifts for me – the Hot Wheels, the PlayStation, Rush Hour 2 on DVD. Like most children, I imagine, I would wake up my parents at the first sign of daylight and usher them into the living room to open presents. I would spend all morning playing with whatever I unwrapped, and it was the first thing I packed as we prepared to travel to North Carolina to celebrate with the rest of my kinfolk. As the only native Virginian in the family, I looked forward to bullying my cousins in any and every game possible. So went the tradition — Christmas morning with mom and dad, meals and mischief with relatives.

As I matured, material things meant less and less. I realized that anything tangible was only temporary. What I actually enjoyed, more than anything, was spending time with family. Laughing and joking with my cousins, wolfing down slices of pie made fresh from my aunt’s pecan tree, seeing my grandmother’s gold-toothed smile — all my most cherished holiday memories.

I couldn’t tell you what gift I unwrapped on my third, fourth or 25th Christmas, but I will always remember the way it feels being around my family at Christmas time. For this reason, to this day, Christmas is my favorite holiday. The love, the joy, the peace that it brings is something that will always stick with me. These feelings I feel when reminiscing over Christmas will never fade away.

Gregory Gallop II

A love letter to Mom Rodney Hall Public relations strategist, former educator Richmond Public Schools Dear Mom, As we celebrate this first holiday season with you in heaven, we are reminded of the scripture you taught us from John 3:16.

You taught us to believe and we will not perish. Although our hearts break not hearing your infectious laugh or hearing your voice, we are comforted in knowing that you are in heaven with your Christian sisters and Uncle Brother singing the praises.

As a single, working, professional Mom, you made sure Christmas was meaningful and memorable. The smells that came from the kitchen, the many decorations, the cards, church services, friends and family stopping by.

Mom, you made the holiday come alive, from playing the Temptations … to Nat King Cole.

You also taught us to give back to others. I will never forget the Christmas in which you made sure we shared with others. That was impactful. Thank you for the great Christmas memories.

Rodney (and Donna) Hall In memory of Ivy Christian Hall

Rodney Hall

Old, new traditions Heather Ernst Acting director, Branch Museum of Architecture and Design Growing up in Louisiana, our holidays were fairly traditional. There were gatherings with lots of family and friends, good food and laughter leading up to Christmas Eve. My sisters and I would wake up each Christmas morning and go downstairs to find that Santa had filled our stockings and left presents under the tree. We would wake up Mom and Dad and they would sit next to each other on the sofa, drinking their coffee and watching as we tore into our gifts.

I thought that was how it would be when I had my own family. But when my daughters were very young, their dad and I separated so, while my dream of emulating Christmas mornings as I knew them growing up didn’t quite work out the way I planned, it was even better.

My most cherished Christmas memory happened in 2008 and it was the beginning of two traditions that we still carry on to this day. We had our Christmas tree up and were rooting through the box of mix-matched ornaments that had made its way from our move from California to Florida.

We emptied the packed box and as we got to the

Heather Ernst

bottom, sitting among the Christmas tree lights, tinsel, stockings, and brightly colored ornaments sat a small, plastic, very life-like green frog.

We pulled it out of the box and wondered how it had gotten there. I had heard of a Christmas tradition of hanging a pickle ornament on the Christmas tree and letting the children hunt for it. The first to find it won the honor of passing out presents on Christmas morning and being the first to open a present. So, I hid the frog in the Christmas tree, and this is how we began a tradition that continues to this day with the very same plastic frog that mysteriously appeared 15 years ago.

That was the same year that we each bought a special ornament and put our initials and the year on it. We’ve done this every year since and now have a collection of ornaments that reflect each year over the past 15 years.

My daughters are now 22 and 26; they’ll have their own Christmas trees and their own families one day. They’ll also have their own ideas of what Christmas should look like. I hope that they’ll carry on some of the traditions that we created together as a family while creating new traditions that fit perfectly within their lifestyle and their family.

Richmond Free Press

B2 December 21-23, 2023

Happenings Holiday events calendar Richmond Ballet’s The Nutcracker Through Saturday, Dec. 24

Celebrate the holidays with the Richmond Ballet’s performances of “The Nutcracker” at the Dominion Energy Center, 600 E. Grace St. Performances will feature choreography

by Stoner Winslett and music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky with the Richmond Symphony.

Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased online or at the box office. Details: (804) 344-0906 ext.

224, or visit www.richmondballet.com/event/thenutcracker/2023-12-08

Holiday Bazaar

Thursday, Dec. 21, from 12 to 7 p.m.

Visit the VMFA Shop, 200 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., for its first Holiday Bazaar. Find festive gifts for the family that celebrate art and culture. Five local artists will showcase their handmade items, including jewelry, home décor and accessories. Admission is free. No tickets

or registration are required. Details: www. vmfashop.com/trunk-shows

Non-Traditional Holiday Movies at the East End Branch Library Tuesday, Dec. 26, from 4 to 8 p.m.

The East End Richmond Public Library, 1200 N. 25th St., will answer the age old question: are “Die Hard” and “Gremlins” holiday movies because they take place around Christmas? “Gremlins” will be shown at 4 p.m. and “Die Hard” will be shown at 6 p.m. The event is free to attend and snacks will be provided. Details: (804) 646-4474

Elegba Folklore Society’s Capital City Kwanzaa Festival Saturday, Dec. 30, from 1 to 7 p.m.

Celebrate the holidays with Elegba Folklore Society for its annual Capital City Kwanzaa Festival at the Greater Richmond Convention

Center, 403 N. 3rd St. The festival will include workshops, performances, an African market and a cultural ceremony. There also will be activities for children. Tickets start at $5. Details: www. efsinc.org/events/festivals/kwanzaa-festival.

displays and more than 20 decorated trees will be placed throughout the hotel. The decorations and displays are free to view with no reservation required. Details: (804) 649-4750 or visit www. jeffersonhotel.com/holidays

Made in RVA Holiday Shop at Art Works Tuesday-Sunday through Dec. 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights Nightly through Sunday, Jan. 7

Visit Made in RVA’s Holiday Shop at the Art Works, 320 Hull St., for local handmade holiday gifts, including jewelry, candles, ceramics and paintings. The shop will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Details: www.artworksrva. com/blog/events/made-in-rva-holiday-shop.

Joy at the Jefferson Through Sunday, Jan. 7

The Jefferson Hotel, 101 W. Franklin St., will be decorated for the holidays with live poinsettias, garlands, wreaths and twinkle lights. Signature

A favorite tradition of Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, 1800 Lakeside Ave., featuring lights, botanical decorations, model trains, warming fire, hot chocolate and s’mores, and more!

Select nights through Jan. 2 will have live music performances. Santa Brunches will be on Saturdays and Sundays in December with seatings at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. GardenFest Dinners with Santa will be Dec. 17, 18 and 19 with seating at 5 p.m. Advance tickets are required and are available online only.

Capital City Kwanzaa Festival is Dec. 30 The Elegba Folklore Society is bringing Black-centered holiday cheer, with the return of the annual Capital City Kwanzaa Festival on Saturday, Dec. 30, in Exhibit Hall B of the Greater Richmond Convention Center from 1 to 7 p.m.

Organized in part with the City of Richmond and other corporate sponsors, the festival will feature a mix of music, discussion and wares of the African diaspora under the theme of “Legacy of Balance.”

Events begin with the opening of the African Market where attendees can find food, books and other unique items, including some that are handcrafted or imported.

The pouring of Ancestral Libation and Kwanzaa Candle Lighting Ceremony will follow.

The main stage will feature performances from Jaylin Brown, Nigerian Afrobeat artist Rhythim, and the Elegba Folklore Society featuring Cheick Hamala Diabate. Sessions also will include community workshops, Watoto Kwanzaa art

Good tidings Henrico to accept Christmas trees for recycling Dec. 26 through Jan. 9 Henrico County will accept Christmas trees for recycling into mulch from Tuesday, Dec. 26, through Tuesday, Jan. 9.

The free service, offered by Keep Henrico Beautiful and the Department of Public Utilities, preserves landfill space and protects the environment. It is available to Henrico residents only.

Trees will be accepted at the following locations: • Henrico County Government Center, 4301 E. Parham Road, in the lower parking lot; • Eastern Government Center, 3820 Nine Mile Road, in the front parking lot; • Springfield Road Public Use Area, 10600 Fords Country Lane, near Nuckols Road and Interstate 295; • Charles City Road Public Use Area, 2075 Charles City Road.

Trees may be dropped off anytime at the Henrico Government Center and Eastern Government Center and from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily at the Springfield Road and Charles City Road public use areas. Trees must be free of tinsel, lights, ornaments, tree stands and water bowls.

Residents are reminded not to place trees in their carts or curbside for weekly trash collection service. Trees are ineligible for pickup, even if they are cut into pieces.

Free mulch is available to Henrico residents at public use areas.

For more information, please visit to henrico.us/services/free-mulch or call (804) 501-7277.

activities and lessons for children.

African-centered educator, consultant, administrator, staff

Various civic and social organizations continue the holiday spirit by sharing both tangible and intangible gifts throughout the community.

Members of Club 533 distributed gift certificates to six local families on Saturday, Dec. 16, at the organization’s headquarters, 700 N. 3rd St. Founded in 1956, the organization’s members share compatible interests and philosophies regarding improving the social and civic welfare of Richmond-area residents. Club 533 has played a large part in the historical significance and revitalization of Jackson Ward and the Club has sponsored numerous educational, social, civic and recreational activities within and outside the Club’s facilities.

Also on Saturday, Dec. 16, members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the Commonwealth Chapter of The Links hosted the Young Achievers program at Virginia Union University. Young Achievers en-

developer and curriculum writer Kaba Hiawatha Kamene will be the festival’s featured speaker.

General admission to the festival is $6 in advance or $7 at the door; $5 for students ages 12 to 18, and seniors age 65 and up can attend for $5 in advance or $6 at the door.

Group rates for 10 or more are avalable in advance only.

The festival is free for children under the age of 12.

The Elegba Folklore Society asks any potential attendees that are experiencing any of the symptoms for COVID-19 to take a test in advance, and to stay at home if it is positive. Attendees also are asked to socially distance and wash their hands frequently. Hand sanitizers will be available and stationed throughout the event, as well as face masks. High touch surfaces will be wiped frequently.

Tickets can be purchased at the Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center at 101 E. Broad St., by calling (804) 6443900 or visiting www.efsinc.org

ables youngsters who live in the suburbs to interact and form relationships with inner-city youths. Last week’s program included a gift exchange.

Meanwhile, in Petersburg, FEEDING 5000 provided meals to individuals and families living in the city’s Pecan Acres Estates and Pin Oaks Estates.

FEEDING 5000 ™ has served families

and individuals for over 23 years providing food distribution of pre-packaged meals served to individuals and families, according to Andrew Shannon, the event founder and organizer.

Doc Christian served as the event’s DJ and co-host. Entertainment featured the New Generation Marching Band directed by Lionel Hines and soloist Rodney Williams.

Holiday Holiday

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Richmond Free Press

December 21-23, 2023 B3

Happenings

Personality: Wonnease Rhone Spotlight on 5 Loaves founder and executive director work with 5 Loaves is necessary given the presence of food deserts, lack of transportation and infirmities that often limit mobility for many in the Richmond area. Such factors also tend to force people to rely on cheaper, more accessible, less nutritional foods.

In addition to providing food, community aid from 5 Loaves includes clothing donations for the homeless, personal hygiene products and job-seeking skills assistance.

“It’s not just about food,” Ms. Rhone says. “It’s about the whole picture.”

Ms. Rhone hopes to expand 5 Loaves operations in the future by reaching more individuals and families in need.

Meanwhile, she is focused on current needs of the underserved, along with her quest to make their days easier, healthier and ultimately better.

Meet a provider for Richmond communities and this week’s Personality, Wonnease Rhone: Occupation: Executive director of 5 Loaves.

Date and place of birth: April 21 in Atlanta.

Where I live now: Richmond since 1988.

Education: Associate degree, Boston College.

Family: One son, two grandchildren.

5 Loaves is: A mobile food pantry serving Richmond and surrounding low income, food insecure and food desert areas with fresh produce.

When and why I founded: Five Loaves was founded in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic hit in the beginning of 2020.

Because of the lockdown, people began calling me in need of food. I partnered with local food pantries to help supply communities with needed food. However, I noticed that lots of food donated to food pantries were high in sodium, sugar and fats with very little fruits and vegetables. I decided

of our main goals is to identify local food deserts where people have limited access to healthy food and deliver food directly to citizens in those underserved communities.

Strategies for achieving goal: Research suggests that mobile pantries can reach the most food insecure population. We plan to acquire more trucks to reach more communities, to form more partnerships to generate more funds to expand our territory, to work diligently in researching and securing funding so that we can grow.

to ask area farmers to donate their surplus or sell to me at a minimum cost. Because of the high rate of diabetes, high hypertension, cardiovascular disease and hyperactivity in kids in Black and Brown communities, it is very important that we address these issues at all levels.

Mission: We believe that access to healthy food choices is a human right. Our mission is to help all our neighbors and communities have access to nutritious food. We are committed to responding to the needs of our neighbors and communities through food distribution and support services.

Values: We believe in engaging the community and involving those we serve in finding solutions to eliminate hunger and food insecurity. Our values are integrity, stewardship, teamwork, respect, innovation, empathy, passion and empowerment.

No. 1 challenge: Lack of funding, lack of resources to educate the public on the benefits of healthy food choices.

How we work in a nutshell: A mobile food pantry is a delivery truck that carries food to communities in need. Staff and volunteers help provide people in the community with food assistance a no charge to them on a first come, first served basis.

Since these delivery trucks come to specific local areas, people will not have to travel long distances to pick up the food that they need, making it a much more convenient way to gain access to healthy food choices and groceries.

The need for food in Richmond today: About 17,000 residents live below the poverty line at an annual income of $26,500 for a family of four.

That is 15.7% of the city’s population, more than the national average of 13.4% as cited by the U.S. Census. One in eight people turn to the food bank for

emergency and supplemental food each month.

Upcoming events: Dec. 21, 2023 – Distribute toys and deliver gift baskets to seniors at Norcroft senior living townhomes. (www.5loavescorp. com) How to become involved: 1. Donate money: Your generosity nourishes our community and empowers lives. 2. Volunteer: Every act of kindness goes a long way. 3: Donate food: Support FeedMore and other creditable food pantries by donating food or hosting a food drive. 4. Become a partner or sponsor. 5. Start a community garden and raise awareness.

How I start the day: I start my day with quiet meditation to focus on my gratitude for the blessing of the universe. The quiet time gives me a chance to rid myself of self-defeating thoughts and concentrate on the positive nature of my day ahead.

The three words that best describe me: Loyal, passionate and honest.

If I had 10 extra minutes in the day: Relax and read a good book.

Best late-night snack: Carrots, Granny Smith apples or cucumbers.

The music I listen to most is: Contemporary jazz, classical, hip hop and R&B, old school classic. I love all genres of music.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: At 75 years young I love to hip-hop dance and listen to rap music.

A quote that inspires me: “If

5 Loaves serves: Places like churches, libraries, schools, community centers, parks, seniors housing communities and random pop-ups.

you keep doing what you are doing, you will keep getting what you are getting.”

At the top of my “to-do” list: Generate more funds and acquire more vehicles for 5 Loaves so that I may serve more people in need.

The best thing my parents ever taught me: Hard work and dedication pays off.

The person who influenced me the most: My sister Rowena Wilder (deceased) and my niece Kimberly Burse. They taught me how to stay focused regardless of the circumstances and to just do it.

Book that influenced me the most: “Commanding Your Morning” by Cindy Trimm.

This book reinforced my beliefs that how we think about ourselves and our surroundings commands not only our day but our entire outlook on life.

What I’m reading now: I am reading a book by Louise L. Hay titled, “You Can Heal Your Life.” My takeaway from this book is that the state of mind has a lot to do with our healing and emotions. We are connected to this universe. We have the power to be at peace, regardless of the circumstances. We have to stay focused on our life in this moment, not tomorrow or next month. That will take care of itself. Just stay focused on this moment and live.

Next goal: I now have one vehicle and serve over 3,000 families monthly. My goal is to add an additional vehicle yearly beginning this year. I will not put a number on the number of families we want to serve monthly because we will not stop until the fight against hunger is eliminated.

You are cordially invited to

Location: City of Richmond and surrounding counties.

No. 1 goal of 5 Loaves: One

C

For as long as she remembers, Wonnease Rhone has provided food — particularly hot soup and sandwiches — to people in need.

“All my life, I have gravitated to feeding the homeless or people that were food insecure,” Ms. Rhone says. “If you didn’t have any food, I would go into the grocery store and buy you some food. That’s been my passion all my life.”

Several years ago, after knowledge of her work spread through word of mouth, Ms. Rhone’s passion for feeding people in need became 5 Loaves, a mobile food pantry.

With colorful signage on her small hatchback vehicle advertising her business, 5 Loaves was formed in 2019, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020. The deadly virus left many isolated at home to avoid infection.

Families, single parents, senior apartment complex operators and others contacted Ms. Rhone for help and food deliveries.

Ms. Rhone connected with churches and local organizations for help and locations to set up tables in the parking lots of two local churches in order to better reach residents in low-economic areas such as Southwood and Whitcomb Court.

Today, 5 Loaves operates as a mobile food pantry that provides food on its own or through collaboration with other groups. According to Ms. Rhone, 5 Loaves serves about 100 people daily and more than 3,000 families monthly.

Community partnerships with groups such as Kirby Farms, AARP, Retina Institute Virginia, the Community Foundation, Publix and Woodside Farms provide assistance. In addition, Ms. Rhone and her staff of five volunteers receive food donations from surplus stock, grants, and other entities to promote healthier eating in Richmond, Chesterfield, Hanover, Colonial Heights and Petersburg.

Ms. Rhone believes her

Date: Every day. Traditionally, December 25 but He’s always around, so the date is flexible...

Time: Whenever you’re ready.

(Please don’t be late, though, or you’ll miss out on all the fun!)

Place: In your heart. ...He’ll meet you there.

(You’ll hear Him knock.)

Attire: Come as you are... grubbies are okay.

He’ll be washing our clothes anyway.

He said something about new white robes and crowns for everyone who stays till the last.

BIRTHDAY A EBRATIO N EL Guest of Honor: !

Jesus Christ

Tickets: Admission is free.

He’s already paid for everyone...

(He says you wouldn’t have been able to afford it anyway...)

It cost Him everything He had.

But you do need to accept the ticket!!

Refreshments: New wine, bread, and a far-out drink He calls “Living Water,” followed by a supper that promises to be out of this world!

Gift Suggestions: Your life.

He’s one of those people who already has everything else.

(He’s very generous in return though.

Just wait until you see what he has for you!)

Entertainment: Joy, Peace, Truth, Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness, Community with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power, Eternity in Paradise, Contentment, and much more!

(All “G” rated, so bring your family and friends.)

R.S.V.P. Very Important!

He must know ahead so He can reserve a spot for you at the table.

Also, He’s keeping a list of His friends for future reference.

He calls it the “Lamb’s Book of Life.”

Party being given by His Kids (that’s us!!)

Hope to see you there! For those of you whom I will see at the party, share this with someone today!

…

INDIGENOUS Perspectives

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12/5/23 11:05 AM

Richmond Free Press

B4 December 21-23, 2023

Obituary/Faith News/Directory

Retired educator Eva W. Hicks remembered

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Eva Mae Wilkins Hicks, whose career as a teacher and guidance counselor for Richmond Public Schools spanned nearly 45 years, has died.

The North Carolina native, who was described as a loyal friend and caring person, died Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, in Henrico County, according to her family. She was 95.

Family and friends celebrated Mrs. Hicks’ life Friday, Dec. 15, at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, where she was a longtime member.

Mrs. Hicks grew up in Halifax County, N.C., and after earning her bachelor’s degree from Shaw University in Raleigh, began her education career in Culpeper, Va., as a home economics teacher.

She also met and married Irving D. Jackson, but after his death several years later, she moved to Richmond.

Mrs. Hicks initially worked for the city Department of Parks and Recreation Mrs. HIcks and also married Thomas Hicks, who predeceased her.

In 1957, she started teaching elementary grades in Richmond. After 17 years in the classroom, she secured a master’s degree from Virginia State University and made the switch to guidance counseling. She retired in 1993.

Outside of school, Mrs. Hicks was active in Episcopal Church Women and served as recording secretary for the Virginia chapter’s board. She also was a lay reader at St. Philip’s and served on church committees.

Mrs. Hicks was a member of the Richmond Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and active in the chapter’s youth programs.

Ms. Hicks had no immediate survivors, according to her orbituary.

Riverview Baptist Church Sundays Sunday School - 9:30 A.M. Worship Service - 11 A.M. Via Conference Call (202) 926-1127 Pin 572890# In Person Sunday Service also on FACEBOOK and YouTube 2604 Idlewood Avenue, Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 353-6135 • www.riverviewbaptistch.org Rev. Dr. John E. Johnson, Jr., Interim Minister

Black American solidarity with Palestinians is rising and testing long-standing ties to Jewish allies Religion News Service

By Aaron Morrison and Noreen Nasir

Cydney Wallace, a Black Jewish community activist, never felt compelled to travel to Israel, though “next year in Jerusalem” was a constant refrain at her Chicago synagogue.

The 39-year-old said she had plenty to focus on at home, where she frequently gives talks on addressing anti-Black sentiment in the American Jewish community and dismantling white supremacy in the U.S. “I know what I’m fighting for here,” she said.

That all changed when she visited Israel and the West Bank at the invitation of a Palestinian American community activist, along with two dozen other Black Americans and Muslim, Jewish and Christian faith leaders.

The trip, which began Sept.

26, enhanced Ms. Wallace’s understanding of the struggles of Palestinians living in the West Bank under Israeli military occupation. But, horrifyingly, it was cut short by the unprecedented Oct. 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas militants. In Israel’s ensuing bombardment of the Gaza Strip, shocking images of destruction and death seen around the world have mobilized activists in the U.S. and elsewhere.

Ms. Wallace, and a growing number of Black Americans, see the Palestinian struggle in the West Bank and Gaza reflected in their own fight for racial equality and civil rights. The recent rise of protest movements against police brutality in the U.S. has connected Black and Palestinian activists under a common cause.

Moore Street Missionary Baptist Church

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

Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, Pastor

Ms. Wallace

But that kinship sometimes strains the more than centurylong alliance between Black and Jewish activists. Some Jewish Americans are concerned that support could escalate the threat of antisemitism and weaken Jewish-Black ties fortified during the Civil Rights Movement.

“We are concerned, as a community, about what we feel is a lack of understanding of what Israel is about and how deeply Oct. 7 has affected us,” said Bob Kaplan, executive director of The Center for Shared Society at the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York.

“Antisemitism is as real to the American Jewish community, and causes as much trauma and fear and upset to the American Jewish community, as racism causes to the Black community.”

But, he added, many Jews in the U.S. understand that Black Americans can have an affinity for the Palestinian cause that doesn’t conflict with their regard for Israel.

According to a poll earlier this month from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, Black adults were more likely than white and Hispanic adults to say the U.S. is too supportive of Israel — 44% compared to 30% and 28%, respectively. However,

Black Americans weren’t any more likely than others to say the U.S. is not supportive enough of the Palestinians.

Still, Black American support for the Palestinian cause dates back to the Civil Rights Movement.

More recent rounds of violence in the Middle East have deepened ties between the two movements.

During a weeklong truce between Israel and Hamas as part of the recent deal to free dozens of hostages seized by Hamas militants, Israel released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

Some Black Americans who watched the Palestinian prisoner release and learned about Israel’s administrative detention policy, where detainees are held without trial, drew comparisons to racial inequality in the U.S. prison system.

Rami Nashashibi, a Palestinian American community organizer on Chicago’s south side, invited Ms. Wallace and the others to take part in the trip called “Black Jerusalem” — an exploration of the sacred city through an African and Black American lens.

“My Palestinian identity was very much shaped and influenced by Black American history,” Mr. Nashashibi said.

“The Church With A Welcome”

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

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church C

bin om

i

e with Reverence elevanc R ng

Rev. Dr. Joshua Mitchell, Senior Pastor ❖

The doors of the church are open for worship!

“BACK IN SERVICE”

“Your Home In God’s Kingdom”

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

“Please come and join us”

No registration required.

Our doors are open again Join us in person or online on every Sunday @ 11:00 am.

Facebook or YouTube

Live Streaming Every Sunday At: 10:30 (Broad a.m. Rock Sundays BRBConline.org or YouTube Baptist Church)

Sundays Morning Worship 10:00 A.M.

Every Sunday @ 11:00 am.

Live Streaming Every Sunday At: BRBConline.org or YouTube(Broad Rock Baptist Church)

Bible Study online and in person Wednesday 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

“MAKE IT HAPPEN”

“MAKE IT HAPPEN” Pastor Kevin Cook

Back Inside

“I always hoped that a trip like this would open up new pathways that would connect the dots not just in a political and ideological way, but between the liberation and struggles for humanity that are very familiar to us in the U.S.,” he said.

During the trip, Ms. Wallace was dismayed by her own ignorance of the reality of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. In observing the treatment of Palestinians at Israeli checkpoints, she drew comparisons to what segregation historically looked like in the U.S. “Being there made me wonder if this is what it was like to live in the Jim Crow era” in America, Ms. Wallace said.

Over the last decade, Black Americans and the Palestinians have also found growing solidarity.

In 2020, the murder of George Floyd by a white police officer resonated in the West Bank, where Palestinians drew comparisons to their own experiences of brutality under occupation, and a massive mural of Mr. Floyd appeared on Israel’s hulking separation barrier.

In 2016, when BLM activists formed the coalition known as the Movement for Black Lives, they included support for Palestinians in a platform called the “Vision for Black Lives.” A handful of Jewish groups, which had largely been supportive of the BLM movement, denounced the Black activists’characterization of Israel as a purportedly “apartheid state.”

None of the members of the “Black Jerusalem” trip anticipated it would come to a tragic end with the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in which some 1,200 people were killed in Israel and about 240 taken hostage. Since then, more than 18,700 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s blistering air and ground campaign in Gaza, now in its third month.

Violence in the West Bank has also surged.

Back home in Chicago, Ms. Wallace has navigated speaking about her support for Palestinians while maintaining her Jewish identity and standing against antisemitism. She says she doesn’t see those things as mutually exclusive.

“I’m trying not to do anything that alienates anyone,” she said.

“But I can’t just not do the right thing because I’m scared.”

Good Shepherd Baptist Church

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

The Rev. Sylvester T. Smith, Ph.D., Pastor “There’s A Place for You” Join us at 11:00 a.m. each Sunday for in-person worship service or Live-stream on YouTube (Good Shepherd Baptist Church RVA).

St. Peter Baptist Church

Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, Pastor

Worship Opportunities

823 North 31st Street Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 226-0150 Office

Sunday Worship Opportunities: 10 A.M. [In-person and Livestream] Sunday Church School Opportunities: Adults [In-person] at 8:30 A.M. Children [Virtual] online via our website.

Bible Study Opportunities: Noon [In-person] 7 P.M. [Virtual]; Please contact the church office for directives.

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

1858

The People’s Church 216 W. Leigh St., Richmond, Va. 23220 Tel: 804-643-3366 Fax: 804-643-3367 (PDLO ṘFH#HEHQH]HUUYD RUJ ZHE HEHQH]HUUYD RUJ

Sunday Church School • 9am (Zoom)

Sunday Morning Worship • 11am (in-person and livestream on YouTube)

Wednesday Bible Study • 7pm (Zoom)

7M\XL &ETXMWX 'LYVGL 8LIQI 1SFMPM^MRK *SV 1MRMWXV] 6IJVIWLMRK 8LI 3PH ERH )QIVKMRK 8LI 2I[ A 21st Century Church With Ministry For Everyone

We Embrace Diversity — Love For All! Come worship with us!

Back Inside Sundays Join us for 10:00 AM Worship Service

Please visit our website Ebenezer Baptist Church Richmond, VA for updates http://www. ebenezerrva.org

Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus

Live on Facebook @ 4ixth #aptist $IVSDI 37" Live on Youtube @4#$ 37" Or by visiting our website www.sixthbaptistchurch.org

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

(near Byrd Park)

(804) 359-1691 or 359-3498 Facebook Fax (804) 359-3798 `VeaUON]aV`aPUb_PU_cN www.sixthbaptistchurch.org

Richmond Free Press

December 21-23, 2023 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 Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 6:00 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, 2024 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. 2023-369 To amend and reordain City Code §§ 30-457.2, concerning permitted principal and accessory uses, 30-457.5, concerning yards, 30457.6, concerning usable open space, 30-457.8, concerning requirements for areas devoted to parking or circulation of vehicles, 30-457.9, concerning height, 30457.10, concerning building façade fenestration, 30-503, concerning prohibited signs, and 30-518.4, concerning TOD-1 district sign regulations; and to amend ch. 30, art. IV, div. 31 of the City Code by adding therein a new § 30-457.11, concerning orientation to street, exterior entrances, and façades.

Ordinance No. 2023-370 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1420 Spotsylvania Street for the purpose of two single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions.

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so by following the instructions referenced in the January 8, 2024 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at https:// www.rva.gov/office-cityclerk, and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 6:00 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, 2024 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. 2023-369 To amend and reordain City Code §§ 30-457.2, concerning permitted principal and accessory uses, 30-457.5, concerning yards, 30457.6, concerning usable open space, 30-457.8, concerning requirements for areas devoted to parking or circulation of vehicles, 30-457.9, concerning height, 30457.10, concerning building façade fenestration, 30-503, concerning prohibited signs, and 30-518.4, concerning TOD-1 district sign regulations; and to amend ch. 30, art. IV, div. 31 of the City Code by adding therein a new § 30-457.11, concerning orientation to street, exterior entrances, and façades.

Ordinance No. 2023-370 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1420 Spotsylvania Street for the purpose of two single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions.

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so by following the instructions referenced in the January 8, 2024 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at https:// www.rva.gov/office-cityclerk, and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk Follow the Free Press on @FreePressRVA

@RichmondFreePressUSA

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, 2024 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. 2023-347 As Amended To authorize the special use of the properties known as 4605, 4623, 4625, and 4627 West Broad Street for the purpose of exceeding the inclined plane height and rear setback for a mixeduse building and live/work units, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2023-353 To designate the 2900 block of Seminary Avenue in honor of the late Dr. Arnold R. Henderson, Jr. Ordinance No. 2023-354 To designate the 2400 block of Hawthorne Avenue in honor of the late James E. “Duke” Stewart, II. Ordinance No. 2023-355 To designate the 2900 block of Brook Road in honor of James E. “Duke” Stewart, III. Ordinance No. 2023-356 To reduce the speed limit on Brookland Parkway between Hermitage Road and Brook Road from 35 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour.

Ordinance No. 2023-357 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Highland Grove Development Area Cooperation Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Better Housing Coalition for the purpose of providing for the redevelopment of the properties located at 500 Dove Street, 509 Dove Street, 2641 Richmond Henrico Turnpike, and 2651 Richmond Henrico Turnpike and known as Highland Grove in the city of Richmond.

Ordinance No. 2023-358 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Standard Project Administration Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Central Virginia Transportation Authority for the purpose of providing funding for the Manchester Connection to James River project consisting of a ten-foot shared use path with two-foot shoulders and a new pedestrian bridge over the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks.

Ordinance No. 2023-359 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $265,275.00 from the Commonwealth’s Development Opportunity Fund, to amend the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Economic Development called the Alacer Corp. Special Fund, and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Economic Development’s Alacer Corp. Special Fund by $265,275.00, for the purpose of providing Alacer Corp. with incentives to improve, equip, and operate its facility at 1211 Sherwood Avenue in the city of Richmond.

(COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, December 21, 2023, 1:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2023-360 To amend Ord. No. 2023071, adopted May 8, 2023, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by (i) transferring $100,000.00 from the Non-Departmental agency “Reserve for Children’s Fund” line item, (ii) creating a new line item entitled “Greater Richmond SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now), Inc. (for FY24 Circle Preschool Program Stabilization)” in the NonDepartmental agency, and (iii) appropriating the total amount of $100,000.00 of the transferred funds to such new line item in the Non-Departmental a g e n c y, a l l f o r t h e purpose of stabilizing and continuing operations of a sliding-scale therapeutic preschool program for children who have experienced adversities and direct trauma. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, December 21, 2023, 1:00 p.m.)

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To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $7,142.00 from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority, to amend the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 General Fund Budget by creating a new line item in the NonDepartmental agency to be called the “Hanover County OAA Project Recover Grant” line item, and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 General Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to such new line item by $7,142.00, all for the purpose of making a grant of matching funds to Hanover County to support the Project Recover initiative funded by the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, December 21, 2023, 1:00 p.m.)

of facilitating the use of excess revenues for economic development activities and projects in the city of Richmond.

(COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, December 21, 2023, 1:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2023-362 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $2,500.00 from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority, to amend the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 General Fund Budget by creating a new line item in the Non-Departmental agency to be called the “Henrico County OAA Planning Grant” line item, and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 General Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to such new line item by $2,500.00, all for the purpose of making a grant of matching funds to Henrico County to support the development of a gap analysis of the needs of pregnant and parenting individuals with opioid use disorder. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, December 21, 2023, 1:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2023-363 To amend Ord. No. 2023071, adopted May 8, 2023, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by (i) transferring $250,000.00 from the Office of the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Human Services, (ii) transferring $17,320.00 from the NonDepartmental agency “Reserve for Children’s Fund” line item, (iii) creating a new line item entitled “Rings vs. Rent Scholarship Foundation (for School Year 202324 MLK MS Leadership Program)” in the NonDepartmental agency, and (iv) appropriating the total amount of $267,320.00 of the transferred funds to such new line item in the Non-Departmental a g e n c y, a l l f o r t h e purpose of supporting leadership programming for students at Martin Luther King, Jr., Middle School. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, December 21, 2023, 1:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2023-364 To amend Ord. No. 2023072, adopted May 8, 2023, which appropriated and provided funds for financing the school budget for the fiscal year commencing Jul. 1, 2023, and ending Jun. 30, 2024, by increasing estimated revenues from certain state programs. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, December 21, 2023, 1:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2023-365 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Performance Agreement between the City of Richmond, Alacer Corp., and the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond, for the purpose of providing the balance of the local match funds to Alacer Corp. through a grant from the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond in accordance with a Commonwealth’s Development Opportunity Fund Performance Agreement as an incentive to improve, equip, and operate a research and development facility at 1211 Sherwood Avenue in the city of Richmond.

(COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, December 21, 2023, 1:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2023-361

Ordinance No. 2023-366 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a First Amendment to Stone Brewery Cooperation Agreement, as Amended, Dated March 2, 2015, Between the City of Richmond, Virginia and the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond, Virginia, for the purpose

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Ordinance No. 2023-367 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Counties of Hanover, Chesterfield, and Henrico for the purpose of funding the development of a gap analysis of the needs of pregnant and parenting individuals with opioid use. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, December 21, 2023, 1:00 p.m.)

Ordinance No. 2023-368 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute an Operational Agreement for Cooperative Partnership for Opioid Abatement Authority Award between the City of Richmond and the Counties of Hanover and Chesterfield, for the purpose of making a grant of matching funds to Hanover County to support the Project Recover initiative funded by the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority. (COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, December 21, 2023, 1:00 p.m.)

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so by following the instructions referenced in the January 8, 2024 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at https:// www.rva.gov/office-cityclerk, and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER DARNESHA HENDERSON, Plaintiff v.

PEDRO HENDERSON, Defendant.

Case No.: CL23004035-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who is a nonresident, appear here on or before the 6th day of February, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests.

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

CLAUDIA MALDONADO MARTELO, Defendant.

Case No.: CL23004057-00 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 6th day of February, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

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

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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 6th day of February, 2024 and protect her interests.

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

RIGOBERTO PENA LORA, Defendant.

Case No.: CL23003961-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 31st day of January, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests.

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

RICHARD LOAIZA, Defendant.

Case No.: CL23003169-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who is a nonresident, appear here on or before the 29th day of January, 2024 and protect his interests.

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

ELLEN SCOTT, Defendant.

Case No.: CL23003916-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 24th day of January, 2024 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests.

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

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER KEEN TRINH, Plaintiff v.

MINH LE, Defendant.

Case No.: CL23003504-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER MAURICE WORTHY, Plaintiff v.

CLEOPATRA WORTHY, Defendant.

Case No.: CL23003909-00 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 23rd day of January, 2024 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724

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8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804 798-9667

morales fajardo appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before 02/22/2024, at 10:00 AM

FIC.012517; FIC.012542; FIC.028001-.028031; FIC.028033-.028034; FIC.028036a-b; FIC.028051.028056; FIC.032298; V.86.223.01a-t, .11a-b; V.88.153.03, .09, .11 Tobacco Boxes FIC.012260; FIC.008291; FIC.008294; FIC.008300.008318; FIC.08320.008328; FIC.008338; FIC.012237-.012254; FIC.012256; FIC.012262.012267; FIC.012488; FIC.028032; FIC.028035; FIC.028048; FIC.028057; FIC.028060; V.88.153.02, .12 Tobacco packs FIC.007562-.007621; FIC.007632-.007639; FIC.028047; FIC.028058 Tobacco pouches V.88.150.04-.07; V.88.151a,b; V.88.178.01.19; V.88.180.01-.09; FIC.012505a-b; FIC.012507.012516a-b; FIC.012518.012519; FIC.012531, FIC.012533a,b-.012535a-c Tobacco tins V.88.250.26 Undershirt V.72.525.01.01-.02 Vases V.72.525.02 Watch chain FIC.015159; FIC.002076; FIC.003422a,b Wooden fragments Please visit website or contact museum for information on how to make a claim: The Valentine Museum Rachel Asbury Cole, Collections Project Manager/ Registrar 804-649-0711 ext. 329 rasburycole@thevalentine.org https://thevalentine.org/learnand-research/collections/ undocumented-property/

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER OLIVIA PALLETT, Plaintiff v.

ROBERT LINKONIS, JR., Defendant.

Case No.: CL23003835-00 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 16th day of January, 2024 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests.

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

PROPERTy

VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HENRICO Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Mirna nicolle morales reyes File No. JJ112183-01-00/02 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Determine custody and special immigrant juvenile status of Mirna Nicolle Morales Reyes.

It is ORDERED that t h e d e f e n d a n t P edro

Notice of Intent to Acquire Property: The Valentine Museum hereby notifies intent to acquire title to the objects listed below. There is no last known owner on record & this object will become the property of the museum after 65 days if no person can prove ownership of the property, pursuant to Code of VA § 55.1-2606.

FIC.004425; FIC.015590; Library3406 Books FIC.030580; FIC.033313327, 329-340, 346-382, 384-391, 393-423; V.84.111; V.84.151.01, .04-.05, .08-.12, .14, .16-.20 Carte-de-visites Library6400 Catalog FIC.007105-.007107; FIC.009910; OM.38; X.62.10.05 Engravings FIC.015598 Journal X.52.20.09 Letter X.62.10.26 Lithograph X.48.90.15-.16, .22 Cabinet photographs Library4652; V.86.142; X.62.10.13, .37 Prints FIC.033443; FIC.037520; V.64.01.04; V.84.151.07, .15; X.48.90.14, .20, .23, .41, .45, .70; X.50.01.469.471; X.52.01.67; L.68.61 Photographic prints P.73.37.01-.44 Photographic prints & negatives Library5820 Report X.61.27.20cc Slide transparency FIC.037504 Fashion publications X.2019.22 Abacus OM.503.01-02 Andirons OM.42.01; V.68.1357 Animal artifacts FIC.007763 Banner OM.528.02; V.68.284.1 Basins FIC.002606a-h Bed rails V.88.250.37-.38; V.91.24.06 Belts OM.64.17a,b; V.72.525.12.01-.02; V.72.525.20; V.75.169.05; V.88.161 Bracelets V.72.525.07-.09, .14; V.75.169.04; V.88.166.01; V.89.89.02a-b, .04; V.94.34.01 Brooches X.49.59a,b Buckles V.75.169.6.01-.02 Buttons V.88.250.72-.73 Caps FIC.002851 Cart FIC.012490-.012503a-i; V.88.149a-k Cigarette cartons FIC.001090-1091 Case type V.92.59.25; V.2001.03.01 Card cases V.90.07 Chain X.49.17 Chatelaine FIC.010901 Cigar cutter FIC.009445 Commemorative Medal V.52.135.01 Corset cover V.52.135.03a-c, .04a-c Costume ensembles V.89.89.03a,b Cuff links V.92.57.16a-s, .19a-i Curlers V.68.2097 Desk FIC.027097-98 Dishes X.49.61 Drawers FIC.015087; V.72.525.03, .10, .15a-b; V.88.166.02a,b Earrings X.44.30; X.47.50 Fans FIC.020425, .020427, .020431 Figurines V.88.250.36 Garters FIC.015090-91 Glass Fragments FIC.012562 Gourd OM.528.01 Hip Bath V.54.23.03-.05; V.88.250.78 Jabots FIC.002168; FIC.029018; V.90.108.1a,b Jewelry Boxes V.94.34.03 Jewelry Set FIC.007900; FIC.028050 Labels FIC.027110 Lamp cover FIC.012543; FIC.027036 Lids V.72.293a,b Lighter FIC.015006 Lithograph stone V.88.157 Locket FIC.007630; FIC.012270a-d Matchbooks & matches FIC.008298; V.90.53.01a-c, .02 Matchboxes FIC.012559 Meerschaum FIC.012259; FIC.010934 Metal fragments FIC.001322 Moulding fragment V.72.525.04-.06, .11, .19; FIC.015171; FIC.015086; FIC.015088; FIC.006308 Necklaces X.44.09-.10 Neckties V.90.123 Oil Can X.45.06 Patches T587 Pedestal FIC.007756; V.72.525.13 Pendants V.53.17.02 Petticoat V.88.156.1-.5; V.88.163; FIC.002157; FIC.004910; FIC.010931; X.2019.28.06; V.90.108.2a,b,c-.6 Pins FIC.012539; FIC.012551.012556; FIC.012561; V.71.684.02; V.90.62 Pipes & fragments V.68.284.2 Pitcher FIC.006307 Plaster fragment OM.82.01-.02 Portrait miniatures V.71.636 Pot X.2022.45 Printing type & blocks FIC.012557.01-.02a,b; FIC.012558 Resin fragments FIC.007631; FIC.008336.008337; FIC.028037.028042 Rolling papers FIC.020440 Portrait bust V.90.24 Sculpture fragment FIC.002304a-c; V.88.158.01a-c; V.88.159.01a-c; V.88.160.01a-c Shirt studs V.92.57.21a,b-.22 Shoes FIC.006309-10; X.44.59; X.49.51.05; X.61.33.01, .04; X.62.12; X.2019.30.01-.03 Textile fragments FIC.002308 Tie Clip FIC.007649; FIC.007688.007700; FIC.007708; FIC.008319a-b; FIC.008330a,b-.008334a,b; FIC.008339a,b-.008353; FIC.008355a,b-.008359a,b; FIC.008361a,b-.008373a,b; FIC.008375-.008400; FIC.012225a,b-.012231a,b; FIC.012255; FIC.012506;

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VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER JASMINE JOHNSON, Plaintiff v.

ROHAN JOHNSON, Defendant.

Case No.: CL23003836-00 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 16th day of January, 2024 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests.

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

LEVELL HORNE, Defendant.

Case No.: CL23003778-00 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 10th day of January, 2024 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests.

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

Custody VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re TRUST SMITH RDSS v.

Unknown Father FILE NO. JJ102076-09-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“TPR”) of the Unknown Father (Father) of Trust Smith, child DOB 12/08/2023. “TPR” 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 (Father), to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 02/01/2024, at 2:00 P.M, COURTROOM #3

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HANOVER BARBARA MINES and MICHELLE HERNANDEZ Plaintiffs v.

UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF HILL CARTER GRIMES, et al. and ANY INTERESTED PARTIES Defendants Case no.: CL2300-3569 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to find that Barbara Mines is the rightful owner of the Real Estate, having acquired ownership by adverse possession such that Michelle Hernandez may purchase the Real Estate subject to the purchase and sale agreement attached as Exhibit A to the petition, and grant such other relief as may be proper.

It is ordered that the fact of such petition be advertised, and notice is now given that on January 12, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. in the Hanover County Circuit Court located at 7530 County Complex Road, Hanover, VA 23069 the Court will hear evidence on this matter from any interested individual.

A Copy Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Hugh T. Antrim, Esq. VSB#14721 Adam R. Nelson, Esq. VSB#39137 Sean Breit-Rupe, Esq. VSB#92125 ThompsonMcMullan, P.C. 100 Shockoe Slip Richmond, Virginia 23219 (804) 649-7545 (804) 649-0654 Counsel for Plaintiffs VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE CITY OF RICHMOND Herman Massenburg, Plaintiff, v.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 1250 Maryland Ave, SW Suite 200 Washington, D.C. 20024 Defendant.

Parties Unknown: Any individual claiming an interest in the real property at 1426 N. 30th St Richmond, VA 23223 and/ or claiming to be Michael I. Massenburg Defendant.

Case No.: CL23005059-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION Whereas, the object of the above-styled suit is to quiet title to that certain real property lying and being in the City of Richmond, Virginia, commonly known as commonly known as 1426 North 30th Street, and being further identified as Tax Parcel Number E0000717001 (the “Property”). That there are parties set out in the pleading as a person or persons, as defendants by the general description of “parties unknown;” are deemed interested in the subject to be divided or disposed of; described as: Any individual claiming an interest in the real property at 1426 N. 30th St Richmond, VA 23223 and/or claiming to be Michael I. Massenburg.

It is therefore ORDERED that Any individual claiming an interest in the real property at 1426 N. 30th St Richmond, VA 23223 and/or claiming to be Michael I. Massenburg, appear on or before the 8th day of January, 2024, in the Clerk’s Office of this Court and do what is necessary to protect its interests.

Keith Harvey, Esquire (VSB# 82199) Harvey & Driggs PLC 9464 Chamberlayne Road, Suite 200 Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116 Phone: (804) 396-3580 Facsimile: (804) 200-5646 Email: kharvey@harveydriggs.com Counsel for Plaintiff Continued on next page

Richmond Free Press

B6 December 21-23, 2023

Sports Plus

Liberty’s Flames turning into a bonfire

By Fred Jeter

On a winning football scale of one to 13, Liberty University is a 13.

There are only four undefeated major college football teams left, and one of them is located only a fast two hours west in Lynchburg.

Liberty University’s 13-0 and 18th ranked Flames will have a holiday national audience Jan. 1 when they face No. 8-ranked Oregon (11-2) in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Ariz.

The other three unbeatens are household name brands Michigan, Washington and Florida State.

By comparison, upstart Liberty of the offthe-beaten track Conference USA didn’t join the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) until 2018.

Leading LU to a take-notice New Year’s Day bowl is sophomore quarterback Kaidon Salter, one of 80 Black players listed on the team’s

117-man roster (counting walk-ons).

Not all will travel to Arizona.

The Flames’ six first-team AllCUSA selections are all Black – QB Salter, running back Quinton Cooley, offensive lineman X’Zauvea Gadlin, linebacker Tyren Dupree and defensive backs Kobe Singleton and Brylan Green.

Salter, with sophomore eligibility, is a native Texan who transferred to LU from Tennessee.

He’s accounted for 3,814 yards total offense this season with 43 touchdowns (31 passing, 12 running).

LU led the nation in interceptions (21) and in rushing yards per game (303 per).

Local connection: While LU recruits globally with its Christian network, there is one Richmond area player, redshirt freshman defensive end Bryson Jennings from Clover Hill High.

Jennings, wearing No. 17, has four tackles, with

1.5 sacks and one forced fumble.

From the sideline: LU’s perfection has come under first-year Coach Jamey Chadwell, who arrived from Coastal Carolina. The Flames’ job came open last year when Hugue Freeze left Lynchburg for Auburn.

In the beginning: The school opened in 1971 as Lynchburg Baptist. The first football season in 1973 was as an independent.

The first-season opponents included Massanutten and Hargrave Military, The Apprentice School and the Ferrum and Hampden-Sydney JVs. The Flames played at Lynchburg City Stadium until 1989 when they moved into 25,000-seat Williams Stadium on campus with amenities second to none.

The program has come a long way with powerful Oregon on deck, featuring Heisman

Trophy finalist QB Bo Nix. Had Oregon defeated Washington for the Pac12 title, it would be in the College Football Playoff.

World is watching: Located on 700 acres it likes to call “On the Mountain,” Liberty lists 93,349 students, counting online connections all over the U.S. and the globe. Ratings should be high for the Fiesta Bowl.

The mascot is “Sparky” and the marching band is “The Spirit on the Mountain.”

While the football team is about 75% Black, the school’s on-campus population is only about 15% Black. Females represent 58% of the campus population.

Lucky No. 13: The Flames became the first FBS team in the state of Virginia history to win 13 games. On Jan. 1 they can break their own record. A 14th win, over a powerful foe, could vault the Lynchburg school into the final top 10 polls.

West Virginia’s Farrakhan, others suit up after court ruling against NCAA transfer policy The Associated Press

The Associated Press

West Virginia University guard Noah Farrakhan, right, is safe to play the remainder of the season without the fear of losing eligibility.

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey announced on Monday afternoon that the judge has signed the order that saves the now-eligible players from burning their eligibility during the temporary restraining order against the NCAA.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. College athletes who have transferred multiple times but were denied the chance to compete immediately can play through the remainder of the academic year, a federal judge ruled Monday.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey in West Virginia made the ruling on a motion filed Friday by the NCAA and a coalition of states suing the organization. Judge Bailey extended a temporary restraining order he issued last Wednesday barring the NCAA from enforcing its transfer rule for 14 days.

The earlier ruling had opened a small window for multiple-transfer athletes to compete. But that window was extended by Monday’s decision, which converts the restraining order into a preliminary injunction. Judge Bailey also canceled a previously scheduled Dec. 27 hearing and said the case would be set for trial no sooner than the last day of competition in the winter and spring sports seasons.

“This is a great day for student athletes — they will finally be able to compete in the sport they love,” West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said in a statement. “It’s the right thing to do and I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome.”

Friday’s motion came after the NCAA had circulated a document to its member schools clarifying that the redshirt rule for athletes would still apply if the court’s restraining order was reversed: Basketball players who compete even in one game would be using up a season of eligibility.

Several multiple-transfer men’s basketball players competed in games over the weekend, including West Virginia’s Noah Farrakhan, Cincinnati’s Jamille Reynolds and UT Arlington’s Phillip Russell.

The lawsuit, which alleges the NCAA transfer rule’s waiver process violates federal antitrust law, could have a profound impact on college sports if successful. In court documents, the NCAA has said the plaintiffs “seek to remake collegiate athletics and

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replace it with a system of perpetual and unchecked free agency.

NCAA rules allow underclassmen to transfer once without having to sit out a year. But an additional transfer as an undergraduate generally requires the NCAA to grant a waiver allowing the athlete to compete immediately. Without it, the athlete would have to sit out for a year at the new school.

Last January, the NCAA implemented stricter guidelines for granting those waivers on a case-by-case basis.

“I hope this is the beginning of real change within the NCAA,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “We have to put the well-being of student athletes — physical, mental, academic and emotional — first. The NCAA needs to enact consistent, logical and defensible rules that are fair and equitable for everyone.”

The states involved in the lawsuit are Colorado, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee and West Virginia.