Richmond Free Press December 23-25, 2021

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Cherished Holiday Memories

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Richmond Free Press © 2021 Paradigm Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

VOL. 30 NO. 52

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

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Meet this week’s Personality B3

DECEMBER 23-25, 2021

New day, new year Journey of past year filled with health challenges and separations brings Mechanicsville family closer together

By Ronald E. Carrington

Ronald E. Carrington/Richmond Free Press

Three generations of the Lewis family will be celebrating Christmas at home in Mechanicsville. They are, standing from left, Jezmon Lewis, Brandon Lewis, Amber Lewis with the family dog, Ella, and Nickkol Lewis. Seated are Mr. Lewis’ mother, Deborah Miller, left, and Mrs. Lewis’ mother, Deborah Joseph.

During the past 19 months, three generations of the Lewis family have experienced what many families fear – infection with the COVID-19 virus and cancer.

At the center of the family is Nickkol Lewis, 49, a graphic designer who has her own company, Visual Appeal. Her mother, Deborah Joseph, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in February 2020 and had to undergo months of chemotherapy just as the pandemic was starting. Mrs. Lewis’ daughter, Amber, a nursing student, contracted COVID19 in December 2020, just as the first vaccine against the potentially fatal virus was being rolled out.

“The situation was hard, very hard,” Mrs. Lewis recalled in a recent interview with the Free Press from their home in Mechanicsville that is shared by three generations.

What got them through?

The love and support of family.

Mrs. Joseph, 68, had been living with her daughter and granddaughter ever since Mrs. Lewis’ husband, Jezmon Lewis, 50, a major in

the Army Reserve, had been deployed to the Middle East about 10 years ago.

After her cancer diagnosis, she began a regimen of chemotherapy that continued through early 2021. Adding to the stress and uncertainty of the situation, Mrs. Joseph also underwent emergency gallbladder in fall 2020. But with COVID-19 raging, Mrs. Joseph couldn’t stay – nor did she want to stay – in the hospital.

She was released back home, where Mrs. Lewis and her daughter took over caregiving duties.

“Everything that could have been done for me as I recovered was done,” Mrs. Joseph said, adding her gratitude for her daughter being there for her every step of the way.

Mrs. Lewis connected with resources to get extensive medical information about her mother’s breast cancer. With that information, she and her mother decided Mrs. Joseph would have a procedure to remove the cancerous tissue, followed by chemotherapy.

“We dealt with the residual effects of the procedure after my mom came home,” Mrs. Please turn to A4

Almanac, coin found in Lee monument time capsule Free Press wire, staff report

A rust-colored 1875 almanac, a cloth envelope and a silver coin were found Wednesday in a time capsule that had been buried beneath a towering statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee on Monument Avenue for more than 130 years.

Another book, tattered with a pink cover, appeared to be an 1889 edition of “The Huguenot Lovers: A Tale of the Old Dominion” by Collinson Pierrepont Edwards Burgwyn. There also appeared to a pamphlet of some kind.

There were three books total, all of which appeared to be water damaged. Gov. Ralph S. Northam said the books, once dry, will shed light on what people were thinking here in the late 19th century.

“This is an important day for the history of Richmond and Virginia,” Gov.

Northam said. “We have 402 years of history. And just to see what was going on at that stage of our history, I think, is really important.”

A newspaper article from 1887 suggested that the time capsule would contain Civil War memorabilia and a “picture of Lincoln lying in his coffin.”

An envelope found in the time capsule did contain a photograph with the text “James Netherwood, The Master Stone Mason” on the back.

Records from the Library of Virginia also suggested that 37 Richmond residents, organizations and businesses contributed about 60 objects to the capsule, many of which are believed to be related to the Confederacy.

Besides there being far fewer objects, the capsules’dimensions were smaller than

Kate Ridgway, left, state archaeological conservator with the state Department of Historic Resources, helps Sara Donovan, a conservator with the University of Virginia’s Special Collections, lift items on Wednesday from the time capsule that was buried in the Lee monument pedestal for more than 130 years.

Gov. Ralph S. Northam, center, was asked to help remove the lid of the sealed lead box, where an old coin, three books and an envelope containing a photo with the text “James Netherwood, The Master Stone Mason” were found.

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More free COVID-19 home test kits to be made available The Richmond and Henrico health districts are making more free COVID-19 test kits available for people to use at home.

Test kits are available at any of the four health district vaccination hubs: Richmond Health Department Cary Street Clinic, 400 E. Cary St.; Henrico West Health Department Clinic, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive; Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, 1440 N. Laburnum Ave.; and Second Baptist Church of South Richmond, 3300 Broad Rock Blvd.

At-home test kits also are available at the health district’s resource centers at seven public housing complexes: Hillside Court Resource Center, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays; Southwood Resource Center, 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Wednesdays; Creighton Court Resource Center, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; Whitcomb Court Resource Center, 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays; Gilpin Court Resource Center, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays; Mosby Court Resource Center, 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; and Fairfield Court Resource Center, 2 to 4 p.m. Fridays.

Richmond Public Library branches and the Chesterfield County Public Library have been part of a distribution pilot project by the state Health Department, and will continue distributing home test kit when available. Plans are underway for kits to be distributed through the Henrico County Public Library.

Officials said last week that test kits also will be offered to community organizations to distribute to their members and those they serve.

Separately, the Richmond and Henrico health districts want to provide test results more rapidly to those who get tested for

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

State NAACP, others lodge criticism of proposed redistricting lines

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Flawed data and too little assurance of fair representation for Black voters in Richmond, Hampton Roads and other sectors of the state.

That’s the view of the Virginia State Conference NAACP and its lawyers after poring over the proposed boundaries for congressional and General

Assembly districts are subject to review issued earlier this of the U.S. Supreme month by the VirginCourt. ia Supreme Court.

Both the U.S. and The critical findVirginia constituings from the state’s tions require politioldest and largest cal boundaries to civil rights group repbe redrawn every resent a proverbial 10 years following Mr. Barnette shot across the bow the latest population of the state’s highest court to census, and the state Supreme remind that its final decisions Court was handed the job after

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

During the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, most testing will be available at area pharmacies, drug stores, clinics and urgent care centers.

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

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

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Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Christmas wishes With the Downtown skyline twinkling in the background, Santa hears the wishes of 5-year-old Lailoni Green, whose father, Lamar Green, was excited to get their picture taken recently with the jolly old holiday visitor from the North Pole. The magical scene was taken at Kanawha Plaza.

a new bipartisan redistricting commission failed to agree on new maps. The redistricting maps proposed by the state’s highest court were prepared by two special experts — one each nominated by Democrats and Republicans — in accordance with an order from the court.

The court accepted public comment through Monday but has not yet released final maps; the court also has not set a date for doing so.

“The new maps must be drawn to respect communities of interest, including Black communities of interest,” said state NAACP President Robert N. Barnette Jr., noting that the two redistricting experts, Bernard Grofman and Sean Trende, are aware of that requirement.

According to an 85-page memo the state NAACP issued Dec. 17, Mr. Grofman and Mr. Trende have botched the job by drawing proposed lines that break up Black communities and by overstating the Black voting age population in multiple districts.

The overstatements are due to the experts’ use of estimated data the U.S. Census produced in its American Community Survey instead of more reliable data from the 2020 U.S. Census, the memo noted.

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Richmond Free Press

A2 December 23-25, 2021

Local News

CoStar to expand in Richmond, building a new riverfront office tower and creating up to 3,000 new jobs

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Up to 3,000 new jobs and a new 26-story riverfront office tower that will rank as the tallest office building in Virginia.

That’s how one of Richmond’s largest employers plans to grow its presence in the state’s capital city.

The company is real estate data giant CoStar, which already has invested millions and built a workforce of 1,000 people since arriving in Richmond five years ago.

That is just the start, said Andrew C. Florance, co-founder,

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

president and chief executive officer of CoStar, the Washington-based company that he launched as a student at Princeton University and has built into a dominant force in real estate transactions in the United States and multiple countries overseas.

In what Mayor Levar M. Stoney called “a game-changer,” Mr. Florance announced

A model shows the 26-story new office tower CoStar plans for the riverfront at 5th and Tredegar streets in Downtown, across from Brown’s Island. The firm already has a nine-story building at 501 S. 5th St., where the Dec. 17 announcement was held.

Holiday closings

In observance of Christmas, Saturday, Dec. 25, please note the following: Government State offices: Closed at noon Thursday, Dec. 23, through Friday, Dec. 24.

Federal offices: Closed Friday, Dec. 24.

City of Richmond offices: Closed Thursday, Dec. 23, through Monday, Dec. 27.

Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover offices: Closed Thursday, Dec. 23, and Friday, Dec. 24.

Public schools Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover public schools will be closed through Friday, Dec. 31.

Public libraries Richmond Public Library: Closed at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22; reopening Tuesday, Dec. 28.

Henrico County Public Library: Closed Thursday, Dec. 23, through Saturday, Dec. 25; Fairfield and Libbie Mill branches will reopen on Sunday, Dec. 26.

Chesterfield County Public Library: Closed Thursday, Dec. 23, through Saturday, Dec. 25.

Hanover County Public Library: Closed Friday, Dec. 24, through Monday, Dec. 27.

Garbage and recycling collection No delay change this week in trash or recycling collection.

No residential trash collection

on Monday, Dec. 27; collection schedule next week will be delayed by one day through Friday, Dec. 31.

U.S. Postal Service Post offices closed and no regular mail delivery on Saturday, Dec. 25; regular service and delivery resume on Monday, Dec. 27. Some post office locations may close early on Friday, Dec. 24 and others may be operating special hours on Saturday.

DMV service centers Closed from Thursday, Dec. 23, through Saturday, Dec. 25.

GRTC Buses will operate on a normal weekday schedule on Friday Dec. 24, with Express routes remaining on COVID-reduced schedules. Buses will operate on a Sunday schedule on Saturday, Dec. 25.

Banks, financial institutions Closed Saturday, Dec. 25; some banks may be closed Friday, Dec. 24.

ABC stores Retail stores will close 5 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 24, and reopen at noon Sunday, Dec. 26.

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

Richmond Free Press office Closed Friday, Dec. 24.

State grant helps keep GRTC rides free

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

A new $8 million state grant could help GRTC keep fares at no cost to riders for at least another three years.

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transit announced the award to Richmond’s public transit company based on agreements that GRTC could secure another $12 million in matching funds, most notably from the city, to keep its no-fare policy in place through June 2025.

Rides currently are without charge on Pulse and regular bus routes and for CARE paratransit service within much of the city.

The only charge is for CARE paratransit trips that are outside the CARE service area, according to GRTC. Julie Timm, GRTC’s chief executive officer, welcomed the new funding that she said would enable residents to get to work, see doctors and buy groceries without worrying about transit costs. She stated the elimination of fares in March 2020 after the start of the pandemic has been a boon to people in high poverty sections of Richmond.

“Our most vulnerable neighbors no longer are forced to choose between the cost of transportation and the cost of food or medicine,” she stated.

GRTC has enough money from federal COVID-19 relief funds to keep free fares through June 2022, Ms. Timm stated.

The new grant was essential to ensuring GRTC could avoid restarting fare collections after that, she noted.

According to Ms. Timm, fares brought in $5 million a year but were costing the average bus rider $20 a week, a significant toll for the majority of riders whom data show have yearly incomes of $25,000 or less.

The new $8 million grant represents about 40 percent of the $20 million Ms. Timm stated would be needed to keep GRTC fare free for three years.

Part of the matching money would come from Virginia Commonwealth University, Ms. Timm stated. VCU has approved a three-year extension to its agreement to pay GRTC $1.3 million a year to allow students, staff and faculty to ride Pulse and other routes without charge, she stated.

Ms. Timm also stated that Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney agreed to provide additional city funding to meet the match requirements for the grant.

She added that GRTC would seek partnerships with other institutions and businesses that benefit from transit service to gain commitments for funding to help reduce the city’s obligation.

Dec. 17 that Richmond will become the hub of the data company’s global expansion.

Joining him for the announcement were Gov. Ralph S. Northam, state Secretary of Trade and Commerce Brian Ball and a host of other officials and interested parties.

Mr. Florance said the company projects adding at least 2,000 and probably 3,000 additional employees after the new Richmond building is finished in 2024.

The new office building will sit at 5th and Tredegar streets, just across from Brown’s Island, and will be part of a complex that will include a smaller six-story building and the company’s current nine-story home in the city at 501 S. 5th St. The building is to cost an estimated $460 million and will rise 510 feet, making it the tallest office building in Virginia. It also will be among the “greenest,” with its outer skin made of advanced solar panels to generate much of its electricity.

The company has spent $140 million in the past 12 months to buy 4 acres of the 5th Street site and lease space in two other

Photos by Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Andrew C. Florance, right, founder, president and chief executive officer of CoStar, talks with members of the media Dec. 17 about the planned $460 million expansion of the company’s campus in Richmond. Joining him are Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney, left, and Gov. Ralph S. Northam.

buildings to relocate and add employees while construction takes place.

Mr. Florance said that once completed, the Richmond center would be the largest location for CoStar, which currently spreads is operations over 100 offices.

Gov. Northam praised CoStar for deciding to expand in Richmond. In his proposed 2022-24 budget, the governor included a request for $15 million to assist the company

with infrastructure and other improvements that will be needed.

The governor called CoStar’s plan emblematic of the record level of private investment that has taken place in Virginia since he took office in January 2018. He noted that private companies have poured $80 billion into expanding or building new space in creating 100,000 new jobs in Virginia during the past four years.

CoStar’s expansion is a balm

for Richmond, which has been smarting after voters in November rejected a proposed casino within the city limits.

CoStar already is a giant in providing information and marketing applications for real estate, which Mr. Florance describes as the largest storehouse of wealth in the world at $180 trillion.

Along with mining real estate data, CoStar has become a key player for the marketing and sale of commercial real estate through its ownership of Loopnet.

CoStar also dominates online information for apartment leasing through Apartments. com, owns a top online site for marketing rural property and is looking to become the dominant marketing and information source for residential real estate following its purchase of Homes.com.

Mr. Florance said CoStar also has a significant presence in Europe and is focused on expanding its operations in Central and South America and into the Near and Far East, with Richmond becoming the operation center for that growth.

Justice Goodwyn to become second Black chief justice of Virginia Supreme Court Free Press staff, wire report

Virginia will soon have its second Black chief justice of the state Supreme Court.

Justice S. Bernard Goodwyn, who has served on the state’s highest court since 2008, will move up to chief justice of the seven-member court on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1.

The late Justice Leroy R. Hassell Sr. became the court’s first Black chief justice on Feb. 1, 2003, and served in that capacity until days before his death on Feb. 9, 2011, at age 55.

Justice Goodwyn, 60, a former Chesapeake Circuit Court judge, will succeed current Chief Justice Donald W. Lemons, who is serving his second term in the top post.

The court announced Wednesday that Chief Justice Lemons also is retiring from

the court on Dec. 31 and provided a copy of the twosentence resignation letter he sent to Gov. Ralph S. Northam.

Chief Justice Lemons’ departure Justice Goodwyn comes 2½ years ahead of the expiration of his current 12-year term that would have ended in 2024.

Now 72, the chief justice has been on the bench in Virginia for 25 years. He was first elected by the General Assembly to the state’s highest court in 2000, and he was chosen as chief justice by his colleagues in 2015, and again in 2019.

Justice Goodwyn is a native of Southampton County and earned his under-

graduate degree in economics from Harvard University in 1983 and his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1986.

Justice Goodwyn was appointed to the Virginia Supreme Court by then-Gov. Tim Kaine in October 2007 to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of former Justice Elizabeth B. Lacy. He then was unanimously elected in February 2008 by the General Assembly to a 12-year term and re-elected in early 2020.

Justice Goodwyn has served at nearly every level of the court system in Virginia, including service from 1995 to 1997 on the Chesapeake General District Court before being elected to the Chesapeake Circuit Court, where he served from 1997 until his appointment to the state’s highest court in 2007.

City worker unionization efforts begin as police coalition calls for Chief Smith’s ouster

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Should City Hall follow the lead of the Richmond School Board and authorize its employees to organize and collectively bargain over wages and working conditions?

If so, should the city go big and allow bargaining units for all employees as 8th District City Councilwoman Reva M. Trammell is proposing?

Or should City Hall start small to test the idea, as Mayor Levar M. Stoney is proposing, by allowing union activity only among labor and trade employees ranging from plumbers to trash collectors working in the city Public Utilities and Public Works departments?

Those questions are now confronting City Council as the issue of employee unions hits their agenda with the introduction of separate ordinances by Ms. Trammell and Mayor Stoney.

Ms. Trammell’s ordinance would create various bargaining units to represent different kinds of employees, with a separate union allowed for each group— administrative staff, professionals, police officers, firefighters and labor and trades personnel.

Ahead of that debate, City Council also is beginning to consider whether to support creation of a civilian review board to investigate complaints against officers and take control of discipline over the objections of Police Chief Gerald M. Smith.

Employee unionizing, which council is expected to take up in early February, also is emerging as Chief Smith faces blowback from a sizeable faction of his department over his leadership.

That blowback comes amid a spike in homicides, assaults and other violence, primarily in poorer sections of the city.

The 328-member Richmond Coalition of Police, which claims to represent the majority of the police department’s patrol officers, sergeants and lieutenants and strongly backs collective bargaining, called last week for Chief Smith to resign.

RCOP did so based on results from a survey of the group’s membership that found an overwhelming lack of confidence in Chief Smith’s leadership and his ability to lift already poor morale within the department.

While Chief Smith declined to comment, Mayor Stoney quickly declared his full support for the embattled police chief. Mayor Stoney hired Chief Smith from Charlotte, N.C., to take charge of Richmond Police on July 1, 2020, amid daily protests in the city against racial injustice and police brutality following the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police.

The mayor dismissed RCOP’s call for Chief Smith’s resignation as “a cockamamie stunt” that was part of the organization’s lobbying for authority to become a fullblown union.

This was the first time in RCOP’s 32year-history that the o rg a n i z a t i o n h a s called for a chief’s ouster, RCOP President Brendan Leavy said.

Chief Smith A police department veteran himself, Officer Leavy expressed disappointment that the mayor had dismissed the concerns of hundreds of officers who are frustrated about low pay, feeling underappreciated and are increasingly concerned about a shrinking workforce that has increased the potential danger of their work.

Officer Leavy and RCOP Vice President Carl Scott issued RCOP’s call for Chief Smith to step down or be replaced at a Dec. 16 news conference in disclosing the results of the survey in which 261 members participated.

“We’re here today to report the rankand-file members of RCOP have lost trust and confidence in the current chief’s ability to effectively lead,” said Officer Scott, a 16-year-veteran who serves as a pilot with the regional police aerial unit.

He said 250 of the respondents, or 96 percent, stated they lacked confidence in the chief’s leadership and 260 officers responded that he has not improved morale in the 17 months since becoming chief.

According to the responses, morale is extremely low, with 232 officers, or 89 percent, stating they do not feel valued.

Officers Scott and Leavy indicated the results mirror findings from two previous surveys that RCOP conducted among members, but had not released.

Possibly the most concerning statistic was that 214 officers, or 82 percent, responded that they have given serious consideration to “resigning from the department” even if it means losing their pension, Officer Scott said.

Officially, the department is authorized to have 753 officers, including new recruits, but reportedly only has 624 sworn officers on the payroll, with fewer than 570 officers available for duty as a result of resignations and retirements, sickness, discipline, military service and a city freeze on hiring for some sworn positions.

According to RCOP, the manpower drain from the department is continuing, with at least six more officers expected to retire or resign in the coming weeks.

Richmond residents are experiencing longer waits for responses to calls for service and precincts are reporting fewer officers at roll calls to start shifts. Chief Smith has indicated that he might close one of the four precinct buildings to consolidate staff, the Free Press has been told, though the chief has not confirmed that information.

Pay has become one big reason the department is struggling to replace officers. Since 2020, Richmond officers have become the lowest paid in the region.

Starting pay for police and firefighters trails neighboring departments by as much as $15,000 a year.

But morale issues are contributing. RCOP members regard Chief Smith as doing too little to push for better pay on their behalf. They also say he has failed to build relationships with rank-and-file officers, who continue to describe him as aloof and disconnected from those he commands.

Officer Leavy said RCOP has “reached out and sought to have a working relationship with the chief” to no avail.

Email requests for meetings with the chief and/or the mayor or Lincoln Saunders, the chief administrative officer, have been met with silence, the Free Press was told.

On the pay front, council has passed two resolutions directing the administration to implement a major pay increase for police and firefighters.

If that happens, it is still uncertain whether that would be enough to end the loss of manpower.

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December 23-25, 2021 A3

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Richmond Free Press

A4 December 23-25, 2021

News

Delegate Jay Jones, member of the VLBC, is stepping down

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Call him former Delegate Jay Jones.

The rising star in the Virginia Democratic Party surprised everyone with his announcement on Dec. 16 that he was resigning his Norfolk seat in the General Assembly, effective Dec. 31.

The unexpected move from a key member of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus is already triggering a quick election in the 89th House District and a rush of candidates to replace him in the General Assembly before the start of the next session in three weeks.

Delegate Jones, who first won election in 2017 to the seat once held by his father, Norfolk Circuit Court Judge Jerrauld C. Jones, had just won re-election to a third term in November.

Earlier in the year, he tried and failed to wrest the Democratic nomination for attorney general from incumbent Mark R. Herring, who won the party primary but lost in the general election to another former delegate, Republican Jason Miyares of Virginia Beach.

In the resignation letter he emailed to constituents, Delegate Jones indicated that he might make another bid for attorney Delegate Jones general in 2025.

His explanation for his departure is that he wants to spend time preparing with his wife for the birth of their first child next year.

“I’m 32, a practicing attorney and have given everything I

have in my soul to serving Norfolk and the Commonwealth since 2017,” he stated. “But my new job-to-be is as a father, and I’m ready to make that the highest priority in my life.”

Democrats are facing a daunting upcoming legislative session after voters in the November election put Republicans back in charge of the 100-member House of Delegates. The GOP will hold a 52-seat majority, ensuring that reforms that Delegate Jones and other Democrats were prepared to champion are likely to have little prospect of passage.

Outgoing House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn has set the election for Delegate Jones’ seat for Tuesday, Jan. 11. Already, three Democrats and one Republican, Giovanni Dolmo, have filed to run. Democrats were to choose their nominee Thursday, Dec. 24, from Jackie Glass, Alicia Smith and Danté Walton.

State NAACP, others lodge criticism of proposed redistricting lines Continued from A1

The memo was prepared by the state NAACP’s legal team, which includes attorneys from the national NAACP, the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the Northern Virginia law firm of Hogan Lovells.

In the memo, the NAACP called for changes in 24 House of Delegates districts, six state Senate districts and two congressional districts to address the issues that were found.

Maps showing the changes the NAACP proposed were included with the memo.

“Our proposed maps are representative of the Black communities of interest in these districts

because they were drawn with extensive input from community members,” Mr. Barnette said, as he called on Mr. Grofman and Mr. Trende to adjust their maps “to uphold fair representation for Black Virginians.”

Others also have noted that the maps the experts produced reduce the number of majorityBlack districts from 11 to seven in both chambers.

Mr. Grofman and Mr. Trende justified reducing the number of such districts by stating they created more majority-minority districts of Black, brown and Asian people who could form coalitions.

The NAACP memo indicated that such districts might fail the tests the U.S. Supreme

More free COVID-19 home test kits to be made available

Court has established for considering race in redistricting and conflict with requirements of the federal Voting Rights Act and a new state law on redistricting requirements.

“Black Virginians have a right to fair representation, which means map-drawers must consider the continuing effects of Virginia’s history of racial discrimination when drawing new district lines,” said Damon Hewitt, president and executive director of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “Federal and state law make clear,” he continued, “that districts must be drawn so as to ensure that Black voters are provided an equal opportunity to

participate in the political process of the Commonwealth.”

The NAACP is not alone in providing critical comments on the proposed maps, which among other things, would potentially eliminate up to 24 current incumbents in the House of Delegates and 10 in the state Senate.

Redistricting expert Richard G. Zimermann of Chesapeake noted many of the proposed districts are so oddly shaped that they fail one or more of the standard statistical tests for compactness.

Based on the standards set by the Princeton Gerrymandering Project, a noted nonpartisan center on redistricting, Mr. Zimermann said that four of the 11 congressional districts,

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COVID-19 at health district events. Health officials will now offer results by text message or by phone call.

“We hope that the increased availability of at-home tests and quicker turnaround of testing results makes testing more accessible,” stated Jessica Coughlin, emergency manager for the Richmond and Henrico health districts. “Alongside vaccination, testing remains one of the critical tools at preventing spread of COVID-19.”

Health officials urged people to get vaccinated or get their booster shot before the holidays to protect themselves and their loved ones from the spread of both the delta variant and the highly transmissible omicron variant of the virus.

Details: www.vdh.virginia.gov/richmond-city/richmond-andhenrico-area-covid-19-testing-sites/

Lewis recounted. Her mother, she said, doesn’t react well to medication, and at times needed actual physical support because of weakness.

That’s when Mr. Lewis’mother, Deborah Miller, 71, of Newport News, stayed with the family for two weeks to help out.

“My mother-in-law still makes frequent trips to Richmond to help,” Mrs. Lewis said.

During this time, much of the city – and the nation – was in lockdown from the pandemic. Mrs. Lewis was still trying to maintain her graphic design business while ensuring her mother got to doctor appointments safely.

“In my heart, I knew my mother would be fine because she is solidly grounded in her faith,” Mrs. Lewis said.

The family pulled together. Mr. Lewis, an Army specialist, was living in Maryland during the week and commuting back to Richmond on the weekends. The Lewises’ 25-year-old son, Brandon, a computer specialist who frequently travels for work, was living in Fredericksburg and could get home only occasionally.

“However, I gave everyone a role,” Mrs. Lewis said.

Amber, 23, a nursing student at ECPI, was the family medical assistant and researcher. She checked her grandmother’s vital signs daily and made sure her medi-

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Want a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot?

Area pharmacies, drug stores, clinics and urgent care centers also offer COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots.

All Richmond and Henrico health district vaccination clinics will be closed for the holidays from Friday, Dec. 24, through Sunday, Jan. 2.

The Community Vaccination Center at Arthur Ashe Jr. Athletic Center, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., will be closed for the holiday from Thursday, Dec. 23, through Monday, Dec. 27. It will reopen to offer Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines and booster shots from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, and Wednesday, Dec. 29, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30. It will be closed for the New Year’s holiday Friday, Dec. 31, through Sunday, Jan. 2.

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

Vaccinations and booster shots are available for all eligible of any age on a walk-in basis. No appointment is needed. However, people may schedule an appointment online at vaccinate.virginia. gov or vax.rchd.com, or by calling (804) 205-3501 or (877) VAXIN-VA (1-877-829-4682).

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

The Chesterfield County Health District is offering vaccines and booster shots at the following location: • Community Vaccination Center, Rockwood Shopping Center (in the former Big Lots store), 10161 Hull Street Road, Midlothian.

The center is closed for the holiday from Thursday, Dec. 23, through Monday, Dec. 27. It will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, and Wednesday, Dec. 29, and from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30. The center will close for the New Year’s holiday from Friday, Dec. 31, through Sunday, Jan. 2.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged by going to www.vaccines.gov or call (877) VAX-IN-VA. Those who are getting a booster shot should bring their vaccine card to confirm date and type of vaccine received.

Virginia health officials reported 5,972 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday during a 24-hour period. It was the highest singleday case count in nearly the entire year, matched or eclipsed only

by COVID-19 case counts in January.

Officials attributed the surge to the fast-spreading omicron variant, which now accounts for more than 70 percent of new cases in the United States. Health officials are urging caution during the holidays because the rise nationally in cases, including breakthrough cases affecting people who have been fully vaccinated against the virus, and those who are immunocompromised and those under age 5 who are too young to receive a vaccine.

With Wednesday’s case count, Virginia has had more than 1,034,100 cases of coronavirus since the pandemic’s outbreak in 2020. As of Wednesday, there have been 40,071 hospitalizations and 15,224 deaths statewide. The state’s seven-day positivity rate was 10 percent. Last week, the positivity rate was 8.7 percent.

On Wednesday, state health officials reported that 67.1 percent of the state’s population has been fully vaccinated, while 76.5 percent of the people have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

State data also show that roughly 1.8 million people in Virginia have received booster shots or third doses of the vaccine.

Among those ages 5 to 11 in Virginia, 212,112 children have received their first shots, accounting for 29.3 percent of the eligible age group in the state, while 144,704 children are fully vaccinated.

As of Wednesday, less than 70,000 cases, 456 hospitalizations and six deaths have been recorded among children.

State data also show that African-Americans comprised 21.8 percent of cases statewide and 24.2 percent of deaths for which ethnic and racial data is available, while Latinos made up 13.3 percent of cases and 5.6 percent of deaths.

As of Wednesday, Richmond reported a total of 26,779 positive cases, 980 hospitalizations and 382 deaths; Henrico County, 38,552 cases, 1,288 hospitalizations and 745 deaths; Chesterfield County, 44,195 cases, 1,253 hospitalizations and 596 deaths; and Hanover County, 13,463 cases, 394 hospitalizations and 205 deaths.

already are making plans to compete in revamped districts.

Among them is Richmond Delegate Betsy B. Carr, who could end up in a new district with two other Democratic incumbent House members, Delegates Dawn M. Adams and Jeffrey M. Bourne. Delegate Carr emailed supporters that she will compete in the new district if that change is finalized.

Separately, incumbent Democratic Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger of Henrico, who represents the 7th District, could be drawn into a revamped 1st District. She reportedly has told supporters that she is considering running in the redrawn 7th District to continue her work in Congress.

Journey of past year filled with health challenges and separations brings Mechanicsville family closer together

Continued from A1

Free COVID-19 vaccines

29 of the 40 proposed Senate districts and 90 of the 100 House districts would fail one or more of the statistical tests.

In a review of the proposed congressional districts, he found that the maps break up communities of interest rather than preserve them.

The NAACP found a similar problem, particularly in regard to the 3rd Congressional District, now represented by Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott. The NAACP memo said some Black sections of the current district were broken off, while other populations with “no connection to the 3rd District” were added.

Ahead of the issuance of final maps, some incumbent politicians

cation was taken on time.

Mr. Lewis and Brandon were coaches, connecting and encouraging daily by phone.

Mr. Lewis made sure his wife heard his voice the first thing every morning and the last thing every night.

“The hardest thing for me to hear was my wife’s emotions while I was not physically there to support her,” Mr. Lewis said. “I would talk her through whatever she was going through at the time.”

Brandon also touched base with each family member regularly.

“It was rough. I just wanted to be in Richmond with my family,” Brandon said.

“Although I was far away, I rekindled my family connection, especially with my sister.”

In the midst of everything, the unthinkable happened. Just after Christmas, Amber found out she had COVID-19.

While she had been taking her nursing classes virtually from home, she attended a Christmas party at a relative’s home.

Everyone wore masks, she said, and the doors in the house had been opened to increase air circulation.

But the weekend after the party, Mrs. Lewis noticed that Amber couldn’t smell bacon that was cooking. Nor could she taste it.

Amber immediately quarantined herself in her bedroom to prevent spreading the virus to family members, particularly her grandmother, whose immune system was compromised with the cancer and chemotherapy.

The tricky part of sharing the home, however, was that Amber shared a bathroom with her grandmother. Mrs. Lewis said that touched off a cleaning frenzy during Amber’s days in quarantine.

“I made sure every time I used the bathroom, I disinfected everything — sometimes twice,” Amber said. “I made sure my grandmother did not get infected.

I stayed away from everyone. I stayed held up in my room, keeping my door closed, for more than two weeks.”

This Christmas, the Lewis family is breathing a little easier, with no medical situations or emergencies looming. All family members are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 — and they have their booster shots — as they come together to celebrate the season and return to some long-held family traditions. They plan on all being together at home, enjoying favorite foods and holiday beverages, playing games and singing karaoke on Christmas Eve. Then at the stroke of midnight, they will exchange gifts and celebrate the birth of Christ, as well as Mrs. Lewis’ birthday.

The family has been through a lot during the past year, said Mr. Lewis’ mother, Mrs. Miller. And they have all become closer because of it, she added.

“Christmas should bring people closer together,” Mrs. Miller continued. “It’s not just about buying presents and gifts. It’s about being together. We all need to stick together with our families.”

Almanac, coin found in Lee statue time capsule Continued from A1

expected. The capsule, which is about the size of a large shoe box, was also made of lead, not the copper that state officials believed it would be.

The discrepancy between what was expected to be in the capsule and what was found led some to speculate that another capsule may still be within the pedestal, not yet discovered.

“We confirmed that it’s not the one we thought it was. So that means a copper one is probably still in the foundation,” said Dale Brumfield, a local author, journalist and historian.

He pointed to the presence of the book written by Mr. Burgwyn, who designed the roundabout where the Lee statue was erected in 1890, as a sign the capsule was an official, intended part of the monument’s construction.

“This is some kind of halfway point celebration. It doesn’t appear to be something someone slipped in,” Mr. Brumfield said. “We’re halfway there.”

For five hours, conservators at the state Department of Historic Resources on KensingtonAvenue toiled to open the top of the small lead box that was finally found.

They worked diligently to avoid damaging the items. The combination of corrosion and mortar made opening the capsule that much more difficult.

Work accelerated when it became clear that condensation

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

The 40-foot pedestal where the enormous bronze statue of Confederate Robert E. Lee on horseback once stood on Monument Avenue was finally cleared away Wednesday afternoon by crews working for 14 days. The Lee statue was removed in September. The site is to be cleaned and the ground leveled. The state is expected to turn ownership of the land over to the City of Richmond after Christmas.

had developed inside the small box, putting the items inside at risk of further damage.

However, for those who finally found the box, the fact that it was recovered at all was a success.

“It’s a total relief,” said Devon Henry, president and chief executive officer of Team Henry Enterprises, which has handled the removal of the six-story bronze statue and its granite pedestal.

“To have actually found it in the condition we found it without damaging it, right? That’s a big plus,” Mr. Henry said.

The statue, long viewed as a monument to the traitorous Lost Cause and white supremacy, was taken down in September, more than a year after Gov. Northam ordered its removal in the wake of daily protests

over racial injustice and police brutality that erupted in Richmond and across the country after the May 2020 police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

The final stone blocks of the pedestal came down on Wednesday afternoon.

The capsule was found Dec. 18 embedded in a 1,500-pound granite block, located about 20 feet off the ground in the pedestal’s main section.

The day after the statue was removed, a team spent more than 12 hours searching for the time capsule at the base of the 40-foot-tall pedestal but were unable to locate it.

Those who searched for it in September believed at the time that it was tucked inside or under a cornerstone of the pedestal.

Late last week, workers lowered the large piece of granite containing the box to the ground, strapped it to a forklift and drove it down Monument Avenue to the state Department of Historic Resources, where it was dislodged from the granite and X-rayed to verify its contents.

The Lee statue was one of five Confederate statues that stood for more than a century along Monument Avenue.

It was the only one that was owned by the state. The other four, owned by the city, were removed last summer under emergency order of Mayor Levar M. Stoney after protesters had pulled the statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis off his perch. Richmond City Council ratified the mayor’s orders on July 1, 2020.

Richmond Free Press

December 23-25, 2021 A5

This holiday season, give yourself an important boost.

COVID-19 is still with us and a new variant, Omicron, has arrived. If you are eligible, consider getting a booster shot to best protect yourself.

Who should be vaccinated?

• Everyone age 5 and older should be vaccinated against COVID-19 • If you are over age 16, you are eligible for a booster shot • All COVID-19 vaccines—including booster shots from all manufacturers—are free

Why do we need booster shots?

• The effectiveness of vaccines can decrease over time; a booster shot offers maximum protection against COVID-19 • Many other vaccines require a booster shot—you’ve likely already received one in the past • COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death

Other ways to protect yourself: • Wear your mask • Wash your hands

Who is eligible?

• Practice safe distancing

Everyone fully vaccinated ages 16 and older can now get a booster shot. Get vaccinated: • If you are age 18+ and received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least at least 2 months ago • If you are age 18+ and received your second Moderna vaccine at least 6 months ago • If you are age 16+ and received your second Pfizer vaccine at least 6 months ago

We care about the health and safety of our communities.

To find a COVID-19 vaccine site near you, go to vaccines.gov.

© 2021 VCU Health. All rights reserved.

Sources: VCU Health; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Richmond Free Press

A6 December 23-25, 2021

News

Gerald G. Poindexter, a Surry County county attorney and prosecutor, dies at 80

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

A native of Louisa County.

Mr. Poindexter began his legal Gerald Glenn Poindexter, a career after graduating from legal institution in Surry County Virginia Union University, where he served 23 years as studying for a master’s in biolcounty attorney and another ogy at Howard University and 20 years as commonwealth’s then earning his law degree attorney, has died. from the University of Michigan Focused on pushing civil in 1970. rights and creating fairness in the He cut his legal teeth servjustice system, Mr. Poindexter ing as a Legal Aid attorney gained the most attention for in Roanoke. A year later, he his role in the 2007 and his new attorney and 2008 investigawife, Gammiel Gray tion and prosecution Poindexter, came to of former Atlanta Richmond to became Falcons quarterback partners in the area’s Michael Vick during first integrated law the uproar over his firm that included ownership of a dogJeroyd X. Greene, fighting operation. who later changed Mr. Poindexter, his name to Sa’ad Mr. Poindexter who was suffering El-Amin, and Ralph from dementia, died Friday, W. Buxton, who is white.

Dec. 17, 2021, according to his The firm represented Black family. He was 80. police officers and firefighters Family and friends will in separate cases to end the celebrate his life during a fu- racial bigotry that stunted their neral service 11 a.m. Thursday, careers, Mr. El-Amin said. The Dec. 23, at Lebanon Baptist firm also took on other civil Church. rights causes.

“He was a legal role model,” “Gerald was the most socially said his son, Christopher R. conscious and sociable person Poindexter, a lawyer in Brook- I ever met,” Mr. El-Amin said. lyn, N.Y. “He was a mentor to “We took on very significant young people and sought to cases and made a difference.” end the prison pipeline. While One of the clients the firm most prosecutors boast about represented was Surry County, their convictions, he was always which reached out after a majorproudest of the work he did to ity-Black government ushered in keep people out of the criminal change. In 1972, Mr. Poindexter, justice system.” on behalf of the firm, became

Christmas at Creighton Cedar Street Baptist Church of God pulled out all the stops for the children of Creighton Court last Saturday.

In an event called “Christmas at Creighton,” church members and volunteers provided a wonderland of toys, clothes, bicycles, a petting zoo and more that delighted youngsters and their families living in the public housing community.

Photos by Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Corey Colley Jr., 3, pets a donkey adorned with reindeer antlers, while, below, Royalty Birt, 3, takes a pony ride as her big brother, Keion Minor, walks beside her. The pony, Daisy, was led by Jana Strickland, owner of Animals Unlimited, a traveling petting zoo.

the part-time county attorney, beginning a relationship with the county that only grew.

The firm broke up after Mr. El-Amin went to Chicago to become general counsel for the Nation of Islam, and the Poindexters set up their own firm while also keeping the Surry contract and ultimately relocating to the county.

As the first Black county attorney for any Virginia locality, Mr. Poindexter was instrumental in the drafting and passage of the Surry County Human Rights Ordinance enacted in 1973. The first of its kind in the South, the law made it a misdemeanor to discriminate against a person based on race, sex or religion.

In 1975, Mrs. Poindexter was elected Surry commonwealth’s attorney, the first woman and Black person to hold that post in Virginia. She would serve in the part-time post until 1995, when the General Assembly elected her as the first Black person and female General District Court judge in Surry and other localities in the 6th Judicial Circuit. She retired from the bench in 2007.

When his wife went on the bench, Mr. Poindexter successfully ran and was elected to replace her as Surry commonwealth’s attorney. He also maintained the law firm. He was re-elected to four more terms as county prosecutor, ending his

tenure in 2015 when he did not seek a sixth term.

The Vick case erupted into national attention after Surry authorities investigated a property the NFL star owned and found dozens of injured and overly aggressive pit bulls in the Bad Newz Kennels with which Mr. Vick was associated. Mr. Vick and three others were convicted in a federal case and later pleaded guilty in the separate felony case that Mr. Poindexter brought on state charges.

The Surry prosecutor faced

A voracious reader and music lover, Mr. Poindexter also was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, the Richmond Guardsmen, the Epsilon Delta Boulé of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity and the Progressive Men’s Club of Surry County.

In addition to his wife and his son, Mr. Poindexter is survived by two other sons, John L. Poindexter, a lawyer in Washington, D.C., and Eric Fitzgerald Daniel, a Hollywood screenwriter; a sister, Juanita Walker; and eight grandchildren.

Fire destroys former governor’s home Free Press wire report

at the Robbs’ home.

McLEAN “Our thoughts are with Chuck and Lynda as A Wednesday fire destroyed the Northern they recover from this tragedy,” he said.

Virginia home of former Virginia Gov. and U.S. The former governor is now 82 and his Sen. Chuck Robb and his wife, Lynda, who wife is 77. is the daughter of former President Gov. Northam’s office on WednesLyndon B. Johnson. day afternoon released a statement Fairfax County Fire and Rescue from the Robb family: officials said two people were taken to “Our entire family is deeply gratethe hospital with non-life-threatening ful to the firefighters for their rapid injuries, but provided no details on response and the medical professionals their identities. The Robb family later who are taking care of them,” said the confirmed their parents, the only octhree daughters of Charles and Lynda cupants of the home at the time, were Robb. “We have what is most imporMr. Robb taken by ambulance to the hospital. tant to us — our mom and dad.”

Fire and rescue officials reported they responded The Robbs’ residence is situated on a stretch to the home in McLean early Wednesday morning. of the road a few miles outside the nation’s Crews from neighboring Arlington County and capital that is home to a number of wealthy Montgomery County, Md., also responded. political figures and diplomats.

Photos show flames consuming the home.

Tax records show the home has a value of Gov. Ralph S. Northam tweeted that he and $5.5 million, with an adjacent parcel of land his wife, Pam, were saddened to hear of the fire owned by the Robbs valued at $3.4 million.

Denzel Washington: ‘I wanted to please God’ in latest directing effort

By Adelle M. Banks Religion News Service

Longtime actor Denzel Washington said his faith was a part of every decision he made in directing the new movie, “A Journal For Jordan,” based on the writings of an Army sergeant who was killed in action.

1st Sgt. Charles Monroe King died in Iraq in 2006 and left behind his partner, Dana Canedy, and their infant son, Jordan. Ms. Canedy, a former New York Times journalist and now publisher at Simon & Schuster, wrote a New Year’s Day article in the newspaper about 1st Sgt. King’s devotion to faith, the military and his family. The article eventually led to a book, and now a movie is set for release in theaters on Christmas Day, with actor Michael B. Jordan portraying 1st Sgt. King.

Mr. Washington, 66, who has played a Christmas angel in “The Preacher’s Wife” and Nation of Islam leader Malcolm Denzel, I understand you started scenes you filmed of “A Journal For Jordan” by gathering the cast and crew for prayer.

Mr. Washington: Sometimes. The spirit of God is throughout the film. Charles is an angel. I’m a believer. Dana’s a believer. So that was a part of every decision, hopefully, that I tried to make. I wanted to please God, and I wanted to please Charles, and I wanted to please Dana.

Ms. Canedy: Thank you.

Denzel, are you a member of West Angeles Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles, and if so, how much are you involved there given your busy acting and directing career?

Mr. Washington: I helped build it. I am a member, also a member of the (Cultural Christian Center) out here in New York.

I have more than one spiritual leader in my life. So there’s different people I talk to, and I try to make sure I try to put God first in everything. I was reading something this morning in my meditation about selfishness and how the only way to true independence is complete dependence on the Almighty.

Traivon Monroe, center, brought tools to remove the training wheels from bicycles his son, Traivon Monroe II, 8, left, and his nephew, Jaivin Monroe, 7, received at the event. The youngsters were elated about getting new bicycles for Christmas.

sharp criticism from animal advocates who claimed he moved too slowly in the prosecution, but he won re-election when county voters supported him over a challenger.

His son said that as a prosecutor and in his private practice, his father brought compassion and empathy to the work.

Mr. Poindexter was a member of the both the Old Dominion and National Bar associations and a former member of the Board of Visitors of John Tyler Community College.

Dana, how did your faith help you as you coped, first with Charles being away in the military, and then with his death?

How do you describe the state of your faith now?

Ms. Canedy: The older I get the stronger it gets. I didn’t grow up in a traditional Christian home. My parents were believers, but we didn’t attend church regularly. And so when Charles died, I always assumed if someone close to me died, I’d be angry with God. But I felt enveloped in his love and uplifted by knowing that I can get through this with my faith. There were all these signs, from the moment he died, that God was with me and Charles was with us, very specific things. Like coming home one day, three days after he died, from a

Mr. Washington

X in a self-titled movie, said the new film projects a message about love lasting beyond the grave.

“It’s cliché to say, but I’m a living witness, having gotten to know Dana,” he said. “True love never dies. That’s what they have — not had — have.”

Mrs. Canedy, 56, whose now-15-year-old son reads his father’s journal “pretty regularly,” agrees.

“Love, true love, never leaves you. If I drew my last breath today, I would still be Jordan’s mother and still love him,” she said. “And if you believe that you’re more than your physical body, that your spirit and your soul lives on, then you have to believe the spirit and soul continues to love you.”

Mr. Washington and Ms. Canedy spoke to Religion News Service on Dec. 10 about their faith, what 1st Sgt. King wrote about his beliefs and the staying power of his words 15 years after his death.

The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Ms. Canedy

military base where I had to fill out all this paperwork — we hadn’t buried him yet. And I remember walking in the door, thinking my son — who was a 6-month-old, I was holding him — suddenly he was heavy.

And I thought, Charles, how am I going to do this? Please give me a sign you’re still here. And this was a time when we all had answering machines at home. I turned on the answering machine. And one of his soldiers is calling from Iraq, saying, “He gave me your phone number and made me promise that if anything ever happened to him, I would call you and tell you he loves you and you’re going to be OK.” That was God. I wondered about the journal specifically and how much Charles talked about faith.

I believe I heard the actor portraying Jordan read that if he was down he knows he can “talk to the one who can do something about it.” Were there other parts of the journal that related to faith that either of you would speak to that struck you?

Ms. Canedy: There are themes in the journal that come through—his dedication to military service, his absolute respect for women, which is one of the things that comes through the most, and his religious faith. He put Bible verses in there for Jordan.

He writes and speaks about religion at least a dozen times throughout the journal.

Anything else that struck you, Denzel, about the journal especially related to faith?

Mr. Washington: That actual line I added — talk and speak to the one that can do something about it — and I was always frustrated when I was cutting the film. Because the young boy, he didn’t quite understand what I was trying to say, to talk to the one (points heavenward). But of course, it was kind of the way God wanted because in the child’s mind, talk to the one who can do something about it — Mom. (Both laugh.)

Ms. Canedy: The beauty of that is that, in the real world, there are things Jordan has to grow to appreciate in the journal. There are certain things in the journal that resonate with him as a boy. There are certain things that will resonate when he is a husband. There are certain things that will resonate when he’s a father. But throughout that, Charles’ reference to the power of religion, the power of prayer, there are messages for any of those points in his life.

Dana, will you go to the movie on Christmas Day and either way, how do you and Jordan celebrate Christmas?

Ms. Canedy: We have a party every year — we didn’t do it during COVID — with about 25 of our friends. I cook. My mother cooks. And some of our friends only see each other that one time a year. I started that when Jordan was a baby because I wanted him to feel surrounded with love and family. So family flies in, friends fly in. And this year, we’re going to do that. And then we’re all gonna try — anonymously — to go to the movie to see it. And Chanté (Adams, the actress who portrays Ms. Canedy in the movie) and her mother and father will be joining us.

Mr. Washington: Oh, wow.

Richmond gets grants to improve park accessibility

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

City Hall has received two grants totaling $351,000 to improve handicap access to the James River and to a trail near Byrd Park that previously have been off limits to many with disabilities.

City Council gave an anticipated green light to accept the funds on Dec. 13.

One grant from the James River Outdoor Coalition will provide $145,000 to fully fund an envisioned universal access ramp into the James River on a site just below the Huguenot Bridge known as Huguenot Flatwater. The name reflects the

calmness of the water at that point in the river that makes it easier for anyone to get in and out.

The coalition has been pushing the ramp idea for at least three years. The estimated cost: $345,000, including design, permits and construction, according to the coalition.

Since 2019, City Council has earmarked $330,000 to pay for creation of the ramp, about $41,000 of which has gone into covering preconstruction costs.

The ordinance City Council approved allows the city to accept the donation. However, the information included with the ordinance did not

offer any explanation as to why so much additional money was needed from the coalition, a volunteer nonprofit that was set up in 1997 to raise resources to complete park projects.

The new flatwater access would add just the second river entry point compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, the coalition stated. The current sole entry point is located in the middle of James River Park where Reedy Creek enters the river, but it puts people into whitewater than can be too rough for those with disabilities, the coalition noted.

The new ramp means that those with handi-

caps will have access to a 4-mile stretch of river that does not include rapids, the coalition stated, adding that construction of this new access point is already underway.

Separately, City Council cleared Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s administration to make improvements to a trail at Pump House Park ADAcompliant using $206,211 from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

The trail is located south and west of Byrd Park and runs between Pump House Drive and a bridge spanning the lock and canal at Pump House Park.

Richmond Free Press

December 23-25, 2021 A7

Local News

Dr. Harvey to VSU graduates: ‘Let’s get on with it’

By George Copeland Jr.

“We believe that the sun rises and shines on you, and we believe that there is nothing, nothing, nothing that you can’t do.”

Virginia State University President Makola Abdullah offered these final words to the university’s fall graduates last Saturday at the VSU MultiPurpose Center.

It was the first indoor commencement ceremony since the pandemic began in March 2020, and brought together hundreds of graduates, their families, VSU faculty and staff and others to celebrate the occasion.

University officials limited each graduate to four guest tickets to allow for social distancing according to COVID-19 safety protocol. The ceremony also was streamed live and broadcast on WVST, the campus radio station.

Graduates were lauded for their endurance and commitment to education through the changes forced by the pandemic.

“On behalf of the thousands

of people who are here and watching and waiting to hear your name called, I say we are proud of each and every one of you,” Dr. Abdullah said in congratulating the graduates.

Among the roughly 300 graduates receiving degrees was Sonia Jackson, a 72-year-old

Sonia Jackson, 72, who was awarded a bachelor of science in nursing from Virginia State University a t l a s t S a t u r d a y ’s f a l l commencement is recognized by fellow graduates and the audience. She is the inaugural graduate of VSU’s online degree program.

Unity of Richmond to host Kwanzaa service Dec. 26

A West End Richmond worship center will help launch the local celebration of Kwanzaa on Sunday, Dec. 26, the start of the seven-day holiday that runs through New Year’s Day. Unity of Richmond, a nondenominational church, plans to incorporate gospel music, African drummers and dancers and a libation ceremony into the Dr. Yemaja Jubilee 11 a.m. service at the center, 800 and L. Roi Boyd III Blanton Ave., by Byrd Park, the church has announced.

Open to the public, the service is to feature poet Dr. Yemaja Jubilee and writer and musician L. Roi Boyd III, co-founder of the Richmond-based fine arts and humanities organization Cultural Libations.

A Kwanzaa feast will follow the service from 12:30 to 3 p.m.

The service also will be streamed simultaneously at Unity of Bon Air, 923 Buford Road in Chesterfield.

“Each of us are interconnected through faith,” the Rev. Valorie Gunsch, Unity Worldwide minister, stated in announcing the Kwanzaa service. “... We all benefit when we come together.”

Details: unityrva.org or (804) 278-6489.

registered nurse who works as a school nurse in Amelia County. Ms. Jackson is the inaugural graduate of VSU’s online bachelor of science in nursing program for working RNs who have an associate degree in nursing or a diploma from a hospital nursing program. Ms. Jackson had received her diploma in nursing from Petersburg General Hospital and retired twice before going back to work in Amelia County.

“Nursing is a lifelong learning experience, so this has always been a goal of mine.

My children are all college graduates, so I decided it’s my turn,” she said in a statement about earning her degree.

“My husband is an alumnus of Virginia State University, and my grandmother went to Virginia State, so I know the value of a VSU education.”

Recognition also was given to the commencement’s keynote speaker, Dr. William R. Harvey, who as president of Hampton University since 1978 is one of the longest serving college presidents in the United States.

Photos courtesy of Virginia State University

Virginia State University commencement speaker Dr. William R. Harvey, longtime president of Hampton University, center, and Charlie Hill, second from right, a founding board member of the Community Free Clinic of Newport News and a Virginia State University alumnus who serves on the VSU Board of Visitors, smile after being awarded an honorary degree at VSU’s fall commencement ceremony last Saturday. With them are, from left, VSU President Makola Abdullah; Dr. Valerie Brown, VSU rector; and Dr. Donald E. Palm, VSU provost and senior vice president for academic and student affairs.

He announced in December 2020 that he will retire from the presidency in June 2022.

A graduate of Talladega College, Dr. Harvey earned a master’s from VSU in 1966 and his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1972. His wife, Norma Harvey, also went to VSU. Dr. Harvey also is the owner of the Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. of Houghton, Mich.

At the ceremony, he was awarded honorary degrees both from VSU and from Virginia Union University, which sent a representative to bestow the honor.

In his remarks, Dr. Harvey offered a wide range of advice to graduates. He called on them to be ambitious, compassionate leaders and innovators in their chosen fields, and to be those that

value and practice “high standards and exemplary care.”

“I congratulate you on what you have achieved and I am confident that the world will be made better through your continued achievements,” Dr. Harvey said.

“Fellow Trojans, graduating class of 2021, the world is waiting for you. Now let’s get on with it.”

Creator of Kwanzaa to speak at 32nd Annual Capital City Kwanzaa Festival Dec. 30 Dr. Maulana Karenga was just 24 when he launched the Kwanzaa holiday in 1966 to enable Black communities in this country and worldwide to celebrate their African heritage.

Now 80 and still going strong as a professor and chairman of the Africana Studies Department at California State University-Long Beach, Dr. Karenga is headed to Richmond to take part in the area’s largest celebration of the seven-day, pan-African holiday.

Dr. Karenga is to deliver the keynote address at the 32nd Annual Capital City Kwanzaa Festival, which will be held 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center’s Exhibit Hall B, 5th and Marshall streets, it has been announced.

This year’s theme: “Limitless Joy.” B:11" Held virtually last year, the festival is T:11" returning to an in-person format.

This event allows people “to take a moment

to reflect on the accomplishments of the year and to project new growth,” according to Janine Y. Bell, founder and artistic director of the Elegba Folklore Society, which has sponsored the festival Dr. Karenga since 1990.

Dr. Karenga’s talk at 8:30 p.m., Ms. Bell stated, will be among the highlights of a program that also will feature the Afro-Cuban-Caribbean sounds of Kevin Davis & BanCaribe, the dancing of Brown Ballerinas for Change and the Elegba Folklore Society and the funky jazz of Plunky and Oneness.

The event also will have an African market with food, art, jewelry, clothing, natural body care items, books and handcrafted and imported items; activities for children, including art making and cultural lessons;

and workshops for families on African affairs, culturally responsive education, health alternatives, strengthening families and communities, personal finances for teens and other matters, Ms. Bell stated.

Tickets to the event are $6 in advance for those 12 and older and $7 at the door, with a $1 discount for middle- and highschool students and seniors 65 and older.

Children under 12 are free.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, 101 E. Broad St., or at http://efsinc.org.

Elegba hosts the event with support from the City of Richmond and the city Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, the Richmond Memorial Health Foundation, Dominion Energy, Wells Fargo, CultureWorks and the Arts & Cultural Funding Consortium and CBS6, Ms. Bell stated.

Details: Elegba Folklore Society, efsinc. org or (804) 644-3900.

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Richmond Free Press

Holiday lights in Kanawha Plaza Downtown

Editorial Page

A8

December 23-25, 2021

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Mobilize for voting rights

ichmond

Winston/R Bonnie V.

s Free Pres

Holiday greetings May the spirit of the season fill your heart with joy, hope, peace and love.

Happy holidays from the

Richmond Free Press

“After decades of struggle and a year of our leaders choosing the Jim Crow filibuster over our voting rights, our time is now. On this day of action, I call on Congress and the White House to eliminate the filibuster and pass voting rights to protect millions of Black and Brown voters. The arc of the moral universe is long.

Join me on January 17 to demand that it bends toward justice.” — Martin Luther King III More than 55 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., led 2,000 marchers to the Edmund Pettis Bridge in Selma, Ala., where they knelt and prayed for an end to voter suppression. This MLK Day, his children will lead marchers to the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge in Washington, D.C., to culminate a weekend of action in defense of democracy.

Throughout MLK Day weekend, marches will take place around the nation on bridges, not only to recall the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches and the historic “Bloody Sunday” attack on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, but also to contrast lawmakers’ inaction on voting rights with their success in enacting a $1 trillion infrastructure measure for roads, airports, seaports and bridges.

If Congress can deliver for bridges, it can deliver for voting rights.

Martin Luther King III, Arndrea Waters King and Yolanda Renee King, alongside more than 90 national and grassroots organizations, including the National Urban League, announced mobilizations on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to restore and expand voting rights to honor

Marc H. Morial Dr. King’s legacy.

The actions will call on President Biden and the U.S. Senate to urgently pass federal voting rights legislation, including the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and ensure the Jim Crow filibuster doesn’t stand in the way.

Dr. King’s legacy reminds us that our right to vote was not easily won and it must be vigorously defended. It is a right that is foundational to our democracy. Last year, we saw what happens when we make voting more accessible for all and we were inspired. Those unpatriotic members of state legislatures who would seek to undermine voting rights saw it, too, and it scared them.

State lawmakers have introduced and enacted hundreds of anti-democratic voter suppression and election subversion

bills since the 2020 election.

These anti-democracy bills — introduced in direct response to Black and Brown voters showing up in record numbers — close polling centers, purge voter rolls, eliminate early voting and gerrymander Black and Brown voters into predominantly white districts.

Furthermore, the U.S. Supreme Court’s July decision in Brnovich v. DNC further gutted the federal Voting Rights Act, one of Dr. King’s signature achievements. Federal voting rights legislation will help overturn these Jim Crow-era state bills and put key protections in place.

The Freedom to Vote Act expands opportunities to vote, thwarts voter suppression, limits partisan gerrymandering, prevents election sabotage and promotes election security. The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would restore a requirement in the Voting Rights Act that jurisdictions with recent histories of discrimination secure federal “preclearance” before altering their voting laws, and will enhance the ability of the U.S. Department of Justice and other stakeholders to challenge discriminatory voting laws.

President Biden and members of Congress no longer can stand by and allow American democracy to crumble. They must set a new national standard for voting and restore the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to its full strength,

‘No time to waste!’

There’s an obvious scheme afoot to return the United States to a period in time where we lived with a completely different social construct and contract. There are those who are diligently working to return us to a time before many of the hard-fought and recently won constitutional protections we supposedly now enjoy. The very ones who think we benefit disproportionately are the ones working overtime to steal our hardearned gains.

They pretend not to understand when we point to their efforts to oppress and diminish those rights. They seem to nonchalantly say, “We didn’t really intend for non-white people to ever become equal.”

There is one political party that has fully embraced the political and social philosophies of white supremacy. Every time we see news reports, we know which political party that is.

They’ve even found help among select people of color who have been adequately rewarded to “move on up and live high on the hog” as payment to deny the circumstance which the masses protest. They know better, but, at the expense of our people, are willing to go along for a self-serving purpose.

Sadly, the other political party seemingly does not recognize the current and ongoing threat to our democracy. Their in-fighting

and constant focus on two recalcitrant members provide the perfect example of an unforced, self-induced error.

I do not negate the importance of the progressive work being done, but there is an unacceptable naivety of blindly working for progressive outcomes while the mechanics of their destruction are being codified daily by political opponents in increasing

Dr. E. Faye Williams numbers of states. Even a blind man can see that Republicans are committed to converting our democracy into a fascist, permanent majority.

True to his word, the disgraced, twice-impeached expresident put three appointees on the U.S. Supreme Court who are intent on establishing a pathway to the elimination of Roe v. Wade. Although I value the sanctity of life, I equally value the right of a woman to make cogent decisions about her health and life. As an attorney, I see no clearer indication of their true intent than their allowing the Texas abortion law to stand, concurrently, in contradiction to decided law under Roe. Almost daily, we are witness to the imposition of new laws that give Republicans the authority and means to override voter outcomes that are unfavorable to them. In their flagrant attempt to overturn the 2020 elections, Republicans have assigned the label of “illegitimate” votes and

voters in areas occupied by voters of color. Their voter suppression laws and activities shout their belief that the votes of people of color matter less than those of their “white base.”

Left unchallenged, the outcome is clear. We may not know how far some will choose to take us, but we understand the direction they will want to go.

You must protest these negative eventualities. You don’t need flowery rhetoric or a welldesigned script. We have no time to waste! Write or send your emails to: • U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510 • U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510 • U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510 • U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510 • The Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 20515 • Congressman James Clyburn, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 20515 Explain that you support the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act and want it passed into law even if it requires a “carve out” of the Senate filibuster. The future is critical. We can’t wait for others to act.

The writer is national president of the National Congress of Black Women Inc.

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.

even if that means reforming or eliminating the filibuster.

Standing on the shoulders of Dr. King, Coretta Scott King, Whitney M. Young and many others, we must hold them accountable for doing so.

The MLK Day mobilizations will begin in Arizona on Jan. 15, Dr. King’s birthday, where the King family and local groups will rally supporters across Phoenix in alignment with the Arizona Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee. On Jan. 17, the family and hundreds of others will cross the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge and join the annual D.C. Peace Walk: Change Happens with Good Hope and a Dream.

For more information about the weekend of mobilizations, visit www.deliverforvotingrights.com.

The writer is president and chief executive officer of the National Urban League.

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Richmond Free Press

December 23-25, 2021 A9

Commentary

Our dollars as a form of resistance Our nation’s gross domestic product, or GDP, is a function of consumer spending. We are prodded, cajoled, enticed and engaged in the spending exercise, and all that happens because money makes the world go round.

Between 65 percent and 75 percent of our GDP is based on consumer spending, which explains why, in the wake of the economic meltdown of 2001 after Sept. 11, then-President George W. Bush encouraged us to spend to spark an economic recovery.

Some of us spend, though, to our detriment. We spend because we want to keep up with the Jones family. We spend because we have been told that “everybody” has a little black dress, a leather tote bag, the right cosmetic or perfume and because that message is tossed at us relentlessly.

We get email messages, Instagram messages, telephone reminders that the sale is going, going, gone. Don’t worry. If you ignore the notes, they will come back tomorrow or the next day—Early “Black” Friday, delayed “Black” Friday, then “Cyber Monday” and more.

Here’s the bottom line: Capitalists want you to spend your money, and they want to capture your surplus value.

When a $100 sweater is marked down by 50 percent, understand that you aren’t getting a deal. Retailers aren’t giving stuff away. They aren’t going to lose money; they’ll lose profit. So if

Julianne Malveaux you get the $100 sweater for $50, believe me, they’ve still captured the $30 they paid. So don’t believe the hype and don’t go running for a “discount,” which is more a hook to get you to spend money.

I’m the wrong one to write about this. I’m a consumer, just like you. I want to shower my friends and family with goodies. These days, I’d rather shower them with experiences and, if I must shop, I am shopping with Black-owned businesses. So check it out #BuildBlack, #BuyBlack, #BankBlack, #BlackXmas.

Grateful to LA Black Lives Matter Co-Founder Dr. Melina Abdullah for putting this out there. Our dollars can be a form of our resistance. We can’t talk about the many ways we resist oppression while simultaneously supporting it with our

spending. We can’t go running after corporate dollars to support our events while giving them a pass on the ways they support structural racism. We absolutely must use this holiday as a way to withdraw from our cooperation with predatory capitalism.

What would happen if we withdrew our spending from this consumerism that masquerades as a holiday? While our economy would not crash and burn, retailers would undoubtedly feel it. What would happen if we shifted our spending to Black-owned businesses? We’d increase capacity in our communities. What would happen if, as BLM LA has suggested, we withdraw our spending from non-Black companies for the entire month of December or January? Or are we so addicted to consumerism, and especially majority consumerism, that we can’t stop?

Our nation’s economic viability depends on our consumer spending. Consumerism is the foundation of predatory capitalism. We participate in this national orgy of accumulation because we have been trained to do so, trained to line up — pre-COVID-19 — outside stores to trample each other in search of a bargain, trained to interpret a rip-off as a bargain.

Whether we are “woke” or not, we are products of our predatory capitalist environment. We must resist it both in our individual acts (checking our consumerism, buying and banking Black) and our resistance to structural oppression. More than that, we must train our young people to be mindful and aware of the systems that oppress us. Most importantly, we must understand the many ways that we are agents of our oppression when we support madness with our dollars.

During these holidays, everyone gets warm and fuzzy, seduced by the parades and candy canes, the music and pumpkin smells. Don’t let the positive energy fool you. The average family will spend about $1,500 this year on holiday stuff. The average Black family earns just about $40,000 a year. I’m not suggesting that folks cut back on experiences and good times, but I’m certainly suggesting that if you care about Black liberation, you walk on by consumer traps.

Consumerism is the foundation of predatory capitalism. Just say “no.”

The writer is an economist, author and dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at Cal State University, Los Angeles.

Employment Opportunities Part-Time Church Drummer

Thank you for your interest in applying for opportunities with The City of Richmond.

To see what opportunities are available, please refer to our website at www.richmondgov.com.

EOE M/F/D/V

Part-Time Financial Secretary 20 hours per week Salary Commensurate with Experience Preferred candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, finance or related field or have similar experiences. Candidate must possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Knowledge of bookkeeping, financial records management, and Microsoft Office Suites. Minimum of 2-3 years of financial secretary experience required.

Mount Olive Baptist Church in Glen Allen, Virginia is seeking a self-motivated parttime drummer to play the drum-set in various worship services of the church.

This position will remain opened until filled.

Applicants may pick up an application from the church office or submit a resume in lieu of an application to: Mount Olive Baptist Church, 8775 Mt. Olive Avenue, Glen Allen, Virginia 23060. The e-mail address is mstyles@mobcva.org, and the fax number is (804) 262-2397. For more information, please call (804)-262-9614 ext. 227 A Criminal History Background Check is required.

Don't Miss One Word Don't Miss Don’t Miss One Word Applicants may pick up an application from the church office or submit a resume in lieu of an application to: Mount Olive Baptist Church, 8775 Mt. Olive Avenue, Glen Allen, Virginia 23060. The e-mail address is mstyles@mobcva.org, and the fax number is (804) 262-2397. For more information, please call (804)-262-9614 ext. 227

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A10 December 23-25, 2021

Richmond Free Press

Make Sure Your Immune System Is Buttoned Up for Winter

! y a d o t r e t s o o b 9 1 D I V O C r u o ty e g o t n a l p a e Mak The COVID-19 booster is a vital step for staying safe against the virus — especially as activities move indoors for the winter months and COVID variants spread.

• If you received the Johnson &

Johnson vaccine and are 18+, you’re eligible for a booster 2 months after your primary dose.

• If you received the Moderna

vaccine and are 18+, you’re eligible for a booster 6 months after your second dose.

• If you received the Pfizer vaccine and are 16+, you’re eligible for a booster 6 months after your second dose.

You can find free COVID-19 boosters — or first, second, and additional primary doses — at a community vaccination center near you.

Your Local Community Vaccination Centers

Arthur Ashe Junior Athletic Center 3001 N Arthur Ashe Blvd Richmond, VA 23230 Rockwood Shopping Center 10161 Hull Street Midlothian, VA 23112

Hours of Operation Dec. 23-26, Dec. 31-Jan. 2.: Closed Dec. 27–29: Open 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 30: Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Starting on Jan. 3: Open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Appointments Walk-ins are welcome for everyone, including children 5 and older, but appointments are strongly recommended to avoid having to wait.

Richmond Free Press

December 23-25, 2021 A11

Stories by Fred Jeter

Woolfolk, Byerson becoming household names again in area basketball

Woolfolk and Byerson—famous names from Richmond basketball archives—are back in hoops news, this time in Chesterfield County.

Mia Woolfolk and Makai Byerson are primetime performers for the fast-starting Manchester High School boys’ and girls’ teams on Bailey Bridge Road.

The Manchester boys are 8-0 heading into winter break. The Lancers’ girls’ team finished 7-1 for 2021.

Woolfolk, a bouncy 6-foot-2 sophomore with dominant inside skills, plays for Coach Rasheed Wright. Byerson is the bruising 6-foot-4, 220-pound sophomore center for Coach Josh Karlson.

It’s not surprising the teens are making headlines. Both hail from very tall and extremely athletic families.

Mia’s dad, 6-foot-6 Peter Woolfolk, starred at Richmond’s Jefferson-Huguenot-Wythe High School complex, where he led the Trojans to the 1984 State Group AAA title, and later at the University of Richmond, where he helped the Spiders reach the NCAA Sweet 16 in 1988.

Mia’s brother is Jay Woolfolk, the former Benedictine College Preparatory athlete who is now on scholarship to play football and baseball at the University of Virginia.

Makai is the son of 6-foot-8 Brad Byerson, who starred at Virginia Union University, along with his younger brothers, Brandon and Braxton. Brad, who later played for the Sioux Falls Skyforce of NBA G-League, was All-CIAA and the CIAA Defensive Player of the Year under VUU Coach Dave Robbins in 2008.

The Byerson brothers played for Thomas Dale High School in Chester.

Through games of Dec. 18, Mia Woolfolk was averaging about 18 points, nine rebounds and three

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Makai Byerson, left, and Mia Woolfolk, both 15 and sophomores, are standouts on the boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams at Manchester High School in Chesterfield County. Woolfolk is the daughter of former University of Richmond player Pete Woolfolk, while Byerson is the son of former Virginia Union University and NBA G-League player Brad Byerson.

steals per game in her first varsity season.

“Mia is smart and has an imposing physical presence,” said Coach Wright. “We’re just looking to expand her game, and she is very

Tiger and son place second, set record for birdies in PNC Father-Son Challenge

South Carolina State wide receivers Shaquan Davis, left, and Will Vereen celebrate the Bulldogs’ 31-10 victory over Jackson State University last Saturday in the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta.

With five receptions for 95 yards and three touchdowns, Davis was named MVP.

South Carolina State wins Celebration Bowl, but Jackson State has reason to celebrate, too A little Kool & The Gang music would fit this occasion.

HBCUs had much to celebrate, on and off the field, regarding last Saturday’s Cricket Celebration Bowl in Atlanta.

Coach Buddy Pough’s South Carolina State Bulldogs, as underdogs, dominated Jackson State University Coach Deion Sanders’ Tigers 31-10 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The victory gave South Carolina State University its first Black College Football National Championship since 2009 and plenty of cause to kick up its heels and bust a move.

But Coach Sanders and Jackson State had reason to party, too. Earlier in the week, Coach Sanders signed Travis Hunter, the nation’s No. 1 football prospect out of Suwanee, Ga. Hunter chose the Mississippi HBCU over the likes of such household-name programs as Florida State — Coach Sanders’ alma mater — Georgia and Clemson. The wide receiver/defensive back becomes the highest-rated, high school prospect by far to choose an HBCU since records have been kept on such matters.

When you’re having a good time, the more the merrier, and that was the case in Atlanta. A rollicking sold out crowd of 48,653 fans arrived with high spirits for the noon Celebration Bowl game that was televised on ABC. The previous top attendance was 35,528 in 2015, the inaugural year. Average attendance has been about 31,000.

The record crowd for the FCS showdown dwarfed eight other bowl games — all FBS events — played around the country last Saturday.

South Carolina State’s Shaquan Davis, a 6-foot-5 wide receiver who earned MVP honors, was the life of the Bulldogs’ party, with five

open to learning.”

Once the right-hander polishes her left-side moves, Coach Wright notes, “she’ll be among the best in the state.”

Woolfolk was a dynamic performer at Chesterfield’s Bailey Bridge Middle School in fall 2019 (middle school girls play in fall) and then played for the Manchester High School junior varsity team in 2019-20. She transferred to Trinity Episcopal last school year but did not compete due to an injury. Her return to Manchester High school thrilled the coaching staff.

Byerson made the Manchester High School varsity team as a freshman and is now a fixture in Coach Karlson’s front court.

“Makai is a man-child,” Coach Karlson said.

“He’s got a big body. He’s very physical. And he can throw it down (dunk).”

Byerson has averaged about 13 points and nine rebounds, while serving as an intimidating defensive stop sign in the paint.

Woolfolk and Byerson are more than year-round basketball stars.

Mia is a standout softball player known for her power at the plate. Manchester’s short 190-foot fences should be much to her liking this spring.

Makai doubles as a Lancers football standout.

His muscular play in the trenches helped Manchester reach the third round of the 6A Regionals this past season. He was an All-Region defensive end.

The Lancers’ boys’ basketball team is coming off a 12-2 season in 2020-21 and look even stronger this go-round.

On the other side, the Manchester girls’ team was just 3-10 a year ago. The addition of Woolfolk and freshman Rayne Wright, the daughter of Coach Wright, and others, have turned the tables.

Woolfolk and Byerson are almost too good to be true—so big, so strong, so talented. And they’re only sophomores.

receptions for 95 yards and three touchdowns.

Davis entertained with his pass catching, running after catches and with his end zone celebrations.

Following his first touchdown, Davis broke into a high-stepping, arm-flapping routine that the TV announcer quickly described as “Doing the Deion.”

Coach Sanders had unveiled the same move decades ago, naming it “The Primetime Shuffle.”

Quickly, the cameras switched to Coach Sanders on the sidelines for a reaction.

Being a good sport even in adversity, Coach Sanders smiled and gave his good-natured mimicker a few respectful claps of the hands.

With so much to celebrate, there would be no party poopers on this day.

And when it was over, it wasn’t over.

Few left early as the marching bands from both universities — Jackson State’s Sonic Boom of the South and South Carolina State’s Marching 101 — kept the party going with a “Fifth Quarter” battle of bands, similar to the halftime show.

Next year, someone needs to invite Kool & The Gang to complete the celebration.

Spinning the turnstiles Here are the college football bowl games of Dec. 18 with attendance:

Game People • Celebration Bowl 48,653 • Bahamas Bowl 13,596 • Tailgreeter Cure Bowl 9,784 • Boca Raton Bowl 15,429 • New Mexico Bowl 16,422 • Independence Bowl 26,276 • LendingTree Bowl 15,186 • Los Angeles Bowl 29,896 • New Orleans Bowl 21,642

Team Woods set a record for birdies but came up just short of the top prize at the PNC Father-Son Challenge last Saturday and Sunday in Orlando, Fla. Dressed alike in Nike red and black gear, Tiger Woods and his 12-year-old son, Charlie, finished two strokes behind the winning duo of John Daly and his son, John II. Overall, Team Woods was 25 under par in the scramble 36-hole format. At one point in the final round, the Woodses posted 11 straight birdies, a PNC record.

No individual scores are registered in a scramble format as players alternate hitting shots.

Tiger Woods, arguably the greatest golfer in history, was making his first competitive appearance since suffering serious leg injuries in February in an auto accident. He labored at times walking, and winced on a few occasions on his follow-through swing.

The 45-year-old negotiated most of the course in a motorized cart but walked the final 200 yards on the 18th fairway Sunday to a cheering crowd.

Tiger Woods watches where the ball lands after his son, Charlie, swings during the PNC Father-Son Challenge last weekend in Orlando, Fla.

VUU Coach Jay Butler is Mr. 100

Coach Jay Butler’s 100th coaching victory at Virginia Union University is in his rear-view mirror.

Now he’s going to work on his next 100 wins.

In his sixth season, Coach Butler racked up No. 100 on Dec. 14, with a home victory over CIAA opponent Livingstone College.

Coach Coach Butler’s overall record is now 103-62 (8-3 this season) ... and he nearly got win 104 on Sunday, Dec. 19, in the Panthers’ gallant effort in South Florida.

VUU took Nova Southeastern University, the No. 5 ranked team in NCAA Division II, into overtime before falling 93-88 in Fort Lauderdale.

It would have been a head-turning and rankings’ jumbling upset on the 10-0 Sharks’ home floor.

The Panthers’ Robert Osborne of Richmond had 21 points and 10 rebounds and Raemaad Wright of Suffolk had 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Off the bench, Tahj Harding, a 6-foot-5 fresh-

man from Kentucky, added 18 points in his best game as a Panther.

VUU is off until a Jan. 5 date at Barco-Stevens Hall with Bluefield State University of West Virginia.

Coach Butler is VUU’s fourth coach since the retirement of Dave Robbins in 2008. He was a star as a Panthers guard long before taking over the Butler coaching duties. Playing under Coach Robbins and with star Ben Wallace in the 1990s, Butler was the primary ball handler at the time as the Panthers went 107-14.

Northern Division standings

Virginia Union University Elizabeth City State University Lincoln University Bowie State University Virginia State University Shaw University

Overall 8-3 7-3 9-4 2-8 4-6 4-4

CIAA 2-0 2-0 2-0 1-0 1-2 0-2

NBA play to rule Christmas Day The NBA is giving its fans a big present.

Balls of holly and basketballs are both on the itinerary for Christmas Day. NBA fans won’t be disappointed Saturday, Dec. 25, as they will be treated to a quintuple header, starting at noon and not finishing until around midnight.

Here is the NBA lineup for Christmas Day and where the game will be broadcast: • Noon: Atlanta Hawks at New York Knicks, ESPN • 2:30 p.m.: Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks, ABC • 5 p.m.: Golden State Warriors at Phoenix Suns, ABC • 8 p.m.: Brooklyn Nets at Los Angeles Lakers, ABC • 10:30 p.m.: Dallas Mavericks at Utah Jazz, ESPN

A12 December 23-25, 2021

Richmond Free Press

Moving forward together We’ve been through a lot together and have proved to be resilient. The approaching new year brings with it new possibilities to help our clients, communities and teammates move forward and prosper — safely.

Using our industry-leading digital tools, like mobile check deposits, Erica,® CashPro® and access to Zelle,® individuals and businesses are finding it easier to do their everyday banking. Across the country, the expertise of our specialists and our teammates in financial centers is helping clients meet all their financial needs at every stage of their lives.

In our communities, we continue to collaborate with local partners, business leaders, experts and academics across the public and private sectors to fuel job growth and financial stability.

More than $400 million of our $1.25 billion commitment to advance racial equality and economic opportunity is already supporting diverse small businesses and partners, including many recipients here in Richmond who provide job skilling and hiring programs.

We’ve also increased resources to support our teammates’ emotional and financial well-being.

Recently, we raised our minimum hourly wage for U.S. employees to $21 per hour, moving closer to our goal of $25 by 2025.

My teammates and I look forward to growing existing partnerships and creating new ones as we work together to make a difference. Have a safe and happy holiday season.

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Learn more at bankofamerica.com/richmond

Zelle and the Zelle related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license. Bank of America, the Bank of America logo, Erica® and CashPro® are registered trademarks of the Bank of America Corporation. Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender © 2021 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

Richmond Free Press

December 23-25, 2021 B1

Hundreds of Students.

Millions in Scholarships.

The inaugural class of Educational Equity Scholarship recipients is on the path to success. Because our communities are only as strong as our next generation, we’re investing in hundreds of young scholars across the states we serve—committing

millions of scholarship dollars to help students in minority and underserved communities realize their potential.

Students can learn more and apply at DominionEnergy.com/EquityScholarships.

Actions Speak Louder

Richmond Free Press

B2 December 23-25, 2021

Cherished Holiday Memories

Holiday memories are created by family — whether it is the family we’re born into or the family we create through church, work or social interactions.

This year, with a new variant of the pandemic raging and masking and social distancing still the norm, we are reminded once again of the cherished time spent with those we love and the gift of giving to others.

We hope the reflections shared by five Richmond area residents of their most cherished holiday memories will bring to mind joyful recollections of your own.

Priceless gifts I’m an only child and my father was in the Navy and served during World War II and the Korean War. In reflecting on the traditions of the Christmas season that I cherish, I think of one from my church family of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. For more than 30 years, the young people have been an integral part of the presentations before the evening service on Christmas Eve. As we believe Jesus became human in order to save us, we realize that no amount of money could have ever bought our salvation. Therefore, the real gift of Christmas is when we give ourselves to others. As a result, throughout these years, our children have been involved in giving of themselves.

One year, a teenage girl and I played a medley of Christmas carols on a violin and viola, respectively. Another year, a 9-year-old boy played “The Little Drummer Boy,” acknowledging that

he was bringing the only gift he had.

There have been trumpets, saxophones, pianists without music and original poems. Sometimes, there is a choir member cuddling a baby and surrounded by the children who sings “Mary, Did You Know?” The final happening is the entire congregation, no matter what kind of voices they have, singing Christmas carols.

Especially in these days of such violence, racism and the pandemic, we need to embrace and follow the behavior of Jesus by giving of ourselves. Grateful for this tradition and praying that it continues after the pandemic, may all of us reflect on the ways we can bring peace, joy and happiness to all we encounter. These are priceless gifts of self that the world so urgently needs.

Sister Cora Marie is the former pastoral coordinator of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Highland Park, where she has been a member of the parish since 1981.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Sister Cora Marie Billings

Remembering blessings

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

My most cherished holiday memory was the Christmas after the death of my father. My mother, siblings and I were not sure how we were going to spend the first Christmas without my father, who went all out for Christmas. The lights, music, food, sweets and shopping were all a part of our holiday tradition.

My family knew that Christmas would never be the same.

Instead of our normal gift giving to one another, we decided to give to a family that was in need. And we would draw names among one another so that we would each receive only one gift.

My mother was able to find a family in need that we could provide for. We had given before but never like this.

We provided the family with everything that they needed and wanted. I have to say that the joy I felt after we provided for that family was unforgettable. They were so very appreciative and excited that we had thought enough to think about their family and bless them in a mighty way.

Often, I take what I have for granted.

I know that what I have all belongs to my heavenly father. But I do not always give thanks as I should. That one Christmas always puts things in

perspective for me. It brings me back to reality. When I believe things are not as they should be, all I have to do is think back to that Christmas to remember how truly blessed I am.

That one Christmas has guided my husband and me on how we raise our three children. We put emphasis on giving instead of getting. We stress the importance of community service and giving back. When they attempt to complain, we show them through examples of our homeless population how truly blessed they are.

Dr. Brown is the owner and operator of HOPE Pharmacy.

Dr. Shantelle L. Brown

Holly-Ball lessons live on One of my most memorable holiday traditions as a child was attending the annual Holly-Ball hosted by the Richmond NAACP Youth Council. As youth members of the NAACP, we would all sell tickets to our annual Christmas party with the goal of raising enough money to defray our travel costs to the national NAACP convention the following summer.

Right after Thanksgiving, our Youth Council advisor, Mrs. Ora P. Lomax, would call the Youth Council members nearly twice a week to get updates on how many tickets we had sold. One year, I struggled immensely to sell my allotted tickets and tried to avoid Mrs. Lomax’s phone calls. After she finally caught

up with me, I shared with her the extent of the struggle I had trying to sell those tickets at school.

With her motherly wisdom, she offered that I should remind my classmates that “freedom ain’t free” as the rationale for them to purchase tickets to the event. To my surprise, that line worked and I’ve been using it to raise money for the NAACP ever since.

While Mrs. Lomax is no longer with us, and the Richmond NAACP Youth Council no longer has an annual Holly-Ball, the memories of Mrs. Lomax and all that she means to me and so many others will live on forever.

Mr. Love is executive director of the Virginia State Conference NAACP.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Da’Quan Marcell Love

‘I love a parade!’

I love a parade! No holiday season is complete without a parade. Parades are a wonderful representation of a community. It is a joyous occasion and everyone is there to have fun and be wowed by the talent of their community.

Yup, I cry at parades. I know how hard everyone has practiced. I love seeing all the bands, the children dancing, tapping and twirling, the floats from community groups, mascots, city departments and dignitaries, horses, fire trucks, police and of course Santa in his magical sleigh being drawn by Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph.

I am out there with the families, all bundled up watching for our loved ones, neighbors and friends to cheer them on. I am relegated to being an observer in the crowd since I have no real performance talents. At core, I have no rhythm, nor can I do more than one thing at a time. I can’t dance, I can’t twirl, I can’t play any musical instrument and I can’t sing!

For a couple of years, I had the thrill of being in a parade with a group of Richmond and Henrico librarians. We did “synchronized book truck” routines, if you can imagine, decorating our book trucks with favorite children’s stories.

It was so much fun to have kids, library patrons, co-workers and readers squeal with delight in recognizing us, and shouting out the names of their favorite librarians and libraries.

This year, I had the honor of assisting in the planning process of the Armstrong-Walker Classic Legacy Parade, truly a community unifying event. So now I feel like my life is complete; I have been able to participate in all stages of the creation of a parade. And I’ve discovered that my talent is in being part of the audience.

I’m really good at clapping and encouraging all of the participants.

Ms. Parks, a former community services manager with the Richmond Public Library, is an information concierge with the City of Richmond Office of Human Services.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Patricia J. “Patty” Parks

A new tradition Our family is quite extended and today live in Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee, Florida, Chicago, New York and parts of Canada (that’s on the Jamaican side of the family).

After the loss of my beloved grandmother in 2015 and my father in 2016, my mother decided it was time to have all the family together at Christmas. As my mother is truly the matriarch of this large extended brood, everyone finally heeded the call in 2019 and, per my mother’s wishes, figured out how to come together from near and far.

We rented a large vacation home on the beach in the Outer Banks of North

Carolina, one of those houses that could be considered a small motel — 24 bedrooms, two kitchens, a game room, a theater room, a couple of rec rooms and everything a large family would need, including a table that seats 22.

And so it was that we hosted more than 40 friends and family during the course of the week of Christmas.

Everyone hauled their gifts from afar to open on Christmas Day. I think the head count for the under 12 crowd was about 15. And the food….!

Oh, and there was the one little one that had a sniffle. I think about a dozen of us ended up with a cold, but that’s another story.

I am grateful that we have found a way to come together and celebrate the Christmas season as one large family.

Little did we know our newly found annual gathering would have to be put on hold after that first one.

Mom has said it’s time to get the decorations ready and the food prepared because we will head to the Outer Banks again soon. A new tradition is born.

Best wishes to you and yours this holiday season.

Mr. Pinnock, an architect, is a principal and chairman of the board at Baskervill and co-facilitator of Reimagining Monument Avenue.

Burt Pinnock

Jay Paul

Richmond Free Press

December 23-25, 2021 B3

Happenings Amanda Loraine Lynch is helping bring change to the stage and the streets through ballet.

The May 2020 murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police led her to help bolster the efforts started by her daughter, Ava Holloway, and three other teen ballerinas, Kennedy George, Sophia Chambliss and Shania Gordon to address racial and social inequalities by creating Brown Ballerinas for Change.

Ms. Lynch serves as board president of the organization that is committed to using ballet to promote activism, social justice and increase diversity in the arts. The organization provides annual scholarships, a mentor network and community programs to empower young dancers.

“The summer of 2020 provided a refreshing opportunity to explore the intersectionality between racial equity and the dance community here in the former capital of the Confederacy,” Ms. Lynch said, “and to reclaim a space, both ballet and Monument Avenue, that was once rooted in exclusionary practices.”

“We are living proof that art and dance are also activism and our Blackness and ballet can and do co-exist.”

When news spread in June 2020 that Gov. Ralph S. Northam ordered the iconic statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee to be removed from Monument Avenue, people celebrated at the monument’s base, which had been tagged with all types of graffiti calling for racial justice and an end to police brutality.

Ava and Kennedy, who were longtime dance students at the Central Virginia Dance Academy, donned their ballet skirts and pointe shoes and danced at the monument. A photo of the two of them captured by a news photographer went viral, with celebrities posting and retweeting it, including prima

Personality: Amanda Loraine Lynch Spotlight on board president of Brown Ballerinas for Change ballerina Misty Copeland, the hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa and actress Reese Witherspoon.

The photo became a powerful symbol of strength and equal representation in all fields, including dance.

BBFC dancers will be performing Thursday, Dec. 30, at the annual Capital City Kwanzaa Festival at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. The organization also is planning to host a screening of the documentary “Black Ballerina” during Black History Month with an accompanying panel discussion.

As board president, Ms. Lynch’s role is both a supportive and instructive. She strives to keep the BBFC financially healthy and sustainable through networking for grants and fundraising, and ensure its mission and programs are supported through effective action.

“I always want to ensure that I am empowering our dancers, staff and the board from a positive, compassionate and healthy place,” Ms. Lynch says. “Our CEOs and founders are teenagers, so I want to honor their lived experiences and talents, while encouraging them to remain humble, self-reflective, teachable, and committed to servant-leadership.”

Meet a change agent, social justice advocate and this week’s Personality, Amanda Loraine Lynch: Volunteer position: President of the Board of Directors, Brown Ballerinas for Change.

Occupation: Trauma-informed training and prevention specialist with Greater Richmond SCAN; children’s book author; owner of Rethinking Resiliency; and a mindfulness teacher at The Innerwork Center.

Date and place of birth: June

10 in Richmond.

Where I live now: Richmond, but I was raised in Glen Allen.

Education: Henrico High School; bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Mary Baldwin College; and post-baccalaureate in autism spectrum disorders from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Family: Husband, Marcus, and children, Amani, Ava, VioletHazel and Primrose. I would be remiss without also mentioning my parents, Sandra Peterson, Carl Davis (Carolyn Edghill) and Bernard Peterson.

Brown Ballerinas for Change is: A dancer-led organization whose purpose is to use ballet to promote activism, social justice and to increase diversity in the arts by providing annual scholarships, a mentor network and community programs to empower young dancers.

BBFC believes that every Brown Ballerina is a changemaker,

promoting ballet through advocacy, social justice and by working to diversify the performing arts, with a focus on classical ballet.

BBFC’s Ambassador Program is: For girls ages 7 to 18 who might not otherwise be able to participate in ballet due to a variety of reasons (cost, proximity, etc.). We provide weekly tuition-free dance classes, workshops and opportunities to engage in public policy and advocacy about social justice issues. To date, we have 16 Ambassadors.

How Misty Copeland inspires BBFC: Misty Copeland has spoken very openly about her struggles with simply having access as a child to ballet. Ms. Copeland was the first Black prima ballerina that many of our girls were exposed to. Her story inspires them to believe that the sky’s the limit and it’s possible to overcome any obstacle. When the girls first went viral last year, she retweeted one of their photographs that had been shared

by Chloe Angyal, contributing editor at Marie Claire. What an amazing way for our girls to be acknowledged and recognized for their work by such a ballet legend.

The power of visual representation and BBFC: Having representation at every level of a career (from student to teacher to professional performer) is integral in believing you can do it.

Leading obstacles encountered

by Black and Brown ballet dancers: “Fitting in” in a corps de ballet (skin color, hair, body, etc.) sometimes doesn’t

feel possible. Of course when everyone in the room is white, Black dancers stand out and that can feel isolating. We are hoping to bridge this gap by creating a network of support for Black and Brown youth ballerinas in our area through our ambassador program. It’s sometimes a challenge for others to understand that Black and Brown dancers deserve to have a seat at the table, in the boardroom and a place on the stage simply because they exist and are here for the work.

How to join or support Brown Ballerinas for Change: Our website is www.brownballerinasforchange.com. Information about joining and giving can be found there.

A perfect day for me: One that is unstructured, where I can spend time laughing with my son, binge watching Netflix with my oldest daughter or taking my younger girls to the park. We rarely have time away from the dance studio, so when we do have time to slow down, I cherish those moments.

What I am learning about myself during the pandemic: I am learning to give myself grace. I don’t always focus on the moment in front of me because I’m always looking at the next step. I am in constant planning mode. I’m learning to be more flexible though and finding new ways to live and breathe in the moment.

Quote that inspires me: “Heavy is the head that wears the crown.”

– William Shakespeare.

Friends describe me as: A quiet storm.

At the top of my “to-do” list: Finding balance, taking breaks and setting boundaries. I work too much.

Mending Walls: The Documentary Thirty artists create a groundbreaking public art project about empathy and racial justice in the documentary “Mending Walls,” presented on public television by VPM. Courtesy of Katrina Ta�art-Hecksher

CONNECTED TO WHAT SPARKS CONVERSATION. CONNECTED TO WHAT MATTERS. As Virginia’s home for public media, we bring you relevant news and local storytelling to foster a greater understanding of our state, our neighbors and our world.

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Best late-night snack: Brie, fruit and crackers.

Best thing my parents ever taught me: To always be on the right side of history, even when it’s not popular, no matter the cost.

Person who influenced me the most: I revered my grandparents, the Rev. John E. Gordon Sr., Violet Gordon and Beulah Davis. They taught me to be community-minded, to trust God’s calling on my life and to give myself grace when I need to.

Book that influenced me the most: “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston and “My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams” by me and my oldest daughter, Ava Holloway.

What I’m reading now: I’m currently re-reading “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros.

Next goal: To slow down and to learn to enjoy each moment as it comes.

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Richmond Free Press

B4 December 23-25, 2021

Obituary/Faith News/Directory

The Rev. Franklin D. Harvey Sr., inventor of the Afro Master and former owner of Harvey’s Progressive Barber Shop, dies at 88

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

what do with the bush until that comb and shape natural hair. Advertised on came along.”

“Soul Train,” the comb was hugely For decades, the Rev. Franklin Deheart Harvey popular when the bush or Afro was A native of King and Queen Sr. ran one of the largest barbering operations a popular Black hairstyle. A generic County, Rev. Harvey succumbed to in Richmond. illness Friday, Dec. 17, 2021. He version called the detangling comb A master barber himself, as well as an associ- is still in use by barber and beauty was 88. ate pastor of St. John Baptist Church in North shops today, said Rev. Harvey’s son, His life will be celebrated during Side, Rev. Harvey operated Harvey’s Progressive the Rev. Franklin D. Harvey Jr., a a service 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. Barber Shop at 22 E. Broad St. and at 100 E. barbering instructor at the Bon Air 30, at March Funeral Home’s Chapel, Rev. Harvey Broad St. in Downtown, drawing hundreds of Correctional Center.

2100 E. Laburnum Ave., with burial customers weekly.

“That comb was a godsend,” said Rosa in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

The Air Force veteran also invented the Afro Jiggetts, a Richmond community minister and One of nine children, Rev. Harvey got his start Master comb in 1971 to help people pick out friend of the Harvey family. “We didn’t know in barbering cutting the hair of his siblings and others in the rural area where he grew up. After his military service, he went to barbering school and opened his first shop in 1961 on North 2nd Street in Jackson Ward, he recounted in a 2016 Free Press interview.

In 1966, Rev. Harvey moved his expanding operation to 1st and Broad, a Jackson Ward Religion News Service removal, and the painting was and the CUA student govstolen less than 24 hours later. ernment reportedly passed a gateway. He operated 15 chairs there, with 14 WASHINGTON Meanwhile, Mr. Latimore resolution on Dec. 6 calling rented to other barbers. He purchased the building A second painting of Jesus said he began receiving a deluge on school officials to replace in 1973, and three years later, added a second and his mother, Mary, in which of death threats. He told RNS the painting with “other forms Jesus is widely thought to be that, at the time, many of the of art that represent diversity depicted as George Floyd, has threats were overtly racist or and bring forth representation been stolen from the walls specifically targeted Mr. Floyd, of the African-American comof the Catholic University of whose murder at the hands of munity in a non-political and America’s law school. a white Minneapolis Police uncontroversial way.”

The painting, which sits officer in May 2020 sparked However, various religious outside the chapel at CUA’s nationwide protests. leaders have continued to deColumbus Law School, replaced When asked the question fend the painting. Missouri’s an identical, larger version of “Is it George Floyd or Jesus?” Episcopal bishop, the Rt. Rev. the same painting that also in reference to the painting, Deon Johnson, told RNS last was stolen in November after it Mr. Latimore says he usually month that depicting Jesus as was highlighted in conservative answers “yes.”

George Floyd is not sacrilemedia and the artist received “I believe Christ is in that gious, but “if anything … more death threats. image, just as much as it would sacred, because here was a real CUA spokesperson Karna be in a “normal” Pietà — the person who became an image Lozoya confirmed to Religion European version of Christ,” Mr. of Christ.”

News Service that the replace- Latimore said. “In Matthew’s He added, “Why is the image ment painting, which uses an Gospel, Jesus asks us to find of a Black man who was pubartistic style known as a Pietà him in all people, especially licly lynched such a challenge to depict a Black Virgin Mary those who suffer as George to religious people?” cradling Jesus’ body after his Floyd did.”

Depictions of Jesus vary crucifixion, was stolen Sunday, School officials defended widely throughout history, Dec. 13. the painting after it was stolen including within Catholicism.

The painting, titled “Mama,” the first time. They suggested Varying images of Jesus are

by St. Louis-based artist Kelly they did not see it as depicting not always without controLatimore, sparked controversy Mr. Floyd as Jesus — “That is versy, however. The Vatican’s in November when the Daily not how we read it,” — read a own Pontifical Academy for Signal, a website owned by the statement — and rebuffed ef- Life tweeted out an image in conservative Heritage Founda- forts to remove it, citing a “no September 2020 of a Pietà tion think tank, published a cancellation” policy. School ad- featuring a Black Jesus, triglengthy article about its presence ministrators promptly replaced gering backlash from conserat the school. The article sparked it with a smaller version. vative Catholics in the United an online petition calling for its But pushback continued, States.

Second ‘George Floyd’ Pietà stolen from Catholic University

Good Shepherd Baptist Church 1127 North 28th St., Richmond, VA 23223 s Office: (804) 644-1402 Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, Pastor “There’s A Place for You”

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

Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, Pastor

https://youtu.be/qqzhnIEQyQc for inspirational messages from Pastor Smith

All church ac�vi�es are canceled un�l further no�ce.

Follow us on Facebook for “A Word from Moore Street’s Pastor” and weekly Zoom worship info.

“The Church With A Welcome”

Sharon Baptist Church

Drive-thru giving will be available the 1st and 3rd Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church. (Bowe Street side) You also may give through Givelify.

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

Sunday, December 26, 2021 9:00 AM Church School 10:00 AM Morning Worship

Baptist Church

Baptist Church

+PJO VT BU ". FBDI TU BOE SE 4VOEBZ GPS JO QFSTPO XPSTIJQ TFSWJDF <RX PD\ FRQWLQXH WR OLYH VWUHDP RQ <RX7XEH *RRG 6KHSKHUG %DSWLVW &KXUFK 59$

Merry Christma�

Riverview

Moore Street Missionary

Be safe. Be blessed.

Sunday School – 9:30 AM Sunday Services – 11:00 AM Via Conference Call (202) 926-1127 Pin 572890#

shop with the purchase of 22 E. Broad St., where he installed 15 more barber chairs.

He stopped cutting hair in 1990 when he began studying for the ministry at Richmond Virginia Seminary in Church Hill, but continued to manage the operation.

He retired in late 2016 after completing the sale of both locations, saying, “I’m looking forward to what’s next.”

Rev. Harvey devoted much of his spare time to being an active volunteer in ministry at St. John Baptist Church, where he presided at funerals, visited the sick and assisted with the church’s charitable work, said his son, who also is an associate pastor at the church.

Rev. Harvey was predeceased by his wife of more than 55 years, Christine E. Harvey.

In addition to his son, he is survived by two other children, Katrina H. Gray and Steven V. Harvey; four sisters, Mary Bishop, Jeraldene Hill, Rachel Cosby and Gladys Archer; three brothers, Winston Harvey, Thomas Harvey and Milton Harvey; and three grandchildren.

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

Live on Facebook @sixthbaptistrva Live on Youtube @sixthbaptistrva Or by visiting our website www.sixthbaptistchurch.org

2604 Idlewood Avenue Richmond, Va. 23220 (804) 353-6135 www.riverviewbaptistch.org

400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

#

Back Inside!

Come worship with us!

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

In person Sunday Service also on FACEBOOK and YouTube

Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Hewlett, Pastor

We Embrace Diversity — Love For All!

(near Byrd Park)

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

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

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

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

“MAKE IT HAPPEN” Pastor Kevin Cook

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church

Worship With Us This Week!

C

e with Reverence elevanc R g in Rev. Dr. Joshua Mitchell, Senior Pastor bin ❖ om

The doors of the church are open for worship!

No registration required.

Join us in person or online on Facebook or YouTube

10:30 a.m. Sundays

2901 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 648-2472 ~ www.mmbcrva.org Dr. Price London Davis, Senior Pastor

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

Richmond Free Press

December 23-25, 2021 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 Monday, January 3, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, January 10, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2021-357 To close, to public travel, an unimproved portion of Hanover Avenue in the block bounded by Three Chopt Road and the City’s corporate boundary with Henrico County, consisting of 6,219± square feet, and to designate and incorporate such portion of Hanover Avenue into Bandy Field Park.

Ordinance No. 2021-358 To vacate, pursuant to Va. Code §15.2-2272(2), that part of the Staffordshire Section-5 subdivision plat that reserved 3021 Falcon Road for recreation, upon certain terms and conditions. The City’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates these parcels as Residential.

Primary Uses: Singlefamily houses, accessory dwelling units, and open space. Secondary Uses: Duplexes and small multifamily buildings (typically 3-10 units), institutional, and cultural. Secondary uses may be found along major streets. This ordinance was initially presented at the October 4, 2021, City Planning Commission meeting.

The applicant has withdrawn the previous request and is seeking approval with a newly written ordinance.

Ordinance No. 2021-359 To amend and reordain O rd. N o . 2 0 1 0 - 1 0 0 83, adopted May 10, 2010, which authorized the special use of the property known as 200214 East Leigh Street for the purpose of a multifamily residential use with up to eight (8) dwelling units in an existing carriage house building with the commercial use requirement waived and to authorize the construction of a mixed-use building containing commercial uses and up to sixtythree (63) dwelling units, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in the B-2 Community Business D i s t r i c t . T h e C i t y ’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates a future land use for the subject property as Neighborhood Mixed-Use. Primary Uses: Single-family homes, accessory dwelling units, duplexes, small multi-family buildings (typically 3-10 units) and open space. Secondary Uses: Large multi-family buildings (10+ units), r e t a i l / o ff i c e / p e r s o n a l service, institutional, cultural and government.

The proposed density is approximately 95 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2021-360 To authorize the special use of the property known as 3300 Broad Rock Boulevard for the purpose of a farmer’s market, upon certain terms and conditions, and to repeal Ord. No. 99-370-00-9, adopted on January 10, 2000, and Ord. No. 99-50-55, adopted on March 8, 1999.

The property is situated in the B-2 Community Business District. The City’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates a future land use for the subject property as Community Mixed-Use. Primary Uses: Retail/ office/personal service, multi-family residential, cultural, and open space.

Secondary Uses: Single family houses, institutional and government.

Ordinance No. 2021-361 To authorize the special use of the property known as 4300 Commerce Road for the purpose of an off-premises sign, upon certain terms and conditions. The property is situated in the M-2 Heavy Industrial District.

The City’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates a future land use for the subject property as Industrial. Primary Uses: Industrial and open space.

Secondary Uses: Retail/ office/personal service.

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property as Residential.

Primary Uses: Singlefamily houses, accessory dwelling units, and open space. Secondary Uses: Duplexes and small multi-family buildings (typically 3-10 units), institutional, and cultural.

Secondary uses may be found along major streets.

The proposed density is approximately 31 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2021-363 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1626 North 27th Street for the purpose of allowing a single-family detached dwelling. The property is situated in the R-5 SingleFamily Residential District.

The City’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates a future land use for the subject property as Neighborhood MixedUse. Primary Uses: Single-family homes, accessory dwelling units, duplexes, small multi-family buildings (typically 3-10 units) and open space. Secondary Uses: Large multi-family buildings (10+ units), retail/ office/personal service, institutional, cultural and government.

Ordinance No. 2021-364 To authorize the special use of the property known as 2511 Porter Street for the purpose of allowing a two-family detached dwelling. The property is situated in the R-6 Single-Family Attached Residential District. The City’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates a future land use for the subject property as Residential. Primary Uses include: Singlefamily houses, accessory dwelling units, and open space. Secondary Uses: Duplexes and small multi-family buildings (typically 3-10 units), institutional, and cultural.

Secondary uses may be found along major streets.

The proposed density is approximately 22 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2021-365 To authorize the special use of the property known as 8 Rear South Plum Street for the purpose of a multi-family building, containing up to four dwelling units, upon certain terms and conditions. The properties are situated in an UB-PO3 Urban Business Parking Overlay District. The City’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates a future land use for the subject property as Community Mixed Use. Primary Uses: Retail/office/personal service, multi-family residential, cultural, and open space. Secondary Uses: Single family houses, institutional, and government. The density of the proposed development is approximately 52 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2021-366 To authorize the special use of the property known as 313 West 26th Street for the purpose of allowing a two family detached dwelling. The property is situated in the R-6 Single-Family Attached Residential District. The City’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates a future land use for the subject property as Residential. Primary Uses include: Singlefamily houses, accessory dwelling units, and open space. Secondary Uses: Duplexes and small multi-family buildings (typically 3-10 units), institutional, and cultural.

Secondary uses may be found along major streets.

The proposed density is approximately 19 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2021-367 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1000 Westover Hills Boulevard for the purpose of a residential use with up to six dormitory style units with shared sanitation facilities accessory to a church, upon certain terms and conditions.

The property is situated in the R-5 Single-Family Residential District. The City’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates a future land use for the subject property as Residential. Primary Uses include: Singlefamily houses, accessory dwelling units, and open space. Secondary Uses: Duplexes and small multi-family buildings (typically 3-10 units), institutional, and cultural.

Secondary uses may be found along major streets.

The proposed density is approximately 2 units per acre.

Ordinance No. 2021-362 To authorize the special use of the property known as 4508 Grove Avenue for the purpose of up to seven (7) single-family attached dwelling units with off-street parking and common area, upon certain terms and conditions. The properties are situated in an R-53 Multifamily Residential D i s t r i c t . T h e C i t y ’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates a future land use for the subject

Ordinance No. 2021-368 To rezone the property known as 6422 Forest Hill Avenue from the R-2 Single-Family Residential District to the R-4 SingleFamily Residential D i s t r i c t . T h e C i t y ’s Richmond 300 Master Plan designates these parcels as Residential.

Primary Uses: Singlefamily houses, accessory dwelling units, and open space. Secondary Uses: Duplexes and small multi-family buildings (typically 3-10 units),

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institutional, and cultural.

Secondary uses may be found along major streets.

The minimum lot size in the R-4 District is 7,500 square feet, whereas the minimum lot size in the R-2 District is 15,000 square feet.

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so by following the instructions referenced in the January 10, 2022 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at https:// www.rva.gov/office-cityclerk, and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, January 10, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2021-208 As Amended To authorize the special use of the property known as 3101 East Marshall Street for the purpose of a mixed-use building, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2021-270 As Amended To amend Ord. No. 2021041, adopted May 24, 2021, which adopted the Special Fund Budgets for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 and appropriated the estimated receipts of the Special Revenue funds, to transfer funds in the amount of [$1,300,000.00] $1,000,000.00 from the Office of the City Attorney’s “Delinquent Tax Sales” special fund and to amend Ord. No. 2021-042, adopted May 24, 2021, which accepted a program of proposed Capital Improvement Projects for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 and the four fiscal years thereafter, adopted a Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Capital Budget, and determined a means for financing the same by appropriating the funds transferred to the Fiscal Year 20212022 Capital Budget by increasing revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities’ Enslaved African Heritage Campus project by [$1,300,000.00] $1,000,000.00 for the purpose of procuring design services and associated community engagement.

Ordinance No. 2021-333 To install (i) at least four speed tables along Whitehead Road from its intersection with Elkhardt Road to its intersection with Warwick Road; (ii) at least three speed tables along Winter Road from its intersection with McDowell Road to its intersection with Sanborn Drive and along Kaki Drive from its intersection with Sanborn Drive to its intersection with Warwick Road; (iii) at least two speed tables along Clarkson Road from its intersection with Catalina Drive to its intersection with Clarkson Court; (iv) at least three speed tables along Hey Road between its intersection with Hull Street and its intersection with Pocosham Drive; (v) at least three speed tables along Bryce Lane from its intersection with Broad Rock Boulevard to its intersection with Powell Road; and (vi) at least two speed tables along Covington Road from its intersection with Media Road to its intersection with Rockland Road.

Ordinance No. 2021-336 To amend Ord. No. 2021040, adopted May 24, 2021, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by revising the title of the Non-Departmental line item entitled “RVA League for Safer Streets” for the purpose of clarifying that the appropriation for this line item shall be expended for “VA League for Safer Streets Inc.”

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a general fund budget for Fiscal Year 20212022, by (i) creating a new “National Slavery Museum Foundation” Non-Departmental line item and (ii) increasing revenues by $300,000 and appropriating the funds transferred from the Office of the City Attorney’s “Delinquent Tax Sales” special fund to the new National Slavery Museum Foundation NonDepartmental line item in the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 General Fund Budget for the purpose of making a grant to The Museum of the American Slave Trade, also known as the National Slavery Museum Foundation, for the support of planning and fundraising activities for the establishment of a national slavery museum at the Lumpkin’s Slave Jail / Devil’s Half-Acre site in Richmond.

Ordinance No. 2021-338 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $8,104,829.57 from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development; to amend Ord. No. 2021-049, adopted May 24, 2021, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Gas Utility Budget and appropriated the estimated receipts of the gas utility, by increasing estimated receipts and the amount appropriated for the gas utility by $4,165,337.09; to amend Ord. No. 2021052, adopted May 24, 2021, which adopted the Fiscal Year 20212022 Wastewater Utility Budget and appropriated the estimated receipts of the wastewater utility, by increasing estimated receipts and the amount appropriated for the wastewater utility by $2,151,101.51; and to amend Ord. No. 2021053, adopted May 24, 2021, which adopted the Fiscal Year 20212022 Water Utility Budget and appropriated the estimated receipts of the water utility, by increasing estimated receipts and the amount appropriated for the water utility by $1,788,390.96, all for the purpose of providing economic relief for the City’s residential utility customers whose accounts have become delinquent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ordinance No. 2021-339 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept $74,529.00 from the United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to amend the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities called The Richmond Environment Special Fund, and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities’ The Richmond Environment Special Fund by $74,529.00 for the purpose of funding the development of an environmental literacy plan to provide students of the school division administered by the School Board of the City of Richmond with the knowledge and skills to care for and restore the local watershed.

Ordinance No. 2021-340 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $70,000.00 from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ SHSP Special Fund by $70,000.00 for the purpose of funding the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ emergency management planning, regional collaboration, grants management, public outreach, mitigation, response, and recovery programs.

Ordinance No. 2021-337 To amend Ord. No. 2021041, adopted May 24, 2021, which adopted the Special Fund Budgets for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 and appropriated the estimated receipts of the Special Revenue funds, to transfer funds in the amount of $300,000.00 from the Office of the City Attorney’s “Delinquent Tax Sales” special fund, and to amend Ord. No. 2021-040, adopted May 24, 2021, which adopted

Ordinance No. 2021-341 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $61,990.00 from the United States Department of Agriculture, to amend the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities called the Richmond Compost Initiative Special Fund, and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities’ Richmond Compost Initiative Special Fund by $61,990.00 for the purpose of funding a

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food waste diversion and community gardening compost program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the city of Richmond.

Ordinance No. 2021-342 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $30,000.00 from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ SHSP Special Fund by $30,000.00 for the purpose of funding the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ public outreach and education programs to increase the emergency preparedness and resilience of the residents of the city of Richmond.

Ordinance No. 2021-343 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept $30,000.00 from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management’s State Homeland Security Grant Program, and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 20212022 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ SHSP Special Fund by $30,000.00 for the purpose of funding the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ provision of emergency preparedness kits and information to the residents of the city’s public housing communities.

Ordinance No. 2021-344 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $12,000.00 from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ CERT (Citizen Corps) Special Fund by $12,000.00 for the purpose of supporting the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program.

Ordinance No. 2021-345 To amend ch. 2, art. VI of the City Code by adding therein a new div. 6, consisting of §§ 2-1301.12-1301.20, concerning collective bargaining, for the purpose of providing for collective bargaining with certain City employees.

Ordinance No. 2021-346 To amend ch. 2, art. VI of the City Code by adding therein a new div. 6, consisting of §§ 2-1301.12-1301.21, concerning collective bargaining, for the purpose of providing for collective bargaining with certain City employees.

Ordinance No. 2021-347 To establish the 2022 City Charter Review Commission to conduct a comprehensive review of the City Charter with the objective of making recommendations for appropriate revisions thereto.

Ordinance No. 2021-348 To amend ch. 2, art. IV of the City Code by adding therein a new div. 23, consisting of §§ 2-757—2759, concerning the Office of Sustainability.

Ordinance No. 2021-349 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the total amount of $408,022.00 from the Vi r g i n i a D e p a r t m e n t of Transportation and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Capital Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Public Works’ Citywide Pedestal Pole to Mast Arm Signal Upgrades (Federal) project in the Transportation category by $408,022.00 for the purpose of funding the modernization of pedestal pole mounted traffic signals to overhead mast arm signal indicators to improve visibility of traffic signals and reduce traffic accidents.

Ordinance No. 2021-350 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the total amount of $477,035.00 from the Vi r g i n i a D e p a r t m e n t of Transportation and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Capital Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Public Works’ Complete Streets project in the Transportation category by $477,035.00 for the purpose of funding the milling, resurfacing, and construction of Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades for Arthur Continued on next column

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Ashe Boulevard, from its intersection with Grant Street to its intersection with Idlewood Avenue, and Richmond Highway, from its intersection with Hopkins Road to its intersection with Atwell Drive.

Ordinance No. 2021-351 To declare a public necessity for and to authorize the acquisition by gift of the property known as the Lee Circle from the Commonwealth of Virginia for the purpose of its use for the benefit of the public in accordance with the City’s master plan.

Ordinance No. 2021-352 To abandon and release any interest the City may have in 2300 Hermitage Road pursuant to a certain variable-width ingress and egress easement, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2021-353 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to convey a portion of City-owned right-of-way known as the northwest quadrant of the intersection of West Leigh Street and North Belvidere Street, consisting of 1,364± square feet, for nominal consideration to the Virginia Department of Transportation, for the purpose of adjusting the boundaries of state and City right-of-way.

Ordinance No. 2021-354 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 Virginia Department of Transportation to provide funding for the milling, resurfacing, and construction of Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades for Arthur Ashe Boulevard from its intersection with Grant Street to its intersection with Idlewood Avenue.

Ordinance No. 2021-355 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 Virginia Department of Transportation to provide funding for the milling, resurfacing, and construction of Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades for Richmond Highway from its intersection with Hopkins Road to its intersection with Atwell Drive.

Ordinance No. 2021-356 To amend City Code §§ 28-72, concerning the duty of building owners to make City water and sewer service connections and the duty of owner or tenant to apply for water service, 28-388, concerning duties of owners and tenants for water service connections, and 28710, concerning duties of owners and tenants for wastewater service connections, for the purpose of clarifying the methods for calculating and estimating non-City water volume for billing purposes.

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so by following the instructions referenced in the January 10, 2022 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at https:// www.rva.gov/office-cityclerk, and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER DONALD MINOR, Plaintiff v.

DORIS MINOR, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21003939-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

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

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

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HANOVER FATIH ONGEN, Plaintiff v.

FARNAZ KAMYAB, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21003938-00 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 non resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, appear here on or before the 3rd day of February, 2022 at 9:00 AM and protect her interests.

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

CHRISTOPHER HARRIS, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21003959-00 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 7th day of February, 2022 at 9:00 AM and protect his interests.

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

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 OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND STACEY LEE ROSA, Plaintiff v.

VINCENT ROSA, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21-4646-5 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

Came this day the Plaintiff, upon her Complaint for divorce filed in the abovestyled case and her Affidavit for Order of Publication for service of the Complaint on the Defendant. The object of this suit is to put the Defendant on notice of the Plaintiff’s Complaint for divorce in the above-styled case.

It appearing from Plaintiff’s Affidavit that due diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the location of the Defendant and that the Defendant’s whereabouts are unknown, it is ORDERED that the Defendant is required to appear before this Court on or before the 21st day of January, 2022 at 9:00 AM, to protect his interests.

An Extract, Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER TYRANNE KENNARDTAYLOR, Plaintiff v.

HARVEY TAYLOR, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21003970-00 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 7th day of February, 2022 at 9:00 AM and protect his interests.

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

VICTORIA WEHRMANN, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21001788-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who has been served with the Complaint by posted service appear here on or before the 31st day of January, 2022 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 CHRISTINA DENIS, Plaintiff v.

JONATHAN LAHR, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21003902-00 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, 2022 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests.

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VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HENRICO TANIESHA LATONA, Plaintiff, v.

ADEBAYO LATONA, Defendant.

Case No. CL20002375-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of the abovestyled suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the Defendant on the grounds that the parties have lived separate and apart, without any cohabitation and without any interruption, for a period of more than one year.

It appearing by affidavit filed according to law that the Defendant, Adebayo Latona, is not a resident of the State of Virginia and that his last known address is in the country of Nigeria, it is therefore ORDERED that Defendant, ADEBAYO LATONA, appear before this Court on or before the 3rd day of January 2022, and do what is necessary to protect his interests in this suit.

An Extract Teste: Heidi S. Barshinger, Clerk VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HENRICO DIANE K. LOWRY, Plaintiff v.

LEROY J. JACKSON, III, Defendant.

Case No.: CL19-5813 AMENDED ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this action is for Plaintiff, Diane K. Lowry, to obtain a divorce from the bonds of matrimony from Defendant, Leroy J. Jackson, III, on the ground of having lived separate and apart, without cohabitation and without interruption, for a period in excess of one year, and it appearing from an Affidavit for Order of Publication that diligence was used by or on behalf of Plaintiff, without effect, to ascertain the location of Defendant and that he cannot be found, it is therefore

ORDERED that Defendant appear before this Court on the 10th day of January, 2022 at 9:00 AM, and do what is necessary to protect his interest herein.

An Extrat Teste: Heidi S. Barshinger, Clerk VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER SHELBY NOEL, Plaintiff v.

RONIQUE MOORE, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21003812-00 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 18th day of January, 2022 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests.

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

RASUEL THEUS, Defendant.

Case No.: CL21001887-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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a period exceeding twelve months.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 12th day of January, 2022 at 9:00 AM, and protect his interests.

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

JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

BETTY C. HUGHES, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-3056 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3407 Idlewood Avenue, Tax Map Number W000-1588/017, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Betty C. Hughes, and Bonnie J. Carter.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, BETTY C. HUGHES, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that said owner, BONNIE J. CARTER, who is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that BETTY C. HUGHES, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, BONNIE J. CARTER, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 10, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

CUSTODy VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re NIVEA JAZZMINE RAMSON RDSS v.

OLIVER DAVID RAMSON File No. J-98747-05-00-BEL ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Oliver David Ramson (Father), of Nivea Jazzmine Ramson, child DOB: 10/22/2007 “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with Parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: Visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support and that:

It is ORDERED that the defendants Oliver David Ramson (Father), to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 3/25/2022, at 9:20 AM, Courtroom #1 BEL VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Brianna Iveth Claros Burgos, a juvenile, Karla Iveth Burgos De Ainaya, Plaintiff v.

Juan F. Claros Martinez, Defendant Case No. JJ100771-01-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

I, the undersigned applicant, state under oath that the object of this suit is to: Grant sole and legal custody of Brianna Iveth Claros Burgos pursuant to code 16.1-241, and that diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the location of the above-named person(s) to be served.

Soulmaz Taghavi, Esq. 1500 Forest Ave., Suite 124 Richmond, VA 23229 804-408-3522

Property Notice of Acquisition of Property: The Valentine Museum hereby claims title to the objects listed below, for which there is no last known owner on record, as of 12/16/2021 pursuant to Code of VA § 55.1-2606.

FIC.007727: WW1 Shell/fuse FIC.002389: Two vials of suspected gunpowder FIC.007781: Artillery Shell FIC.007782: Artillery Shell VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

WILLIAM EARL GREENE, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-3666 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 19 West 30th Street, Tax Map Number S000-1230/032, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, William Earl Greene, John W. Greene, Jr. and Dabney W. Greene.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, WILLIAM EARL GREENE and JOHN W. GREENE, JR, who have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known address, have not been personally located and have not filed a response to this action; that said owner, DABNEY W. GREENE, who is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that WILLIAM EARL GREENE, JOHN W. GREENE, JR, DABNEY W. GREENE, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 10, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

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

KARIMA AHMAD, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-4332 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 10230 Pondera Road, Tax Map Number C001-0616/022, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Karima Ahmad.

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

IT IS ORDERED that KARIMA AHMAD, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 10, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND

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

THOMAS L. PUCKETT, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-4741 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3601 Hull Street, Tax Map Number S000-2763/009, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Thomas L. Puckett.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, THOMAS L. PUCKETT, upon information and belief deceased or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that THOMAS L. PUCKETT, upon information and belief deceased or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 10, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney

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900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7949 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

ROBERT ALAN JONES, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-4433 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3 South Shields Avenue, Tax Map Number W000-0942/039, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner/s of record, Robert Alan Jones, aka Robert Alan Maestas.

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

IT IS ORDERED that ROBERT ALAN JONES aka ROBERT ALAN MAESTAS, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 20, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

WILLIE DAVIS, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-5067 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1200 North 21st Street, Tax Map Number E000-0556/018, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Willie Davis and Mary P. Moore.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, WILLIE DAVIS, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and MARY P. MOORE, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that W I L L I E D AV I S , u p o n information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, MARY P. MOORE, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 20, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

JAMES R. GAUSE, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-4457 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 236 East 36th Street, Tax Map Number S004-2766/012, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, James R. Gause.

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

IT IS ORDERED that JAMES R. GAUSE, and Continued on next column

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Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 20, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

JASON SEWARD SMITH, and AARON CHRISTOPHER SMITH, who have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known address, have not been personally located and have not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that SARAH S. POARCH, CYNTHIA L. SMITH, CANDACE NICOLE RICHARDSON, GREGORY LY L E S M I T H , J A S O N SEWARD SMITH, AARON CHRISTOPHER SMITH, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 10, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that RONALD W. MYATT, SR, JOANN MYATT, FIRST JERSEY SAVINGS & LOAN ASSOCIATION an entity not listed in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, on an Assignment of Mortgage filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Deed Book 190 page 1279 on 11 January 1989 regarding a deed of trust filed at Deed Book 600 page 295 on 5 December 1983, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 10, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

name of the owners of record, Joseph H. Jones, Richard I. Jones, Charles Leroy Jones, John Henry Morton, Sr, John Henry Morton, Jr, Phyllis A. M. Washington, Michael Wayne Morton, Lawrence Hardy Morton, Patrice M. Johnson and Allan Dandridge Morton.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, JOSEPH H. JONES, RICHARD I. JONES, CHARLIE LEROY JONES, JOHN HENRY MORTON, SR, JOHN HENRY MORTON, JR, PHYLLIS A . M . WA S H I N G T O N , MICHAEL WAYNE MORTON, L AW R E N C E H A R D Y MORTON, PATRICE M. JOHNSON, and ALLAN DANDRIDGE MORTON, are to be proceed against by Order of Publication pursuant to Section 8.01-316(A)(3) of the Code of Virginia; that said creditor, MONARCH CAPITAL CORPORATION, an entity not listed in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/ or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that JOSEPH H. JONES, RICHARD I. JONES, CHARLIE LEROY JONES, JOHN HENRY MORTON, SR, JOHN HENRY MORTON, JR, PHYLLIS A . M . WA S H I N G T O N , MICHAEL WAY N E M O R TO N , L AW R E N C E HARDY MORTON, PATRICE M. JOH N S ON , A LLA N DANDRIDGE MORTON, M O N A R C H C A P I TA L CORPORATION, an entity not listed in the records o f t h e Vi r g i n i a S t a t e Corporation Commission, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 10, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

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

AVA R. ARMSTRONG, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-4585 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3311 Edgewood Avenue, Tax Map Number N016-0156/003, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner/s of record, Ava R. Armstrong and William Stuart Robinson.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, AVA R. ARMSTRONG, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to her last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; that WILLIAM STUART ROBINSON, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that AVA R. ARMSTRONG, WILLIAM STUART ROBINSON, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 20, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

REARDEN GALT, LLC, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-5313 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 106 North Harrison Street, Tax Map Number W000-0453/015, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Rearden Galt, LLC.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, REARDEN GALT, LLC, an entity listed as inactive in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that REARDEN GALT, LLC, an entity listed as inactive in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 10, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

SARAH S. POARCH, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-3818 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 4400 North Avenue, Tax Map Number N000-2047/008, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Sarah S. Poarch, Cynthia L. Smith, Candace Nicole Richardson, Gregory Lyle Smith, Jason Seward Smith and Aaron Christopher Smith.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, SARAH S. POARCH, CYNTHIA L. SMITH, CANDACE NICOLE RICHARDSON, GREGORY LYLE SMITH, Continued on next column

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

SARAH S. POARCH, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-3817 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 4330 North Avenue, Tax Map Number N000-2047/009, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Sarah S. Poarch, Cynthia L. Smith, Candace Nicole Richardson, Gregory Lyle Smith, Jason Seward Smith and Aaron Christopher Smith.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, SARAH S. POARCH, CYNTHIA L. SMITH, CANDACE NICOLE RICHARDSON, GREGORY LYLE SMITH, JASON SEWARD SMITH, and AARON CHRISTOPHER SMITH, who have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known address, have not been personally located and have not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that SARAH S. POARCH, CYNTHIA L. SMITH, CANDACE NICOLE RICHARDSON, GREGORY LY L E S M I T H , J A S O N SEWARD SMITH, AARON CHRISTOPHER SMITH, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 10, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

SARAH S. POARCH, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-3816 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3821 Rear Hawthorne Avenue, Tax Map Number N0002047/010, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Sarah S. Poarch, Cynthia L. Smith, Candace Nicole Richardson, Gregory Lyle Smith, Jason Seward Smith and Aaron Christopher Smith.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, SARAH S. POARCH, CYNTHIA L. SMITH, CANDACE NICOLE RICHARDSON, GREGORY LYLE SMITH, JASON SEWARD SMITH, and AARON CHRISTOPHER SMITH, who have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known address, have not been personally located and have not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that SARAH S. POARCH, CYNTHIA L. SMITH, CANDACE NICOLE RICHARDSON, GREGORY LY L E S M I T H , J A S O N SEWARD SMITH, AARON CHRISTOPHER SMITH, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 10, 2022 and do Continued on next column

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

GILLMAN P. GARY, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-4333 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1312 Wentbridge Road, Tax Map Number N000-1113/019, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Gillman P. Gary.

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

IT IS ORDERED that GILLMAN P. GARY, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 10, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

MARISOL CAMACHO, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-4324 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1419 Minefee Street, Tax Map Number S007-1234/014, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Marisol Camacho.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, MARISOL CAMACHO, who is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that MARISOL CAMACHO, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 10, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

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

THY THU NGUYEN, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-4744 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 14 South Lombardy Street, Tax Map Number W000-0658/020, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Thy Thu Nguyen.

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

IT IS ORDERED that THY THU NGUYEN, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 10, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

WAUCHULA T. (HODGE) REED, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-4216 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1811 Fenton Street, Tax Map Number E011-0124/018, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Wauchula T. (Hodge) Reed and Isiah T. Hodge, Sr.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, WAUCHULA T. (HODGE) REED, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to her last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; that said owner, ISIAH T. HODGE, SR, who is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that WAUCHULA T. (HODGE) REED, ISIAH T. HODGE, SR, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 10, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

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

RONALD W. MYATT, SR., et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-4331 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3321 Mike Road, Tax Map Number S008-0745/030, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Ronald W. Myatt, Sr. and JoAnn Myatt.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, RONALD W. MYATT, SR, and JOANN MYATT, who are not residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia, have not filed responses to this action, that FIRST JERSEY SAVINGS & LOAN ASSOCIATION an entity not listed in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, on an Assignment of Mortgage filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Deed Book 190 page 1279 on 11 January 1989 regarding a deed of trust filed at Deed Book 600 page 295 on 5 December 1983, has not been located and has filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this

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

JOSEPH H. JONES, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-4516 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1117 Eggleston Street, Tax Map Number W000-0590/039, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the

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

DONALD E. MITCHELL, et al, Defendants.

Case No.: CL21-4432 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2306 Concord Avenue, Tax Map Number S008-0453/014, Richmond, Virginia, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Donald E. Mitchell.

An Affidavit having been filed that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before FEBRUARY 11, 2022 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

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

BIDS COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION BID

ITB #21-2262-12JL HVAC Renovations at Four Schools Due: January 12, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.

For additional information visit: https://henrico.us/ finance/divisions/purchasing/ solicitations/ COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION BID

ITB #21-2265-12JOK Chiller and cooling Tower Replacements at Pocahontas Middle School Due: January 13, 2022 at 3:00 p.m.

For additional information visit: https://henrico.us/ finance/divisions/purchasing/ solicitations/

LICENSE Broad Street Comedy Inc Trading as: Coalition Theater 8 W Broad St Richmond, Virginia 23219-1751 The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage C ontrol (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Annual MB Special Event license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Ben Bunnell, Member NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia. gov or 800-552-3200.