Richmond Free Press Nov. 22-24, 2023 edition by Richmond Free Press

Civil rights lawyer discovery continues B2

VOL. 32 NO. 47

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

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Meet this week’s Personality B1

NOVEMBER 22-25, 2023

The spirit of giving

Meadowbridge market offers free groceries to local residents By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Photos by Jeremy M. Lazarus/Richmond Free Press

Right, people line up as early as 8 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, to receive numbers that allow them to shop at the Meadowbridge Community Market when it opens at 10 a.m. The market, which provides free grocery items, is at 3613 Meadowbridge Road. Barbara Forrest, above, is thankful for the no-cost grocery items available on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dark and silent most days, the Meadowbridge Community Market comes alive on Saturdays. More than 100 individuals and families will stream through the store at 3613 Meadowbridge Road that single day to fill grocery bags with apples and other produce, canned items, eggs, toilet paper and other household necessities. They leave with armloads of items without paying a dime. Welcome to the free store that the all-volunteer Mutual Aid Distribution RVA or MAD RVA has created in North Richmond. Opened in September, the unique store serves all comers, without any checks on credit, income, family size or any other criteria. As Ayanna Ogaldez, a founding member of MAD RVA who is credited with the store idea, put it, “We trust people when they come to us and say that they need things. Being low barrier is a tenet and a value that we as a collective hold.”

Of course, this is not the only food distribution outlet in the Richmond area. At this time of the year, food giveaways are even more commonplace in the Richmond area, along with free dinners on the Thanksgiving holiday through groups such as The Giving Heart. During the past two weeks, more than 3,000 turkeys and related holiday food items have been given out by various organizations — ranging from the Richmond Police Department

to the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Metro Richmond, private businesses, members of City Council, churches and nonprofit groups. That surplus of food is a main reason the store is taking a break this weekend. But the Meadowbridge store is not a one-off holiday operation. Like the Food Bank, the homeless services group Blessing Warriors and food pantries across the area, MAD RVA Please turn to A4

New state NAACP president chastises Democrats for selecting Scott Surovell instead of Mamie Locke for leadership role By Jeremy M. Lazarus

The Rev. Cozy E. Bailey Sr. used his first public statement as the new state NAACP president to tongue-lash the Democratic Caucus in the state Senate for failing to elect Hampton Democratic Sen. Mamie E. Locke as the next majority leader. The Prince William County minister, who was installed as state president Nov. 11 at the abbreviated 88th State NAACP convention, expressed deep disappointment in the vote of the 21-member Democratic Caucus. The caucus bypassed Sen. Locke, 69, who has served five terms, and instead jumped a more junior member, two-term Fairfax Sen. Scott Surovell, 52, previously

vice caucus chair, over her for the top job, stated Rev. Bailey, who took over from Robert N. Barnette Jr. The action was even more notable given that Sen. Locke is Black and Sen. Surovell is white. “By every conceivable metric, Sen. Locke should have been elected majority leader,” Rev. Bailey stated on behalf of Sen. Surovell the state’s oldest civil rights group. “We believe she was the natural choice given her level of seniority and demonstrated leadership,” including raising more than $2 million to help ensure

Democrats retained control of the General Assembly’s upper chamber. Rev. Bailey described the decision as “an opportunity missed” to have the first ever Black majority leader of the Senate in 2024 at the same time that the House will have its first ever Black speaker, Portsmouth Democratic Delegate Don L. Scott Jr. The Senate vote “broke from the historic precedent of the majority caucus chair becoming the majority leader,” Rev. Bailey stated, adding that even though“ the Virginia NAACP will continue to work with the leadership of both houses and both parties, political sharecropping must end.”

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON A divided federal appeals court on Monday ruled that private individuals and groups such as the NAACP do not have the ability to sue under a key section of the federal Voting Rights Act, a decision that contradicts decades of precedent and could further erode protections under the landmark 1965 law. The 2-1 decision by a panel of the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals based in St. Louis found that only the U.S. attorney general can enforce Section 2 of

Free Press staff report

Please turn to A4

Sen. Locke

Federal appeals court deals a blow to Voting Rights Act, ruling that private plaintiffs can’t sue

Hanover County bans books in schools “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Wicked” and “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” are among the 75 books Hanover County school administrators directed teachers and librarians to remove from their schools last Friday, according to various news reports. Members of the Hanover County School Board voted to give themselves the authority to remove books from school libraries without the input of parents or teachers in June, with 19 books immediately removed following that decision. In a statement to the news media, Hanover School District Spokesman Chris Whitley said the books were chosen for removal after a panel of principals, teachers and librarians

Please turn to A4

Ms. Lakin

Former first lady Rosalynn Carter dies at 96 The Associated Press

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Talkin’ turkey Brothers Darian Threatts, 7, and Dermon Threatts, 8, volunteer for the “Michael Jones Presents The Giveback: Turkey Giveaway,” providing some 1,000 Richmond families, seniors and organizations with a free turkey in time for Thanksgiving. This year’s event took place Nov. 18 at River City Middle School, 6300 Hull Street Road. Please see more photos on A2.

Former first lady Rosalynn Carter, the closest adviser to Jimmy Carter during his one term as U.S. president and their four decades thereafter as global humanitarians, has died at the age of 96. The Carter Center said she died Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, after living with dementia and suffering many months Please turn to A4

Richmond Free Press

A2 November 22-25, 2023

Local News

Thanksgiving holiday schedule

Cityscape

In observance of Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 23, please note the following closings: Government Federal offices: Closed Thursday, Nov. 23. State offices: Closing at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 22, and closed through Friday, Nov. 24. City offices: Closed Wednesday, Nov. 22, through Friday, Nov. 24. County offices: Closed Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24. Courts Richmond Courts: Closed Wednesday, Nov. 22 at noon, through Friday, Nov. 24. Henrico Courts: Closed from noon on Wednesday, Nov. 22, to Friday, Nov. 24. Chesterfield Courts: Closed from noon on Wednesday, Nov. 22 to Friday, Nov. 24. Public schools Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield public schools closed Wednesday, Nov. 22, through Friday, Nov. 24. Libraries Richmond Public Library: Closed Wednesday, Nov. 22; reopening Saturday, Nov. 25. Henrico County Public Library: Closed Thursday,

Nov. 23; reopening Saturday, Nov. 25. Chesterfield County Public Library: Closed Wednesday, Nov. 22, at 5 p.m.; reopening Saturday, Nov. 25. Trash and recycling: No pickups on Thursday, Nov. 23. Collections will be delayed by a day for Nov. 23 and Friday, Nov. 24. U.S. Postal Service: No deliveries on Thursday, Nov. 23. Department of Motor Vehicles customer service centers: Closed Thursday, Nov. 24, through Saturday, Nov. 25. GRTC: Buses will operate on a Sunday schedule on Thursday, Nov. 23, and a weekday schedule Friday, Nov. 24. ABC stores: Stores will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23. B a n k s a n d c re d i t unions: Closed Thursday, Nov. 23. Malls, major retailers, movie theaters: Varies. Inquire at specific locations. Free Press offices: Closed Thursday, Nov. 23.

Jones updates Council on his departure plans By Jeremy M. Lazarus

City Council President Michael J. Jones said that he expected the Nov. 13 meeting of the council to be his last. “I planned to resign after the meeting,” said Dr. Jones, who currently represents the 9th Council District and is leaving to take his seat in House of Delegates following his election Nov. 7. However, he said he made his resignation from City Council effective Dec. 31 after he was told it would simplify the process, which the Free Press has confirmed. Dr. Jones said that was the reason he extended his council term, rather than seeking to ensure the council appointment of School Board member Nicole Jones, no Dr. Jones relation, as his replacement as the Free Press reported in the Nov. 16-18 edition. His decision to stay on, however, means he will be available to vote for Ms. Jones when the council appoints a person to fill his seat, which is expected during the final 2023 council meeting on Monday, Dec. 11. The process for his replacement is now open. Dr. Jones has indicated that he expects that Ms. Jones to have the support of a majority of the council to fill his seat until the next election for council members takes place Nov. 5, 2024. Ms. Jones has confirmed that she plans to run for the seat in 2024.

Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

The Charles S. Gilpin Community Garden is a public green space that grew out of the vision of the late Lillie A. Estes, a well-known community strategist and organizer who served on the Mayor’s AntiPoverty Commission. It is one of four growing sites in the Food Justice Corridor. Community beds are open to anyone that is interested in learning and participating; grow and take what you need.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

VSU to host presidential debate Free Press staff reportd

Virginia State University will be one of the three universities to host a presidential debate in 2024, the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates announced Monday. The Petersburg area school will be the first historically black college or university ever to host one of the nationally televised debates that have taken place every four years since the commission’s creation in 1988. VSU was selected to host the second debate scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 1, according to the commission. The debate will take place in the 6,000 seat Multi-Purpose Center that the school opened in 2016 to host basketball games, concerts and other events, according to

VSU’s announcement. Further details on admission policies are to be announced later. “We are honored and grateful to have been chosen as a host for a 2024 Presidential Debate,” VSU’s president, Dr. Makola M. Abdullah, stated in the release announcing the event. “This is a historic moment for our university and for HBCUs nationwide. Our university mantra is “Greater Happens Here,” Dr. Abdullah stated, “and we look forward to welcoming the candidates, the Commission on Presidential Debates, and the entire nation to VSU.” VSU, he added, is prepared for the preparatory work that will go into serving as a host. The two other schools are Texas State

University in San Marcos, which will host the first debate set for Monday, Sept. 16, while the University of Utah will host the final debate at its Salt Lake City campus on Wednesday, Oct. 9, before voters decide the election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The lone vice presidential debate is to take place Tuesday, Sept. 25, at Lafayette College in Easton, Pa. Both major parties have yet to hold nominating contests to finalize their choices. Current Democratic President Biden already has announced his re-election bid, but will have two primary challengers. Former Republican President Donald Trump is seeking to win his party’s nomination, but also has at least five rivals competing to lead their party’s ticket.

Richmond to host national speech, debate tournament The National Speech & Debate Association has selected the Richmond region as the host of its 2026 National Speech & Debate Tournament, an event that is expected to attract 10,000 student contestants and visitors to the area. The competition, one of the largest academic events in the country, will take

place June 14-19, 2026, according to a Richmond Region Tourism and Richmond Forum announcement. Over the past five years, the Richmond Forum Speech & Debate Initiative has engaged more than 1,000 students in speech and debate in the Richmond region, growing from nine teams to 28 with 43

coaches. Last year’s regional tournament circuit attracted 750 student contestants, according to the Richmond Forum. The tournament will involve 7,000 competitors and take place in some 750 classrooms across six schools in the region. For more details, please visit https://www. richmondforum.org.

COVID-19 updates The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations: • Wednesday, Nov. 22, 8 to 10 a.m. - Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, 1440 N. Laburnum Ave. Call the Richmond and Henrico COVID-19 Hotline at (804) 205-3501 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for more information on testing sites, or go online at vax.rchd. com. The Virginia Department of Health also has a list of COVID-19 testing locations around the state at www.vdh.virginia.gov/ coronavirus/covid-19-testing/covid-19-testing-sites. Want a COVID-19 vaccine? Those interested can schedule an appointment with RHHD by calling (804) 205-3501. Vaccines.gov also allows people to find nearby pharmacies and clinics that offer the COVID-19 vaccine, and those interested can also text your ZIP code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends that children between the ages of six months to four years old may need multiple doses of the updated vaccines depending on their COVID-19 vaccine status and whether they had previously received Pfizer and Moderna. Waiting periods for additional vaccines can range from three to eight weeks or four to eight weeks depending on the vaccine dose previously received. Children between the ages of 5 and 11 years old who are unvaccinated or have received a vaccine before Sept. 12, 2023 should get one updated Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Those age 12 and older who are unvaccinated should get either one updated Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two doses of the updated Novavax vaccine. People in that age range who received a vaccine before Sept. 12, 2023 should get one updated Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax vaccine. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of updated COVID-19 vaccine, and are encouraged to talk with their health care providers about how and when to receive them. Compiled by George Copeland Jr.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

The Giveback: Turkey Giveaway For the sixth year, the Office of City Councilman Michael J. Jones hosted “Michael Jones Presents The Giveback: Turkey Giveaway,” providing some 1,000 Richmond families, seniors and organizations with a free turkey in time for Thanksgiving. This year’s event took place Nov. 18 at River City Middle School, 6300 Hull Street Road. Above, volunteer George Mayor distributes turkeys to Richmond area residents.

Richmond Free Press

November 22-25, 2023 A3

Local News

Swansboro opens Literacy Corner By George Copeland Jr.

Since Sept. 20, the basement floor of Swansboro Elementary School has been the site of a new experiment in education. Among the warm atmosphere of bustling classrooms, Swansboro staff and faculty are using a new Literacy Corner to bring students a personalized way to learn and improve their reading skills. So far the response from students and faculty is a welcome sign of the program’s potential as a learning aid for years to come. The Literacy Corner’s official opening was Nov. 13. “The students are super excited,” said Twanya Jones, reading interventionist for Swansboro, “I think, because we didn’t have a space to actually call a literacy corner. “I think that anticipation really pushes them more toward ‘Let’s get in here and start reading’ because they’re excited about the space that they have to read in.” The Literacy Corner was created by Swans-

boro faculty and staff after Principal Theron Sampson discussed a need for a new educational approach to reading. “I felt like we needed a dedicated space for our students to increase their literacy,” Mr. Sampson said. “From there, my literacy team took my vision and they ran with it.” The space itself is a classroom large enough for 20 to 25 students. It is designed for collective and individualized approaches to reading instruction. The Corner includes tables for group learning, three corners for independent reading, and a whiteboard and projector for interactive activities. About 250 books, hand-selected by Ms. Jones, School Librarian Diane Glover and Reading Coach Margaret Banks, are based on instructional reading levels, student interests and current needs are included for use inside the space. Literacy tools and programs focus on reading that may prove difficult for English learners, those living with dyslexia and other students. The end result is a room meant to be welcoming

Segade Clements, left, practices a reading tool with her daughter and second grade student, Sincere Carter, in Swansboro Elementary’s Literacy Corner.

Photos by George Copeland Jr./Richmond Free Press

From left: Margaret Banks, a reading coach, Maria Bayliss, an early interventionist assistant, Twanya Jones, a reading interventionist, and Theron Sampson, Swansboro Elementary School principal.

and encouraging for students in need. “We want them to know that reading is fun,” Ms. Jones said. “We want them to know that reading doesn’t have to be a chore, that it’s exciting.” Swansboro Elementary’s creation of the Literacy Corner was bolstered by donations from stakeholders and community partners, including Liberation Church, Reveille United Methodist Church, The Life Enrichment Center and East Gate Baptist Church. In addition to carpeting, beanbags and other welcome donations to the space, Swansboro’s community partners also will be volunteering weekly to help students in the Literacy Corner, alongside its dedicated Early Interventionist Assistant Maria Bayliss. With the Corner accessible to Swansboro parents and staff, interest in ensuring the space is a top-quality tool for learning has been high during its creation. “We’ve also had other parents and teachers pour into it,” Mr. Sampson said. “So this is not only a schoolwide approach that we’re taking to build

literacy, but a community-wide approach.” A major part of ensuring student’s improved literacy through the Literacy Corner, said Ms. Jones, is using scientific analysis to gauge the areas where they struggle and succeed, and adjusting the learning process and tools to focus on areas in need of improvement. Adjustments in how the Literacy Corner works overall also will be made through the data obtained and feedback from students and staff, which are evaluated and discussed in weekly meetings led by Ms. Banks. The school is creating a rotation schedule for use of the space to accommodate educators who want to utilize the Literacy Corner at specific times or use specific learning tools. “It’s a way to enhance their learning process and increase their student achievement over a period of time,” Ms. Banks said of the space. “With the investment that our community stakeholders have placed in our hands, we are definitely using that to achieve our dreams here.”

Matthew Lamar Edwards is 27th annual Beautillion’s new king Matthew Lamar Edwards was crowned king of Professionals Reaching Out to the Community (PROC) Foundation’s 27th annual Beautillion which took place Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. With the theme “Creating the Narrative for a Better Tomorrow,” the black-tie event culminated the Beautillion’s eightmonth program for the four young male participants. Mr. Edwards, the son of Mr. Marvin L. Edwards and Mrs. Letitia M. Edwards, is a junior at Matoaca High School. His escort for the event was J’adore Cadet. Also presented during this year’s Beautillion were: Bishop Ramon Foster, the son of LaMarr R. Daniel and

Philip Foster and a junior at Collegiate School of Richmond. His escort was Tyeia Lewis. Jahleel Kenan Miller, the son of Mr. Perry J. Miller and Mrs. Tanya C. Fisher-Miller and a senior at Deep Run High School. His escort was Alexa Elizabeth Sneed. Mr. Edwards Mr. Foster Mr. Miller Mr. Robinson DeWight Alan Robinson, Jr., the son of Mr. Dewight A. Robinson Sr. and Mrs. Monica W. Robinson, highest GPA. The foundation also presented each participant and a junior at Richmond Christian School. His escort was a scholarship for their achievements. Jhaelyn Gordon. More information and applications to participate in the annual Mr. Edwards was awarded an educational scholarship toward Beautillion event may be found online at www.procfoundation. college attendance and a book scholarship for achieving the org. The application deadline for 2024 is March 24.

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Richmond Free Press

A4 November 22-25, 2023

News

Meadowbridge market offers free groceries to local residents Continued from A1

Jeremy M. Lazarus/Richmond Free Press

William Jones carries his grocery haul from the Meadowbridge Community Market.

works to combat hunger in the community year-round. The store, whose operating slogan is “Take what you need, leave what you don’t, bring what you can” currently operates from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on its one weekend day. In addition, a Richmond Community Fridge sits in front of the store offering bunches of carrots, lettuce bowls and other produce to anyone in need. There also is similar fridge with food for pets. Two hours before the store opens, people line up to get a slip with a number on it that will allow them entry. The nonprofit does that to create a count and avoid having more people than supplies. The store is critical to people such as Barbara Forrest, 62, who live on the edge of poverty. The disabled woman calls the store a “godsend.” Ms. Forrest said she has to use her government check to cover her rent. She said she does get $58 dollars from food stamps, “but that doesn’t stretch very far. This store really helps me have the food I need.” That’s also the case for Lorenzo Parker, 52, who said the store

is “very important” to him and for William Jones, 62, who said the store helps “feed the family.” Rosalyn Abney also comes to the store to pick up items for three families that she helps provide food. “This makes it easier for me,” she said. It’s also important to volunteers, including Duncan Harris, a disabled postal worker, who volunteers at the store. “I want to do something positive, and this place makes it easy for me to be involved,” he said. The store is the next step for the self-help group launched in 2020 after the COVID-19 pandemic began. Similar to programs that people created in New York and a host of American communities as well as in England, the MAD RVA focus was on collecting and distributing food and other essentials. With a coalition of about 40 people then led by Virginia Commonwealth University student Ayanna Ogaldez, MAD RVA garnered attention locally by raising money and then distributing supplies to assist people struggling after the economy shut down. The nonprofit conducted online and in-person supply drives and reported raising more than $630,000 in products and donations to fuel its efforts to fight the food insecurity that the pandemic exposed.

New state NAACP president chastises Democrats for selecting Scott Surovell instead of Mamie Locke for leadership role Continued from A1

Sen. Surovell, who will take over the top Senate party post from Fairfax Democratic Sen. Richard L. Saslaw, who did not seek reelection, also will chair the Senate Judiciary Committee. Sen. Locke was re-elected chair of the 21-member Democratic Caucus and also will chair the Rules Committee. Richmond’s two senators, Lamont Bagby and Ghazala Hashmi, also gained leadership posts. Sen. Bagby, chair of the Legislative Black Caucus,

will share the whip duties with Arlington Sen. Barbara Favola, while Sen. Hashmi will serve as treasurer of the Democratic Caucus and chair the Education and Health Committee. Two other Black senators also will be part of the Senate Democratic leadership team, Virginia Beach Sen. Aaron R. Rouse will serve as secretary of the caucus and also chair the Privileges and Elections Committee while Sen. L. Louise Lucas, will serve as Senate Pro Tem and chair the Finance and Appropriations Committee. Alexandria Sen. Adam P. Ebbin also was elected Democratic Caucus vice chair and

will chair the General Laws and Technology Committee. Other Senate committee leaders in the 2024 session will include Fairfax Sen. David W. Marsden, who will head Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources; Charlottesville Sen. Creigh Deeds, who will chair Commerce and Labor; Prince William County Sen. Jeremy S. McPike, who will chair Local Government; Sen. Favola, who will chair Rehabilitation and Social Services; and Fairfax Sen. Jennifer Boysko, who will chair Transportation. In the House, along with the pending history-

making elevation of Delegate Scott to speaker, two other Black members will hold top positions. Alexandria Delegate Charniele L. Herring will be reinstalled as Democratic majority leader, a post she has held since 2020, while Prince William County Delegate Luke E. Torian will again lead the budget-writing Appropriations Committee. House Democrats also have made history in tapping Fairfax Delegate Kathy K.L. Tran to chair their caucus in 2024. Born in Vietnam, she will be the first Asian-American to hold the post.

Federal appeals court deals a blow to Voting Rights Act, ruling that private plaintiffs can’t sue Continued from A1

the Voting Rights Act, which requires political maps to include districts where minority populations’ preferred candidates can win elections. The majority said other federal laws, including the 1964 Civil Rights Act, make it clear when private groups can sue but said similar wording is not found in the voting law. “When those details are missing, it is not our place to fill in the gaps, except when ‘text and structure’ require it,” U.S. Circuit Judge David R. Stras wrote for the majority in an opinion joined by Judge Raymond W. Gruender. Judge Stras was nominated by former President Trump and Gruender by former President George W. Bush. The decision affirmed a lower judge’s decision to dismiss a case brought by the Arkansas State Conference NAACP and the Arkansas Public Policy Panel after giving U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland five days to join the lawsuit.

Chief Judge Lavenski R. Smith noted in a dissenting opinion that federal courts across the country and the U.S. Supreme Court have considered numerous cases brought by private plaintiffs under Section 2. Judge Smith said the court should follow “existing precedent that permits a judicial remedy” unless the Supreme Court or Congress decides differently. “Rights so foundational to selfgovernment and citizenship should not depend solely on the discretion or availability of the government’s agents for protection,” wrote Judge Smith, another appointee of George W. Bush. Sophia Lin Lakin, director of the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project, called the ruling a “travesty for democracy.” She had argued the appeal on behalf of the two Arkansas groups. “By failing to reverse the district court’s radical decision, the Eighth Circuit has put the Voting Rights Act in jeopardy, tossing aside critical protections that voters fought and died for,”

Ms. Lakin said in a statement. It was not immediately clear whether the groups would appeal. A statement from the ACLU said they are exploring their options. Barry Jefferson, political action chair of the Arkansas State Conference of the NAACP, called the ruling “a devastating blow to the civil rights of every American, and the integrity of our nation’s electoral system.” The state NAACP chapter and the public policy group had challenged new Arkansas state House districts as diluting the influence of Black voters. The state’s redistricting plan created 11 majority-Black districts, which the groups argued was too few. They said the state could have drawn 16 majority-Black districts to more closely mirror the state’s demographics. U.S. District Judge Lee Rudofsky noted there was “a strong merits case that at least some of the challenged districts” in the lawsuit violate the federal Voting Rights Act but said

he could not rule after concluding a challenge could only be brought by the U.S. attorney general. The Justice Department filed a “statement of interest” in the case saying private parties can file lawsuits to enforce the Voting Rights Act but declined to comment on the ruling. Monday’s ruling applies only to federal courts covered by the 8th Circuit, which includes Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. Meanwhile, several pending lawsuits by private groups challenge various political maps drawn by legislators across the country. It’s likely the case eventually will make it to the U.S. Supreme Court, where the issue was raised in a 2021 opinion by Justice Neil Gorsuch. “I join the court’s opinion in full, but flag one thing it does not decide,” Justice Gorsuch wrote at the time, joined by Justice Clarence Thomas. “Our cases have assumed — without deciding — that the Voting Rights Act of 1965 furnishes an implied cause of

action under section 2.” Justice Gorsuch wrote that there was no need in that case for the justices to consider who may sue. But Justices Gorsuch and Thomas were among the dissenters in June when the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in another Voting Rights Act case in favor of Black voters in Alabama who objected to the state’s congressional districts. The Justices Gorsuch and Thomas opinion was referenced less than two weeks ago in another federal court decision that came to the opposite conclusion of Monday’s ruling by the St. Louis-based court. On Nov. 10, three judges on the conservative-dominated 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans rejected arguments that there is no private right to sue under the Voting Rights Act. In a Louisiana congressional redistricting case, the panel said the U.S. Supreme Court so far has upheld the right of private litigants to bring lawsuits alleging violations of Section 2, as have other circuit appellate courts.

Hanover Former first lady Rosalynn Carter dies at 96 statement added. enlisted her support for a project before they discussed County Reaction from world leaders poured in as well. it with the president. Her iron will, contrasted with declining health. The statement said she “died The Carters were married for more than 77 her outwardly shy demeanor and soft Southern acbans books ofpeacefully, with family by her side” at 2:10 p.m. at years, forging what they both described as a cent, inspired Washington reporters to call her “The her rural Georgia home of Plains. “full partnership.” Unlike many previous first Steel Magnolia.” in schools ever“Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ladies, Mrs. Carter sat in on Cabinet meetings, Both Carters said in their later years that Mrs. accomplished,” the former president said in the Continued from A1

Continued from A1

ruled that they met “the School Board’s criteria for being sexually explicit.” The removal process is expected to be finished by Friday, Dec. 22, and adds to a nationwide conservative effort to remove certain titles from schools and public libraries across the county. Book-banning efforts have doubled in Virginia since 2022, with more than 300 titles challenged in the first eight months of the year over their contents.

We stand

statement. “She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.” President Biden called the Carters “an incredible family because they brought so much grace to the office.” The White House released a joint statement from the president and First Lady Jill Biden saying that Mrs. Carter inspired the nation. “She was a champion for equal rights and opportunities for women and girls; an advocate for mental health and wellness for every person; and a supporter of the often unseen and uncompensated caregivers of our children, aging loved ones, and people with disabilities,” the

for Equality Justice Opportunity Freedom

spoke out on controversial issues and represented her husband on foreign trips. Aides to President Carter sometimes referred to her — privately — as “co-president.” The former president, now 99, remains at the couple’s home in Plains after entering hospice care himself in February. Fiercely loyal and compassionate as well as politically astute, Mrs. Carter prided herself on being an activist first lady, and no one doubted her behind-the-scenes influence. When her role in a highly publicized Cabinet shakeup became known, she was forced to declare publicly, “I am not running the government.” Many presidential aides insisted that her political instincts were better than her husband’s — they often

and we fearlessly fight for Equality Justice Opportunity Freedom

Richmond Free Press The People’s Paper

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Carter had always been the more political of the two. After Jimmy Carter’s landslide defeat in 1980, it was she, not the former president, who contemplated an implausible comeback, and years later she confessed to missing their life in Washington. President Carter trusted her so much that in 1977, only months into his term, he sent her on a mission to Latin America to tell dictators he meant what he said about denying military aid and other support to violators of human rights. She also had strong feelings about the style of the Carter White House. The Carters did not serve hard liquor at public functions, though Mrs. Carter did permit U.S. wine. There were fewer evenings of ballroom dancing and more square dancing and picnics.

Richmond Free Press

November 22-25, 2023 A5

Local News VMFA’s new Bey Photographer Dawoud Bey discussess his new exhibition on Nov. 12 at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA). Titled “Dawoud Bey: Elegy,” the artist’s photographs and film installations reimagine Virginia’s slave trail, Louisiana plantations and Ohio’s Underground Railroad, evoking istories that no longer are visible. Along with two earlier series, “Elegy” debuts works created by Mr. Bey in Richmond. “Stony the Road” is a photographic series commissioned by the VMFA of the nearly three-mile-long Richmond Slave Trail, while the artist’s film, “350,000,” reminds viewers of the more than 350,000 men, women and children sold from Richmond’s auction blocks between 1830 and 1860. The exhibit is organized by the VMFA and curated by Valerie Cassel Oliver, right, the Sydney and Frances Lewis Family Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art. The exhibit runs through Feb. 25, 2024. Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Bon Appetit!

VMHC exhibit to showcase American chef and TV personality Julia Child Free Press staff report

As families prepare to gather around the table this week for Thanksgiving, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) is preparing a new exhibition that will explore the life and legacy of American chef and TV personality Julia Child. “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life” will debut at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture on March 16, 2024. It will be on view through Sept. 2, 2024. The traveling exhibition was produced by Flying Fish and the VMHC is its only midAtlantic Museum stop. The exhibition features original Julia Child archives from the Schlesinger Library at Harvard, and includes video, audio, photographs, memorabilia, and recreated scenes from the iconic chef’s life. There also will be a special section of the exhibition that explores Julia Child’s impact on the culinary culture in Virginia. Ms. Child is renowned for bringing French cuisine to the United States through her 1961 cookbook “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” and acclaimed cooking show “The French Chef,” which began its long run in 1963. Ms. Child

had a transformative impact on food culture in the United States, and this exhibition reveals the charismatic, tenacious, and authentic woman whose own lust for life inspired the same in others.

From her signature dishes to her signature style, the exhibition invites visitors to immerse themselves in interactive spaces made famous through Ms. Child’s work. A re-creation of “The French Chef” television studio set, and dining room invites visitors to see the cooking show from Ms. Child’s point of view and star in their own culinary production. A vintage camera in the space allows viewers to experience how the crew captured footage for the iconic television program. Photographs on view in the exhibition chronicle Ms. Child’s career and relationship with her husband, Paul, who captured beautiful images that documented their lives together. Visitors also can recreate one of the couple’s well-known photos that appeared on an iconic Valentine’s Day card. “Julia Child was a pioneer in revolutionizing the way Americans cook and eat,” Jamie Bosket, president and CEO of the VMHC said in a statement. “Her influence can still be felt today, and this exhibition provides us with a unique opportunity to highlight Julia’s connections to Virginia and the influence of French cooking in Virginia’s culinary history.” The VMHC is at 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. in Richmond’s Museum District.

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November 22-25, 2023

Giving and receiving When a Richmond area grocery retailer failed to provide a local nonprofit turkeys advertised for 39 cents per pound, another grocer with deeper roots in the region stepped in to save the day. In an email to the Free Press, Darryl Stuckey Sr. of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Beta Gamma Lambda Chapter, described the situation that threatened to ruin the organization’s plans to distribute 200 turkeys on Nov. 18 to families in need. Because the fraternity partnered with the same Short Pump retailer a year ago, Mr. Stuckey, who routinely shops at the store, was surprised when its hierarchy refused to budge on the price of the turkeys. A $250 gift certificate from the grocer, while a nice gesture, wasn’t enough to cover the cost of the turkeys for which the company wanted Mr. Stuckey to pay $2.12 per pound. Enter another partner, the Kroger in Short Pump, where Mr. Stuckey also frequently shops. After asking Kroger’s management for help, a positive response came a short while later. Kroger supplied the fraternity 200 turkeys at 39 cents per pound. “Thank goodness for Kroger and their wanting to be a community partner,” wrote Mr. Stuckey in an email. “They were wonderful. Wonderful.” Mr. Stuckey chairs his fraternity’s Young Achievers and Making Men mentoring program for high school students that sponsored last Saturday’s turkey giveaway. Other partners and sponsors included The Beta Gamma Lambda Educational Foundation, The Links, Commonwealth (VA) Chapter, the Urban League of Greater Richmond and the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Richmond. Also worth mentioning: Last summer, Mr. Stuckey helped organize and secure buses to Washington, D.C., to recognize the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. That event, on Aug. 28, 1963, drew more than 250,000 people who participated in the historic march, gathering near the Lincoln Memorial. During the widely covered event 60 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his exalted “I Have a Dream” speech. (The new biopic, “Rustin,” highlights the march.) Joined by members of Alpha Phi Alpha and Kappa Alpha Psi fraternities, and Delta Sigma Theta and Alpha Kappa Alpha sororities, Mr. Stuckey felt it necessary to attend this year’s march to “bring attention to many of the racial, social and economic disparities that continue today.” Thus, while disappointed by the actions of the grocery store retailer that arrived in Richmond a few years ago, Mr. Stuckey didn’t spend his time trashing the company. He instead focused on what the Thanksgiving holiday should be about: community, giving, love, kindness and selflessness. And being thankful. On the day of the turkey giveaway at Creighton and Nine Mile roads, all 200 of the big birds were gone in less than 25 minutes, he said. And the Kroger in Short Pump has committed to working with the Alpha’s turkey giveaway event for the next five years.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Supreme Court’s so-called ethics code is worse than nothing The so-called ethics code the U.S. Supreme Court issued on Monday won’t put a stop to corruption and wasn’t intended to do so. Quite the opposite: it is intended to justify corruption. The code’s most glaringly obvious failing is the lack of any enforcement mechanism. But it’s clear the justices don’t intend their feeble code to be enforced: In “adapting” the federal judiciary’s code of conduct, the word “enforce” is dropped from the opening section. Other federal judges are expected to “maintain and enforce high standards of conduct.” Supreme Court justices are called upon merely to “maintain and observe” such standards. Lower court judges should not “lend the prestige of the judicial office” to advance their own private interests or permit others “to convey the impression that they are in a special position to influence the judge.” The Supreme Court justices gave themselves considerable

wiggle room by inserting the word “knowingly.” Lower court judges are directed to “take appropriate action” if they have reason to believe that a judge, a judicial employee, or a lawyer has violated the code of conduct. Supreme Court justices are

the same activity.” The new ethics code is not an effort at reform, but a ham-handed exercise in public relations. In their statement last week the justices made it clear they were adopting the code – not because any of their own behavior had been a problem – but to dispel “the misunderstanding that the Justices of this Court, unlike all other jurists in this country, regard themselves as unrestricted by any ethics rules.” If Justice Clarence Thomas regarded himself as restricted by ethics rules, he would not have accepted cruises on the yacht of a politically-active billionaire who had business before the Court, excursions on his private jet, and vacations at his private resort. At the very least, he would have disclosed the gifts, along with his sale of three properties to the same billionaire, including the home where his mother still lives, rent-free, and the tens of thousands of dollars the billionaire spent on improvements to the home. If Justice Samuel Alito regarded himself as restricted by ethics rules, he would have turned down a luxury fishing

trip with a billionaire whose hedge fund has repeatedly had business before the court, or at least disclosed it. The list of the justices’ ethical transgressions is disturbingly long, and the new ethics code neither makes clear that they were, in fact, transgressions, nor prescribes any consequence for such transgressions. The justices may safely consider any misunderstandings dispelled. They have made it clear beyond a shadow of a doubt they regard themselves as unrestricted by ethics rules. The writer is president of the National Urban League.

Thanksgiving 2023 reflections: Planting gratitude and harvesting a bounty

bonniedavis@richmondfreepress.com

For many people, the Thanksgiving season is a time for expressing gratitude to God for our many blessings. I have been spending time this season reflecting on how grateful I am to have been raised by my parents, the Rev. A.D. King and Dr. Naomi King. My father’s legacy lives on in his powerful sermons and writings, and in the work and lives of his children. While my mother Naomi, also known by her fans as “the Butterfly Queen,” is 92 years old now, she continues to advocate globally for peace and justice. I recently traveled to Amsterdam as her stand-in as she was slated to share her long-earned wisdom with the world. While the world seems to be crumbling around us, we must take heart in the lessons of our fathers and mothers who survived during much darker days than these. In those dark hours, their lips did not drip with hate; rather they turned to the wisdom of the Scriptures to guide their actions. Matthew 5:44 tells us to love our enemies and pray for

Marc H. Morial expected to act only in response to employee misconduct. Lower court judges “should make required financial disclosures … in compliance with applicable statutes …” Supreme Court justices “have agreed to comply with the statute governing financial disclosure,” sending a strong signal that they consider their compliance voluntary, and that the statute does not apply to them. Lower court judges are urged to “divest investments and other financial interests that might require frequent disqualification.” The Supreme Court justices threw that standard out the window, along with a discouragement against accepting outside compensation that exceeds “what a person who is not a judge would receive for

those who persecute us. This is one of the cornerstones of my parents’ teaching. While I constantly pray to make sense of today’s chaos from the streets of Atlanta to the kibbutz of Israel, I remain determined to maintain a posture of gratitude. Again I return to the Scriptures for guidance. Psalms 122:6 says, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” So I continue to pray.

Alveda King Some will argue that in a world consumed by strife and division, these principles are impractical; mere platitudes in the face of real challenges. For me, embracing a posture of gratitude becomes not just an act of defiance but a revolutionary stance as powerful as my family’s commitment to nonviolence in the face of injustice and brutality. Oddly enough, a recent manifestation of gratitude has taken me by surprise in a most unexpected manner. In the spirit of love for the land of my birth, ingrained in my upbringing, I’ve taken steps to become a community farmer. Truly, following many years of being grateful for the bounty that comes from my home garden, I am now a resource farmer.

I may not be the proverbial “farmer in the Dell,” but I did become a farmer in a day through a program that I will be sharing more about in the coming weeks. In October, after many years of successful “home gardening,” I officially became a registered farmer with the United States Department of Agriculture. This phase of my life’s journey is a renewal, a rebirthing—a tangible harvest of blessings. My lifelong passion for seed time and harvest is another gift inherited from my ancestors—a small but powerful reminder of our constant renewal and rebirthing. In cultivating the earth, I feel a profound gratitude for times of harvest—great and small. In the landscape of gratitude, farming becomes a metaphor for intentional cultivation—a practice that results in harvest. Amidst the uncertainties we face, let’s not underestimate the impact of gratitude as a tool to cultivate fruits of unity and understanding. My life’s journey continues to be a testament to the idea that much like a diligent farmer tends to the land, we all have the power to tend to the world around us by planting a grateful attitude wherever we go. The writer is founder of Alveda King Ministries.

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Commentary

Feudalism in the Commonwealth In 1619, English colonizers brought captured Africans to Virginia on a cargo ship “The White Lion.” The white colonizers also brought a hierarchical social structure, left over from the days of feudalism in mid-evil England. In medieval England (emphasis on “evil”), feudalism comprised four levels of economic strata: The King, The King’s Court (nobles), vassals, and serfs. Within such a social construct for 404 years the Commonwealth of Virginia — especially in its capital city of Richmond — too few white people, have controlled too much, for too long, at the expense of too many people of color. Currently, this brand of feudalism in Richmond poisons the population. The “King” is represented by wealthy white institutions and corporations, individuals and families, self-named “First Families of Virginia” or “FFV.” The wealth of this upper strata controls who gets what, how much, and when, as it relates to the intersection of economics and politics. The “King” selects it “Court of Nobles” in the Black community and reward them with financial business and individual contracts, corporate board appointments and patronage (i.e

the perception of high social status), private club memberships. The consideration for such economic gifts is compliance to the status quo. For such Black people, challenging “The King” may cost their social position with the controlling powers and

Gary L. Flowers principalities. Just below the “The King’s Court” are current “vassals” who are the “tenants” of the Court. As underlings, they execute the King’s will. For example, such competent, but compliant “vassals” may operate nonprofit organizations or charitable institutions that receive “The King’s ransom.” At the lowest rung of the social ladder in Richmond are poor Black and Brown people who function as “serfs.” By government statistics, Richmond’s poor (at federal poverty level) is said to be around 27%. However, individuals and families just above federal poverty are nonetheless, poor, which may well elevate the percentage to 40%. Their labor — like serfs of old — is exploited by the “vassals,” under the tutelage of the “King’s Court,” in service to the “King.” An understanding of feudalism in Richmond helps to explain the recent referendum vote on a proposed privately financed (no tax burden on Richmonders) entertainment complex, including a four-star hotel, 3,000- seat arena,

sound/movie stage, and casino by Urban One and Churchill Downs. Wealthy white people assigned the Black Nobles, operating as the “King’s Court,” along with their underlings, to oppose the referendum, expressly or by the silence, in order to maintain their social status. Meanwhile, the locked out and the left behind poor residents were the biggest losers, with little prospect for meaningful monetary relief in the forseeable future At its core, the referendum vote was about race, gender and power. The King prefers compliant Black people who know their place (see The Mis-Education of the Negro by Dr. Carter G. Woodson). Many Black people in Richmond suffer from the “Scared Negro Disease” (see Richmond Free Press, March 2018 and “The Politics of Decorum,” by A. Peter Bailey). Enter Ms. Cathy Hughes, who was neither compliant or afraid. Ms. Hughes may well be the current incarnation of Mrs. Maggie Walker, in terms of competence, courage, commitment, compassion, and most of all, cash. Accordingly, Ms. Hughes threatened the feudalistic order of the once Capital of the Confederacy. For had the project passed, Ms. Hughes would not only have had a seat at the “The King’s” table, she would have become “Queen of Money” in Richmond. “The King” could not have such. From another historical perspective, Ms. Hughes represent-

ed the iconic Harriet Tubman, who famously said, “I could have freed more, if they only knew they were enslaved.” The Commonwealth of Virginia in many ways is “Ground Zero” for the American Empire, including the good, the bad, and much of the ugly. The problem is “the wealth” is not shared with “the common people.” Virginia

still ranks sixth in total wealth, among states in America. In this case, the feudal plantation prevailed, but the righteous resistance rolls on. Regrettably, Black people and white people in Richmond are imprisoned in a feudalistic economic and social system. Ultimately, Richmond must free itself, and value all people’s

prosperity, not just “The King.” As the song says, “Red Yellow, Brown, Black or White, we are ALL precious in God’s sight.” Gary Flowers is the host of The Gary Flowers Show on WOL Newstalk in Washington, D.C., on Sunday mornings, from 10 – 11 a.m., and in production of a podcast “Primary Sources, With Gary Flowers.”

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NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF A PETITION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY, FOR APPROVAL OF NEW BROADBAND CAPACITY PROJECTS PURSUANT TO § 56-585.1:9 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA AND FOR REVISION OF RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE: RIDER RBB, FOR THE RATE YEAR COMMENCING MAY 1, 2024 CASE NO. PUR-2023-00184 · Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion”) has applied for approval of new broadband capacity projects and for revision of its rate adjustment clause Rider RBB, which recovers the costs of providing broadband capacity related to rural broadband projects. · Dominion requests approval of a revenue requirement of approximately $17.535 million for Rider RBB for the rate year commencing May 1, 2024, through April 30, 2025. According to Dominion, this amount would increase the monthly bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month by $0.25. · A Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing in this case on February 21, 2024, at 10 a.m., for the receipt of public witness testimony. ā $Q HYLGHQWLDU\ KHDULQJ ZLOO DOVR EH KHOG RQ )HEUXDU\ DW D P RU DW WKH FRQFOXVLRQ RI WKH SXEOLF ZLWQHVV SRUWLRQ RI WKH KHDULQJ ZKLFKHYHU LV ODWHU LQ WKH &RPPLVVLRQ¶V VHFRQG ÀRRU FRXUWURRP ORFDWHG LQ WKH 7\OHU %XLOGLQJ (DVW 0DLQ 6WUHHW 5LFKPRQG 9LUJLQLD WR UHFHLYH WKH WHVWLPRQ\ DQG HYLGHQFH RI 'RPLQLRQ DQ\ UHVSRQGHQWV DQG &RPPLVVLRQ 6WD൵ · Further information about this case is available on the SCC website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information. 2Q 2FWREHU 9LUJLQLD (OHFWULF DQG 3RZHU &RPSDQ\ ³'RPLQLRQ´ RU ³&RPSDQ\´ ¿OHG D SHWLWLRQ ³3HWLWLRQ´ ZLWK WKH 6WDWH &RUSRUDWLRQ &RPPLVVLRQ ³&RPPLVVLRQ´ SXUVXDQW WR &RGH 56-585.1:9 and Code § 56-585.1 A 6. The Company seeks approval to install middle-mile broadband capacity in unserved areas in: (i) Albemarle, Buckingham, Cumberland, Fluvanna, Goochland, 1HOVRQ DQG 3RZKDWDQ &RXQWLHV ³7KRPDV -H൵HUVRQ 3ODQQLQJ 'LVWULFW 3URMHFW´ LL $XJXVWD &ODUNH )DXTXLHU DQG 5RFNLQJKDP &RXQWLHV ³1RUWKHUQ 6KHQDQGRDK

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9DOOH\ 3URMHFW´ LLL %UXQVZLFN +DOLID[ DQG 0HFNOHQEXUJ &RXQWLHV ³6RXWKVLGH 3ODQQLQJ 'LVWULFW 3URMHFW´ DQG LY 6XVVH[ &XOSHSHU +DQRYHU /RXGRXQ DQG 0LGGOHVH[ &RXQWLHV ³2WKHU 1HZ Projects”) (collectively, “Proposed New Projects”). The Company also seeks approval to revise rate adjustment clause Rider RBB, for the rate year commencing May 1, 2024, through April 30, 2025 (“Rate Year”). Further, in its Petition Dominion provided updates for previously approved Rider RBB projects (“Previously Approved Projects”). 7KRPDV -H൵HUVRQ 3ODQQLQJ 'LVWULFW 3URMHFW 'RPLQLRQ )LUHÀ\ )LEHU %URDGEDQG ³)LUHÀ\´ DQG 5DSSDKDQQRFN (OHFWULF &RRSHUDWLYH ³5(&´ KDYH HQWHUHG LQWR DQ DJUHHPHQW ZKHUHE\ LQ HDFK FRXQW\ LQ WKH SURSRVHG 7KRPDV -H൵HUVRQ 3ODQQLQJ 'LVWULFW 3URMHFW )LUHÀ\ ZLOO L OHDVH PLGGOH PLOH GDUN ¿EHU IURP 'RPLQLRQ LL VHUYH DV WKH LQWHUQHW VHUYLFH SURYLGHU ³,63´ IRU 'RPLQLRQ DQG 5(& FXVWRPHUV DQG LLL EH UHVSRQVLEOH IRU EXLOGLQJ WKH ODVW PLOH ¿EHU IRU 'RPLQLRQ DQG 5(& FXVWRPHUV 7KH &RPSDQ\ SODQV WR FRPSOHWH FRQVWUXFWLRQ RI WKH DSSUR[LPDWHO\ PLOH SURMHFW RYHU WKH WZR \HDUV IROORZLQJ &RPPLVVLRQ DSSURYDO 7KH WRWDO HVWLPDWHG FDSLWDO FRVW IRU WKH 7KRPDV -H൵HUVRQ 3ODQQLQJ 'LVWULFW 3URMHFW LV DSSUR[LPDWHO\ PLOOLRQ ZLWK WKH &RPSDQ\ VHHNLQJ UHFRYHU\ RI DSSUR[LPDWHO\ PLOOLRQ LQ WKLV SURFHHGLQJ ZKLFK represents the project’s rural broadband incremental costs. Northern Shenandoah Valley Project Dominion and All Points Broadband (“All Points”) have entered into an agreement whereby, in each county in the proposed Northern Shenandoah Valley Project, All Points will: (i) lease middle-mile GDUN ¿EHU IURP 'RPLQLRQ LL VHUYH DV WKH ,63 IRU 'RPLQLRQ FXVWRPHUV DQG LLL EH UHVSRQVLEOH IRU EXLOGLQJ WKH ODVW PLOH ¿EHU IRU 'RPLQLRQ FXVWRPHUV $GGLWLRQDOO\ $OO 3RLQWV ZLOO VHUYH DV WKH ,63 DQG EH UHVSRQVLEOH IRU EXLOGLQJ WKH ODVW PLOH ¿EHU LQ $XJXVWD DQG 5RFNLQJKDP &RXQW\ IRU 6KHQDQGRDK 9DOOH\ (OHFWULF &RRSHUDWLYH PHPEHUV 7KH &RPSDQ\ DVVHUWV LW KDV VWDUWHG WKH GHVLJQ SKDVH for the Northern Shenandoah Valley Project’s approximately 543 miles and plans to complete construction over the two years following Commission approval. The total estimated capital cost for the Northern Shenandoah Valley Project is approximately $74.1 million, with the Company seeking recovery of approximately $56.3 million in this proceeding, which represents the project’s rural broadband incremental costs. Southside Planning District Project Dominion and EMPOWER Broadband, Inc. (“EMPOWER”) have entered into an agreement whereby, in each county in the proposed Southside Planning District Project, EMPOWER will: (i) lease PLGGOH PLOH GDUN ¿EHU IURP 'RPLQLRQ LL VHUYH DV WKH ,63 IRU ERWK 'RPLQLRQ FXVWRPHUV DQG 0HFNOHQEXUJ (OHFWULF &RRSHUDWLYH ³0(&´ PHPEHUV DQG LLL EH UHVSRQVLEOH IRU EXLOGLQJ WKH ODVW PLOH ¿EHU IRU 'RPLQLRQ FXVWRPHUV DQG 0(& PHPEHUV 7KH &RPSDQ\ DVVHUWV LW KDV VWDUWHG ERWK WKH GHVLJQ DQG FRQVWUXFWLRQ SKDVHV IRU WKH 6RXWKVLGH 3ODQQLQJ 'LVWULFW 3URMHFW¶V DSSUR[LPDWHO\ PLOHV and plans to complete construction over the next couple of years following Commission approval. The total estimated capital cost for the Southside Planning District Project is approximately $44.9 million, with the Company seeking recovery of approximately $36.0 million in this proceeding for the project’s rural broadband incremental costs. Other New Projects 'RPLQLRQ VWDWHV LW ZLOO SDUWQHU ZLWK $OO 3RLQWV ZKHUHE\ LQ &XOSHSHU +DQRYHU /RXGRXQ DQG 0LGGOHVH[ &RXQWLHV $OO 3RLQWV ZLOO L OHDVH PLGGOH PLOH GDUN ¿EHU IURP 'RPLQLRQ LL VHUYH DV WKH ,63 DQG LLL EH UHVSRQVLEOH IRU EXLOGLQJ WKH ODVW PLOH ¿EHU )RU WKH 2WKHU 1HZ 3URMHFWV LQ 6XVVH[ &RXQW\ 'RPLQLRQ DQG 3*(& (QWHUSULVHV //& G E D 585$/%$1' ³585$/%$1'´ KDYH HQWHUHG LQWR DQ DJUHHPHQW ZKHUHE\ LQ 6XVVH[ &RXQW\ 585$/%$1' ZLOO L OHDVH PLGGOH PLOH GDUN ¿EHU IURP WKH &RPSDQ\ LL VHUYH DV WKH ,63 IRU ERWK 'RPLQLRQ FXVWRPHUV DQG 3ULQFH *HRUJH (OHFWULF &RRSHUDWLYH ³3*(&´ PHPEHUV DQG LLL EH UHVSRQVLEOH IRU EXLOGLQJ WKH ODVW PLOH ¿EHU IRU 'RPLQLRQ FXVWRPHUV DQG 3*(& PHPEHUV

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Proposed New Projects In total, the estimated capital costs for the Proposed New Projects are approximately $251.9 million, with rural broadband incremental costs of approximately $196.9 million. Rider RBB The Company seeks approval of two requests related to Rider RBB: (i) to update Rider RBB for the recovery of costs associated with Previously Approved Projects, and (ii) to recover through Rider 5%% WKH FRVWV RI WKH 3URSRVHG 1HZ 3URMHFWV 7KH &RPSDQ\ VWDWHV WKDW LW ZLOO XVH WKH OHDVH UHYHQXHV LW UHFHLYHV IURP WKH ,63V WR R൵VHW WKH FRVWV RI WKH SUHYLRXVO\ DSSURYHG UXUDO EURDGEDQG SURMHFWV DQG the Proposed New Projects. For the Rate Year, Dominion is requesting recovery of a total revenue requirement of approximately $17.535 million. According to the Company, the implementation of the proposed Rider RBB on May 1, 2024, will increase a residential customer’s monthly bill, based on 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month, by $0.25. The Company states that it has calculated the Rider RBB rates in accordance with the same methodology used for those rates approved by the Commission with respect to the most recent revision to Rider RBB, Case No. PUR-2022-00062, with one exception related to a change in the demand billing determinant for Rate Schedules GS-2 and GS-2T. 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Ray, Esquire, McGuireWoods LLP, *DWHZD\ 3OD]D (DVW &DQDO 6WUHHW 5LFKPRQG 9LUJLQLD RU jray@mcguirewoods.com ,QWHUHVWHG SHUVRQV DOVR PD\ GRZQORDG XQR൶FLDO FRSLHV RI WKH SXEOLF YHUVLRQ RI WKH 3HWLWLRQ DQG RWKHU GRFXPHQWV ¿OHG LQ WKLV FDVH IURP WKH &RPPLVVLRQ¶V ZHEVLWH scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information. On or before February 14, 2024, any interested person may submit comments on the Petition by following the instructions found on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments 7KRVH XQDEOH DV D SUDFWLFDO PDWWHU WR VXEPLW FRPPHQWV HOHFWURQLFDOO\ PD\ ¿OH VXFK FRPPHQWV E\ 8 6 PDLO WR WKH &OHUN RI WKH 6WDWH &RUporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All such comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2023-00184.

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Richmond Free Press

A8 November 16-18, 2023

Sports

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$1 MILLION

WINNERS TO START

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Stories by Fred Jeter

Curtain falls on VUU’s championship season Much of what had gone so right for Virginia Union University all football season went so wrong in the end. The Panthers’ outstanding campaign ended with a 38-14 loss at Kutztown, Pa., University in the first round of the Super Region 1, NCAA Division II playoffs. “Tough loss,” said VUU Coach Alvin Parker. “Hats off to Coach (KU Coach Jim) Clements and his team. “They are a well-buttoned up group, and they did a heck of a job.” VUU fell behind early (down 28-0 in the second quarter), largely due to its inability to stop the homestanding Golden Bears on the ground. The Panthers led all of Division II this season in defense against the run, allowing just 37.3 yards an outing. Unimpressed, Kutztown rolled up 210, with four TDs, aver-

Armstrong drives ‘Maybach’ to victory Armstrong’s Wildcats have gotten hot – make that smoking hot – at just the right time. Coach Jeremy Pruitt’s 9-3 East Enders are heading north to Brentsville District (11-2) for the Region 3B finals Friday at 7 p.m. The Wildcats continued their season with a head-spinning 28-0 upset over previously undefeated Thomas Jefferson last Friday at Hovey Field. AHS led 20-0 at halftime. “We came out with a different formation, we call Maybach, like the car, and it worked really well,” Coach Pruitt said. It was a smooth ride, especially for Jahkei Chavis who had 157 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Anthony Allen passed for 157 yards with TDs to A. J. Byrd and Gerald Williams. Byrd, who Coach Pruitt calls “my most recruited player,” now has 1,137 receiving yards on the season with 17 TDs. A force on both sides of the ball was tight end/defensive end Marvin Banks. Having returned from injury several games ago, the 6-foot-4, 240-pound Banks had eight tackles, including four for losses. The inner-city showdown avenged a 28-12

aging 5.3 yards per pop. “That’s KU football,” Coach Clements said. “We’re a physical team and we’re going to run the ball.” Kutztown advances to play at Charleston, W.Va., Saturday in the region semifinals. Under Coach Parker, VUU finishes 10-2 with a CIAA championship (its first since 2001) and plenty of momentum heading into 2024. The Panthers are a take-notice 19-4 the past two seasons with back-to-back trips to the NCAAS. Not many Division II schools nationally can match that. Next year might offer more of the same. All eight of its AllCIAA performers, including headliner Jada Byers, are eligible to return for at least another season. Byers, providing sunshine on a cloudy day, carried 20 times

East End celebration Armstrong 40, McKinley Tech, D.C., 0 Armstrong 21, Petersburg 8 Armstrong 54, John Marshall 0 Armstrong 38, Goochland 8 Henrico 17, Armstrong 0 Friendship D.C. 33, Armstrong 16 Armstrong 30, Atlee 26 Thomas Jefferson 28, Armstrong 12 Armstrong 54, Manassas Park 0 Armstrong 44, Mechanicsville 7 Armstrong 52, William Monroe 14 (Region quarterfinals)

Armstrong 28, Thomas Jefferson 0 (Region semifinals)

Friday, Nov. 24 Armstrong at Brentsville District High in Region 3B Finals, 7 p.m.

Brentsville is at 12109 Aden Road, Nokesville, near Manassas

loss to the Vikings on Oct. 27. The ’Cats have won four in a row, outscoring their opponents by a combined 178-21. This is the furthest any Armstrong squad has extended a football season since the advent of the Virginia High School League playoffs in the late 1960s. Brentsville’s All-Northwestern District QB Caleb Alexander suffered a leg injury in the Tigers’ 28-7 region semifinal win over Kettle Run last week. Alexander left the stadium on crutches and his availability against Armstrong is in question. With so much success, it’s time to peek at the AHS record book. In 1977, Armstrong went 9-0-1 and might have been a postseason contender. However, the Wildcats were ineligible for the playoffs due to their late date with Maggie Walker.

Michigan, Ohio State matchup to feature Hopewell’s TreVeyon Henderson Former Hopewell standout TreVeyon OSU with 794 yards rushing this Henderson will be smack dab in the middle season and 10 touchdowns. He averof the national college football spotlight ages nearly seven yards per carry. He this Saturday in Ann Arbor, Mich. missed two games with an injury. Henderson is the primary ball carThis past week, in a win over rier for a No. 2-ranked Ohio State Minnesota, Henderson ran 15 times Buckeyes squad that will take on No. for 146 yards and two TDs, including 3 Michigan at noon, with Fox TV a 75-yarder. providing coverage. At Hopewell, he ran for 2,424 TreVeyon Both Ohio State and Michigan are yards and 45 TDs as a sophomore Henderson 11-0. This marquee matchup likely will and junior, helping the Blue Devils decide the Big 10 championship and a berth in to the 2019 State Class 4 title. the College Football Playoff. He missed his senior year due to COVID-19 Henderson, a junior wearing No. 32, leads and enrolled at OSU in January 2021.

for 101 yards and a touchdown at KU, but he had just 29 yards on seven runs during the difficult first half. Despite missing two full games to injury, the junior finishes with 1,186 yards overall with 16 TDs and a 5.8 yard per carry norm. In three glorious seasons wearing VUU No. 3 jersey, Byers has 4,016 yards and 47 rushing TDs. Next season Byers will take dead aim on VUU’s career marks of 5,008 yards rushing and 63 running TDs, set by Andre Braxton from 1997 to 2000. VUU’s other TD came in the second quarter when Ephraim Moore blocked a KU punt and Ken Davis scooped up the loose ball and ran it in for a score from 10 yards out. Sadly, that was about the only thing VUU’s Burning Sands Football Club had to raise their voices about in their well-attended game viewing at Kickback Jack’s on West Broad.

Texas Rangers’ Tony Beasley lives stone’s throw from Richmond It may come as a surprise to area baseball fans that one of the Texas Rangers’ coaches resides just a half hour north of Richmond. Tony Beasley, the World Series’ champion Rangers’ veteran third-base coach, lives in Ruther Glen in Caroline County and is back delivering his powerful tenor voice to the Jerusalem Baptist Church Choir. Coach Beasley wears jersey No. 27 for, what is now, the best team in baseball. “It’s been a blessing, something really special,” he said about Texas’ World Series crown. “We thought we had a good team coming out of spring training. “We felt we could make the playoffs. But it turned out to be a lot more.” The Rangers scored more than 1,000 runs during the regular season and playoffs combined, and Coach Beasley had the best view in the house for all of them, while waving them home. A lot goes into coaching third base that the average fan might not consider. This was Coach Beasley’s eighth season in that capacity. “You’ve got to know the outfielder’s arm strength – how hard they throw and how accurate; and you’ve got to know your own runners. “Like, if someone has a sore hammy (hamstring), you take that into consideration in whether to hold them at third or send them home.” During the four-tier playoffs, he questions just one of his decisions. In the opening round versus Tampa, he held catcher Jonah Heim at third with two outs when it seemed he might have a good chance of scoring. The next hitter failed to produce, leaving the Rangers temporarily off the scoreboard.

Tony Beasley

“The only time the fans notice the third base coach is if he messes up,” said Coach Beasley, with a laugh. “Third base coach is best off when no one notices him.” The 56-year-old Coach Beasley also serves as the Rangers’ infield defensive coach. He’s qualified for the position, having played nine seasons and 854 games of minor league pro ball with Baltimore and Pittsburgh chains. Before that, he sparkled at Carolina High, Louisburg, N.C., College and Liberty University, where he was the Flames’ MVP. While at Liberty, he played one game at The Diamond against VCU. The Ranger hails from a baseball family, and a singing family. Uncle Lew Beasley, now 75, born in Sparta, actually played 25 games for the Rangers in 1977 as an outfielder. “We’re fishin’ buddies,” Tony said of his uncle. In 2016, Tony Beasley was diagnosed with rectal cancer and missed an entire season of baseball. Following a full recovery, he

returned in 2017 with a performance that sent shivers down the spines of Rangers’ fans at Globe Life Park in Arlington. His rendition of The National Anthem that night won’t soon be forgotten and is available online. It’ll knock your socks off. Primarily a gospel singer, Coach Beasley has sung with the Heavenly Bound Mass Choir, also with links online. On the ballfield, Coach Beasley laments the lack of African-American players. The Rangers had just one — second baseman Marcus Semien. “It’s mostly an affordability thing – it’s expensive to play on these travel teams,” he said. “And I don’t know if the parents are pushing it … it’s not a glory sport (on youth level) like basketball and football.” The Rangers’ coach is a special man in many ways … wearing a baseball uniform, in a choir robe … and just being a warm-hearted person, above the call to duty. Not many World Series champs would give a quick return call to an unknown reporter calling from a newspaper he had little familiarity with. But Tony Beasley did.

Black athletes top contenders for O’Brien Trophy

For the longest time, Black quarterbacks in major college football were a rarity. That’s no longer the case. The 20 semifinalists for the Davey O’Brien Trophy, awarded to the nation’s top QB, includes eight Black athletes and two others of Pacific Islander ancestry. Jordan McCloud Michael Penix Two of the semifinalists call the Jayden Daniels signals for Virginia schools. Kaidon Salter last couple of decades. at Liberty University and James Madison’s Jordan Although the pecking order can change each McCloud have made the first cut. game, the top contenders for the O’Brien Award The list also includes 2022 Heisman Trophy might be Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., Jayden winner Caleb Williams of Southern Cal. Williams Daniels of LSU, Florida State’s Jordan Travis and began the season as the clear favorite for all honors, Oregon’s Bo Nix. but the Trojans have underperformed, and his star Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders made a strong early has lost some shine. showing but the Colorado Buffaloes, coached by The Heisman goes to the top player including his father Deion, have hit hard times. all positions, but has tended to be a quarterback the In state, JMU’s McCloud is a red-shirt se-

nior who transferred to the Harrisonburg school from Arizona. Liberty’s Salter, a native Texan, is just a sophomore. The O’Brien Award was all white until 1989, when Houston’s Andre Ware won the voting. Kaidon Salter More recent Black winners have been Auburn’s Cam Newton in 2010, Baylor’s Robert Griffin ’11, Jameis Winston of Florida State in ’13, Deshaun Watson of Florida State in ’16, Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray in ’19 and Bryce Young of Alabama in ‘22. The O’Brien winner in 2023 was Texas Christian’s Max Duggan, now with the Los Angeles Chargers. The three 2023 finalists will be named Nov. 24 with the winner declared Dec. 8. The Heisman

Davey O’Brien Semifinalists (Black QBs on 20-man list} • Jayden Daniels, LSU • Jordan McCloud, James Madison • Jalen Milroe, Alabama • Michael Penix Jr., Oregon • Kaidon Salter, Liberty • Shedeur Sanders, Colorado • Jordan Travis, Florida State • Caleb Williams, Southern California Also D.J. Uiagalelei of Oregon State and Dillon Gabriel of Oklahoma are Pacific Islanders.

winner will be named Dec. 9. Both awards, which could likely be won by the same man, are based on regular season play only.

November 22-25, 2023 B1

Richmond Free Press

Section

Happenings

Personality: Tara Michele Sample Spotlight on ThisAbility’s founder who builds awareness, acceptance for people with disabilities For more than a decade, Tara Michele Sample has provided a space for children and adults living with disabilities. Ms. Sample knows firsthand the need for assistance and information when it comes to disabilities. In 2010, she gave birth to her third child, Elijah, after 16 hours of labor and an emergency C-section. She then spent the years that followed adjusting to the work of raising him, as Elijah was diagnosed with two chromosome disorders. Ms. Sample’s experience at the time, when information, resources and understanding of special needs was harder to find, led her to found the nonprofit ThisAbility in 2012 to provide information, resources and community for others living with similar circumstances. “I wanted to create a place for families of all children with disabilities to access resources and information,” Ms. Sample says, “especially those whose children have a rare diagnosis.” Today, Ms. Sample leads ThisAbility, which has grown to nearly 8,000 members. With a focus on Central Virginia, the organization’s mission is to enhance the lives of those with special needs and make a positive impact. ThisAbility provides a range of information online for parents with special needs children to help them understand disorders, address potential issues and connect with resources and organizations for additional help. The nonprofit also presents multiple events every year for those with special needs, their families and communities. Examples include an Adaptive Sports Camp, holidays events, and mentorships.

“We lost a little momentum with COVID,” Ms. Sample says when asked about ThisAbility’s current status, “but we’re still able to get enough assistance to provide some events throughout the year.” Collaboration is paramount to ensure the success of ThisAbility, which works with groups such as Journey of Hope for Autism for events and receives donations from the public, Dominion Energy and the WaWa Foundation. These programs make a real difference in the community — the Christmas assistance program alone has helped more than 1,500 children over the years, according to Ms. Sample, with some approximately 350 children and 600 families expected to receive assistance during the holidays. Ms. Sample says these programs don’t just provide new avenues for fun and resources for those living with special needs, but also address gaps in programs and organizations that are not familiar with how to accommodate people with disabilities. While public awareness, education and understanding about many disabilities has grown over the years, Ms. Sample says there is still progress to be made, particularly regarding adults with special needs. And although information on disabilities is more accessible than ever, it can still be difficult to find it online, making ThisAbility a still-necessary resource for education and inclusivity. “Just because the information is out there doesn’t mean that people know how to actually get to it,” Ms. Sample says. “There just needs to be more knowledge in general in

rare diagnosis. Why the name: We embrace the idea that what might be perceived as a disability by some is, in essence, a distinctive ability for individuals with special needs. Mission: The mission of ThisAbility is to educate, advocate and foster awareness and acceptance within our community for both children and adults with disabilities and their families. Providing support and resources for the families we serve, we are dedicated to ensuring they have access to services, programs, and activities that enrich their lives. the community.” Meet a parent helping to inform the community about individuals with special needs and this week’s Personality, Tara Sample: Volunteer position: Founder, ThisAbility. Occupation: Photographer and sign maker. Place of birth: Maryland. Where I live now: Chester. Family: Nicholas, 18; Faith, 17; Elijah, 13; Aaron, 10. ThisAbility is: A nonprofit for children and adults with disabilities. When and why founded: It was founded in 2012 because of (my son) Elijah, who has two chromosome disorders, one being Down syndrome. I wanted to create a place for families of all children with disabilities to access resources and information, especially those whose children have a

Giving thanks not just a holiday tradition; it’s part of how humans evolved The Associated Press

NEW YORK It’s the season of giving thanks — and it turns out humans have been doing it for a long, long time. As more researchers dig into the science of gratitude, they’ve found the feeling likely played a key role in helping our ancestors band together and survive. That legacy continues today, as being in the mood for gratitude shapes who we are as a species and how we connect with the people around us. “This is something that is part of our human DNA,” said Sarah Schnitker, a psychologist at Baylor University. “It is a glue, in a sense, that holds us together.”

one-to-one transactions. Sometimes, an ape that gets groomed by another will later back that partner up in a fight, Dr. Suchak said, showing that reciprocity might not be about keeping exact scores, but forming broader emotional ties. Though we can’t “speak chimp” well enough to know if they’re actually saying thanks, Dr. Suchak added, it makes sense that some form of this social debt showed up early in our lineage. “It didn’t just pop out of nowhere when humans evolved,” Dr. Suchak said.

And how we stayed grateful Thousands of years later, gratitude has taken root in humans. Studies have found gratitude may show up in a few spots in our genes and brains — including ones linked to social bonding, feeling reward and seeing other people’s point of view. How we became grateful And the feeling emerges early on: Children as Humans are social animals. That’s how young as 2 and 3 demonstrate they want to return we’ve lasted so long; not by being the biggest favors, said Amrisha Vaish, who studies moral or the strongest, development at but by figuring the University out how to work of Virginia. At together. age 4, children A key part also show a tenof building redency to “pay it lationships is forward,” she the idea of reciadded. procity: “If you In a study, like me and do Dr. Vaish found nice things for that when kids me, then I like got help comyou and do nice pleting a task things for you,” — in this case, said Michael finding a key to Tomasello, a unlock a box of developmental The Associated Press stickers — they psychologist at A student places her handprint along with those of were more likely Duke Univer- other students at a primary school in Lufkin, Texas. to share their sity. sticker reward The animal kingdom has some parallel give- with a new person. and-take behaviors, said Malini Suchak, an animal It’s that kind of behavior that shows gratitude behavior researcher at Canisius University. In is more than simple exchange, Dr. Schnitker said. experiments with capuchin monkeys and chim- It can make us more generous with other people panzees, Dr. Suchak found the primates became in general — even if they didn’t help us first. more willing to help out a partner if that individual Giving thanks might be good for you, too: A had helped them in the past. 2016 study found that people who wrote letters Some scientists think the feeling of gratitude of gratitude reported better mental health and saw evolved to keep the helping exchanges going. In changes in their brain activity — even months other words, if you were helped, you’d feel like down the line. you should repay the debt with a good deed in But Dr. Nelson pointed out that recognizing return, said Jenae Nelson, who researches gratitude the giver, not just the gift, is key. at Baylor and Harvard universities. So, if Thanksgiving has you in a mood for “This give and take — this is very, very primal gratitude, she suggested focusing on thanking and very important to a cooperative society,” Dr. the people in your life, rather than just making Nelson said. “Otherwise, you just get a culture “gratitude lists” of the stuff you have. This is of takers.” more in line with why the feeling evolved in the In animals and in humans, these aren’t always first place, she said.

Headquarters: We do not have an office location but are seeking one. We work from home and host our events at various venues. How ThisAbility works for children and families: Our organization supports children and families through a comprehensive approach. We offer an adaptive sports program, a Christmas assistance program including a festive party, a care-givers lunch, and a horseback riding and lunch event. Additionally, we provide resources throughout the year, actively assisting families by connecting them with organizations that cater to their needs, whether it’s resources, services or necessities. ThisAbility is funded by: Sponsors such as Dominion Energy, WaWa Foundation, Walmart and community donations. ThisAbility partners with: Journey of Hope for Autism and SFP Athletics.

Current goal or project: Our organization’s main goal and project centers around making a positive impact in the community. We are dedicated to creating events and activities throughout the year specifically designed to enhance the lives of individuals with special needs. Strategy for achieving goals: Collaboration, outreach, diverse programs, volunteers and constant engagement and learning to ensure progress and growth. No. 1 challenge: Funding. Since founding ThisAbility, the No. 1 joy I have witnessed: Seeing the impact we have had on families, especially at Christmas. Upcoming events: A Christmas party for children and adults with disabilities on Dec. 2, and our Christmas Assistance Program for children under 14 on Dec. 15. For more information, please visit https://www. thisability.org/. How to get involved: Sponsor our Christmas program, sponsor a child or a family, make monetary or gift card donations, donate new toys, clothes or shoes or serve as a volunteer. How I start the day: I approach the day with a passionate outlook on life. I consciously seek the positive aspects, even in challenging situations. Every experience is an opportunity for learning, and I make a conscious effort to carry love in my heart and to learn something new each day, which enables me to find joy in each day and maintain a deep passion for life. I also cherish the importance of laughter in my life. The three words that best

describe me: Passionate, tenacious, authentic. If I had 10 extra minutes in the day: I’d roller skate. Best late-night snack: Nuts. The music I listen to most is: Depends on my mood … my playlist is versatile. Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: I don’t know that other people wouldn’t imagine it, but I am an artist; I love to draw and write poetry. I was born with artistic talents that run in the family—both my grandfather and my father were artists. At the top of my “to-do” list: Spending ample time with my kids, to expose them to new experiences and impart as much knowledge as possible, aiming to broaden their minds and hearts to life’s possibilities. The best thing my parents ever taught me: My father taught me to be adventurous, to be tough and not to give up, just find another way. My mother taught me compassion, forgiveness and persistence. The person who influenced me the most: Everyone who crossed my path and showed me compassion, love, forgiveness and gave me guidance. I can’t attribute that to one person but small or grand gestures all made a difference along the way. Book that influenced me the most: “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey. What I’m reading now: “Great CEOs are Lazy” by Jim Schleckser. Next goal: Travel more and grow my business.

“100 TIMES BETTER THAN ANY BEDTIME STORY”

THE NEW YORK TIMES

TICKETS NOW ON SALE! DECEMBER 12-17| Tickets from just $35! BroadwayInRichmond.com

Richmond Free Press

B2 November 22-25, 2023

Happenings

Moments in time Several articles in the Nov. 16, 2023, edition of the Richmond Free Press chronicled the discovery of more than 140 badly decaying boxes containing personal documents, artifacts and archival materials that belonged to the late civil rights attorney and Virginia State Delegate Roland J. “Duke” Ealey. The documents were found several years ago by James “Jim” Vigeant and Sasha Finch while restoring their Clay Street home in Richmond’s Historic Jackson Ward. Award-winning Richmond Free Press photographer Sandra Sellars captured dozens of images of the documents and artifacts in August before Library of Virginia personnel placed the collection into official boxes to transfer them to a Virginia state holding facility where they were to be frozen prior to the archival process. Scribbled on a basement wall is a list of documents found such as the Irene Morgan v. Greyhound case. In 1944 Ms. Morgan, while on a Greyhound bus in Gloucester, Va., was arrested after she refused to give up her seat to a white couple. After the Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals ruled against Ms. Morgan in 1945, her case was appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Her lawyers, Spottswood W. Robinson III, Thurgood Marshall and William H. Hastie, emphasized that precedent was on their side: More than once, the Supreme Court had ruled that states could not impose segregation on passengers traveling across state lines. On June 3, 1946, the Supreme

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press Court ruled for Ms. Morgan, striking down the Virginia law and similar laws in other states that mandated segregation in interstate passenger travel. In 1955, Rosa Parks followed Ms. Morgan’s example, and refused to give up her bus seat in Montgomery, Ala. • Mr. Ealey’s graduation photo at Virginia Union University in 1936. • A statement issued by NAACP Representatives from 17 southern and border states and the District of Columbia, May 25, 1954 in Atlanta. The purpose of the Atlanta Declaration: to “develop a program to meet the vital and urgent issues arising out of the historic United States Supreme Court decision of May 17 banning segregation in public schools.”

• A letter addressed to U.S. Sen. Harry Flood Byrd in 1957 was among the documents found that belonged to Mr. Ealey. The letter addresses misinformation given by Sen. Byrd to the now-defunct Richmond News Leader pertaining to voter suppression and voter discrimination. • Seldom seen documents: Constitution of Masonry and Constitution, Statutes and Council Regulation of the Supreme Council of the Order of the Knights of Pythagoras, 1979 were among items found. • Mr. Vigeant, left, and Jackson Ward historian, Theodore Holmes look on as Trenton Hizer of the Library of Virginia rehouse Mr. Ealey’s personal documents, artifacts and other archival material.

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Church)

Richmond Free Press

November 22-25, 2023 B3

Faith News/Directory

250 years later, ‘Amazing Grace’ has filled churches, concerts, even commercials By Adelle Banks Religion News Service

James Walvin, a former Church of England choirboy and professor of history at the University of York, doesn’t remember encountering “Amazing Grace,” in song or in his hymnal. It wasn’t until he traveled to the United States to research the history of slavery that he came upon the hymn introduced by John Newton, a former slave trader, in 1773. Since then, Dr. Walvin, the author of the new book “Amazing Grace: A Cultural History of the Beloved Hymn,” has submerged himself in the hymn, which turns 250 this year and has become a staple of Sunday services that has been adapted and adopted by preachers, performers and presidents. “I wasn’t too keen on Elvis’ version,” Dr. Walvin said after a recent visit to the Library of Congress’ “Amazing Grace” collection, which includes more than 3,000 recordings of the song — the only one of Mr. Newton’s hundreds of hymns that gained such international stature. “I certainly was not keen on (1960s orchestra leader) Mantovani’s version,” he added. “I was amazed to listen to Janis Joplin’s version. I mean, who’d think of Janis Joplin and ‘Amazing Grace’?” RNS: Why has “Amazing Grace” endured for 250 years? Dr. Walvin: “Amazing Grace” survived, particularly in the United States and especially in African-American communities, because its words speak to a human condition of suffering, and people coming out of suffering, and its music has a kind of haunting refrain that soothes. It has a unique combination of important phraseology — words, verses — and the beguiling music. RNS: How do you explain the fact that John Newton, a former slave trader, wrote a hymn that’s treasured by enslaved people and their descendants? Dr. Walvin: I think young people find it very hard to get their heads around the fact that here is a hymn of great Christian significance written by a man who’s stained by the brutality and violence of slavery. It’s a historical paradox, really. But it extends beyond that hymn. There are millions of people at the time, on both sides of the Atlantic, ensnared in slavery, one way or another, who are deep Christians, God-fearing men and women who see no contradiction in their faith and their behavior toward Africans. And that’s one of the extraordinary, difficult things to understand. RNS: You write that Mr. Newton spent years trying to become a Church of England priest before he was able to lead a parish and share his hymns. So this song might never have reached the international stage? Dr. Walvin: Yes, it speaks to John Newton’s perseverance.

To become a minister, you had to have gone to one of the two main universities, Oxford or Cambridge, and he hadn’t been close to either of them. He was not formally educated. Yet he was a deeply learned man, and a deeply religious man. He had to fight against the institutions and against the church to let him in. RNS: Though most of the words are 250 years old, the tune we know best today is newer. How did that come about? Dr. Walvin: The music that we associate with “Amazing Grace” today is not what people sang for 60 years after Mr. Newton wrote it in (December) 1772. We know from the Lomax family — a father and son who recorded folk songs in the United States in the backwoods — that people sang the words through an extraordinary variety of songs. But it’s the music that we now

know came together with the words in the 1830s that actually creates that combination that is so potent and so durable. RNS: You trace the hymn’s growing stature as the radio and recording industries grew. Is there an apex? Maybe President Obama’s singing it in 2015, in his eulogy for Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church’s Rev. Clementa Pinckney? Dr. Walvin: I think what President Obama did was to tap into the familiarity and popularity of the hymn in the United States. He knew if he sang it on that particularly very emotive moment that he would secure the backing of this largely African-American audience in Charleston. When he begins to sing, it looks as if it’s spontaneous, and no one would claim that President Obama has a good singing voice. But it is an astonishing moment. And if you look at the way the clerics behind him rise to the occasion, and the background musicians — they’re scrambling to get their instruments lined up and working with the president. He knew the congregation would follow him, and he knew that, by 2015, “Amazing Grace” had become effectively a second national anthem. Very few people don’t know it, don’t know of it or don’t recognize it. RNS: “Amazing Grace” was part of the soundtrack of the Civil Rights Movement. What role did it play in the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in particular? Dr. Walvin: At the end of those long, grueling days, when he’s exhausted, threatened by all kinds of horrible violence, as he was trying to unwind and relax in the evening, Mahalia Jackson would sing “Amazing Grace” to him on the telephone. If that isn’t an extraordinary insight into both those people, Ms. Jackson and Dr. King, I don’t know what is. Here is one of America’s great gospel singers and one of America’s great leaders, united in “Amazing Grace.”

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

Virginia Holocaust Museum presents ‘Memorial Without Witness’ Free Press staff report

“Memorial Without Witness,” an exhibit of eight floorto-ceiling size photographs taken at the Auschwitz death camp by Dr. Charles W. Sydnor Jr., will be on display at the Virginia Holocaust Museum until Nov. 30. Dr. Sydnor is senior historian at the VHM. A historian of the Holocaust and World War II, he provided the United States Department of Justice and its Office of Special Investigations with expert testimony in 21 court cases involving former SS concentration camp guards and Nazi death camp collaborators. “Memorial Without Witness” features a curated collection of images that have been enlarged to wall-size panels. As visitors walk among the images, they will see and feel what it is like, walking alone among

the rubble and decay of the Nazi regime’s most notorious concentration camp, according to a museum news release. Admission is free and open to the public. Visit vaholocaust.org for more information about the Virginia Holocaust Museum.

Moore Street Missionary Baptist Church

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

“The Church With A Welcome”

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

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Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, Pastor

A 21st Century Church With Ministry For Everyone

We Embrace Diversity — Love For All! Come worship with us! Back Inside Sundays Join us for 10:00 AM Worship Service Live on Facebook @ 4ixth #aptist $IVSDI 37" Live on Youtube @4#$ 37" Or by visiting our website www.sixthbaptistchurch.org

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

“Your Home In God’s Kingdom” Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

(near Byrd Park)

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

St. Peter Baptist Church

Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, Pastor

Worship Opportunities

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

“Please come and join us” Every Sunday @ 11:00 am. Live Streaming Every Sunday At: BRBConline.org or YouTube(Broad Rock Baptist Church)

Sunday Worship Opportunities: 10 A.M. [In-person and Livestream] Sunday Church School Opportunities: Adults [In-person] at 8:30 A.M. Children [Virtual] online via our website. Bible Study Opportunities: Noon [In-person] 7 P.M. [Virtual]; Please contact the church oﬃce for directives. 2040 Mountain Road • Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 Oﬃce 804-262-0230 • Fax 804-262-4651 • www.stpeterbaptist.net

1858

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

The People’s Church

“MAKE IT HAPPEN” Pastor Kevin Cook

Good Shepherd Baptist Church

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

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

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

Sunday Church School • 9am (Zoom)

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

Wednesday Bible Study • 7pm (Zoom)

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

Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus

Sundays Morning Worship 10:00 A.M.

Back Inside

Richmond Free Press

B4 November 22-25, 2023

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities 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, December 4, 2023 at 1:30 p.m in the Fifth Floor Conference Room of City Hall and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, December 11, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2023-340 To close, to public use and travel, an unimproved portion of West 20th Street located between Semmes Avenue and Sioux Falls Alley, consisting of 10,486 ± square feet, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2023-341 To rezone the property known as 415 Oliver Hill Way from the B-5 Central Business District (Conditional) to the B-5 Central Business District. Ordinance No. 2023-342 To authorize the special use of the property known as 220 North 20th Street for the purpose of up to five single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2023-343 To amend and reordain Ord. No. 2022-022, adopted Feb. 28, 2022, which authorized the special use of the property known as 1628 North 27th Street for the purpose of a singlefamily detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions, to provide for revised plans. Ordinance No. 2023-344 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 1115 North 30th Street and 1117 North 30th Street for the purpose of two single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2023-345 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1323 North 30th Street for the purpose of up to three single-family attached dwe11ings, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2023-346 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 901 North 36th Street and 909 North 36th Street for the purpose of up to ten single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2023-347 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 4605, 4623, 4625, and 4627 West Broad Street for the purpose of exceeding the inclined plane height and rear setback for a mixeduse building and live/work units, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2023-348 To authorize the special use of the property known as 2036 Broad Rock Boulevard for the purpose of two singlefamily detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2023-349 To authorize the special use of the property known as 5204 Campbell Avenue for the purpose of two single-family detached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2023-350 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 1823, 1825, and 1827 West Cary Street for the purpose of up to eight single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2023-351 To authorize the special use of the properties known as 6407 Midlothian Turnpike, 6413 Midlothian Turnpike, 6417 Midlothian Turnpike, and 6331 Old Warwick Road for the purpose of a multifamily development containing up to 122 dwelling units, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2023-352 To authorize the special use of the property known as 1210 Westover Hills Boulevard for the purpose of a vocational school on the ground floor, upon certain terms and conditions. Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so by following the instructions referenced in the December 11, 2023 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-city-clerk, 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

Continued from previous column

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ROBERT PRINCE, Plaintiff v. TOMESIA TUCKER, Defendant. Case No.: CL23003395-00 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 January, 2024 at 9:00 AM, and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF CHESTERFIELD GWENDOLYN P. DENT, Plaintiff, v. ANTHONY L. DENT Defendant. CASE NO.: 23-1918-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION TO: Anthony L. Dent 2401 Long Hill Court Midlothian, Virginia 23112 (804) 467-4827 DATE: October 25, 2023 The object of this suit is for Plaintiff to obtain a divorce a vinculo matrimonii from the Defendant, Anthony L. Dent, on the grounds of the parties having lived separate and apart, continuously and without interruption for more than one (1) year, and the parties having one (1) child born of this marriage, namely Bryson Carter Dent, born December 16, 2004, age 19, and emancipated; and an affidavit having been made and signed that due diligence has been used to ascertain the Defendant’s location and residence without success; and that his last known address is as indicated above; and accordingly, it is therefore ADJUDGED, ORDERED a n d D E CR E E D t h a t Defendant shall appear and protect his interests as he deems necessary within fifty (50) days from the date of entry of this Order; being December 8, 2023 at 8:30 A.M. An Extract, Teste: WENDY S. HUGHES, Clerk I ask for this: William D. Hamner, Esq. (VSB #17836) Lane & Hamner, P.C. 3520-A Courthouse Road North Chesterfield, Virginia 23236 (804) 912-1439; Fax: (804) 912-1439

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER IMMANUEL WATSON BEY, Plaintiff v. TIERRA BEY, Defendant. Case No.: CL23001306-00 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 18th day of December, 2023 at 9:00 AM, 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

Custody NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF MECKLENBURG IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION Bettye Wade (Plaintiff) vs. Christopher Hilliard (Defendant) 23-CVD-3743 To: Christopher Hilliard, TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Complaint for Child Custody. You are required to make defense to such pleading no later than January 4, 2024, and, upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought. This the 14th day of November 2023. Jackson Williford N.C. State Bar No. 51796 Attorney for Plaintiff Williford Law 15720 Brixham Hill Avenue, Suite 300 Charlotte, NC 28277 Tel. 704-656-0016 Fax 704-626-6197 Jackson@jawillifordlaw.com

VIRGINIA:

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA IN THE FAMILY COURT FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF HORRY Case No.: 2023-DR-26-1052 South Carolina Department of Social Services, Plaintiff, vs. Clyde Peele, Kelvin Townsell, Natasha SUMMONS AND NOTICES Norris, Beverly White and John Doe, [REMOVAL] IN THE INTERESTS OF: Child Born 2006 Child Born 2008 Child Born 2010 Minor Under the Age of 18. TO: Defendant, JOHN DOE YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and served with the complaint in this action, the original of which has been filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Horry County, 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC 29526, on the 5th day of May 2023, a copy of which will be delivered to you upon request. You are not required to answer the complaint, but if you do, you should serve a copy of your answer upon Plaintiff through its attorney, 1951 Industrial Park Road, Conway, SC 29526. PLEASE TA K E FURTHER NOTICE that, as a named Defendant in this action, you have the right to be present and represented by an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, the Court will appoint an attorney to represent you. It is your responsibility to contact the Clerk of Court’s Office, 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC 29526, to apply for appointment of an attorney to represent you if you cannot afford an attorney. YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that: (1) the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) who is appointed by the Court in this action to represent the best interests of the child(ren) will provide the Family Court with a written report that includes an evaluation and assessment of the issues brought before the Court along with recommendations; (2) the GAL’s written report will be available for review twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the hearing; (3) you may review the report at the GAL Program county office. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED of a Merits/ Permanency Planning Hearing to be held at the Horry County Family Court, Horry County Government and Justice Center, 1301 2nd Avenue, Conway, South Carolina, on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. S.C. DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES Lucas M. Oates Attorney for Plaintiff S.C. Department of Social Services 1951 Industrial Park Road

Continued on next column

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE CITY OF HOPEWELL CAROLYN ANNETTE ALEXANDER Plaintiff, v. DAVIS TITUS ALEXANDER, Defendant. Case No. CL2022-27 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit, brought by Carolyn Annette Alexander, is a Complaint for divorce. It appearing from an affidavit that the Defendant, Davis Titus Alexander, is a nonresident individual; it is hereby ORDERED that the Defendant appear before this Court on or before November 30, 2023, to protect his interest herein; A Copy Teste: TAMARA J. WARD, Clerk I ask for this: W. Allan Burns Jr. VSB #68002 CRAVENS & NOLL, PC. 15871 City View Drive, Suite 300 Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 330-9220 Telephone (804) 330-9458 Facsimile Counsel for the Plaintiff VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER WANDA KARGBO, Plaintiff v. SOLOMON KARGBO, Defendant. Case No.: CL23003563-00 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 19th day of December, 2023 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

Continued from previous column

Conway, SC 29526 Phone: 843-366-1569 Fax: 843-366-1653 SC Bar No.: 100866 October 17, 2023 Conway, South Carolina

PROPERTy Trustees’ Sale of 1713 East Main Street, Richmond, VA In execution of that certain deed of trust dated September 9, 2021 securing payment in the original principal amount of $900,000.00 recorded in the Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond, VA as Instrument Number 210026304 (the “Deed of Trust”). Default having occurred in payment of the indebtedness secured by the Deed of Trust, the undersigned Substitute Trustee, at the direction of the secured party will offer for sale at public auction at the main entrance to the building housing the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond, VA at 400 N. 9th Street, Richmond, VA on DECEMBER 14, 2023 at 12:00 NOON. the property described in the referenced Deed of Trust located at the above addresses and more particularly described as follows: ALL that certain lot, piece or parcel of land, belonging, lying and being in the City of Richmond, Virginia, known as 1713 East Main Street, all as shown on a plat of survey by American Engineers, dated April 9, 1980, entitled “Survey and Map Showing Improvements Thereon of Nos. 1711 and 1713 East Main Street in Richmond, Virginia”, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description of the property. BEING the same real estate conveyed by deed dated September 7, 2021, recorded September 13, 2021, in the Clerk’s Office, Circuit Court, City of Richmond, Virginia. TERMS OF SALE: CASH. A bidder’s deposit of $75,000.00 or 10% of the sale price, whichever is lower, in the form of cash or certified funds (payable to the Substitute Trustee) must be presented at the time of sale. The balance of the purchase price is due within fifteen (15) days of the date of sale, otherwise Purchaser’s deposit may be forfeited to the Substitute Trustee(s) to be disbursed in accordance with VA law. The Property and appurtenances thereto will be sold “as is” without warranty of any kind and subject to any and all judgments, liens, covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements, deeds of trust or other matters of record or not of record which may take priority over the referenced Deed of Trust. Time is of the essence. The sale is subject to post-sale confirmation by the secured party or the Substitute Trustee of the terms and acceptability of the sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser’s sole remedy will be the return of the deposit paid without interest and the Purchaser will have no further recourse against the Substitute Trustee, the secured party or the Trustee’s attorney. Additional Terms of Sale will be announced at the time of sale and will be set forth in the Trustee’s Memorandum of Foreclosure Sale to be executed by the successful bidder at the time of the sale. This is a communication from a debt collector and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Substitute Trustee; RVA Recovery, LLC,. Contact Stephen B. Wood at The Wood Law Firm, 6720 Patterson Ave., Suite D., Counsel for Trustee. TEL: (804) 873-0088. VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE CITY OF RICHMOND ATD Green Contractors LLC & Joan Pride, Plaintiffs, v. Arrow Financial Services, LLC, a defunct limited liability company, Assignee of Washington Mutual Bank (Providian) PARTIES UNKNOWN: ANY AND ALL PERSONS OR ENTITIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THAT CERTAIN JUDGMENT DOCKETED AS INSTRUMENT NO. 17010153 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND, VIRGINIA, Defendants. Case No.: CL 23004114-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION Whereas, the object of the above-styled suit is to quiet title to action to quiet title as it pertains to that certain Abstract of Judgment (the “Judgment”) docketed as Instrument No. 17-010153 in the Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond, Virginia, which Judgment is attached to that certain real property lying and being in the City of Richmond, Virginia, commonly known as 1803 ½ North 28th Street, and being identified as Tax Parcel Number E012-0427-011 (the “Property”). That Defendant Arrow Financial Services, LLC cannot be found, and that diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the location of the party to be served. It is therefore ORDERED that the said Arrow Financial Services, LLC and/or any parties claiming an interest in Judgment docketed as Instrument No. 17-010153 , appear on or before the 18th day of December, 2023, in the Clerk’s Office of this Court Continued on next column

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and do what is necessary to protect its interests. Entered: 11/3/2023 Keith Harvey, Esquire (VSB# 82199) Harvey & Driggs PLC 9464 Chamberlayne Road – Suite 200 Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116 Phone: (804) 977-3179 Email: kharvey@ harveydriggs.com Counsel for Plaintiffs

Beginning at a point on a road leading from the Osbourne Turnpike toward new Market Road, which road is known as the School House Road, at which point is 10.43 chains from said Osbourne Turnpike, thence leaving said School House Road N. 4 W. chains to a corner, then N. 85E. 114 feet to a corner, thence at right angle 2.65 chains to a corner on the said School House Road, thence along said School House Road in a westerly direction 114 feet to the point of beginning, and containing one half of once acre. William F. Robinson and Joan K. Robinson, as Co-Trustees under the William F. Robinson and Joan K. Robinson Revocable Declaration of Trust Dated November 6, 2007, and the unknown successors in interest to William F. Robinson and Joan K. Robinson, as Co-Trustees under the William F. Robinson and Joan K. Robinson Revocable Declaration of Trust Dated November 6, 2007, may have an interest in the property by a duly recorded lien, to wit: Deed of Trust from the William F. Robinson and Joan K. Robinson Revocable Declaration of Trust Dated November 6, 2007, dated September 10, 2014, recorded September 22, 2014 in the Clerk’s Office,

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND THOMPSONMcMULLAN, P.C., Administrator of the Estate of Roosevelt Greene, Jr. Plaintiff, v. ANTHONY GREENE, MARVIN GREENE, DURWIN GREENE, LATICE GREENE, BARRY GREENE, and DEVIN GREENE Defendants. Case no.: CL23-856-JSM ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to compel the heirs-at-Iaw of Roosevelt Greene, Jr., who sold certain real estate known as 215 W. 31st Street within one year of the death of Roosevelt Greene, Jr. to make the proceeds of such sale available to the creditors of his estate, all in accordance with the provisions of Section 64.2-534 of the Code of Virginia. It appearing by affidavit filed according to law that diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the location of Devon Greene, of the heirs-at-law of Roosevelt Greene, Jr., for purposes of directing service of process in this action, it is ORDERED that the said Devon Greene, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear on or before December 15, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. in the Clerk’s Office of this Court and do what is necessary to protect his interest. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk VIRGINIA: IN THE HENRICO COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT SHAMICA WINCKLER and DOMICA WINCKLER Plaintiffs, v. WILLIAM F. ROBINSON, CO-TRUSTEE UNDER THE WILLIAM F. ROBINSON AND JOAN K. ROBINSON REVOCABLE DECLARATION OF TRUST DATED NOVEMBER 6, 2007 and JOAN K. ROBINSON, CO-TRUSTEE UNDER THE WILLIAM F. ROBINSON AND JOAN K. ROBINSON REVOCABLE DECLARATION OF TRUST DATED NOVEMBER 6, 2007 and HUNTER R. WELLS, Esquire, Trustee and The Unknown successors in interest to William F. Robinson and Joan K. Robinson, as Co-Trustees under the William F. Robinson and Joan K. Robinson Revocable Declaration of Trust Dated November 6, 2007, if any and other persons who may have an interest in the subject matter of this suit, whose names are unknown and are included in the general description of “PARTIES UNKNOWN” Defendants. Case No.: CL23-7026 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to quiet the title for a certain parcel of real property situated in the County of Henrico, Virginia, being owned by Leonardo Reyes and Michael William Patterson more particularly described as follows: ALL that certain tract, piece or parcel of land, lying and being in the County of Henrico, about four miles from the City of Richmond, adjoining the old Osbourne School House property and bounded and described as follows:

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dankosgordon.com Email: jshaber@ dankosgordon.com Counsel for Plaintiff

Henrico County, Virginia. Affidavit having been made and filed that due diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the identities and/or locations of certain parties to be served, and that there are or may be persons whose names are unknown, interested in the subject matter of this suit; It is ORDERED that William F. Robinson and Joan K. Robinson, as Co-Trustees under the William F. Robinson and Joan K. Robinson Revocable Declaration of Trust Dated November 6, 2007, if then living or if dead, their assigns or successors in interest, and other unknown parties who have an interest in the subject matter of this suit, who are proceeded against as PARTIES UNKNOWN, appear before Court on or before January 5, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. to protect their interests, if any, in this suit. A Copy Teste: HEIDI S. BARSHINGER, Clerk I ask for this: Curtis D. Gordon, Esquire, V.S.B. #25325 Jason L. Shaber, Esquire, V.S.B. #96186 DANKOS, GORDON & TUCKER, P.C. 1360 E. Parham Road, Suite 200 Richmond, Virginia 23228 Telephone: (804) 377-7427 Facsimile: (804) 262-8088 Email: cgordon@

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ABC lICENSE Ramkissoon’s, LLC Trading as: Trini Roti 10811 Hull Street Road Midlothian Chesterfield County, VA 23112-3315 The above establishment is applying to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage C ontrol (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Mixed Beverage Restaurant with Caterer license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. 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.

Notice This is public notice to all that I Michael Prince Hodges am declaring testimony under gods law to make sure that there are no mistakes, potential fraud or identity confusion that exists; to protect and preserve my proper name given at birth which is Michael Prince Hodges from the legal name MICHAEL PRINCE HODGES.

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DRPT FY25 PUBLIC NOTICE

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) is accepting applications from qualified eligible applicants for transit, rail, and commuter assistance program (CAP) grants for the 2025 fiscal year. The state’s annual grant application period is open from December 1, 2023, through February 1, 2024. Transit and CAP funds are available through multiple state and federal funding sources to support transit service, human service transportation, and commuter assistance programs in Virginia. Eligible project categories include capital purchases, administrative and operating costs, technical assistance, demonstration grants, and commuter assistance program costs. Funds are available for rail initiatives through the Freight and Rail Preservation program. In addition, funding to provide access to freight rail shipping for Virginia businesses is available year-round through the Rail Industrial Access program. Complete details on eligibility and the application procedures for DRPT grant programs are available online. To learn more about transit, rail, and transportation demand management funding in Virginia, visit www. drpt.virginia.gov. Applications can be submitted online at https://grants. drpt.virginia.gov/ beginning December 1, 2023. DRPT is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of its services on the basis of race, color, or national origin, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. DRPT will also provide reasonable accommodations and interpretive services for persons who require special assistance to participate in the grant application process as required by the ADA. For accommodations, additional information on how to file a complaint, please contact our Title VI Compliance Officer, (804) 786-4440, or 600 E. Main Street, Suite 2102, Richmond, VA 23219, or visit our website at www.drpt.virginia.gov.

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