January 28 30, 2016 issue

Meet Personality Amber Adams B1

Richmond Free Press © 2016 Paradigm Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

VOL. 25 NO. 5

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

www.richmondfreepress.com

ee Fr

Fr ee

Lee Smith pitches in for Flying Squirrels A8

JANUARY 28-30, 2016

Paydazed in RVA

High-fee payday loan traps Henrico man

VSU coach calls it quits

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

By Fred Jeter

Virginia State University is looking for a new football coach — again.

After posting a 6-4 record in his only season with the Trojans, Coach Byron Thweatt, 38, has resigned to become the linebackers coach at James Madison University.

Coach Thweatt replaced Coach Latrell Scott, who stepped down following the 2014 season to become head coach at Norfolk State University.

“It was a really tough and emotional decision,” Coach Thweatt told the Free Press on Interim Coach WednesHarper d a y. “ I love Virginia State. My parents went here. And I love my team — an amazing group of guys with tremendous character. It was a joy to be here. But I’m making the move based on what’s best for my family.”

With Coach Thweatt’s departure, university officials named Justin Harper as the Trojans’ interim head coach.

Coach Harper will handle day-to-day operations until a permanent coach is found.

A native of Catawba, N.C., Coach Harper was a star receiver at Virginia Tech and played three seasons with the NFL Baltimore Ravens.

Coach Harper was the wide receivers coach this past season at VSU. Coach Thweatt and wife, Mieya, have three young daughters, Brianna, Bryce

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Donald Garrett stands outside the Advance ‘Til Payday loan agency, 4311 Nine Mile Road, where he borrowed $100. The loan ended up costing him $320 in fees he could not afford on his fixed income.

Running short of money to pay bills, Donald Garrett did what many people do — he turned to a payday lender.

He borrowed $100 from a small loan company called Advance ‘Til Payday on Nine Mile Road near his Henrico County apartment in order to catch up.

Four months later, he had wracked up $320 in fees and still was unable to pay off the original $100.

Until a friend stepped in and paid off his debt, he faced paying $80 each month. To pay the loan off, $100 had to be added to the $80 payment.

Mr. Garrett, a slender man with a trim goatee, said he didn’t realize what he had gotten himself into when he got the loan in late August. He got out when his friend paid the $100 and the two months of unpaid fees in early January.

“I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t got some help” said the 62-year-old who is on dialysis and lives on a $1,300 monthly government disability check.

“It seemed so easy. I was told that if borrowed $100, I would have to pay $180 back. They didn’t explain that $80 monthly fee could go on and on forever if I couldn’t pay the $100 as well.”

Please turn to A4

‘Let Freedom Ring’ initiative aimed at healing America

By Joey Matthews

Descendants of Thomas Jefferson, the nation’s third president, and Sally Hemings, the African-American woman he enslaved and fathered six

Please turn to A4

children with, are scheduled to gather at historic First Baptist Church of Williamsburg at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 1.

They are to be the first to ring the newly restored church bell at an invitation-only event

designed to kick off “Let Freedom Ring: A Call to Heal a Nation,” an initiative at the African-American church that is one of the nation’s oldest.

Organizers said the bellringing initiative is a “call for ra-

TIME features photo

by Regina H. Boone

By Joey Matthews

Award-winning photographer Regina H. Boone has pricked the nation’s conscience with her poignant photograph of a rash-covered child affected by the leadcontaminated water in Flint, Mich.

The former Richmond Free Press photographer’s image of 2-year-old Sincere Smith is featured on the cover of the Feb. 1 edition of TIME magazine.

The magazine hit newsstands Friday, Jan. 22, and is drawing critical attention to the plight of the largely AfricanAmerican community in Michigan that has been dangerously exposed for nearly two years to hazardous levels of lead in their tap water.

Adding to residents’ worst fears, Flint officials have said it could be months or even years before they will have clean Cover courtesy of TIME magazine

Please turn to A4

Heating woes continue to plague Creighton Court residents

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Tina Marie Smith finally has a working radiator on the first floor of her Creighton Court apartment.

The only problem: It doesn’t produce much heat.

And it hasn’t, she said, since maintenance workers from the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority installed it three weeks ago.

“I have to turn on my oven and heat water on the gas stove to keep the first floor warm,” she said. “The radiator on the second floor does fine, but not the ones on the first floor. Me and my grandson have to bundle up if the stove isn’t running.”

She’s not alone. Brittany Green, who lives a few doors away in the public housing community reports having the same problem. Radiators at her apartment work properly only on the second floor, she said. Other neighbors said they have the same problem.

Like Ms. Green, Ms. Smith said she has received promises of a fix, “but nothing has happened.”

Frustrated, Ms. Smith is threatening to put her rent in escrow at Richmond General District Court until RRHA gets the heat working, a tactic the state’s Landlord-Tenant Act allows renters to use when owners fail to meet their lease obligations.

T.K. Somanath, RRHAchief executive officer, stated that he appreciated the update in responding to a Free Press request for comment and said that Ms. Smith should file a maintenance request.

Ms. Smith said she didn’t file such a request “because maintenance already had been here twice” since the radiator was installed.

“They promised to come back, but they haven’t,” she said.

The Free Press featured Ms. Smith’s heating problem in its Jan. 7-9 edition.

The article reported on RRHA’s failure to replace a broken radiator that had been removed three years ago.

RRHA installed a replacement radiator Jan. 6 after the newspaper sought comment on Ms. Smith’s problem before the article was published. But the replacement unit also was broken

and leaked water.

After the article’s publication, RRHA workers brought a second replacement radiator and removed a space heater Ms. Smith had been provided. But no one checked to make sure it was heating properly, she said.

Separately, RRHA is embarking on a $623,000 project to replace outdated and nonfunctioning outdoor lighting at its housing communities to address security concerns raised by the Richmond Police Department.

About 25 percent of the lighting was found to be nonfunctional, according to RRHA. The lighting work includes installing fixtures that put out more light.

The authority has hired Commercial One Electrical to undertake this first effort to comprehensively address the lighting situation.

The authority also reportedly is making plans to replace broken outdoor cameras. The cameras were installed to upgrade security, but police investigating crimes have found a number that no longer work. The replacement cost is pegged at $300,000.

cial healing, peace and justice nationwide.” It allows anyone to sign up online at www.let freedomringchallenge. org to ring the bell at the church on any day during Black History Month.

Among those also scheduled to ring the bell on Feb. 1 are civil rights giant Jesse Jackson Sr.; Dr. Bernard Lafayette and Rhea McCauley, representing the family of Rosa Parks; former U.S. Photo by Darnell Vennie/The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Ambassador Susan The newly restored bell at historic First John Cook; Hampton Baptist Church of Williamsburg can be University President rung throughout Black History Month William Harvey; and by people who register online at entertainers and so- www.letfreedomringchallenge.org. cial activists Danny Glover, Dionne Warwick, The event also will comMalcolm Jamal Warner, Espe- memorate the 240th anniversary ranza Spalding and Yoko Ono, of First Baptist Church, which widow of the late Beatles star was formed in secret in 1776 John Lennon. by enslaved and free black men Also part of the celebra- and women. It is believed to be tion will be representatives the first black Baptist church of the National Network for organized entirely by AfricanArab Americans, a national Americans. consortium that “is honored to The church, which has about support a campaign that brings 200 members, was started issues of racism and civil rights within what is now the restored to the forefront,” according to its website.

Please turn to A5

School’s out, sledding’s in Jeramia Thomas, 5, closes his eyes to the action as he and Christina Williams, 12, sled down the slopes Monday at Richmond’s Forest Hill Park.

With schools and businesses closed, they joined others who took advantage of the Richmond area’s first big snowstorm of the season to go sledding, build snowmen and have snowball fights.

The National Weather Service estimated that between 11 and 16 inches of snow fell in Metro Richmond. Please see additional photographs on B2.

James Haskins/Richmond Free Press

A2 January 28-30, 2016

Richmond Free Press

Local News

Carver Elementary earns title of Highly Distinguished School and never give up on them, no matter how challenging it might be,” she told the Free Press. “All of us are here because, at some point, somebody did that for us.

The staff at G.W. Carver are trailblazers, always ready to guide our students to the beacon light of their true destiny — success!”

Dr. Cannaday Carver Elementary has 500 students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

About 95 percent of the students are AfricanAmerican.

“Public schools don’t get to select their students, but division superintendents, principals, teachers and other public school educators do decide how they respond to the challenges economically disadvantaged children bring to the classroom,” Billy K. Cannaday Jr., president of the state Board of Education, stated in a news release.

Carver Elementary and the other eight schools honored “combine effective instruction with the non-instructional support that inspires many children in poverty to focus and succeed,” he said.

Each school and the school division will receive a certificate of recognition.

Carver Elementary is among 17 of the 45 public schools in Richmond to earn full accreditation from the Virginia Department of Education after surpassing state standards in four core SOL tests administered last spring.

— JOEY MATTHEWS

R V A

RICH

MOND

CITY

D HMON

RIC

ri ch mo nd

r i c m oa n d

H

Rich

RVA mondR I C H

Veterans’ burial postponed The burial of three veterans who died in Richmond has been postponed due to the snowfall, the office of Richmond Sheriff C.T. Woody Jr. has announced.

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services had planned to hold the burial with full military honors Tuesday in the state veterans cemetery in Amelia County.

The sheriff was to escort the cremated remains of the two soldiers and a sailor to the cemetery.

The new date for the ceremony hasn’t been determined.

The identities of the three men, whose bodies had been unclaimed, are being withheld until after the ceremony. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

RVA RICHMOND

STATE

richmond

Hill-Woodland Heights, all at least two weeks later than expected.

Public Works could not say when that work will begin, given the snow cover. With warmer weather arriving, that snow could go, but leaf collection could still be disrupted by forecasts for rain.

Nor is it known when leaf work could begin in the Westover Gardens and Worthington Farms neighborhoods, both in South Side.

Sharon North, spokeswoman for Public Works, said leaf collection updates will be posted on the city’s website, www.Richmondgov.com, and through the leaf hotline, (804) 646-5323.

— JEREMY M. LAZARUS

The Honorable Mayor Dwight C. Jones presents the

Richmond

Richmond’s big snow means the city’s leaf collection is going to run further behind.

Heavy rains during December pushed back the city’s leaf vacuuming program by two weeks or more, the city Department of Public Works has acknowledged.

North Side resident Melissa Baker knows all too well about the delay. Six weeks ago, she raked leaves in her Miller Avenue yard to the street.

The city’s published schedule showed that leaf collection would take place between Nov. 30 and Dec. 11 in the Southern Barton Heights neighborhood on North Side where she lives.

After raking, Ms. Baker waited and waited for the city equipment to come by and pick up the leaves. She gave up. On Jan. 9, she and her mother, Winona Dutton, spent a few hours bagging the uncollected leaves.

“I didn’t think they would come,” Ms. Baker said.

To her bemusement, a few days later, the city posted signs that the leaf collection was to take place Wednesday, Jan. 20.

“What can you do?” Ms. Baker said.

But the snow forecast prevented the Jan. 20 work and assured other residents might not see leaf trucks for some time.

The trucks that collect the vacuumed leaves have been fitted with plows and are part of the city’s fleet that is clearing snow from streets.

According to Public Works, which divides the city into 15 residential areas for leaf collection, only four areas completed before the snow arrived: The Fan, Maymont-Byrd Park-Oregon Hill, the Museum District and Newtowne-CarverJackson Ward.

Collection is still underway in five other areas from Bellemeade in the South Side to Windsor Farms in the West End and Washington Park on North Side.

Meanwhile, leaf work was scheduled to begin this week in four other areas, Church Hill, Stony Point, Stratford Hills and Westover Hills-Forest

R I C H M O N D

r v RICHMOND

Weather woes delay leaf pickup

Cityscape

A new addition is comon the riverfront and in the ing to Richmond’s skyline. former Hotel John Marshall This rendering shows the at 5th and Franklin streets, new 21-story tower that is Slices of life and scenes announced the development to open in 2017 at 10th and last week. The big question in Richmond Byrd streets in Downtown. is whether Dominion Realty SunTrust Bank will occupy part of the building, Partners will include minority contractors in which will bear the bank’s name. The $93 mil- the project. The company faced sharp criticism lion structure also is to include 187 apartments from the Richmond NAACP several years ago on the upper floors. Dominion Realty Partners for failing to include minority contractors when LLC, which has developed apartment complexes it overhauled the former hotel.

RICHMOND

killed in December by Selena Cuffee-Glenn, the city’s chief administrative officer.

Last month, the Free Press reported that Ms. Cuffee-Glenn terminated a plan to use energy savings to undertake $13 million in improvements to various city buildings, ranging from City Hall to fire stations.

At the time, city press secretary Tammy Hawley told the Free Press that the Ms. CuffeeGlenn terminated the program because it would tie up too much of the city’s limited borrowing capacity.

The city is close to its self-imposed debt ceiling, and Ms. Hawley stated that the city didn’t have the “the debt capacity to dedicate to this effort.”

However, the state law governing this kind of program explicitly bars such energy contracts from being treated as a debt. The law states: “Such contracts shall stipulate that the agreement does not constitute a debt, liability or obligation of the contracting entity (a state or local agency or government), or a pledge of the faith and credit of the contracting entity.”

That’s a key reason that the state and many localities have repeatedly used energy savings to fix their public buildings.

Ms. Cuffee-Glenn has not responded to a Free Press query about the law and the city’s terminated program. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

RVA RICHMOND

Energy savings could generate $18 million to fuel an overhaul of heating and cooling systems, windows, lighting and other systems in as many as 10 Richmond Public Schools buildings.

That’s the view of Richmond Assistant Superintendent Tommy Kranz, who plans to get started creating this kind of program to get critically needed work done in the next year or two.

He expects to begin development of the program this winter. He said it could take up to a year to put the program in place. The process would include selecting a company to conduct an energy study and prepare a contract that would list the work to be done and the energy savings it would provide.

Mr. Kranz said the $18 million is just “a back-of-the-envelope” estimate. He said the actual number of schools that could be improved and the amount of savings that could be generated would have to wait for the detailed study.

Under such a program, the school system would repay the cost of the work over a number of years based on guarantees from the selected company that the improvements would generate a certain amount of savings on the school system’s bills for natural gas and electricity.

This is the same type of program that was

JDavis Architects

of the

Energy savings could yield $18M to fix city schools

Richmond RICHMOND Richmond richmond

About two dozen proud staff members, parents and students from Richmond’s Carver Elementary School stood to be acknowledged at last week’s School Board meeting at City Hall.

They were applauded because, for the second consecutive year, the school earned the distinction as Principal Yates a Title I Highly Distinguished School by the Virginia Department of Education.

Only nine schools across Virginia earned the distinction. To qualify, schools must exceed all state and federal accountability benchmarks for two consecutive years and achieve pass rates on reading and mathematics Standards of Learning tests at or above the 85th percentile.

This year’s awards are based on students achieving those benchmarks during the 20132014 and 2014-15 school years.

Carver Elementary also is a nominee for the National Blue Ribbon Award, which is based on a school’s overall academic excellence or its progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

Blue Ribbon award winners are usually announced in September and recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington.

Carver Principal Kiwana Yates praised all involved for the school’s successes.

“It takes a special person to light that fire, to raise our children’s expectations for themselves

Parking is available in the Marshall Street Lot. Entrance is on Marshall St. (heading east) on the left, between Adams and First streets.

Parking is also available in the lot at Adams and Grace streets.

Seating and parking are available on a first fi come, first served basis.

If you require any special accommodations, please contact Tameka Jefferson at 646-6936 or Tameka.Jefferson@RichmondGov.com.

MOND

Richmond Free Press

January 28-30, 2016

A3

On top of our game X1 from XFINITY® will change the way you experience TV We are a straight-up, no joke, can’t-get-enough sports family. If it’s on, we’ll watch it. And if it’s going to be on, we’ll know about it with personalized recommendations. We can even record up to 6 shows at once with the X1 DVR™ so we never miss a thing. Plus, X1 remembers the last 9 channels – so going from game, to game, to game is a breeze. XFINITY also delivers the fastest Internet in America, according to Speedtest.net, which means we’re connected to our favorite teams, from our favorite devices, from pre-season to the very last game. Now, if only winning a championship was as easy as XFINITY.

Get started with

89

XFINITY X1 Triple Play

$

99

per month for 24 months with 2-year agreement

Ask how to get a

X1 DVR™

service included for 12 months

$500 Visa® Prepaid Card

or

Free Samsung Galaxy Tab A

when you step up to a qualifying HD Triple Play

Call 1-855-538-4457 or visit xfinity.com today

Offer ends 2/7/16, and is limited to new residential customers. Not available in all areas. Requires subscription to Starter XF Triple Play with Digital Starter TV, Performance Pro Internet and XFINITY Voice Unlimited services. Early termination fee applies. Equipment, installation, taxes and fees, including regulatory recovery fees, Broadcast TV Fee (up to $5.00/mo.), Regional Sports Network Fee (up to $3.00/mo.) and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after the promo. After 12 months, regular monthly charge applies to DVR service (which includes HD Technology Fee). After applicable promo period, or if any service is cancelled or downgraded, regular rates apply. Comcast’s service charge for Starter XF Triple Play is $148.49/mo. and for DVR service is $19.95/mo., (pricing subject to change). Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. TV: Limited Basic service subscription required to receive other levels of service. XFINITY On Demand selections subject to charge indicated at time of purchase. Internet: America’s fastest Internet based on a report at Speedtest.net/awards/us. Speedtest is a trademark of Ookla, LLC. Used under license. Voice: $29.95 activation fee may apply. Service (including 911/emergency services) may not function after an extended power outage.

Money-Back Guarantee applies to one month’s recurring service charge and standard installation charges up to $500. Samsung and Galaxy Tab are registered trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Screen images simulated. Samsung Galaxy and Visa® prepaid card require subscription to qualifying HD Triple Play with minimum term agreement. Early termination fee applies. Prepaid card mailed to account holder within 18 weeks of activation of all required services and expires in 90 days. Cards issued by Citibank, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa® U.S.A. Inc. and managed by Citi Prepaid Services. Cards will not have cash access and can be used everywhere Visa® debit cards are accepted. © 2016 Comcast. All rights reserved.

NPA177808-0003 DIV16-1-203-AA-$89x24-A2

110673_NPA177808-0003 Game Day ad_A2_11x21.indd 1

12/29/15 5:05 PM

Richmond Free Press

A4 January 28-30, 2016

News

VSU Coach Thweatt calls it quits Continued from A1

and Bralynn. He and his family will move soon to Harrisonburg, he said.

At JMU, Coach Thweatt will work under incoming head coach Mike Houston, who recently replaced Everett Withers, who spent two seasons at JMU. Coach Withers left JMU for the head coaching job at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.

Virginia State University plays in the NCAA Division II in the CIAA. JMU competes on the next tier up, the Football Championship Series (FCS) in the Colonial Athletic Association.

Coach Thweatt grew up in Southern Chesterfield County, within a mile of the VSU campus in Ettrick. He was a star linebacker at Matoaca High School and the University of Virginia. He played in 2001 with the NFL Tennessee Titans before starting his coaching career.

Before succeeding Coach Scott at VSU, Coach Thweatt was an assistant coach one year at U.Va., his alma mater, and then at the University of Richmond from 2007 to 2014.

At UR, he was also a recruiting coordinator.

He admits he may have been a bit spoiled by coaching at higher classification schools with larger support staffs and budgets.

VSU was his first experience with an HBCU program and his first test as a head coach.

“There were some things I wasn’t used to, like dealing with equipment, monitoring study hall, things like that,” he said.

“Perhaps I wasn’t strong enough to fight through it. A good coach should make the most of every situation.”

Two agonizing, close losses kept the Trojans from contending for top CIAA honors.

VSU lost to the CIAA Northern Division champ, Bowie State University, 22-17 and to Northern Division runner-up, Virginia Union University, 28-27, in what turned out to be Coach Thweatt’s final game.

Both Bowie State and VUU advanced to the NCAA playoffs.

Coach Thweatt doesn’t rule out becoming a head coach again.

“Whatever happens, I’ll value my time at Virginia State,” he said, “and I will be a better coach in the future based on what I’ve learned here.”

VSU will open its 2016 season Sept. 3 at Lenoir-Rhyne University, a perennial playoff team, in Hickory, N.C. Also CIAA Southern Division juggernaut WinstonSalem State is on the Trojans’ schedule for the first time in many years.

Courtesy of VSU

Just a year ago, as this photo shows, Byron Thweatt was celebrating his selection as Virginia State University’s head football coach. The photo was published in the Jan. 15-17, 2015, edition of the Free Press. With him, from left, are interim VSU President Pamela V. Hammond, VSU Athletic Director Peggy Davis, wife Mieya Thweatt and their three daughters.

Paydazed in RVA: High-fee payday loan traps Henrico man Continued from A1

Regina H. Boone/Detroit Free Press

Ariana Hawk uses bottled water to bathe her 2-year-old son, Sincere Smith, whose body has rashes from bathing in contaminated water in Flint, Mich. Ms. Hawk’s youngest child, Ali-ana, 1, watches.

TIME features photo

by Regina H. Boone Continued from A1

tap water to drink, bathe in or cook with again.

Ms. Boone, 46, is the daughter of Free Press President/Publisher Jean Patterson Boone and the late Raymond H. Boone Sr., founder of the award-winning weekly newspaper. She honed her photography skills at the Free Press from 1997 through 2001, and has worked as a photographer for the Detroit Free Press since 2003.

The TIME cover photo was among a series of Ms. Boone’s photographs of Sincere and other Flint residents published by the Detroit newspaper to accompany a Jan. 17 article on Flint’s toxic water situation.

In an interview Sunday from Michigan, Ms. Boone said she was notified in a Jan. 20 call from TIME senior photo editor Myles Little that her photograph was seen by TIME editors and selected for the magazine cover.

“I was in shock,” she said. “I can’t even say I have dreamed of being on the cover of TIME magazine because it’s such an honor,” Ms. Boone said. “This came out of left field.”

Ben Goldberger, nation editor at TIME, told a Free Press reporter Tuesday that Ms. Boone’s photo was chosen “because it captured the human stakes of the crisis in Flint.

“Too often, stories about policy and infrastructure seem abstract and detached from real life. What’s been happening in Flint has very real consequences for the daily lives of almost 100,000 American citizens,” he said. “Regina’s intimate, moving image perfectly illustrated this tragedy.”

Ms. Boone said she is overwhelmed by the outpouring of congratulations she has received from family and friends in her hometown of Richmond; from Baltimore where she was raised; from Atlanta, where she attended Spelman College; and other locales around the world where she has lived or visited.

Ms. Boone’s important work also has been recognized on national TV shows, including MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and “The Rachel Maddow Show.”

Acknowledgments also have flooded in via social media from countless people she doesn’t know, thanking Ms. Boone for drawing focus to the critical problem.

“It’s been amazing,” Ms. Boone said.

“I didn’t even realize how this would impact others.”

Ms. Boone explained that she took the photograph of the toddler during a Jan. 13 assignment when she and Detroit Free Press reporter Elisha Anderson visited the home of Sincere’s mother, Ariana Hawk.

“My heart just became so heavy,” she said of first seeing the child, whose face, Ms. Boone arms and body were covered with fine bumps. “His mother told us he had gotten the rashes after she bathed him in the contaminated water,” she said.

The problems began in 2014, after Michigan officials decided to switch Flint’s water source from Lake Huron to the Flint River as a cost-saving measure amid a financial emergency.

Children and adults were sickened by the water, with reports of rashes, hair loss and other illnesses. High levels of lead can cause permanent neurological damage in children and older people. After a national outcry grew and people began to call for public officials responsible for the disaster to be fired or resign, the water source was switched back to Lake Huron in October.

“I’m honored that Sincere is putting a face to his horrible mess,” Ms. Boone said of the TIME cover photo.

“This shouldn’t be an issue in the United States in a city like Flint,” she added. “Water in any city in America should be a given. No one should have to think about having to buy water to bathe in, cook with or drink.”

Ms. Boone said she felt it imperative to tell the story of Sincere and others in Flint, a city of 99,000 people, 40 percent of whom live in poverty.

“I walked into their house that was

very bare and sparse,” she said of Ms. Hawk’s home. “I could tell the family was struggling. Then, I saw this very cute little boy, who had rashes all over his body,” she added.

“From the moment I saw him, I began to observe him. I became attached to him in a way and I felt his pain. We just clicked.

“I began to feel this was no ordinary assignment,” said Ms. Boone, who has covered other high-profile stories such as the death and funeral of civil rights icon Rosa Parks, political scandals, court cases and the bankruptcy of Detroit for the Detroit Free Press.

“I began to feel a responsibility for this little boy,” Ms. Boone said. “At one point, I just put my camera down and I actually spoke to him. I said, ‘Sincere, I just want to tell you I’m taking your picture because you’re such a beautiful child. I promise one day my pictures are going to help you feel better.’ ’’ Ms. Hawk said Ms. Boone “is an angel and godsend” for focusing the nation’s attention on Flint’s health crisis.

“We went through two years without people knowing what we have been going through,” Ms. Hawk, 25, said. “Now, because of her photo of my son, people all over the world are seeing how our people here are suffering.

“This will open a lot of doors for the people in this city, I believe, not just my son,” she added.

She said she cried when she saw her son’s photo on the TIME magazine cover.

“It made a powerful statement. That’s all I wanted for anybody to see. There’s some real people here and we need help now,” she said.

Ms. Boone said she wishes her father, a fierce journalist and advocate for the people before his death in June 2014, could share this moment with her.

“I know how proud my father would have been,” she said. “But I know he’s smiling now and I know he’s with me and helping to guide me.

“I’m a living legacy of my father, helping to carry on his mission — just like my mother and brother — by telling stories and making a difference in the lives of people.”

Welcome to the world of payday and car title loans, where lenders are legally allowed by the state to charge huge fees and interest rates to desperate people with checkered credit.

Mr. Garrett’s story is all too typical of the estimated 140,000 Virginians who annually are entrapped in the interest web of such lenders that the Virginia Poverty Law Center describes as “legalized loan sharks” and even the federal government calls “predatory.”

More than 20 states ban such lenders, including neighboring Maryland, North Carolina and West Virginia. The federal government has capped interest rates on all consumer loans to members of the military at 36 percent.

But Virginia has rolled out the welcome mat, imposing few restrictions and allowing such lenders to charge 224 percent to 305 percent interest to credit-strapped people. One big attraction: No credit checks.

Virginia’s laws also have giant loopholes that allow lenders like Advance ‘Til Payday and TitleMax to avoid the regulations that exist.

“If it’s predatory, it’s because we allow them to be. We set the rules,” according to Delegate Mark Sickles, a Democrat from Alexandria.

Efforts in Virginia to follow the federal model and cap interest rates at far lower levels have been unsuccessful.

However, payday loan companies like Advance ‘Til Payday would likely be unaffected — having found creative ways to avoid typical regulations and state licensing.

To get around potential limits on interest, the Nevada-chartered, Illinois-based Advanced ‘Til Payday doesn’t charge interest, according to the contract a client signs.

Instead, the company provides what it calls an interest-free line of credit and requires a borrower like Mr. Garrett to pay a monthly “participation fee” of $80.

Advance ‘Til Payday also uses a different description of its clients. Instead of borrowers, the company calls clients “members,” as if it were a loan club. To end his membership, Mr. Garrett had to pay the fee and the full amount he borrowed at one time. If he did not pay what he borrowed as well as the fee, he would owe at least another monthly participation fee.

If the $100 loan had been outstanding for a year, he would have paid a total of $960 in participation fees, the equivalent of 960 percent interest on the original loan.

Like other payday lenders, Advance ‘Til Payday only required that Mr. Garrett be over age 18, have a bank account and a job or a verifiable source of income to get the loan.

According to a federal study, the average payday borrower pays $520 in fees and needs a half-year to pay off a payday loan, which typically is made for two weeks to 30 days, depending on when the person is to receive the next paycheck.

In the car-title world, companies like TitleMax get around state regulations by moving their clients into a consumer finance loan when the amount borrowed exceeds $2,500. Currently, state law does not put a cap on the interest and fees a company can charge on consumer loans that exceed $2,500. Last year, such lenders repossessed 20,000 vehicles from Virginia borrowers who could not afford the loans, according to state data.

The average title loan runs $950, it typically takes 10 months to repay the loan, meaning that, on average, borrowers pay $2,140 in interest, the Center for Responsible Lending reported in a recent study.

Despite stories like Mr. Garrett’s over the years, reformers have remained in a distinct minority in the General Assembly, no matter which party is in charge.

Every year, bills calling for a 36 interest cap on all consumer loans have been blocked by a bipartisan majority of legislators who support such loans or who receive large campaign contributions from such lenders. Senate Minority Leader Richard L. “Dick” Saslaw, a Democrat from Fairfax, has received more than $230,000 during the past decade from trade groups representing such lenders, according to the Virginia Public Access Project, which monitors campaign contributions.

Reformers have been unsuccessful during the 2016 General Assembly session, despite Gov. Terry McAuliffe adding his voice to the call for a blanket 36 percent interest cap.

In response, Sen. Saslaw on Monday rallied the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee to kill every bill that would have imposed such a cap, destroying any hope of changing the situation for the Donald Garretts of Virginia.

Only a few members of the committee stood up to support the interest cap, including two members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, Sen. Rosalyn R. Dance, D-Petersburg, and Sen. L. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth.

A fresh wave of such reform bills is moving in the House of Delegates. But even if they are approved by the House, such bills are considered likely to die when they hit the Senate committee.

“I shudder every time I get near Advance ‘Til Payday thinking about what happened to me,” Mr. Garrett said. “I see others going inside. I just wish I could warn them. ‘Don’t do it,’ I’d tell them. ‘Find some other way.’ Those people are devils.”

Richmond Free Press

January 28-30, 2016 A5

Local News

Bus Rapid Transit would cost $3.6M annually to operate

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

GRTC would need a larger city subsidy to keep the proposed Bus Rapid Transit service called Pulse in operation, but perhaps not as big as some critics have suggested, according to the company.

In a report released Sunday, Greater Richmond Transit Co. estimates that Richmond taxpayers would need to provide between $345,000 to $775,000 a year to cover the city’s share of BRT operations. The actual amount depends on whether BRT is a hit with commuters and attracts additional daily riders.

GRTC’s estimate, which is based on an assumption of receiving state and federal help, is far less than the $2 million to $5 million an opposition group called RVA Coalition for Smart Transit has estimated the city would have to provide to support the faster transit service that is to run 18 hours a day between Rocketts Landing and The Shops at Willow Lawn shopping center.

Jonathan Marcus, chair of the coalition that includes the Richmond Branch of the NAACP and 10 civic and neighborhood groups, said he’s skeptical about the transit company’s projections.

“The report raises a lot of questions only one or two shuttle routes were that still need answers,” he said. approved.

Meanwhile, a separate BRT GRTC released its projected revadvocacy group, Partnership for enue and expenditure report for BRT Smarter Growth, sent form letters ahead of a planned Richmond City to potential supporters, urging them Council meeting Monday at which to copy and email the letter to City the nine-member governing body was Council members to lobby for apto consider whether to allow BRT proval of BRT. construction to proceed. The meetThe cost to construct BRT is esing was canceled, however, because timated at $49 million, with the city of snow. A decision on BRT is to Mr. Marcus paying about $7.6 million of that and come at council’s next meeting on Henrico County contributing $400,000. The Monday, Feb. 8. biggest share, $41 million, would come from The report shows that GRTC anticipates federal and state funds. spending $3.6 million to $3.76 million a year Richmond currently spends about $12.9 mil- to operate BRT. If approved by council, BRT lion a year to support GRTC’s existing bus and construction would begin in the spring, and the CARE van operations. Any money to support system would begin operating October 2017, BRT’s operation would come on top of that GRTC has said. existing subsidy.

GRTC offered its cost and revenue estimates GRTC’s deficit projection for BRT, though, for the period July 1, 2017, through June 30, does not include an additional $1.2 million to 2021, which would represent the first five fis$2.4 million a year that the transit company cal years. projects would be needed to operate three According to the report, GRTC expects to proposed shuttles in the East End to improve collect between $750,000 and $1.2 million a connections to BRT for residents of Creighton, year in fares, with the highest amount based on Church Hill, Fulton and the Mosby and Whitcomb an average of 3,500 riders a day. The fare would neighborhoods. That cost would be smaller if be $1.50 one way, the same as a current bus fare,

GRTC has said.

To reduce the burden on the city, GRTC assumes that state and federal governments would provide a combined $750,000 a year to support BRT operations. The company acknowledges there is no guarantee such funding would be available.

Richmond would have to pick up that expense if the state and federal governments did not.

GRTC’s estimate of Richmond’s projected subsidy for BRT also is based on the company saving about $1.1 million a year by reducing runs of its current Broad Street Route 6, the local bus that BRT is to largely replace. GRTC expects most of the Broad Street Route 6 passengers to shift to BRT service.

The report states that Richmond’s subsidy could be lower if the transit company saves money by implementing additional route modifications and efficiencies. GRTC is conducting a route study this year to provide recommendations for route changes based on BRT’s development.

GRTC also noted that BRT will benefit from a subsidy from Henrico County. About 0.8 miles of BRT will be located in the county, GRTC stated in its report, which will require the county to provide an additional $206,000 to $219,000 a year to support BRT’s operations.

GOP-controlled General Assembly bucks McAuliffe’s choice in court drama

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Raymond H. Boone Jr./Richmond Free Press

Renowned hip-hop artist in city Hip-hop artist KRS-One, aka “Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everybody,” stops by Virginia Union University’s bookstore Wednesday. He’s in Richmond for several speaking and performance engagements. Once dubbed “the conscience of hip-hop,” KRS-One gained fame in the mid-1980s with Boogie Down Productions. With 20 albums to his credit, he is considered one of hip-hop’s top emcees.

He also is the author of three books on the musical genre and in 1989 established the “Stop the Violence” movement.

In Richmond, he was a featured panelist Wednesday afternoon at “Unapologetically Black: Hip Hop’s Effect on Black Liberation” at Virginia Commonwealth University. He is performing 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at The National, 708 E. Broad St., in Downtown.

The fate of Virginia Supreme Court Justice Jane Marum Roush is expected to be determined this week, with expectations that she will once again fail to win General Assembly election to remain on the state’s highest court.

In the latest twist in this continuing drama surrounding a judicial appointment, the House of Delegates is to vote Thursday, Jan. 28, on whether Justice Roush is to receive a 12-year appointment on the state Supreme Court or be forced to step down by mid-February.

House Speaker William J. Howell announced the date Tuesday. He also stated the House would consider two candidates: Justice Roush and Judge Rossie D. Alston Jr., a member of the state’s intermediate Court of Appeals.

The Republican speaker made it clear, though, that he expects the winner to be Judge Alston in this partisan fight that has entangled both judges. Republicans hold 66 seats in the 100-member House of Delegates.

“Since last August, the House has maintained that Judge Alston is the most qualified choice for the current vacancy,” Speaker Howell stated in his release.

Judge Alston “is a widely respected and experienced Court of Appeals judge who has earned the endorsement of every major bar association in the commonwealth,” he said.

As for Justice Roush, the speaker stated that she disqualified herself by accepting what he deems an illegal temporary appointment in September from the state’s top Democrat, Gov. Terry McAuliffe, that kept her on Justice Roush the court.

Justice Roush, who previously served on the Prince William County Circuit Court, has been caught in the high court appointment drama on and off since last summer.

Initially, she was appointed to fill a vacancy on the high court last summer by Gov. McAuliffe. He was able to fill the seat because the legislature was not in session.

However, Speaker Howell, feeling offended because the governor did not consult him before making the appointment, vowed to remove Justice Roush.

She was removed in August when the Republican-controlled General Assembly declined to consider her during a special session. But the seat remained empty when the 40-member Senate tied 20-20 on a largely party line vote seeking to replace her with Judge Alston.

Justice Roush is the first gubernatorial appointee to be rejected for a state Supreme Court seat since 1900.

She returned to the high court af-

ter the governor appointed her a second time following the legislature’s special session. The governor ignored Speaker Howell’s claim that the House was still in special session. If that were the case, the governor could Judge Alston not have acted.

Even if she were to overcome long odds and surprisingly win the House vote, she would also need to win a majority vote of the Senate.

Currently, there are 21 Republicans and 19 Democrats in the Senate. However, one Republican, new Richmond Sen. Glen H. Sturtevant Jr., already has said he will break ranks and vote with Democrats to support Justice Roush and reject Judge Alston.

His vote would create a 20-20 split in the Senate, with a tie vote meaning her appointment would fail. If the same vote were to happen for Judge Alston, his appointment to the high court also would fail.

The seat on the seven-member Supreme Court would remain vacant if a compromise candidate does not emerge. Justice Roush possibly could return to the court with another appointment by the governor after the legislature adjourns. She could continue to serve until the legislature reconvened.

‘Let Freedom Ring’ initiative aimed at healing America Continued from A1

seum exhibits, lectures, films, town halls and other events throughout area of Colonial Williamsburg. It February. has been at its present location, 727 The high-profile events are deScotland St., since 1956. signed by Colonial Williamsburg The Rev. Reginald F. Davis, Foundation officials to provide a pastor at First Baptist, said he more inclusive portrayal of the welcomes individuals and groups history of African-Americans in uniting to help achieve the unfinColonial Williamsburg, according ished business of social justice for to Mr. Straw. all in the nation.

Mr. Reiss started his job as founda“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., tion president in October 2014. He is who prayed in our church, said that among those leading efforts to more freedom rings,” Dr. Davis stated. “A fairly portray African-American hissilent bell represents unfinished work tory in the restored area. In addition to of freedom and equality. This bell, in stationing African-American interpretthis sacred and historic church, will ers throughout Colonial Williamsburg be silent no more.” to share the story with visitors, the The bell and the church belfry were foundation also has hired historians restored with a $52,000 grant from the Anthony Cohen of The Menare FounFord Foundation, according to Joseph dation, which seeks to preserve the Straw, a spokesperson for the Colonial history of the Underground Railroad, Williamsburg Foundation. and Ted Maris-Wolf, a scholar on The bell was acquired by the church enslavement, to enhance the foundain the late 19th century and has been tion’s programs. silent since the days of segregation, Mr. Reiss took another important Photo by Darnell Vennie/The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation even in the presence of famed worstep after a consultant noticed during shipers at the church, including Dr. Dr. Reginald F. Davis, right, pastor of First Baptist Church, shares a moment with Mitchell B. Reiss, a 2015 visit to the Williamsburg Inn president and CEO of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, inside the historic African-American church King and Mrs. Parks. about a dozen brass doorstops that in Williamsburg.

“The First Baptist Church and its depicted crude racial stereotypes of formers are to include Ms. Warwick, African-Americans. bell encapsulate the complex and at times tragic ring the bell and join in this moveMs. Spalding, the Hampton University Mr. Reiss directed officials at the inn, which history of race relations in America,” stated ment that honors the past and the Choir and Valerie Simpson of Ashford the foundation owns, to turn the doorstops into Mitchell B. Reiss, president and CEO of the tragedies, triumphs and perseverance and Simpson fame.

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, which oper- of African-Americans as a people and something “teachable and affirmative” by meltAt the concert, Dr. Lafayette will ing them down and recasting the brass into a ates the historic restored area of Williamsburg what we went through during slavery be honored as a leader of the Selma plaque bearing the words from an iconic speech that served as capital of the Virginia colony and the Civil Rights Movement and Voting Rights Movement and as a by Dr. King. from 1699 to 1780. now today,” Sue Wilson, chair of First founder of the Center for Nonviolence The plaque will be donated to First Baptist At the time, “roughly 50 percent of the city Baptist’s communications ministry, and Peace Studies at the University Church, where Dr. King spoke in the summer of Williamsburg’s population was African- told the Free Press. of Rhode Island.

American and nearly all of those people were “And by doing so, we signal that of 1962, Mr. Straw said.

Additionally, on Saturday, Jan. “These pieces are a symbol of the casual enslaved,” Mr. Straw said. we’re coming together to make the Mrs. Wilson 30, “A Century of African-American prejudice and outright racism that existed here, “The bell’s restoration not only demonstrates commitment for the completion of our recognition of the past,” Mr. Reiss added, “it a more perfect union,” she added. “This is Quilts” exhibit will open at the DeWitt Wallace even among the generation of leaders that also symbolizes our determination to continue calling attention to the unfinished business Decorative Arts Museum, 326 W. Francis St. brought us liberty,” Mr. Reiss said. “We are The exhibit will feature 12 quilts made still reconciling those contradictions today. the march toward justice and the ‘more perfect of the nation of providing equal opportunity

by African-Americans between 1875 and “Turning those objects of cruelty and subjuunion’ envisioned by the Founding Fathers on for all.” these very streets.”

Later on Feb. 1, Mr. Glover is scheduled to the mid-1900s. The Colonial Williamsburg gation into something truly affirmative is an apt “With this one simple act, we can get people host a invitation-only Concert for Hope from 7 Foundation and The College of William & metaphor for our nation’s unfinished progress from across the country to take their turn to to 9 p.m. at the Williamsburg Inn, where per- Mary also will feature a series of special mu- and our need to keep at it.”

Richmond Free Press

Snow-covered pine cone in the West End

Editorial Page

A6

January 28-30, 2016

History’s change agents

Monday, Feb. 1, marks the start of Black History Month.

Schools, churches, civic organizations and businesses of all types, including the media and public television, begin paying special attention to African-Americans and their long history of political, cultural, social and civic contributions to the building of this nation.

Here at the Richmond Free Press, we believe that history is made every day. And as we enter our 25th year of operation, we remain the only independent media voice in Greater Richmond committed to telling the stories of life and events involving our community that scholars and African-American history programs will be based upon Carter G. Woodson in the future.

When many of us were in school, Black History Month either wasn’t recognized or it was relegated to a week — Black History Week. That’s when the handful of “cool” black teachers at Richmond’s newly desegregated schools got the spotlight and the microphone at the school assembly and tried to convey lessons about historical figures that should be a part of everyone’s knowledge base.

Hopefully, today, Black History lessons are part of the everyday school curriculum and not left to a week or a month of special focus.

Associated Press/Wide World

The late Ruth E. Tinsley of Richmond is dragged by police across Broad Street in Downtown after she ignored an order to move on while picketing against segregation at the old Thalhimer’s department store.

When scholar Carter G. Woodson of Virginia established Negro History Week in the early 1900s, it wasn’t just for history’s sake. By celebrating Black History Month, we are celebrating change. We are marking the movement forward of this nation and the men, women and children — the change agents — who have helped propel that progress.

We are remembering those who brought freedom, helped win the vote, broke down barriers of race, gender, religion and region, whose personal endurance and commitment to education and opportunity and equal rights and justice and excellence resulted in personal achievement while paving the way and opening doors for others.

During this month — and throughout the year — we ask that our readers participate in programs where they can see, hear and be inspired by those whose histories already are in the books, speakers such as Wyatt T. Walker of Chesterfield, who was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s lieutenant; the Rev. Jeremiah Wright of Chicago, who attended VUU and later became a spiritual adviser to President Obama; and L. Douglas Wilder of Richmond, the first AfricanAmerican in the nation to be elected governor.

All are on programs scheduled within the next few days. Take yourself, take your kids, take your family to hear them.

Jerome Reid/Richmond Free Press

People remain in line to vote nearly two hours after the polls closed in the February 2008 Democratic presidential primary election after Chesterfield County ran out of ballots. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton were on the ballot.

While we celebrate the change and the change agents who have moved this nation closer to the promises of freedom and equality upon which it was built, we must recognize that we, too, have a role in fostering that change.

When we went to the ballot box and cast a vote for Doug Wilder or Barack Obama, we helped create the change we now celebrate. When we or our parents or grandparents marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. or picketed segregated stores and lunch counters in Downtown, when we now voice our opinions and make recommendations before City Council or the School Board or at community meetings, when we contact our elected representatives, or spend time working with young people, we are helping to create change. Your work, your actions, your vote will be the change that will be written about tomorrow as our history.

Remember, Black History is not just a day, a week or a month. It’s change over a lifetime.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Palin family hypocrisy airmen and every other member of the military so sacrificially have given to this country. And that starts from the top,” Ms. Palin said. “It’s a shame that our military personnel even have to wonder, if they have to question, if they’re respected anymore. It starts from the top. The question though that comes from our own president where they have to look at him and wonder, do you know what we go through?

Do you know what we’re trying to do to secure America and to secure the freedoms that have been bequeathed us?”

Democratic strategist Donna Brazile said to Anderson Cooper on CNN, “You have known me for a long time, so I’m just gonna say it: she’s a liar. That’s a damn lie.”

Ms. Brazile said the Republican-controlled House cut more than $1.4 billion that President Obama had proposed in a budget for veterans’ services.

Veterans’ groups made similar comments.

“It’s not President Obama’s fault that Sarah Palin’s son has PTSD,” said Paul Rieckhoff, head of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).

“PTSD is a very serious problem, a complicated mental health injury and I would be extremely reluctant to blame any one person in particular.”

Another Palin offspring, Bristol, has also proven to be a hypocrite.

She earned nearly a million dollars for giving abstinenceonly speeches yet had two children out of wedlock. After

having her first child as an unwed teen, Bristol Palin became a vocal advocate for teen abstinence, earning $15,000 to $30,000 per speech.

She was 18 when she had her first child, shortly after her mother was selected to become Sen. McCain’s running mate. The family announced that Bristol would be marrying Levi Johnston, the baby’s father, but the couple broke up before sharing wedding vows.

Under circumstances strikingly similar to her first pregnancy, Bristol Palin, 25, announced last year that she was pregnant a second time after becoming engaged to Dakota Meyer, a Medal of Honor recipient. However, that relationship also ended and the couple never made it to the altar.

Of course, the Palins are human like everyone else. But all we expect is that they accept responsibility for their actions — instead of pointing the finger at everyone except themselves.

The writer is president and CEO of George Curry Media.

ACA eliminates barriers to health care

bonniewinston@richmondfreepress.com

Since former half-term Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin erupted on the national scene by telling everyone she could see Russia from her porch in Alaska, she has been lecturing everyone about accepting responsibility.

For example, speaking to Te a P a r t y supporters in Nashville in 2010, Ms. Palin said, “My plan is quite simple. To support those who support the foundation of our country when it comes to the economy. It is free-market principles that reward hard work and personal responsibility.”

As Professor Melissa HarrisPerry explained, the “language of personal responsibility is often a code language used against poor and minority communities.”

For sure, accepting “personal responsibility” is not a trait of the Palin family. Take the latest family drama in the news — the arrest of Track Palin on Jan. 18 in Wasilla, Alaska, for domestic violence. According to formal complaints, the son of Senator John McCain’s 2008 vice presidential running mate was charged with assault and misconduct involving weapons.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the complaint, Jordan Loewe, Track Palin’s girlfriend, stated he physically attacked her and threatened to commit suicide.

“Loewe stated the following:

The passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) promised to improve the delivery of health care services in America — especially for historically disadvantaged communities that suffer high rates of chronic illness.

The ACA has begun to deliver on that promise, but work still remains to ensure all who need healthcare in the most prosperous nation on earth can receive it.

Healthcare. gov is now available for the open enrollment period through Sunday, Jan. 31. It’s imperative that members of the African-American community take advantage of this opportunity to access the coverage and care they need.

Some of the greatest gains in reducing the number of uninsured people in the United States have been realized in theAfrican-American community, which has seen a 30 percent increase in those with health insurance. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), nearly 8 million African-Americans now have access to critical preventive services, including mammograms and flu shots.

She and her boyfriend of one year, Track Palin, left a different residence together and were arguing the whole way home. Once they got to his home they argued in the car, then in the driveway.

They were screaming and he was calling her names. “...Palin approached Loewe and struck her on the left side of her head near her eye with a closed fist. Loewe then got on

George Curry the ground in a fetal position because she didn’t know what else he would do. Palin then kicked Lowe on the right knee.”

The report also noted, “Sergeant Rader observed Loewe to have bruising and swelling around her left eye. She complained of pain to that area as well as to her right knee. He observed a small red area near her knee. The involved firearm, an unloaded AR-15 rifle was located on the kitchen counter.”

Rather than urging her 26-yearold son to accept personal responsibility for striking his girlfriend with his fist, Sarah Palin chose to blame President Obama.

She said her son, an Army reservist who served in Iraq in 2008 under President George W. Bush, was suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. “My son like so many others, they come back a bit different, they come back hardened, they come back wondering if there is that respect for what it is that their fellow soldiers and

The benefit is extended further for adults whose children up to age 26 can remain on their parent’s health insurance. That includes some 500,000 AfricanAmericans.

Now, our focus turns to educating and mobilizing groups where more work needs to be done, in particular with African-

Pat Maryland American males. Within this group, 43 percent suffer from high blood pressure, compared to nearly 34 percent of all white men. And black males are more than 30 percent more likely to contract lung cancer, even though their overall exposure to cigarette smoke, the primary risk factor for the disease, is lower. These rates are primarily attributed to affordability and limited access to care. Thanks to the ACA, those limitations to care have been lifted.

For those living in poor and minority communities, cost has always been a major barrier to care. However, access to care is now more broadly available, thanks to an expansion of Medicaid in many states, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and health insurance subsidies for millions of individuals and families. In fact, according to HHS,

if more states took advantage of these provisions, upwards of 95 percent of African- Americans would qualify. Unfortunately, some states remain reluctant to participate, so access to coverage is limited to some who need it most.

Another barrier to health insurance is lack of information.

Therefore, our job — yours and mine — is to help spread the word about the ease of signing up for insurance using Healthcare.gov.

For those who have used the program before, it is important that they review their policy to see if it still meets their needs and fits within their budget. For those would-be first-timers, take them by the hand and lead them through the site.

The Affordable Care Act has begun to meet its goal of revitalizing our health care system and making it more accessible and affordable to all Americans.

As we make our way through this latest enrollment period, our mission is to ensure more African-Americans have the information they need to make informed choices about their healthcare. Ultimately, we know this will help lead to a higher overall quality of life.

The writer is president of health care operations and chief operating officer for Ascension Health.

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

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

Richmond Free Press 422 East Franklin Street Richmond, VA 23219 Telephone (804) 644-0496 FAX (804) 643-7519 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 27709 Richmond, VA 23261 ______________

Founder Raymond H. Boone President – Publisher Jean P. Boone Managing Editor Bonnie V. Winston Vice President – New Business Development Raymond H. Boone Jr.

jrboone@richmondfreepress.com

Vice President – News Enhancement Jeremy M. Lazarus Vice President – Production April A. Coleman Staff Writers Fred Jeter, Joey Matthews Frances Crutchfield Hazel Trice Edney Photographers Sandra Sellars James Haskins, Rudolph Powell and Clinton A. Strane ______________

Vice President – Administration Tracey L. Oliver Advertising Traffic Coordinator Cynthia Downing Advertising Fax: (804) 643-5436 e-mail: advertising@richmondfreepress.com classifieds@richmondfreepress.com

National Advertising Representative EPMG ______________

Distribution Reed Marshall LLC ______________

Richmond Free Press is published weekly by Paradigm Communications, Inc. Copies of the Richmond Free Press (one copy per person) are free of charge at outlets in the Richmond area. Back copies are available at the Free Press office at $3 per copy. Bulk orders can be made prior to any upcoming edition at special rates.

A Publication of

PARADIGM COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

422 East Franklin Street Richmond, VA 23219 Telephone (804) 644-0496

Richmond Free Press

January 28-30, 2016

A7

Letters to the Editor

Voter registrar ‘needs to be replaced’

Kudos to Richmond Free Press reporter Jeremy Lazarus for his recent exposé on Richmond Voter Registrar Kirk Showalter.

She is incompetent and needs to be immediately replaced.

Recently, the State Board of Elections hauled Ms. Showalter before its body to address concerns of “consistent and alarming” problems in her office during the recent Richmond City elections. Problems at Richmond polls ran the gamut, from inability of poll workers to check in voters, including Gov. Terry McAuliffe, to registered voters being given the incorrect state Senate ballot!

Instead of acting like a professional and acknowledging her numerous missteps, Ms. Showalter instead blamed the state Board of Elections for engaging in “politics.”

Edgardo Cortés, the state commis-

sioner of elections, called Ms. Showalter’s allegations of political misconduct “preposterous.” James B. Alcorn, the state elections board chairman, retorted that Ms. Showalter’s office should be “more transparent.”

This is not Ms. Showalter’s first transgression. Nearly four years ago, she improperly denied two Richmond candidates access to the ballot. They were later reinstated after a successful lawsuit was filed against her. That particular fiasco cost city taxpayers more than $100,000 because of her error!

Ms. Showalter’s tenure as the city registrar is a disaster and she needs to go now! Enough is enough.

JOSEPH D. “JOE” MORRISSEY Richmond

Work continues on women’s reproductive rights As President Obama concluded his last State of the Union, his message to the American people was clear, if a little unconventional.

He set expectations low of working with the conservative-controlled Congress in his remaining months. However, he set high expectations for the American people. He issued a call to action for all Americans to take our future into our own hands, urging us to fulfill our civic duty by voting, engaging in public service and even protesting.

Looking ahead to a year full of peril and opportunity for black women’s reproductive health, I can say that black women already are heeding this call.

This is the year we reclaim Roe v. Wade for our sisters, our daughters and ourselves, for all black women for whom the right to abortion services is not a reality. And while we join with others to commemorate the 43rd anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the Roe case this month, we cannot pretend that the right is enjoyed equally for all women.

In 2016, we will double our efforts to ensure that the EACH Woman Act, which would ensure that all women receive insurance coverage for abortion health care services regardless of how they receive their insurance coverage, is passed in Congress. We will work with our sisters in the states to eliminate barriers to abortion care. And we will work to educate our policymakers on the devastating impact anti-abortion laws have on the reproductive

health of women.

As I look ahead to a monumental U.S. Supreme Court decision and a presidential election, I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with black women within the reproductive justice movement who refuse to allow politicians to divide our civil rights from our reproductive rights. We are already defining for ourselves what liberation looks like and demanding accountability from politicians to either stand with us or get out of our way.

We demand good schools, voting rights, healthy environments, safe communities free from state-sanctioned violence, and we demand the ability to end a pregnancy, as well as to have and raise our children.

When it comes to the right to safe and legal abortion, our voices are needed more than ever. We overwhelmingly believe that abortion should be covered by health insurance (76 percent) and support the right of women to have access to affordable abortion care in our own communities (71 percent).

Our reproductive health, our economic health, the health and well-being of our children, our families and our communities are linked.

As we fight for one, we fight for all.

MARCELA HOWELL Washington The writer is executive director of In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Agenda, a nonprofit policy initiative.

‘It is wrong to name a public school after an unrepentant segregationist leader’ In the last few months, a grassroots movement of Henrico parents and students has called on the Henrico County School Board to rename the Harry F. Byrd Middle School.

We believe it is fundamentally wrong to name a public school after an unrepentant segregationist leader who actively deprived public education to thousands of poor black children for years. We are poised to win, but we need your help.

As the leader of the “Byrd Machine,” U.S. Sen. Harry F. Byrd Sr. was a lifelong segregationist and an ardent proponent of Jim Crow laws.

In 1954, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. Board of Education that segregated public schools were unconstitutional, Sen. Byrd responded by organizing Virginia’s “Massive Resistance” movement. Vowing to do whatever it took to prevent black students from ever attending schools with white students, Sen. Byrd arranged for any public school subject to court-ordered desegregation to be shut down. Thousands of poor black children throughout Virginia were deprived of any public education for years, while white families were provided with state-subsidized

tuition assistance to their children to attend segregated white schools.

Beginning this past December, our group aggressively called on the Henrico School Board to change the name of Harry F. Byrd Middle School.

In just two months, we received extensive TV, radio and newspaper coverage, including an Associated Press story that went national.

The Henrico County School Board is taking this issue very seriously. It has committed to issuing a report in February on the financial impact of the name change.

If you agree that it is wrong to have young students attend a school named in honor of a segregationist leader who deprived thousands of black students from attending public schools, please help us: Sign and share our online petition drive at change.org: tinyurl.com/renamebyrd 2. Email the Henrico School Board at schoolboard@henrico.k12.va.us 3. Attend an upcoming Henrico School Board meeting and speak in support of changing the name. See http://henricoschools.us/school-board/ for the School Board schedule.

4. Widely share this information with your friends.

For more information about

our organization, please visit our website at www.renamebyrd.org and “like” our Facebook page, Rename Harry Flood Byrd Middle School.

ROBERT VOORHIS Henrico County

YOU CAN STILL FILE

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Get rid of debts that you can’t pay.

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

Also Chapter 13 “Debt Adjustment” STOPS FORECLOSURES, GARNISHMENTS AND HARASSING PHONE CALLS OTHER LEGAL SERVICES PROVIDED: Divorce, Separation, Custody, Support, Home Buy or Sell

Start with as little as $100

Call Rudy McCollum at (804)218-3614

24-7.Talk to an attorney for free

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

Rudolph C. McCollum, Jr., Esq. McCollum At Law, P.C.

Mail to: P.O. Box 4595, Richmond, VA 23220 422 E. Franklin St., Suite 301, Richmond, VA 23219 (Franklin & 5th Sts.) 119 N. Sycamore St., 1st Flr., Petersburg, VA 23803 (Sycamore off Washington St.) We are a federally designated Debt Relief Agency under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and we help people file for bankruptcy.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE RICHMOND 2016 BOARD OF EQUALIZATION

Public notice is hereby given that the Board of Equalization for the City of Richmond is authorized to meet at specified dates and times for the purpose of hearing complaints of inequities for 2016 real estate assessments. Upon hearing such complaints, either oral or written, the Board will give consideration and increase, decrease or affirm such real estate assessments. Before a change can be granted, the taxpayer or his agent must overcome a clear presumption in favor of the assessment.

The taxpayer or agent must prove that the property is not uniform with similar property assessments or prove that the property is assessed in excess of its fair market value.

The Board of Equalization has scheduled the following hearings:

Each Tuesday & Thursday, beginning at 10:00 am in Room 801 of City Hall. Meetings will commence on February 2, 2016 and continue until such time as all matters before the Board are resolved.

For further information, please contact Ms. Jennifer Cannon, Liaison, for the Richmond Board of Equalization at (804) 646-7910, 900 East Broad Street, Room 801-City Hall, Richmond, VA 23219.

By order of the Richmond Board of Equalization (Va. Code § 58.1-3378) Date: January 21, 2016

Virginia Union University SYPHAX SCHOOL OF

EDUCATION PSYCHOLOGY & SOCIAL WORK is proud to announce its Masters of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction This new and innovative 36 hour degree program is designed for teachers and other educators who aspire to serve in leadership and support roles in schools and related agencies. The program offers three unique tracks:

• • •

Elementary Education Special Education Urban Education

Apply today!! Spaces are filling up quickly!! Classes are scheduled for evenings and weekends to meet the needs of working adults!! Financial aid is available!!

To learn more about VUU’s Master of Arts (M.A.) in Curriculum and Instruction (C&I), please contact: Dr. Matthew Lynch ~ 804-257-5736 ~ mlynch@vuu.edu

Richmond Free Press

A8 January 28-30, 2016

Sports

MLB icon Lee Smith almost had basketball career

By Fred Jeter

Before Lee Arthur Smith became one of baseball’s ace relief pitchers, he was affectionately known as “that other guy” back home in tiny Castor, La. Smith, a guest at the Richmond Flying Squirrels’ annual Hot Stove Banquet last Thursday at the Siegel Center, spoke of the day his sporting focus shifted from basketball to baseball.

“I was pitching against a hot local prospect — actually the nephew of Vida Blue,” Smith recalled.

Blue played in the major leagues from 1969 to 1986.

Now 58 and a Major League Baseball icon, Smith’s dark eyes sparkled while relating the story from decades ago.

“A bunch of scouts were there to see Vida’s nephew. Then one of the scouts shouted to another, ‘Who’s that other guy?’ ” The scout was asking about Smith, the opposing pitcher.

“That got in the newspaper the next day,” Smith said of the Mansfield Enterprise. “I’ve still got a copy,” Smith said. “People started calling me ‘that other guy.’ ” Word spread about the hard-chucking, 6-foot6 right-hander, and in 1975, Smith became the Chicago Cubs’ second-round draft pick.

He chose baseball over basketball for one reason: “Money,” he explained jovially.

“Baseball paid up front with a signing bonus.

College basketball just involved a scholarship.”

So at 18, with a few bucks in his pocket, Smith began a storied journey in which he achieved pitching greatness — but not without a few zigs and zags along the route.

In fact, in 1978 while working on the Cubs’ farm club in Midland, Texas, Smith took “early

Major League All-Time Save Leaders: Mariano Rivera, 652, 1995-2013 Trevor Hoffman, 601, 1993-2010 Lee Smith, 478, 1980-1997 John Franco, 424, 1984-2005 Billy Wagner, 422, 1995-2010 * A save is recorded when a relief pitcher enters the game in the late innings and protects a narrow lead.

Photo by Clement Britt

Former major league pitcher Lee Smith greets Todd “Parney” Parnell, vice president and chief operating officer of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, during a reception before the Squirrels’ Hot Stove charity banquet last Thursday at the Siegel Center.

retirement,” returned home and joined the basketball team at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La. Chicago All-Star Billy Williams, an AfricanAmerican who had befriended Smith during the Cubs’ spring training, talked him out of the dubious career change.

By the early 1980s, Smith had become the unquestioned star of the Cubs’ bullpen. Often he was called on to save games of legendary African-American hurler Ferguson Jenkins (284

Former VSU Coach Harold Deane to be honored Feb.6

By Fred Jeter

Harold Deane served Virginia State University for more than a half century as athlete, coach and educator.

Now it’s VSU’s turn to give back.

The VSU Alumni Association Varsity Club, in conjunction with the Trojans men’s basketball program, will honor Mr. Deane, VSU Class of 1961, on Saturday, Feb. 6, with the Humanitarian Award.

As part of Winter Alumni Festival, the presentation will be made in Daniel Gymnasium about 4 p.m., between a women’s and men’s game doubleheader.

Coach Deane The women’s game is scheduled for 2 p.m., with men’s action to follow.

As a young athlete, Mr. Deane was a three-year basketball starter, earning All-CIAA Tournament honors, while also competing in track and field.

He served two tenures as VSU head coach, from 1969 to 1979, and again 1987 to 1994. His 1988 squad was the last Trojans outfit to win the CIAA tournament.

Mr. Deane was CIAA Coach of the Year in 1972, 1974 and 1976.

Easy to spot about campus with his lanky 6-foot-6 frame, he wore more than one hat.

From 1969 until his retirement in 2015, he served as a professor in the VSU Health and Physical Education Department.

VIA Heritage Association to induct inaugural Hall of Fame group

By Fred Jeter

Numerous athletes, coaches and contributors from the Richmond area have been named to Virginia Interscholastic Association Heritage Association’s (VIAHA) inaugural Hall of Fame Class.

The induction banquet will be 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 20, at DoubleTree by Hilton in Charlottesville, 990 Hilton Heights Road.

The VIA governed sports and other extracurricular activities for Virginia’s historically black high schools from 1954 to 1970.

Local athletes selected: Don “Cisco” Ross Jr., basketball at Armstrong High School, Richmond.

The late Jesse Jefferson, Carver High School in Chester, baseball.

Local coaches selected: The late Fred “Cannonball” Cooper, football at Maggie L. Walker High School, Richmond.

The late Arthur “Stretch” Gardner, basketball at Maggie L. Walker High School.

The late Maxie Robinson, basketball at Armstrong High.

George Lancaster, basketball at West End High School, Mecklenburg, became an outstanding coach.

The late William W. Lawson Jr., basketball at Peabody High

School, Petersburg.

The late Robinette “Pro” Hayes, basketball at Carter G. Woodson High School, Hopewell.

Selected as Media: Ernest Shaw, covered VIA sports for the Petersburg Progress-Index.

Selected as Principal: The late George Peterson Jr.: Armstrong High.

Selected for Music: James Hayes, Carter G. Woodson High School, Hopewell.

Special recognition: Thousands involved with ArmstrongWalker Classic football game, 1938-1979.

Among the other athletes from across Virginia selected for the Hall of Fame: The late Roosevelt Brown, Jefferson High School, Charlottesville, NFL Hall of Fame.

The late Earl Lloyd, ParkerGray High School, Alexandria; first black player in the NBA. Charlie Stukes, Crestwood High School, Chesapeake, played in two Super Bowls with the Baltimore Colts.

Tickets Virginia Interscholastic Association Heritage Association Hall of Fame banquet tickets can be ordered online at www. viaheritageassociation. com, or by calling VIAHA Chairman Jimmy Hollins at (434) 825-6617. Tickets are $50.

career wins), a Chicago teammate of Smith’s in 1982 and 1983.

Smith retired as baseball’s all-time leader in saves with 478. Since then, his record has been surpassed

by Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman.

In all, the seven-time All-Star pitched in 1,022 games, striking out 1,251 batters in 1,290 innings, while compiling a 3.03 earned run average.

Unlike most “closers” today, who pitch only the ninth inning, Smith often worked multiple frames for his saves.

Much has changed in terms of baseball demographics since Smith was in his fireballing prime.

In 1981, Smith’s second season, AfricanAmericans made up an all-time high 18.7 percent of big leaguers. This past season, the number had dwindled to just 7.8 percent.

More often that not, talented young black athletes are choosing basketball and football over baseball.

“There are a lot of reasons,” said Smith.

“Partly, it’s the travel. A family can spend thousands nowadays going here and there. It wasn’t like that when I came around.”

But expenses aren’t the only hurdle.

“I just don’t think young black kids find (baseball) exciting anymore. I have two sons, ages 27 and 22, and I couldn’t get them to play,” he noted, wincing at the memory.

“They told me it wasn’t exciting enough.”

Smith’s top season was in 1991 with St. Louis, when he saved 47 games, finishing second to Atlanta’s Tom Glavine for the National League Cy Young Award and eighth for Most Valuable Player.

Just goes to show that baseball scouts need to avoid tunnel vision and keep an open eye for talent. You never know when “that other guy” might turn out to be the best of all.

VCU eyeing 11th straight win Friday

By Fred Jeter

Johnson’s 1,397 points have come in 124 games.

Eric Maynor is VCU’s career scoring leader From mid-December to mid-January, it would The Rams’ (1,953), but Len Creech had 2,019 for VCU and be hard finding a more dominant college basnext game Richmond Professional Institute (RPI) combined ketball team than the Virginia Commonwealth in the1960s. VCU was formed in 1968 by the Virginia Commonwealth University Rams.

University plays at Davidson merger of RPI and the Medical College of Since Dec. 15 when the record was 5-5, Coach College in North Carolina, Virginia.

Will Wade’s squad has won 10 straight games Friday, Jan. 29. Tipoff, 6 p.m., Against St. Bonaventure last Sunday, Justin with an average victory margin of 17.2 points. with game to be Tillman, “Dr. Detroit,” added 17 points on 7-forbroadcast on The 10th consecutive victory was the 84-76 9 shooting with most of those points coming ESPN2. conquest of St. Bonaventure last Sunday at the from inside.

Siegel Center with the Rams’ JeQuan Lewis continuThe spring-loaded, 6-foot-7 sophomore from the ing to dazzle as a shooter and ball handler.

Motor City is 31 of 38 shots (82 percent) in his last Trying to extend the winning streak to 11 games won’t five games. come easy.

It’s hard to say who is harder to deny — the Rams of late Next up for the Rams (15-5 overall, 5-0 in the Atlantic 10 or their fans.

Conference) is a trip Friday to Davidson College in North CaroThe game against St. Bonaventure, originally scheduled for lina, where VCU has bad memories. A year ago, the Rams were Saturday, Jan. 23, was moved to Sunday, Jan. 24, because of waxed 82-55 at Davidson. It was the worst loss in the Coach the huge snowfall.

Shaka Smart era.

Despite dicey, even treacherous, driving conditions, VCU Davidson began this week 11-6 overall, but 10-0 on their extended its streak of consecutive sellouts to 7,637 fans. There home court near Charlotte. may have been a few empty seats, but all tickets were sold.

The Wildcats average an A-10 Conference best 82 points per The Rams will be on the visiting side of a frenzied audience game and feature the conference’s leading scorer, 6-foot junior at Davidson, where a full house is expected at Belk Arena. That’s Jack Gibbs, who averages 26 points per game. Gibbs also leads the floor where former Wildcat Stephen Curry sparkled. the A-10 in assists, 5.3 per game.

Davidson, Winthrop (S.C.) and, coincidentally, VCU, were VCU has an ace junior guard of its own in Lewis, who has the only schools to offer Curry a scholarship coming out of emerged as a difference maker. Fueling the Rams’ second-half Charlotte Christian School. comeback against St. Bonaventure, Lewis had 26 points and seven A late bloomer, Curry led the NCAA in scoring as a junior assists, hitting 8 of 15 from the floor and 8 of 9 at the foul line. (28.6) before moving on to NBA stardom.

Give a hand to the man from Tennessee. In 39 minutes choreographing VCU’s attack, the Dickson, Tenn., native was charged with zero turnovers.

Averaging 5.3 assists, Lewis is second in the conference behind Gibbs. In his last two outings, Lewis had 15 assists against just one turnover.

Melvin Johnson had 21 points against St. Bonaventure to move past Bernard Harris into16th place on VCU’s all-time scorers list.

In fairness to the “old timers,” Johnson has had many more opportunities.

Harris scored 1,379 points in 81 games from 1970 to 1974.

Local players help MJBL teams to victory

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Richmond coaches and players took on big roles in helping the Metropolitan Junior Baseball League mark its 50th anniversary providing youth baseball during the nonprofit organization’s recent East-West All-Star games in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Savannah, Ga. In the 19-and-under games in Daytona Beach, Josiah Armstrong of The Steward School, Tyriq Branch of Henrico High School and Chris Hayden of Lloyd C. Bird High School in Chesterfield Christopher Rahsaan County helped the East Armstrong Wigfall All Stars win the title. The team beat the West 11-4 in the championship game Jan. 18.

Armstrong had a hit and stole four bases, Branch doubled and Hayden had two hits for the East, according to William M.T. Forrester Jr., executive director of Richmond-based MJBL. Christopher Armstrong, a Richmond Fire lieutenant, also helped coach the East to victory, Mr. Forrester said.

For the West team, Joshua Plummer of Hanover High School doubled in the losing cause. Mitch Jackson of Hermitage High School also played for the West team.

Meanwhile in Savannah on Jan. 16, Rahsaan Wigfall, a Richmond Police detective, coached the winning West All-Star Team for 15-and-under youths. The West team, which included five Richmond area players, won 10-2 and 12-10 to claim the title over the East, Mr. Forrester said.

The West also won the crown for 12-and-under players in Savannah. Four Richmond players were on that winning team, Mr. Forrester said.

MJBL is open to all youths. It operates mostly in inner-cities and has expanded to include teams in 19 states and The Bahamas.

Sherron Mills, former VCU basketball standout, dies at 44 Former Virginia Commonwealth University basketball star Sherron Mills died Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Mr. Mills was 44 and lived in Baltimore.

Known at VCU as “Forty,” he wore No. 40 for the black and gold for three seasons under Coach Sonny Smith.

During 1992-93, the 6-foot-9 forward averaged 15.1 points and 8.2 rebounds, helping the Rams to a 20-10 record, Metro tournament finals and an NIT berth.

His VCU teammates included Kendrick Warren, Tyron McCoy, Kenny Harris and Lionel Bacon.

Mr. Mills was the 29th overall pick in the 1993 NBA draft when the Minnesota Timberwolves called his name as the first pick in the second round.

Among the Rams, only Larry Sanders (15th pick in 2010) and Eric Maynor (20th pick in 2009) were earlier draft picks.

Mr. Mills failed to make the Timberwolves but enjoyed a distinguished European career with pro teams in France, Turkey, Spain and Italy.

In 1996, he led the Italian Serie A League in rebounding with Cx Orologi Siena.

Mr. Mills is ranked with the greatest players of all time from Maryland’s Eastern Shore. In 1989, he led Snow Hill High (Worcester County) to a 26-0 record and 1A State crown.

In the Maryland State finals, he scored 47 points, a record output still standing for Maryland championship games.

He is survived by his wife, Shondra, and two children.

— FRED JETER

January 28-30, 2016 B1

Section

B

Richmond Free Press

DiamonDs • Watches JeWelry • repairs 19 East Broad strEEt richmond, Va 23219 (804) 648-1044

Happenings

www.wallErjEwElry.com

Personality: Amber J. Adams Spotlight on president of Richmond Metropolitan Chapter of NABA In 1969, only 136 of the nation’s 100,000 certified public accountants were AfricanAmerican.

In response to that dismal lack of representation, nine African-American accountants met in New York to discuss the quandary faced in their profession. They formed the National Association of Black Accountants to address the concerns of minorities entering the accounting profession and to make a commitment to professional and academic excellence.

They chose a theme/motto for the nonprofit organization: “Lifting As We Climb.”

Amber JaNae Adams is furthering the group’s cause.

The Henrico County resident is president of the Richmond Metropolitan Chapter of NABA. In 2015, she was elected to serve a two-year term in the top leadership position, succeeding the late Nedra L. Blizzard-Robinson.

Ms. Adams says she’s excited to serve the 50-member local chapter “because this organization reaches a population of minorities that are too infrequently encouraged to consider accounting as a career.”

Ms. Adams explains that she became interested in accounting in high school when a counselor “suggested I look into it due to my love of numbers, people skills and analytical way of thinking.”

Today, she uses her NABA position to encourage others to consider an accounting career.

The local chapter interacts regularly with NABA student chapters at Virginia Commonwealth, Virginia State, Norfolk State and Hampton universities and Virginia Tech, she says. “We hold sessions, fun events and help groom them throughout their college careers.”

She adds, “Accounting opens doors in every kind of business coast to coast. The reason accounting may be the best route to a successful business career is because accounting has always been considered as the language and basic tool of business. I enjoy the challenges and rewards that accompany this field.”

However, there’s still a ways to go for African-Americans to achieve parity with their white counterparts in the field.

“The numbers have increased, but still not to the same percentage the career as a whole has. There are better opportunities, but it’s still a struggle to engage young students to help guide them toward accounting.”

Next up for the Richmond chapter is its annual scholarship banquet, “Evening of Honors,” in April, Ms. Adams notes. The group will award scholarships to college students involved in NABA student chapters and honor corporate sponsors.

Meet this week’s Personality, Amber JaNae Adams, who has a knack for numbers: Date and place of birth: Jan. 20 in Centre County, Pa. Alma maters: Bachelor’s degree, Virginia Commonwealth University; master’s degree,

accountants, or CPAs, who audit the financial statements of many corporations and other organizations. Some choose to have their own accounting firm and may focus on assisting small businesses with their accounting systems, financial statements, income tax returns, tax planning, investment decisions, etc. Accountants can use their formal college education with many types of businesses and organizations.

Averett University.

Family: Mother, Ramona Edlow; father, Kevin Adams; stepmother, Christie Adams; and siblings, Lance Adams, Brock Robinson, Taylor Robinson and Adrianna Walker.

Occupation: Virginia Housing Development Authority internal audit supervisor.

Duties: I’m responsible for the daily supervision of internal audit staff and the management of team audits and compliance reviews from the planning phase through the reporting phase.

Number of NABA chapters in U.S.: More than 200 professional and student chapters.

Profile of members: Professionals and students in the fields of accounting, consulting, finance and information technology. Careers include, but are not limited to, controllers, consultants, cost accountants, chief financial officers, directors of finance, financial analysts, internal and external auditors, payroll managers and tax accountants.

To become a member: Visit the national website at www. nabainc.org for details or contact the NABA Richmond chapter at richmondnaba@ gmail.com.

What an accountant does: There so many things. A few examples: Some are directly involved in preparing an organization’s financial statements. Others work with a corporation’s management in analyzing costs of operations, products and special projects.

Some accountants work as a corporation’s internal auditor, while many accountants are independent certified public

Involvement of NABA in the community: We participate in VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), the March of Dimes and many other community service events. We welcome the invitation to be considered for others as well.

Total number of accountants in United States: Approximately 1.35 million.

Number of African-American accountants: Approximately 200,000.

Dream for the chapter: To be able to offer more scholarship opportunities to our student members and hold additional events for our professional members to keep them engaged.

Plan for making it real: We have kicked off new events for our members this fiscal year and are hitting the ground to spread the NABA mission to new potential corporate sponsors. We cannot do what we

I relax by: Reading and watching movies.

Best time of my life: Annual family beach vacations.

The one thing I can’t stand: Procrastination.

No one knows that: I despise anything barbecue, i.e. sauce, chips, etc.

The person who influenced me the most: My parents.

Book that influenced me the most: “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou.

What I’m reading now: “The Power Playbook: Rules for Independence, Money and Success” by La La Anthony.

Children are p re c

io us a

n d s o a re t h e i r t

ee th

We provide diagnostic, preventive, and restorative dental care for infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special needs using some of today’s most advanced dental technology, equipment, and materials. Nuestros empleados hablan espanol.

We invite you to visit our kid friendly office in Historic downtown Richmond. Call us for an appointment today.

Randy Adams, D.D.S.

Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Board Certified Special Care Dentist

Brandon Allen, D.D.S. 300 W. Broad St. Richmond, VA 23220 PH: 804.780.2888 FAX: 804.643.1916

www.richmonddentistryforchildren.com

If I had more time, I would: Travel and volunteer more in the community.

My next goal: Begin a Ph.D. program.

S.O.N.O.N .E “Surviv ors o f the Na me Organiz less: e Necess d, and En ar y, gaged”

Please join a newly-formed grief support, recovery and advocacy group, focusing on support and self-help for grieving caregivers/ loved ones, who have lost sons/male relatives (ages 15-34) to homicide.

Join a safe community of loved ones/ caregivers, who are also experiencing this life-altering tragedy. A 4-month (1 session per month) commitment, to begin the process of grief recovery or to continue on the path of healing from grief, is required.

February 2, Richmond Peace Center 2016 Education 3500 Patterson Ave. 6:30 PM Richmond, VA 23221 Entrance on Nansemond Street.

Look for Richmond Peace Education Center sign; park on the street or in the lot.

RSVP at chalktalk01.pr@gmail.com * Please bring a photo of your son/relative, if possible

Upcoming Free Health Seminars VCU Health will be offering the following free health seminars at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s Kelly Education Center, located at 1800 Lakeside Avenue.

Registration is recommended. Free parking available.

Dating made Easy

Thursday, February 4 | 5:30 p.m.

New Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation Join Drs. Kenneth Ellenbogen and Vigneshwar Kasirajan who will talk about a new procedure — hybrid ablation — that combines a surgical procedure and catheter ablation to treat atrial fibrillation.

FREE

to Listen & Reply to ads.

Thursday, February 18 | 5:30 p.m.

FREE CODE:

3271

804.745.9080

Everything You Wanted to Know About a Woman’s Heart

For other local numbers: 18+ www.MegaMates.com

Make money by Making a difference.

Octapharma Plasma donors get paid every time they donate. So you can earn good money to help pay for things you need and feel good knowing your donation saves lives.

New donors make up to $250.*

3830 Hull Street

Importance of accountants in finding solutions to today’s economy: In a good economy, being an accountant is a great profession.

And in a bad economy, being an accountant is a good profession. Accountants are responsible for providing information that is used to determine the present and future economic stability of an organization. It has been proven that the companies that use good accounting practices have a competitive advantage. Also, it gives them the knowledge to improve their decision-making abilities.

do without them.

octapharmaplasma.com

*Earn up to $50 for first five donations • Promotions & fees may vary by location Must be 18-64 years of age & in good health • Have valid picture ID, proof of Social Security number & current residence postmarked within 30 days

C.L. Belle’s

E Z Car Rental 3101 W. Broad Street

(804) 358-3406

WINTER SPECIAL

Cars starting at

29

SmallMediumLarge

$

95

Join Dr. Phoebe Ashley who will talk about the anatomy of a woman’s heart and how the risk factors and symptoms of heart disease in women are subtle and very different.

Thursday, February 25 | 5:30 p.m.

Peripheral Artery Disease: Current Treatment Alternatives Join Drs. Luis Guzman and Mark Levy who will talk about peripheral artery disease — a disease that can restrict blood flow to the main arteries — and how it is diagnosed and treated.

Register online at vcuhealth.org/seminars or call (804) 828-0123 for more information.

a day

FREE Pickup in Richmond Area

NO CREDIT CARD NEEDED

www.ezcarrentalsrva.com 160128-FreePress.indd 1

1/21/16 2:59 PM

B2 January 28-30, 2016

Richmond Free Press

Happenings

James Haskins/Richmond Free Press

Winter fun, work Winter adventure lovers turned out to sled down the snow-covered hills at Forest Hill Park on Monday after a foot or more of snow blanketed the Richmond area last weekend, bringing life in the region to a near standstill. Among those enjoying the city slopes is 13-year-old Nakiya Thomas, left. The snow was not all fun and games for everyone. Many braved the wintry winds and snow to dig out cars and help others. Below left, Devin Hayes clears a path from his home Sunday in the 8400 block of Klarey Court in Henrico County. On Saturday, two men, below, assist a motorist stuck on Winchmere Court, while others, bottom photo, leave the car at home and walk along snowy Shrader Road in Henrico.

James Haskins/Richmond Free Press

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Wilder returning to alma mater for book signing Feb. 2 Former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder is returning to his alma mater, Virginia Union University, for a book signing and a discussion of his new autobiography, “Son of Virginia: A Life in America’s Political Arena.”

The free event will take place 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, in the L. Douglas Wilder Library and Learning Resource Center Lecture Hall on the VUU campus,

1500 N. Lombardy St. In November 1989, Mr. Wilder became the first African-American in the nation to be elected governor.

He served as Virginiaí’s governor from 1990 to 1994.

The Richmond native served in the state Senate and as lieutenant governor before ascending to the state’s highest office.

Black History Museum opening delayed The new Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia is unlikely to be open during Black History Month.

“We’re still under construction,” new museum Director Tasha Chambers told the Free Press recently in response to a query.

“We ran into some construction delays in December,” she added. “It’s definitely opening before the spring, providing there is no serious amount of bad weather.”

Ms. Chambers’ statement was made before last weekend’s snowstorm.

The new museum is located at 122 W. Leigh St. in the building that once served as home to the historic Leigh Street Armory.

The building is undergoing a $13 million renovation.

Museum officials had touted an opening date of early 2016 as recently as November, when they held an illumination ceremony at the new site.

The museum website still states that renovations would be completed by late 2015.

Later, he served as Richmond’s mayor from 2005 to 2009.

Currently, he is an adjunct faculty member at the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University.

The book, which will be available at the event for purchase, chronicles his life and political career.

Art exhibition Feb. 5 at Pine Camp

Black History Museum

The city’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will host an exhibit at the Pine Camp Arts and Community Center featuring area African-American artists.

The exhibition, “To Sir With Love: African-American Male as Subject,” opens Friday, Feb. 5, at the Spotlight Gallery, 4901 Old Brook Road, with a “Meet the Artists” reception from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The free exhibition continues through March 4 and will feature images of African-American males in various media including photography, ceramics, paintings and textile art.

The Spotlight Gallery is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information or to schedule tours, call Shaunn Casselle at (804) 646-6722 or go to www.RichmondGov.com/parks.

Richmond Free Press

B3

January 28-30, 2016

Obituary/Faith News/Directory

Painter, sculptor Thornton Dial dies Associated Press

McCALLA, Ala. Self-taught artist Thornton Dial, who transformed discarded junk into sculpture and painted in bright colors and bold lines, has died at his home in Alabama. He was 87.

Maria May, of the African-American art preservation group the Souls Grown Deep Foundation, said Mr. Dial’s family passed along the information that the artist died Monday, Jan. 25, near Birmingham.

Born in 1928 to sharecroppers in rural west Alabama near the Mississippi line, Mr. Dial made things from materials he found for years. His work frequently dealt with history, politics and race relations.

After working for decades in a boxcar factory, Mr. Dial came to wide attention in the art world in 1987 when he met Atlanta collector Bill Arnett through another self-taught artist who lived in Birmingham, Lonnie Holley. Mr. Arnett said Mr. Dial began pulling works out of an old poultry house the first time he visited the artist.

“I knew I was witnessing something great coming out of that turkey coop,” Mr. Arnett, who began the Souls Grown Deep Foundation, said in a statement. “I didn’t know at the time that it wasn’t simply the sculpture that was special. The man who had created it was a great man, and he would go on to become recognized as one of America’s greatest artists. I can’t think of any important artist who has started with less or accomplished more.”

Mr. Dial’s works are in collections including the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington and the High Museum in Atlanta. His drawings and paintings are typically priced in the thousands of dollars in

Photo courtesy of Virginia Union University

This piece by Thornton Dial, “The United States Tiger Cat,” is a part of the Virginia Union University collection.

online art markets.

Virginia Union University has one of the largest collections of Mr. Dial’s works in the nation, according to university spokesperson Pamela Cox. Seventy-eight pieces of Mr. Dial’s work are on permanent display in the Museum Galleries in the L. Douglas Wilder Li-

Bishop McKissick to speak at VUU Founders Day Feb.5

State of Black America Address moved to Feb.6

Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick Jr., thor and musician. His 2010 book, senior pastor of Bethel Baptist Insti“God’s Got My Back,” was No. 1 tutional Church in Jacksonville, Fla., on the Independent Publishers Book will speak at Virginia Union Univerchart. His album, “The Recovery,” sity’s 2016 Founders Day celebration debuted at No. 2 on the national at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 5, in the Allix billboard charts.

B. James Chapel of Coburn Hall on He serves on the board of the the campus.

Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Bishop McKissick earned his Network and is a member of Omega master’s of divinity from the Samuel Psi Phi Fraternity and Sigma Pi Phi DeWitt Proctor School of Theology Boulé.

Bishop McKissick at VUU. He also holds a bachelor’s Virginia Union University was degree from Jacksonville University and earned founded in 1865 on the grounds of Lumpa doctorate of ministry from United Theological kin’s Jail, where enslaved people were held, Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, where he has served bought and sold. It was located near 15th as a professor. and Main streets in what is now known as Bishop McKissick is an accomplished au- Shockoe Bottom.

The 4th Annual State of Black America Address has been rescheduled.

It will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at Thirty-first Street Baptist Church, 823 N. 31st St., in the East End, organizers have announced.

The theme: “Closer Family Unity in Our Community.”

Journalist and author A. Peter Bailey is to be the keynote speaker at the event sponsored by the African-American Lecture Series Committee.

For more information: (804) 441-5449.

HIV/AIDS awareness program set for Feb.7

By Joey Matthews

The 3rd Annual United Voices: Raising Awareness Through Song & Word, an event to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, will be 3 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 7, at Thirty-first Street Baptist Church in the East End. The event is designed to coincide with the 15th annual observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Feb. 7, according to Rodney Lofton, executive director of Richmond-based The Renewal Projects.

The nonprofit is a community-based service organization “providing a safe, nurturing, educational environment for high-risk individuals and people living with HIV/AIDS,” according to its website.

United Voices was created “to add a voice to the lives of African-Americans living with

ment City Music’s HIV/AIDS in the Richmond Men’s city of Richmond,” Chorus, The GosMr. Lofton noted in pel Gents, Levitical a news release anPriests and the Sevnouncing the event. enth Street MemoVirginia Departrial Baptist Church ment of Health data Choir. show that 1,855 Communityblack, non-Hispanic based organizations persons were living also will be there to with the disease Mr. Lofton provide information in Richmond as of Dec. 31, Mr. Lofton stated on HIV/AIDS. For more information: Wednesday. They represent about 75 percent of the total The Renewal Projects, (804) number of cases in Richmond, 353-0060. he said.

The event, held at the Zion Baptist church located at 823 N. 31st Church St., will feature people reading stories written by HIV-positive 2006 Decatur Street individuals and those affected Richmond, VA 23224 by the disease, Mr. Lofton � added. State Sen. A. Donald Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Sr., McEachin of Henrico County Pastor is among those scheduled to Sunday Service 10 a.m. read.

Church School 8:45 a.m.

Musical performers will include The Ingramettes, MonuWednesday Bible Study

brary and Learning Resource Center on the VUU campus, 1500 N. Lombardy St. Ms. Cox said the works were donated by Dr. and Mrs. James Sellman of Richmond.

The museum is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Mrs.Coleman

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the love,

compassion and support you have all shown to our family during this time.

We will always be grateful.

The family of Emma Elizabeth Whitlow Coleman Mission Statement: People of God developing Disciples for Jesus Christ through Preaching and Teaching of God’s Holy Word reaching the people of the Church and the Community.

“The Church With A Welcome”

Sharon Baptist Church 22 E. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23219 • 643-3825 thesharonbaptistchurch.com Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor

SUNDAYS 8:00 a.m. .... Morning Worship 9:30 a.m. .... Church School 11:15 a.m. ...Morning Worship

WEDNESDAYS 6:00 p.m. ..... Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. ..... Bible Study

FirstM iBaptist Church dlothian

13800 Westfield Dr., Midlothian,VA 23113 804-794-5583 • www.fbcm1846.com

God's Faithfulness

Riverview

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WEEKEND Saturday, February 6, 2016

Baptist Church

Reception - 2- 4p.m.

Displays, Presentations, Fellowship Light Refreshments

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

Rev. Pernell J. Johnson, Pastor

ANNIVERSARY SERVICE

Sunday, February 7, 2016 - 11:00a.m.

Guest Preacher - Rev. Dr. Grady W. Powell

Pastor Emeritus Gillfield Baptist Church, Petersburg, Va.

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

Van Transportation Available, Call 804-794-5583

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church 1701 Turner Rd. North Chesterfield, Virginia 23225

20TH FOUNDERS & CHURCH ANNIVERSARY “Building Monuments for Present and Future Generations”

“WHAT MEAN THESE STONES”

Scripture: Joshua 4: 21-24

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016 - 9:00 AM NEW DELIVERANCEEVANGELISTIC CHURCH

Transportation Services 232-2867

ANNIVERSARY BANQUET

SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2016 - 5:00 PM

“Reclaiming the Lost by Proclaiming the Gospel”

THE OMNI RICHMOND 100 S. 12TH ST. RICHMOND, VA 23219

Moore Street Missionary

Baptist Church

1408 W. Leigh Street • 358-6403

Dr. Alonza Lawrence

br

Pastor

Sundays

at e 2 0 Y

s

Church School 8:30 A.M. Morning Worship 10:00 A.M.

Tuesdays

Bible Study 12 noon

Wednesdays

1:30 p.m.

Bible Study

Celebrating 170 years of

7p.m.

New Mercies Ministry 6:00 A.M. Youth Bible Study 6:00 P.M. Adult Bible Study 6:30 P.M.

THURSDAYS

Mother Marcietia S. Glenn, First Lady

Bishop G.O. Glenn, Pastor

(804) 276-0791 office • (804) 276-5272 fax • www.ndec.net

Richmond Free Press

B4 January 28-30, 2016

Faith News/Directory

Vatican: Iran must join fight against terrorism Associated Press

Andrew Medichini/pool/Reuters

Pope Francis and Iran President Hassan Rouhani chat Tuesday during a stroll through the Vatican.

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

11:00 AM Mid-day Meditation

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



Early Morning Worship ~ 8 a.m.

Sunday School ~ 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship ~ 11 a.m.

4th Sunday Unified Worship Service ~ 9:30 a.m.

Bible Study: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Radio Ministry: Sunday: 9:30 a.m. {1540 AM}

“MAKE IT HAPPEN” Pastor Kevin Cook

St. Peter Baptist Church

Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, Pastor

Worship Opportunities Sundays: Morning Worship Church School Morning Worship

8 A.M. 9:30 A.M. 11 A.M.

VATICAN CITY Pope Francis held talks with Iran’s president at the Vatican on Tuesday, calling on Tehran to play a key role in stopping the spread of terrorism as Iran tries to improve its image in the global arena following an agreement on its nuclear program.

The pontiff warmly clasped the hand of President Hassan Rouhani in the first official call paid on a pontiff by an Iranian president since 1999. They held 40 minutes of private talks before President Rouhani met with other top Vatican officials.

The talks “delved into the conclusion and application of the nuclear accord, and the important role that Iran is called upon to play, together with other countries of the region, was highlighted,” the Holy See stated.

It added that that role should “foster adequate political solutions to the issues plaguing the Middle East, fighting the spread of terrorism and arms trafficking.”

The “cordial” talks also stressed common spiritual values, the statement said.

Usually it’s the pope who asks his audience to pray for him. This time, after the two men spoke with the help of Italian and Farsi language translators, it was the guest who asked the pope for prayers. “I ask you to pray for me,” President Rouhani said.

The Vatican meeting was a key part of the Iranian effort to take a more prominent place on the world stage after the nuclear deal with Western powers.

Iran, which agreed to limit its nuclear activities in exchange for an end to economic sanctions, is eager to carve out a bigger role in mediating Middle East conflicts. Pope Francis’ papacy has emphasized

Mount Olive Baptist Church Rev. Darryl G. Thompson, Pastor

2016 Theme: The Year of Restoration



Unity Sundays (2nd Sundays) Church School 8:30 A.M. Morning Worship 10 A.M.

8775 Mount Olive Avenue Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 (804) 262-9614 Phone (804) 262-2397 Fax www.mobcva.org

Thursdays: Mid-Day Bible Study 12 Noon Prayer & Praise 6:30 P.M. Bible Study 7 P.M. (Children/Youth/Adults) 2040 Mountain Road • Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 Office 804-262-0230 • Fax 804-262-4651 • www.stpeterbaptist.net

Ebenezer Baptist Church 1858

“The People’s Church”

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

Sundays



8:00 a.m.

Early Morning Worship 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School 11:00 a.m.

Morning Worship Noon Day Bible Study 6:30 p.m.

Prayer and Praise 7:00 p.m.

Adult Bible Study

11:00 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

Every 3rd Sunday 2nd Sunday, 11 a.m.

Mon. 6:30 p.m.

Tues. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Wed. 7:45 p.m.

Wed. 4:30 p.m.

Wed. 6:00 p.m.

Thurs., 11:45 a.m.

Dr. Levy M. Armwood, Pastor  Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church

Tuesdays

Wednesdays

mediation and conflict-resolution, including his role in helping Cuba and the United States to normalize their relations.

President Rouhani headed to France on Wednesday on this four-day European trip seeking to boost Iran’s image abroad, as well as to rehabilitate economic ties with a continent that had been a big trade partner before the sanctions.

Pope Francis gave President Rouhani a medal depicting St. Martin giving his cloak to a poor man in the cold, describing the saint’s act as “a sign of unsolicited brotherhood.”

President Rouhani brought a gift of a handmade rug that he said was from the Iranian holy city of Qom. Before going to the Vatican, President Rouhani told a forum of business leaders in Rome that “Iran is the safest and most stable country of the entire region.”

Italy also sees Iran as a potential peacemaker in Syria’s civil war, as the Italian government fears the warfare will further destabilize Libya — just across the Mediterranean Sea from Southern Italy — fuel terrorism and jeopardize energy security.

“Italy has always backed the role of Iran as a regional player in resolving tensions in the area, starting with the Syrian crisis,” Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said after meeting his Iranian counterpart, according to his office.

President Rouhani has described the political talks leading to the nuclear deal as a potential blueprint for pursuing peace in the Middle East.

His European trip was originally planned for November but postponed because of the attacks in Paris.

C

o

everence e with e evanc R ing Dr. Morris Henderson, Senior Pastor bin ❖

SUNDAYS Church School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. ❖

WEDNESDAYS Bible Study 12:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Sixth Baptist Church

❖

Theme for 2016: Becoming a Five-Star Church of Excellence

MONDAY-FRIDAY Nutrition Center and Clothes Closet 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.

With Mission, Growth, Prayer, Purpose, Vision We Are Growing In The Kingdom As We Grow The Kingdom with Word, Worship and Witness 10:40 AM Worship and Praise

Sunday, January 31, 2016 11:00 AM Divine Worship Message by: Rev. Gloria R. Newsome Associate Pastor For Evangelism Mission and Outreach First Baptist Church, Norfolk, VA

Refueled: February 1st thru March 25th Theme For Sermon and Church Prayer Power: 3:30PM Combined Ushers Anniversary Guests: Pastor Moore and Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

400 South Addison Street, Richmond, Va. 23220 (near Byrd Park) (804) 359-1691 or 359-3498 • Fax (804) 359-3798 www.sixthbaptistchurch.org

Word

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

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church

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

20 th NDEC Founders’

Spread the To advertise your church: Worship Service Gospel Concert Vacation Bible School Homecoming Revival call 804-644-0496

Richmond Free Press

& Church Anniversary!

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

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

Wednesday Services Noonday Bible Study 12noon-1:00 p.m.

Attendance - 80 Sanctuary - All Are Welcome!

Wednesday Evening Bible Study 7 p.m.

Attendance

Saturday 8:30 a.m. Intercessory Prayer

. Theme: , “Building Monuments for Present and Future Generations” “What Mean These Stones” Scripture: Joshua 4:21 - 24

Sunday, January 31, 2016 9:00 AM - NDEC

Banquet

You can now view Saturday, March 12, 2016 Sunday Morning Service The Omni Richmond Hotel “AS IT HAPPENS” online!

100 S. 12th St., Richmond, VA 23219 Also, for your convenience, For more information we now offer and to purchase your banquet “full online giving.” tickets go to: www.ndec.net Visit www.ndec.net.

Richmond Free Press

January 28-30, 2016 B5

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, February 8, 2016 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. 2015-233 As Amended To amend and reordain City Code §§ [98-263] 26-582, concerning the eligibility of residential real property in redevelopment and conservation areas and rehabilitation districts for partial tax exemption, [98-264] 26-583, concerning the application requirements for such partial tax exemption, and [98-265] 26-584, concerning the amount of such exemption and the basis for taxes during construction, for the purposes of adjusting applicable threshold requirements to qualify for such exemption, adding maximum rent limits for certain dwelling units, authorizing an additional exemption period for certain structures and requiring that property owners file annual renewal applications with the City Assessor.

Ordinance No. 2015-263 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Broad Street Bus Rapid Transit Project Development Agreement between the City of Richmond, the Greater Richmond Transit Co., the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, the Virginia Department of Transportation, and the County of Henrico to facilitate the implementation of the Broad Street Bus Rapid Transit project and to set forth the responsibilities of the parties.

Ordinance No. 2016-001 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $7,462.00 from the Virginia Department of Social Services and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Social Services by $7,462.00 for the purpose of funding the Healthy Families Richmond home visiting services program for the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Ordinance No. 2016-002 To adopt an amendment to the Master Plan for the City of Richmond, adopted by the City Planning Commission on Nov. 6, 2000, and by the City Council by Ord. No. 2000-371-200111, adopted Jan. 8, 2001, as previously amended, to incorporate the VUU/ Chamberlayne Neighborhood Plan, applicable to an area including Virginia Union University and the Chamberlayne Industrial Center, on the north side of the city, as a part of the Master Plan.

Ordinance No. 2016-003 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Lease Agreement between Cellco Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless, as Lessee, and the City of Richmond, as Lessor, to allow Cellco Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless, to operate telecommunications equipment at 1006 Williamsburg Road.

Ordinance No. 2016-004 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Lease Agreement between Cellco Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless, as Lessee, and the City of Richmond, as Lessor, to allow Cellco Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless, to operate telecommunications equipment at 1401 Pump House Drive.

Ordinance No. 2016-005 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Lease Agreement between Cellco Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless, as Lessee, and the City of Richmond, as Lessor, to allow Cellco Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless, to operate telecommunications equipment at 2408 The Terrace.

Ordinance No. 2016-006 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Lease Agreement between Cellco Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless, as Lessee, and the City of Richmond, as Lessor, to allow Cellco Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless, to operate telecommunications equipment at 4001 Stonewall Avenue.

Ordinance No. 2016-007

Continued from previous column

To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Lease Agreement between Cellco Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless, as Lessee, and the City of Richmond, as Lessor, to allow Cellco Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless, to operate telecommunications equipment at 4308 Hermitage Road.

Ordinance No. 2016-008 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $5,000 from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 General Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Non-Departmental General Fund Budget by $5,000 for the purpose of providing a grant of $2,500 of such funds to the Cadence Theatre Company and to 1708 Gallery Inc. Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so.

Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at www.Richmondgov. com and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Jean V. Capel City Clerk

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER FAHAD SYED, Plaintiff v.

TURKESA BEAVER, Defendant.

Case No.: CL16000028-00 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 2nd day of March, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER EUSEBIO PEREZ SANCHEZ, Plaintiff v.

AILEEN SANCHEZ, Defendant.

Case No.: CL16000123-00 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 2nd day of March, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER BARBARA CHALKEY, Plaintiff v.

WILLIAM CHALKEY, Defendant.

Case No.: CL15002663-00 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 2nd day of March, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER MELODY WILLIS, Plaintiff v.

ROD WILLIS, Defendant.

Case No.: CL15002953-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from Continued on next column

Continued from previous column

Continued from previous column

Continued from previous column

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 26th day of February, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests.

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

of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Tyrone Arlington (Father), and Unknown, (Father) appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/ her interest on or before March 17, 2016 at 2:20 p.m., Court Room #3.

Kate O’Leary, Esq. 900 E. Broad Street, 4th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219

in re IYanna mildred packer, Juvenile Case No. JJ076508-08/ JJ076508-10 The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Pierre Jermone Bush, (Father), and Unknown (Father) of Kyashawn M. Packer, child, DOB 06/12/2005, “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Malcolm Barnes (Father), and Unknown, (Father) appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/ her interest on or before March 17, 2016 at 2:20 p.m., Court Room #3.

Kate O’Leary, Esq. 900 E. Broad Street, 4th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HENRICO MY THANH LAM, Plaintiff v.

HOANG NHU NGO, Defendant.

Case No.: CL15-2809 ORDER PURSUANT TO VIRGINIA CODE SECTION 20-104

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of desertion. The defendant did leave the marital residence on July 4, 2014 and has not yet returned.

Plaintiff seeks divorce a vinculo matrimonii based on the charge of desertion, and that the bonds of matrimony entered into between plaintiff and defendant on June 3, 1980 be dissolved. Plaintiff also seeks title to the marital residence.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear before this Court on or before the 16th day of February, 2016 to protect his interests herein.

A Copy, Teste: YVONNE G. SMITH, Clerk I ask for this: Jessica Thompson (VSB #75514) Doris Henderson Causey (VSB #50944) Central Virginia Legal Aid Society, Inc. P.O. Box 122063 Richmond, VA 23241 804-648-1012 x 6037 804-648-1012 x 6041 Counsels for Plaintiff

CUSTODY virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of thE city Of richmOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re eric brendan short, Juvenile Case No. JJ082673-12-00 The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Unknown (Father) of Eric Brendan Short, child, DOB 2/24/2009, “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Unknown, (Father) appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before June 8, 2016 at 9:00 a.m.

Diane Abato, Esq. 900 E. Broad Street, 4th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of thE city Of richmOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Kristopher joseph packer, Juvenile Case No. JJ089895-07/ JJ089895-08 The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Tyrone Arlington, (Father), and Unknown (Father) of Kristopher Joseph Packer, child, DOB 05/16/2013, “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination Continued on next column

virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of thE city Of richmOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Kyashawn M. packer, Juvenile Case No. JJ076508-08/ JJ076508-10 The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Malcolm Barnes, (Father), and Unknown (Father) of Kyashawn M. Packer, child, DOB 06/12/2005, “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Malcolm Barnes (Father), and Unknown, (Father) appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/ her interest on or before March 17, 2016 at 2:20 p.m., Court Room #3.

Kate O’Leary, Esq. 900 E. Broad Street, 4th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of thE city Of richmOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re DIVIne packer, Juvenile Case No. JJ076508-08/ JJ076508-10 The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Ivan Antonio Smith, (Father), and Unknown (Father) of Divine Packer, child, DOB 03/05/2010, “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Ivan Antonio Smith (Father), and Unknown, (Father) appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/ her interest on or before March 17, 2016 at 2:20 p.m., Court Room #3.

Kate O’Leary, Esq. 900 E. Broad Street, 4th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of thE city Of richmOND Commonwealth of Virginia, Continued on next column

RETAIL LICENSE The Luncheonette LLC Trading as: The Luncheonette 104 N 18th Street Richmond, Virginia 23223 The above establishment is applying to the Virginia D epartment of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) for a Wine and Beer On Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Brad Barzoloski, Owner, 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.

BID COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION IT B # 1 6 - 11 2 2 - 1 C E – Adams, Chamberlayne, Glen Allen, & Skipwith Elementary School – Bathroom Improvements - This project consists of repairs and alterations of existing bathroom spaces.

Due 3:00 pm, February 16, 2016. Additional information available at: http://henrico.us/ purchasing/.

The City of Richmond announces the following project(s) available for services relating to: IFB H160008252 – City Lock River Crossing Inlet & Junction Chambers Improvements Receipt Date: February 17, 2016 at 2:30 P.M. Opening Date: February 18, 2016 at 2:30 P.M. Pre-bid Date/Time/Location: February 2, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. located at City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, 11th floor, Room 1104, Richmond, VA 23224 Information or copies of the above solicitation is available by contacting Procurement Services, at the City of Richmond website (www.

RichmondGov.com), or at 11th Floor of City Hall, 900 E. Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. Phone (804) 646-5716 or faxed (804) 6465989. The City of Richmond encourages all contractors to participate in the procurement process.

For reference purposes, documents may be examined at the above location.

Employment Opportunities

Real Estate Compliance

MultifaMily CoMplianCe Coordinator VHDA is seeking a Multifamily Compliance Coordinator to join its Compliance and Asset Management Department. This person will assist with compliance and asset management activities relating to physical, compliance and financial performance of multifamily apartment communities financed by VHDA loan programs and the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. This position will also facilitate the timely and accurate tracking and dissemination of information and documents to management agents, owners, VHDA staff, Internal Revenue Service, HUD and other interested parties.

The ideal candidate will have an A.A. degree or equivalent vocational/technical training. HCCP, SHCM certifications preferred. Several years experience in rental housing industry is a must.

We offer a competitive salary with generous benefits package. Submit resume with cover letter stating salary requirements, online only at: http://www.vhda.com/about/careers An EOE This position closes at Midnight, February 8th, 2016 Background, credit, and driving record checks will be performed as a condition of employment.

Hiring Range - $39,804 – $50,808

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

The University of Virginia seeks a firm to provide: Housekeeping and Janitorial Supplies To view a copy of RFP #HH012016 http://www.procurement. virginia.edu/main/ publicpostings/RFP.html, or email: pur-rfp@virginia.edu REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL The University of Virginia seeks a firm to provide: Recruitment / Communication Strategy for Prospective African-American High School Students To view a copy of RFP #MW012016 http://www.procurement. virginia.edu/main/ publicpostings/RFP.html, or email: pur-rfp@virginia.edu

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to 24 CFR 903.17, that the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) will hold a public hearing on the Public Housing Agency (PHA) Annual Plan for FY 2017. The hearing will be conducted on Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at the Virginia Housing Center, 4224 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060.

The proposed PHA Plan and information relevant to the hearing is available for review by the public at the offices of the Virginia Housing Development Authority, 601 S. Belvidere Street, Richmond, VA 23220 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Finance – Rental Housing

Strategic MarketS Lending anaLySt Professional needed to support VHDA’s multifamily lending efforts and coordinate the loan process from inquiry to closing. The incumbent will provide dedicated support to the Development Officers in the analysis of potential real estate financing opportunities and existing financing through research, feasibility analysis, and administrative work Responsibilities include coordinating the review of loan proposals in a timely manner, and evaluating a loan application package for completeness, participating in site visits and field work as needed, responding to external and internal requests, manage relationships with nonprofit, for-profit and governmental entities, be knowledgeable of area market and industry conditions and possess some knowledge of Strategic Market programs.

Ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Business, Finance or related field or equivalent experience in mortgage lending or commercial real estate development with a broad knowledge of low-andmoderate income programs, and real estate analysis. Familiarity with housing finance mechanisms and underwriting techniques along with demonstrated ability to work with community development agencies, realtors, non-profits, etc. preferred. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Must possess a current driver’s license in good standing and be able to travel, often overnight.

Demonstrated organization and prioritization skills and proven attention to detail essential. Strong skills in innovative problem solving, negotiation, and written & oral communication skills strongly preferred. Should be able to work independently and in a team environment.

We offer a competitive salary with generous benefits package.

Resume and cover letter, stating salary requirements, should be submitted online only at: http://www.vhda.com/about/careers An EOE This position closes at Midnight, February 8, 2016 Hiring Range - $51,686 – $67,192 Background, credit, and driving record checks will apply.

Written comments may be submitted at the public hearing or mailed to the attention of: HCVP Policy Specialist, Virginia Housing Development Authority, P.O. Box 4545, Richmond, VA 23220. Written comments not presented at the public hearing must be received by Monday, March 21, 2016.

VHDA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or disability.

Senior Development officer The Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA), a premier housing finance agency with over $8 billion in assets and an AA+ credit rating, is seeking an individual with several years of multifamily underwriting experience to join its lending area as a Senior Development Officer. This position will report to the Lending Group Manager.

The successful candidate will:

The City of Richmond announces the following project(s) available for services relating to: IFB H160013887 – City Sidewalk Improvement - 2016

• Independently assess the financial feasibility of loan applications submitted by our correspondent mortgage brokers • Handle negotiations related to loan underwriting and commitment • Manage several loan requests at various stages of approval and execution

Receipt Date: February 23, 2016 at 2:30 P.M. Opening Date: February 24, 2016 at 2:30 P.M.

• Direct multifamily analysts in the collection and processing of rent, expense and cost data

Pre-bid Date/Time/Location: February 3, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. located at City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, 11th floor, Room 1104, Richmond, VA 23224

• Be able to model a property’s sources and uses of funds during the construction loan stage assuming multi-tiered funding sources

Information or copies of the above solicitation is available by contacting Procurement Services, at the City of Richmond website (www.

RichmondGov.com), or at 11th Floor of City Hall, 900 E. Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. Phone (804) 646-5716 or faxed (804) 6465989. The City of Richmond encourages all contractors to participate in the procurement process.

For reference purposes, documents may be examined at the above location.

• Have a sound understanding of the development process • Have a working knowledge of apartment operations • Have a familiarity with construction practices • Be capable of working with other functional areas within the organization • Coordinate the closing process for loans you originate with in-house legal • Manage the construction draw process for loans you originate The ideal candidate will have: a bachelor’s degree in business or finance or equivalent — a master’s degree is preferred; a working knowledge of Microsoft Office products; the ability to learn the ProLink processing platform.

Interested individuals should apply online only at the Virginia Housing Development Authority’s website at:

To advertise in the

Richmond Free Press call 644-0496

http://www.vhda.com/about/careers An EOE Hiring Range - $78,609 – $102,190 Background, credit, and driving record checks will be performed as a condition of employment.

Richmond Free Press

B6 January 28-30, 2016

Employment Opportunities Music Director

Chief of Police

Salary Commensurate with Experience

County of Henrico, Virginia IRC80473. Plans and directs the activities of the Police Division in the enforcement of laws and ordinances, the prevention of crime and the protection of life and property; does related work as required. For a more specific description of duties and qualifications and to apply, visit the County of Henrico Department of Human Resources on the Internet at http://henrico.us/hr and click on the “Apply for a Job” link in our Services Section. Deadline 2/15/2016. EOE.

Mount Olive Baptist Church is seeking a full-time Music Director to oversee the music ministry of the church. Duties include but are not limited to: playing, directing, teaching and planning music for worship services; arranging special music; and maintaining musical instruments. Candidate must play piano, organ and keyboard. Please visit the church’s website at www.mobcva.org to view the complete job announcement for this position.

Position is opened until filled. A Criminal History Background Check is required.

TRUCK DRIVERS-OTR/CLASS A CDL Ashley Distribution Services in Richmond seeks: •TRUCKLOAD DRIVERS (No Touch) Earning potential avg. $66,000 year •LTL TRUCK DRIVERS (Multiple stop loads to retail stores!) Earning potential avg. $85,000 year •Home Weekly •Paid Vacation •Full Benefit Package• Paid Holidays Class A CDL & at least 2 years current OTR exp. Clean MVR/PSP Reports.

Call 1-800-837-2241 email: jobs@ashleydistributionservices.com or www.ashleydistributionservices.com to apply under jobs.

Grant ProGrams and InItIatIves ComPlIanCe offICer VHDA, Virginia’s Housing Finance Agency is looking for a detail-oriented individual to serve in the role of Grant Programs and Initiatives Compliance Officer. The Compliance Officer will be responsible for the analysis of post award services and monitoring to ensure compliance of grant and education program requirements. The Officer is responsible for the creation, monitoring, and oversight functions of our policy and procedures for both Grant and Education Programs. The officer is expected to review and assess performance activities of various programs and evaluate the grantee’s financial and operational policies.

The officer will conduct training programs; prepare information and reports for internal and external stakeholders; and ensure that grant information is timely, accurate and complete.

The Incumbent will possess extensive experience in oversight and monitoring of local, state and federal grants to address strategic initiatives. A broad knowledge of low-and-moderate income housing programs is required and experience in project management is highly preferred. Individual must have demonstrated skills in innovative problem solving, facilitation, negotiations, public speaking, written and oral communications, process development, and program evaluation.

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional/technical certification required.

High level of travel (50-75%) involved (includes overnight).

The Richmond Free Press is seeking a reliable and creative person for a part-time graphics position.

Enthusiastic individual must be proficient in Macintosh Creative Suite Design software (Indesign and Photoshop) to produce accurate, high quality camera-ready advertisements and news page layouts for print production.

Duties will include weekly website maintenance.

Meticulous attention to details. Ability to be flexible and work under deadline cooperatively in a team environment is essential.

Submit resumé and samples of work to address: Human Resources, Richmond Free Press, P.O. Box 27709, Richmond, VA 23261 No phone calls please

TransiT sysTem

PLANNING INTERN PART-TIME (TEMPORARY-GRANT) DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING

The City of Richmond is seeking to fill the following position: Communications Officer 87M00000015 Emergency Communications Center Apply by 2/14/16

Hiring Range: $15.00 Posting Closes: 3 February 2016

GRTC Transit System Planning Department seeks a undergraduate candidate to assist with various planning functions. Undergraduate degree required, preferably in urban planning or a related field. Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills are critical. The successful candidate will be proficient in Microsoft Office and Adobe programs. For a more detailed job description and the ability to apply online, please visit www.ridegrtc.com. A pre-employment drug screening will be required.

Human Service Coordinator I Human Services 14M00000007 Apply by 1/31/16 Operations Manager Trauma Informed 27M00000073 The Department of Social Services Apply by 01/31/2016 Power Line Technician I Public Utilities 35M00000565 Apply by 2/28/16

GRTC Transit System is an equal opportunity employer with a drug-free work environment that values diversity in the workplace.

Power Line Technician Supervisor Public Utilities 35M00000571 Apply by 2/7/16 Project Management Analyst Policy Advisor 27M00000342 Department of Social Services Apply by 02/07/2016 Utility Operations Superintendent I Water Utility Division 35M00000405 Public Utilities Apply by 2/7/16

Assistant Director, Career & Industry Advisor FA8530 Division of Student Affairs VCU Career Services

****************** For an exciting career with the City of Richmond, visit our website for additional information and apply today! www.richmondgov.com EOE M/F/D/V

Virginia Commonwealth University Career Services seeks applicants for the position of Assistant Director, Career & Industry Advisor.

Duties: To provide career advising services to undergraduate and graduate students and alumni in designated departments, schools and industries/professions; One-on-one advising with students/alumni and programs.

Master’s degree with emphasis on counseling, student affairs, higher education or related field required, with 2-5 years’ experience in higher education, recruitment, or related field.

For further information and to Apply, visit https://www.vcujobs.com/postings/48982.

Don't Miss One Word Don't Miss Don’t Miss One Word

Resume and cover letter, stating salary requirements, should be submitted online only at: http://www.vhda.com/about/careers An EOE This position closes at Midnight, February 12, 2016 Hiring Range - $59,439 - $77,271

Background, credit, and driving record checks will apply.

■

■

Church Administrator

Second Baptist Church (South Richmond) is seeking candidates for a Church Administrator. Interested parties can view the job description, the employment application and authorization for background check form at www.2bcsouthside.org. Look under the “Announcement” section.

Application, authorization for background check form and resume (if desired) can be emailed to employment@2bcsouthside.org or mailed by February 19, 2016 to: Second Baptist Church Attention: Human Relations 3300 Broad Rock Blvd.

Richmond, VA 23224

Virginia Commonwealth University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

If questions, contact Human Relations at 804-232-5124, your call will be returned.

One Word

End the inconvenience of empty newspaper boxes, fighting the weather and hunting down back copies.

Also, support the Free Press. We’re always working for you.

■

End the inconvenience of empty newspaper boxes, fighting the weather and hunting down back copies.

Also, support the Free Press. We’re always working for you.

volunteer subscription subscribe ■

convenience, For your convenience,For theyour Richmond Free Press offers you the the Richmond Free Press offers opportunity to receive the Richmond Free Press in the mail. you the opportunity to receive

volunteer subscription

the Richmond FreeFree Press For your convenience, the Richmond Press offers you the Justtotake a minute out the coupon opportunity receive theinand Richmond Free Pressbelow: in the mail. thefill mail.

$99.00 for a 12-month subscription (First class mail) Just takesubscription a minute and fill(Third out the coupon $50.00 for a 12-month class below: mail) Check or money order enclosed. $99.00 for a 12-month subscription (First class mail) Bill my: $50.00 for a 12-month subscription (Third class mail) Check or money order enclosed.

Card number (please record all digits) Bill my:

Cardholder's (please print) Card numbername (please record all digits)

Expiration date Expiration date

Cardholder'ssignature name (please print) for credit card purchase) Cardholder's (required Cardholder's signature (required for credit card purchase)

Name ______________________________________________________ Name_____________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________ City Address ____________________________ State _________ Zip _________ City ____________________________ State _________ Zip _________

Send to: Richmond Free Press, P.O. Box 27709, Richmond, VA 23261 Send to: Richmond Free Press, P.O. Box 27709, Richmond, VA 23261