July 13 15, 2017 issue

5 African-American women in leadership posts at VMFA

Richmond Free Press

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VOL. 26 NO. 28

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

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Death sentence?

Virginia inmate files federal class action lawsuit to make Hepatitis C treatment available to prisoners

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

12-week course of medication costs a minimum of $50,000 per person, according to the drug manufacturer.

Virginia would need to spend $500 million or more should the federal court find the state has violated the

ee Fr

Fr ee

c e l e b rat ing our 2 5 t h A nniv e r s ary

JULY 13-15, 2017

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

King Salim Khalfani, Richmond managing director for Americans Resisting Minority and Ethnic Discrimination, commends the lawsuit seeking to overturn a state policy of withholding Hepatitis C medicine from inmates. Looking on, from left, are: Michael Donovan, Nexus Services president and CEO, whose company is funding the lawsuit; the Rev. Frank Jackson, managing director of ARMED’s Chicago office; and Mario Williams, lead attorney with Nexus Caridades Attorneys that is representing inmates in the suit.

Terry A. Riggleman went to prison as a convicted robber.

But 11 years into his 20-year sentence, he is working to change an alleged state practice of withholding Please turn to A4 life-saving medicine from Virginia prison inmates like him who are afflicted with the liver-destroying viral infection known as Hepatitis C. Backed by a new pro-bono civil rights law firm, Nexus Caridades Attorneys Inc., Mr. Riggleman, 42, at Augusta Correctional Center has filed

By Julexus Cappell a federal class action lawsuit For the descendants of Maggie Lena Walker, the unagainst the Virginia Departveiling of a statue in her honor in Downtown has been a ment of Corrections seeking long time coming. to overturn current policy and “I think (the recognition) is long overdue,” said Dr. make treatment available.

Johnny Mickens III, an assistant principal at Huguenot High “Defendants have a constiSchool and the great-grandson of Maggie Walker. tutional mandate to treat Mr. “I think that what the city did was a wonderful thing Riggleman’s infection,” the suit and I’d like to thank them.” states, “but instead of curing On Saturday, July 15, on what would have been Mrs. Hepatitis C, defendants have Walker’s 153rd birthday, Dr. Mickens and other family permitted Mr. Riggleman and members, elected officials, dozens of Maggie L. Walker other inmates to be infected — High School alumni and people across the region will without treatment — until they embrace the moment as the City of Richmond dedicates reach their deathbed.” the long-awaited statue to Mrs. Walker — a pioneer not The suit represents a maonly in the world of finance, but a pioneer for Africanjor embarrassment for the Americans and women. administration of Gov. Terry The ceremony will start at 10 a.m. at the plaza at Adams McAuliffe, which has pushed and Broad streets, where Mrs. Walker’s statue will mark continually against General the gateway to Jackson Ward, the neighborhood where Mrs. Assembly opposition to expand Walker’s home at 110 ½ E. Leigh St. is a National Historic health insurance to low-income Site run by the National Park Service. Public tours of her Virginians but is now accused home will be available following the ceremony. of withholding treatment for In 1903 with the start of the St. Luke Penny Saving Bank, one of the state’s poorest groups Mrs. Walker became the first African-American woman in — prisoners. the nation to charter a bank and become its president.

The governor’s office has With a life and career dedicated to bettering the financial not responded to a request for and educational standing and civil rights of African-Americans, comment on the suit. It alleges Mrs. Walker achieved many milestones, including time the state policy amounts to a spent as an educator, a leader with the Independent Order bureaucratically imposed death of St. Luke benevolent society, editor of the St. Luke Herald sentence for the untold number newspaper and a businesswoman who opened the St. Luke of inmates with Hepatitis C. Emporium department store at 112 Broad St. in 1905.

The case could become a Her legacy and achievements continue to inspire generapotential budget-buster if Mr. Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press tions of people today.

Riggleman prevails in the suit Dr. Johnny Mickens III, great-grandson of Maggie L. Walker, and his daughter, Liza, 19, hold a portrait of “I think for the whole family, (her legacy) has instilled filed June 26 in Harrisonburg the Richmond pioneer outside of the Maggie L. Walker giving back to the community one way or another, either in U.S. District Court for the National Historic Site at 110½ E. Leigh St. in Jackson Western District of Virginia.

Please turn to A4 Ward where Mrs. Walker lived.

According to Mario Williams, lead attorney for Nexus Caridades, which is based in Augusta County, 30 percent to 40 percent of inmates are believed to be infected with Press that Mr. Dalal is under are properly spent and to ferret Hepatitis C. That’s an estimated

By Jeremy M. Lazarus fire for his management of the out waste, fraud and abuse of 10,000 of the 30,000 men and Umesh Dalal has put many of the bu- city resources. auditor’s office. women locked up in state While Mr. Dalal has won Like the city attorney, city facilities, making it one of the reaucrats at Richmond City Hall in the hot praise for his office’s work and assessor and City Council clerk, most widespread diseases in seat during his 11 years as city auditor.

Now, it’s his turn. garnered public attention for his Mr. Dalal is a council appointee. the prisons.

Next week, Richmond City Council Previously the internal auditor fights to gain access to City Hall New medications have been financial data and other informadeveloped since Mr. Riggleman plans to meet in closed session to consider for the cities of Arlington, Texas, tion needed for probes into city was first diagnosed with the whether to continue Mr. Dalal’s tenure in and Tempe, Ariz., he came to Mr. Dalal spending, his relations with his chronic disease in 2005, but the office that puts city departments under a Richmond in 2006.

City Hall sources have told the Free staff reportedly have been fractious and they are hugely expensive. A microscope to ensure that taxpayer dollars full of friction.

This is not a new situation.

For years, the council has been peppered with complaints from employees in

Maggie Walker’s descendants ready to embrace statue, history

City auditor facing criticism of his own

KKK in Charlottesville outnumbered Klan rally draws more than 1,000 counterprotesters

Please turn to A4

‘Tiger Tom’ Mitchell

Broadcast legend ‘Tiger Tom’ Mitchell dies

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

“Tiger Tom” Mitchell built his life on the spoken and written word.

For more than 30 years, the celebrated broadcaster entertained untold thousands of listeners with his radio show on long-gone WANT AM 990.

For years, he also regaled readers of the now defunct Richmond Afro-American with his stories on people, politicians, crimes and trials.

And for 20 years, he was the play-by-play announcer for Friday night high school football games at Virginia Union University’s Hovey Field and City Stadium, most notably for the once huge ArmstrongWalker Classic high school football clashes, the Super Bowl of local sports.

A household name to many and an inductee into state and national broadcasting halls of fame, his vigorous voice and often trenchant pen are now stilled.

The Richmond native died Monday, July 10, 2017, at the South Side residence of his daughter, Ida Mitchell, a department store executive.

He was 100.

“His 100-year-old body just gave out,” said his son, John H. Mitchell, a musician, graphic designer and youth counselor for the Bainbridge Boys and Girls Club.

He said the family is planPlease turn to A4

Free Press wire, staff report

Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

Police protect members of the Loyal White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan from counterprotesters as they arrive at Justice Park in Charlottesville for a rally last Saturday objecting to City Council’s vote to remove Confederate monuments from two city parks.

CHARLOTTESVILLE More than 1,000 people turned out to shout down a group of Ku Klux Klan members last Saturday at a Charlottesville park where a few dozen hate group members and supporters waving Confederate flags and signs with anti-Semitic messages held a rally.

About 50 members of the Loyal White Knights of the KKK based in Pelham, N.C., were protesting the City Council’s plan to remove statues of Confederate Gens.

Robert E. Lee and Stonewell Jackson from public parks in Charlottesville.

Before the rally in Justice Park, the KKK stated they expected 80 to 100 armed members to attend.

The group was guarded by scores of police and outnumbered by hundreds of counterprotesters who waved signs Please turn to A4

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Gone fishin’ Deican Jones works his rod and reel from the cool shade at Shields Lake in Byrd Park during a recent fishing expedition. In this instance, the fish that was nibbling at his line got away.

Richmond Free Press

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Local News

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

In this view from Hull Street Road, the old Elkhardt Middle School still looks sturdy and sound, despite being closed. However, the rear of the building tells the real story — that demolition of the building is underway. Built around 1940 for Chesterfield County, Elkhardt became part of the Richmond public school system in 1970 as the result of the city’s annexation of a portion of Chesterfield. In 2015, the building was closed and students were moved after an air quality study found high levels of mold Slices of life and scenes and other problems. Today, Elkhardt lives as the combined Elkhardt-Thompson Middle in Richmond School located about 5 miles north on Forest Hill Avenue. RPS officials said demolishing the old Elkhardt building at 6300 Hull St. Road would provide space for a new middle school for the growing population in South Side and overflow of students at Elkhardt-Thompson.

However, the mayor and Richmond City Council have not provided the estimated $50 million needed for a new building.

Cityscape

Richmond’s interim schools superintendent plans to ‘move the ball forward’

By Holly Rodriguez

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

He’s officially on duty Melvin D. Carter takes the oath of office Monday as the 21st chief of the Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services. His mother proudly holds the Bible as the 54-year-old Richmond native takes the oath of office in the City Council Chamber with Mayor Levar M. Stoney nearby.

RPS libraries awarded grants from Laura Bush Foundation Nine Richmond Public Schools libraries have been awarded $54,000 from the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries to purchase books and magazines.

The foundation awarded $116,681 to 20 public school libraries in Virginia. RPS received the most of any school district in the state.

The one-time grants of up to $7,000 are available to schools throughout the country. They can be used only to purchase print or Braille books, audio books, e-books or magazines and e-magazine subscriptions.

The Richmond schools and their awards: • Albert H. Hill Middle School, $6,000 • Chimborazo Elementary School, $6,000 • Elkhardt-Thompson Middle School, $7,000 • Franklin Military Academy, $5,000 • George Wythe High School, $7,000 • James H. Blackwell Elementary School, $6,000 • Miles Jones Elementary School, $5,000 • Richmond Community High School, $6,000 • Thomas Jefferson High School, $6,000 Since 2002, the foundation has awarded more than $14.3 million to more than 2,700 schools in the United States.

Last year, 857 applications were submitted and 130 grants were awarded by the foundation in May 2016. Figures for 2017 were not available. — HOLLY RODRIGUEZ

Clarification Stephanie Priddy’s return to Thomas Jefferson High School is good only for summer school classes, according to Richmond Public Schools.

The Free Press reported in its July 6-8 edition on the special education student’s return to TJ, which her advocates described as an about-face by officials who previously had banned her from the campus and had her arrested for trespassing last winter for being on school grounds.

The change is only for the summer, according Kenita Bowers, RPS spokeswoman.

“She is attending summer school (at TJ) as this is where high school summer classes are taking place,” Ms. Bowers stated in an email to the Free Press.

A substitute principal also is running the summer school program in place of Darin Thompson, who was the school principal during the academic year and who led the effort to remove Stephanie from the school. Mr. Thompson is to return when classes resume in the fall.

And so is the ban on Stephanie being at TJ. RPS plans to enforce its ruling that Stephanie attend Huguenot High School, her zoned school, Ms. Bowers said.

She sought to clarify RPS’ position in the wake of the earlier Free Press story, in which attempts to obtain comment from Ms. Bowers, who was on vacation, School Board Chairwoman Dawn Page and interim Superintendent Thomas E. Kranz were unsuccessful.

Stephanie had appealed the RPS decision to end her admission to Thomas Jefferson High School through open enrollment.

School officials said she had skipped too many classes. The decision to require her to attend classes at Huguenot was upheld by a state hearing officer in late May. The hearing officer found the transfer did not violate Stephanie’s rights to a free and equal public education as a disabled student. She has been diagnosed with autism.

Her advocates, meanwhile, are considering appealing her case to U.S. District Court in a bid to overturn the state hearing officer’s decision.

As interim superintendent of Richmond Public Schools, Thomas E. Kranz said he wants to make students, parents, teachers, administrators and the community feel good about Richmond Public Schools again.

“One of my major tasks will be getting that excitement up, and I’ll do whatever I need to do to make that happen,” he said in an interview Wednesday with the Free Press.

“I’ll do community meetings, one-onones with citizens, listening to what other people have to say and telling our own story, as well.”

Mr. Kranz, who has been with RPS for four years, was named interim superintendent on June 6, following a surprise announcement by former Superintendent Dana T. Bedden and the Richmond School Board that Dr. Bedden was leaving June 30 in a mutually agreed upon departure.

Mr. Kranz takes the helm as the school system is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights for alleged harsh and disproportionate discipline of African-American students and students with disabilities.

Funding issues, old and decrepit school buildings and the inability of RPS to improve the accreditation rate for schools have also struck a blow to morale for the district’s constituencies. With 27 of the city’s 44 schools not fully accredited, the Virginia Department of Education now has intervened.

Mr. Kranz said he is aware of these issues, and plans to improve school facilities and to work with state education officials to “move the ball forward,” while he is in charge through Dec. 31.

“A lot of people will say there’s not a lot you can do in six months. But we have the opportunity to improve, and that’s what we’re going to try and do,” he said.

Two major school projects include gutting and reconstructing the interior of Overby-Sheppard Elementary School in Highland Park, with some exterior improvements, while a new school is planned for South Side at the site of the former Elkhardt Middle School on Hull Street Road. That school was closed in 2015 because of mold and other environmental issues that impacted student health.

The combined Elkhardt-Thompson Middle School on Forest Hill Avenue had about 1,000 students in 2015, and Mr. Kranz

said a new Elkhardt Middle on the path to better accreditation would be able to accommodate rates, are underway, he said. up to 1,500 students.

State officials first reviewed The need for more space is the MOU in late June, and Mr. based on 2015 and 2017 growth Kranz said the document, which projections for the area. However, outlines specific tasks to get RPS money has not been appropriated back on track, will be reviewed yet for a new middle school. again on July 27. He anticipates “I think everyone will see approval from the state. a wow factor, and I’m hoping “We won’t make it across the people will be very happy with goal line because we have a long Mr. Kranz the changes,” he said. way to go,” he said. “But I’m A Memorandum of Understanding and hopeful that if we start to move the ball, Corrective Action Plan, directives from the we can create a level of excitement about state Department of Education to put RPS RPS and gain some momentum.”

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Celebrating 25 years of excellence State Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan, right, presents Free Press Publisher Jean Patterson Boone with a resolution honoring the award-winning newspaper on its 25th anniversary of serving and informing people in the Greater Richmond community. The presentation, also attended by Raymond H. Boone Jr., Free Press vice president of new business development, was held Tuesday in Sen. McClellan’s office in the Pocahontas Building on Capitol Square. The resolution was co-sponsored by the Richmond and Henrico delegations, Sen. McClellan noted, and was passed by the General Assembly earlier this year.The resolution commended the publication on its commitment to “free expression and robust debate” and its work to “facilitate openness and accountability in local and state government,” along with its efforts to address complex issues facing the people in the Richmond area.

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Eggleston Plaza opens Eggleston Plaza, a new, mixed-use complex with 31 affordable apartments, opens with speeches, applause and a ribboncutting ceremony Wednesday in Jackson Ward. The complex at 2nd and Leigh streets is the site of the former Eggleston Hotel. During segregation, the historic hotel served civil rights leaders, famous entertainers and other African-Americans who were barred from other Richmond hotels because of the color of their skin. At the microphone, Kelvin Hanson, the developer and partner in the $6 million project, addresses the crowd, including Neverett A. Eggleston Sr., seated, who owned and operated the Eggleston Hotel, and several Eggleston family members. The first residents are expected to move in in August, while a restaurant to be run by the family, is slated to open later.

Richmond Free Press

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Richmond Free Press

News

Va. inmate files federal class action lawsuit Continued from A1

U.S. Constitution’s Eighth Amendment ban on cruel and unusual punishment by withholding such medicines as Mr. Riggleman’s suit alleges.

The suit names Harold Clarke, director of the state Corrections Department, and Dr. Mark Amonette, the corrections department’s chief medical officer.

Both men, who are represented legally through the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, are keeping mum about the suit.

“Any response on behalf of our clients will be made in court filings,” a spokesman for Attorney General Mark Herring stated.

Mr. Riggleman suffers excruciating stomach, nerve, joint and liver pain, as well as constant fatigue from the disease. He turned to Nexus Caridades after his requests for treatment were rebuffed in November and March.

Despite his symptoms, the state Corrections Department notified him that his disease had not progressed far enough to justify treatment. Medical staff also were instructed not to treat him or others with the disease, the suit states.

Michael Donovan, president and CEO of the GPS equipment maker Nexus Services Inc. that funds Nexus Caridades, said his company “is proud to fund this class action suit so we can bring an end to the DOC course of conduct which literally condemns

inmates like Mr. Riggleman to die.”

Mr. Williams, the attorney, said Nexus Caridades is hopeful the state will not fight the suit and, instead, will agree to a settlement, although he said that DOC officials have been unwilling to entertain an agreement to change the policy.

According to the suit, the federal Bureau of Prisons started prescribing the new Hepatitis C medication, as have correctional systems in California, New York, Illinois and three other states.

That stands in contrast to Virginia Mr. Riggleman prisons, which have refused to use the new class of direct-acting antiviral drugs and have ceased providing older medications, including a combination therapy of interferon ribavirin or a triple therapy that adds another drug.

Mr. Williams said Virginia inmates are at the mercy of the policies because they automatically are ineligible for Medicaid while in prison. They are only eligible for Medicaid coverage when they are transferred to a hospital for treatment. Inmates also are banned by DOC policy from being added to a relative’s health insurance policy or buying their own.

Instead, they are required to receive treatment from medical staff at the prison where they are housed.

Broadcast legend ‘Tiger Tom’ Mitchell dies Continued from A1

ning to hold a memorial tribute to celebrate his father’s life, but arrangements were incomplete at Free Press deadline.

Born John Thomas Mitchell on Oct. 27, 1916, in what is now the Shockoe Bottom area of Richmond, he said he earned the nickname “Tiger Tom” because of his boisterous broadcast style.

Mr. Mitchell was best known for his broadcast role at WANT, where he spun gospel records and served up news, weather and remembrances of those who had died.

At the station, he astonished people with his ability to absorb information and then crisply deliver a 5 minute news and weather update to listeners without a script.

His memorable work led to his induction into the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame in 1996 and the national Broadcasters Hall of Fame In Akron, Ohio, in 2009.

Most recently, he received the Frank Soden Lifetime Achievement Award from the Richmond Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Mr. Mitchell got into journalism following in the footsteps of his great-uncle, crusading journalist and banker John Mitchell Jr., editor of The Richmond Planet, and his father, ‘Tiger Tom’ Roscoe C. Mitchell, who reported for The Mitchell in 1958. Planet and for the “Colored Section” of the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

By age 11, he was setting type on the printing press for The Richmond Planet. By age 14, he was doing the same for The St. Luke Herald, the newspaper that Richmond businesswoman Maggie L. Walker created for the Independent Order of St. Luke that she ran.

Despite losing the tip of his index finger working the printing press, Mr. Mitchell remained true to his calling. He would go on to report for The Norfolk Journal & Guide and the Richmond Afro and become the Richmond correspondent or “stringer” for JET magazine before becoming a radio legend.

The valedictorian of his 1935 Armstrong High School graduating class, Mr. Mitchell initially enrolled at Virginia Union University, where he planned to play football, but he left after a year to join the military.

Rejected because of a football injury, he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps in Mecklenburg and then resumed his work in journalism.

During World War II, he covered entertainment for the Norfolk Journal & Guide before returning to Richmond to report on the police beat at The Afro.

For Mr. Mitchell, the most notable story he covered was the high-profile case of the Martinsville 7, the seven young men who were convicted in 1949 of raping a white woman in that Virginia community and later executed in 1951 despite an international outcry over the blatant racism at the trial and the verdict.

“My father was in contact with the relatives of the men,” his son said. “He was always very passionate about the injustice in that case. To him, justice always was unequal in this country.”

Still, Mr. Mitchell remained a pragmatic optimist, always believing that everything could work out as long as journalists were present to “report the truth,” his son said.

Mr. Mitchell got his start in radio in 1937, working parttime for a Richmond station and continued to work part-time on and off. In 1951, he was one of the original on-air staff when WANT went on the air. The call letters stood for “With All Negro Talent.”

At the time, he also was working as the editor and writer for the Virginia Journal, the magazine of the Virginia Teacher’s Association, which represented African-American teachers during the era of segregation and drew 7,000 teachers to its annual conventions. The VTA later merged with the Virginia Education Association.

KKK outnumbered Continued from A1

denouncing racism. Anti-KKK protesters raised their voices in chants and shouts, drowning out speeches from the white supremacists.

In February, the Charlottesville City Council voted 3-2 to remove the statues from the parks, which have since been renamed from Jackson Park to Justice Park and Lee Park to Emancipation Park.

The council also has plans for a new memorial to replace the Lee statue to remember the city’s enslaved population, according to reports.

The white supremacist group rallied for less than an hour before leaving. Counterprotesters followed them to a parking garage, where police told them to disperse for unlawful assembly.

Police and protesters headed back to the park where, a city spokeswoman said, frustration boiled over. Virginia State Police threw three tear gas containers to disperse the crowd.

While there were no reports of violence, 23 people were arrested and three people were taken to a hospital, two for heat and one for alcohol-related issues.

The KKK rally will not be the last in Charlottesville. On Aug. 12, a “Unite the Right Free Speech Rally” is planned by an alt-right group.

In 1959, he left the VTA to become a full-time staff member at WANT. He retired in 1982 after the sale of the station, which, along with other AM outlets, was quickly being eclipsed by fast-growing FM stations.

Along with his radio work, he also helped to bring James Brown and other gospel, jazz and R&B shows to the city with his sideline as a concert promoter and city representative for various tours.

In addition to his son and daughter, survivors include his wife of 57 years, Elizabeth “Bette” Mitchell; another son, Cary Mitchell, a custom tailor in Charlotte, N.C.; and one grandchild.

“They are absolute wards of the state when it comes to health care,” Mr. Williams said.

DOC’s detailed medical guidelines allow for treatment of Hepatitis C when the disease is advanced, but the decision is made on a case-by-case basis.

“The treatment will be based on the severity of the disease,” the guidelines state, as well as the willingness of the patient to abstain from risky behavior that can create a risk of re-infection and has enough time left on a sentence to complete treatment.

According to Nexus Caridades, the policy was created because DOC does not want to the absorb the cost.

State corrections officials declined to release to the Free Press any information about the number of inmates who are infected or are in treatment for Hepatitis C. Mr. Donovan said the department also has not responded to Nexus Caridades’ requests for the information..

Hepatitis C is generally spread like HIV/AIDS — through fluid transfer between an infected party and another person. For example, shared needles used to create prison tattoos can result in the transfer. So can sexual activity.

While Hepatitis C can go undetected for years, the disease can result in liver cancer or cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver, and render the organ that filters poison from the blood inoperative.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hepatitis C causes the deaths of nearly 20,000 Americans yearly, surpassing deaths from other infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, and is the most common cause for liver transplants.

“Each day without treatment increases the likelihood of permanent damage or death,” Mr. Donovan said.

Because the disease is epidemic in Virginia’s prisons, the lack of treatment means hundreds of people will die each year from a disease that is absolutely curable, he said.

“The issue for DOC and the state is cost. But that is not our concern,” Mr. Donovan said. “Our concern is saving lives and preventing unelected officials from deciding who will live and who will die based on policies regarding the treatment of disease for people who are in their care and absolutely dependent on them.”

Maggie Walker’s descendants ready to embrace statue, history Continued from A1

through jobs or volunteer work,” Dr. Mickens said. “She also instilled in us the importance of education.”

Dr. Mickens’ daughter, 19-year-old Elizabeth “Liza” Walker Mickens, said being the great-great-granddaughter of such an icon is a privilege.

“It’s a huge honor for her to be honored for her achievements and what she did in the community. But as a descendant, it is an honor to be related to such a remarkable woman,” said Ms. Mickens, a junior at James Madison University.

Ms. Mickens will speak on behalf of the Walker descendants at Saturday’s program.

She said she has learned more about Mrs. Walker’s values and the lessons she held dear by speaking about her.

“Carrying on her traditions and those of my family have taught me to be proud to tell her story,” Ms. Mickens said.

“It has really given me great communication skills.”

The statue will highlight a key part of U.S. history, Dr.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

The statue of Maggie L. Walker is under wraps on its pedestal in the plaza at Broad and Adams streets Downtown until the unveiling on Saturday, July 15, Mrs. Walker’s birthday.

Mickens said, specifically the contributions of people of color, which often go unrecognized.

“It will go a long way to show the importance AfricanAmericans and other nationalities played in the history of America,” he said.

Its location also holds great

historical value because Jackson Ward was known as the Harlem of the South, Ms. Mickens said, where African-American businesses flourished.

To Ms. Mickens, the statue will portray a genuine role model for future generations to see and from which to learn.

“It will stand as a testament to her struggles as a businesswoman and an African-American woman,” she said. “It will serve as an inspiration, knowing what she went through. It will also stand as a testament to where hard work and perseverance can take you.”

City auditor facing criticism of his own Continued from A1

his office. City Council members privately have expressed concern about the office’s high employee turnover rate, which reportedly averaged 30 percent in the four years between 2013 and 2016.

The auditor’s office is authorized to have 14 employees; the turnover rate indicates that at least five employees have left in each of those four years.

In 2016, the council held several closed sessions with Mr. Dalal about management of his office and since commissioned an internal review.

The council meeting set for Monday, July 17, comes after what is being described as a staff revolt. While Mr. Dalal recently was away from his office, virtually every member of his staff went to see one or more council members to urge his removal, the Free Press has been told.

As one council member put it, “The question is whether the atmosphere in the office is now so poisonous that it affects the work. If that is the case, then something would have to be done.”

The meeting, ironically, follows the release of the latest report from Mr. Dalal’s office that found that the Department of Public Utilities appears to have wasted nearly $2 million hiring a consultant to change a workplace culture that has left employees unhappy.

According to the stinging report dated June 21, TMI Consulting has been paid $420,000 annually since August 2013, or at least $1.8 million to date, but the program

has had little significant impact on the agency directed by Robert Steidel.

Led by Tiffany Jana, an ally of Mayor Levar M. Stoney, TMI beat out three other consulting firms for the contract to assist management with improving the utilities department culture and atmosphere.

As Ms. Jana described it, “employees felt disengaged due to the lack of pathways for growth, excessive drama in the office, poor management and a general lack of recognition and consistency in the workplace, especially with accountability” for how the work gets done and who gets “recognition and access to opportunity.”

The trigger for the five-year effort to change the culture came from complaints about racial discrimination involving some supervisors dating back to 2010. The complaints went public in 2011 and ultimately led to a lawsuit in which African-American pipefitters in the department sued DPU and the city over racial discrimination in training, pay and promotions. The suit ultimately was settled in the employees’ favor.

According to Mr. Dalal’s report, employee surveys conducted by TMI since 2013, as well as a separate survey by an independent consultant, found that “work conditions have not substantially improved since the inception of the project. An atmosphere of low morale, stress and high anxiety continues.”

The report also states that DPU workers “have lost trust in a management system that is supposed to be unbiased and provide equal opportunity to all

employees.”

Instead, “employees allege management by intimidation and a continual shortage of resources” to do their jobs safely and effectively.

In addition, employees “continue to be frustrated with a lack of equal opportunity for development and advancement,” while “the organization struggles to hire and retain talent, leaving crews short-staffed for long periods, leading to service and safety issues,” the report states.

Mr. Steidel is quoted in the report as explaining that employees believed the program would address issues that were not covered by the program and became upset when their expectations were not met. He also indicated that employees might not trust management.

In the report, Mr. Dalal questions why the program was continued instead of being changed to address the issues that concern employees and the failure of Mr. Steidel and his staff to properly ensure the program was generating improvements.

Mr. Dalal’s recommendation: End the contract with TMI and shift the resources to address employee concerns.

He also recommended that DPU capture data on the original issues of diversity development, promotion and opportunity and specifically track improvements in those areas.

And he called on DPU to establish expectations and timelines for the 700 Strong Program to make the work environment more employee-friendly and to spend more time working on pay and related issues to improve worker satisfaction.

Richmond Free Press

July 13-15, 2017

A5

News

Federal agencies fail to report hate crimes to FBI

By A.C. Thompson and Ken Schwencke

Special to the Trice Edney News Wire from ProPublica

In violation of a long-standing legal mandate, scores of federal law enforcement agencies are failing to submit statistics to the FBI’s national hate crimes database, ProPublica has learned.

The lack of participation by federal law enforcement represents a significant and largely unknown flaw in the database, which is supposed to be the nation’s most comprehensive source of information on hate crimes. The database is maintained by the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division, which uses it to tabulate the number of alleged hate crimes occurring around the nation each year.

The FBI has identified at least 120 federal agencies that aren’t uploading information to the database, according to Amy Blasher, a unit chief at the CJIS division, an arm of the bureau that is overseeing the modernization of its information systems.

The federal government operates a vast array of law enforcement agencies — ranging from Customs and Border Protection to the Drug Enforcement Administration to the Amtrak Police — employing more than 120,000 law enforcement officers with arrest powers. The FBI would not say which agencies have declined to participate in the program, but the bureau’s annual tally of hate crimes statistics does not include any offenses handled by federal law enforcement. Indeed, the problem is so widespread that the FBI itself isn’t submitting the hate crimes it investigates to its own database.

“We truly don’t understand what’s happening with crime in the U.S. without the federal component,” Ms. Blasher said in an interview.

At present, the bulk of the information in the database is supplied by state and local police departments. In 2015, the database tracked more than 5,580 alleged hate crime incidents, including 257 targeting Muslims, an upward surge of 67 percent from the previous year.

(The bureau hasn’t released 2016 or 2017 statistics yet.)

But it has long been clear that hundreds of local police departments don’t send data to the FBI, and so given the added lack of participation by federal law enforcement, the true numbers for 2015 are likely to be significantly higher.

A federal law, the 1988 Uniform Federal Crime Reporting Act, requires all U.S. government law enforcement agencies to send a wide variety of crime data to the FBI. Two years later, after the passage of another law, the bureau began collecting data about “crimes that manifest evidence of prejudice based on race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or ethnicity.” That was later expanded to include gender and gender identity.

The federal agencies that are not submitting data are violating the law, Ms. Blasher said. She said she is in contact with about 20 agencies and is hopeful that some will start participating, but added that there is no firm timeline for that to happen.

“Honestly, we don’t know how long it will take,” she said of the effort to get federal agencies on board.

The issue goes far beyond hate crimes. Federal agencies are failing to report a whole range of crime statistics, Ms. Blasher conceded. But hate crimes, and the lack of reliable data concerning them, have been of intense interest amid the country’s highly polarized and volatile political environment.

ProPublica contacted several federal agencies seeking an explanation. A spokesperson for the Army’s Criminal Investigation Command, which handles close to 50,000 offenses annually, said the service is adhering to Defense Department rules regarding crime data and is using a digital crime tracking system linked to the FBI’s database.

But Army officials declined to say whether its statistics are actually being sent to the FBI, referring that question up the chain of command to the

Department of Defense.

In 2014, an internal probe conducted by Defense Department investigators found

that the “DoD is not reporting criminal incident data to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for inclusion in the annual

Uniform Crime Reports.”

ProPublica contacted the Defense Department for clarification, and shared with a

When a stroke strikes, seconds count.

department spokesman a copy of the 2014 reports acknowledging the failure to send data to the FBI.

“We have no additional information at this time,” said Christopher Sherwood, the spokesman.

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Richmond Free Press

Tranquil scene in Pocahontas State Park

Editorial Page

A6

July 13-15, 2017

Stop the madness We are tired of President Trump and his lies.

And we are particularly aggravated by his hubris and deceit when it comes to his connections with Russia and his collusion with the Kremlin to win the November 2016 presidential election.

The latest revelations involving his son, Donald Trump Jr., only serve to further confirm what we already knew — that businessman Trump views the American presidency as a way to line his own pockets and that he is willing to go to great lengths, i.e. lie, cheat and throw his own family and country under the bus, to satisfy his greed.

New published reports indicate that President Trump had a deal in November 2013 with a Russian real estate developer to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. His children were involved in the deal. Trump Jr. was assigned to oversee the project, while daughter Ivanka was sent to Moscow to meet with the oligarch’s son to identify potential sites. The developer has close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

But the project was abandoned after the Russian economy floundered, in part, because of U.S. sanctions imposed under President Obama and those by the European Union after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

While President Trump continues to deny having any business deals in Russia, he immediately after taking office in January pursued the possibility of lifting the sanctions against Russia. He was blocked by strong opposition from within the State Department and from members of Congress, including Republicans.

The New York Times disclosed this week that a British intermediary who has ties to the Russian developer’s son, and who was present during the discussions about the Moscow Trump Tower deal, sent emails to Trump Jr. in June 2016 stating that a Russian government lawyer had documents and information for the Trump presidential campaign that could tank Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton.

“This is obviously very high level and sensitive information but is part of Russia and its government’s support for Mr. Trump,” the email stated, adding that the effort was being helped by the Russian developer and his son.

On June 9, 2016, Trump Jr. met at Trump Tower in New York with Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya, who has connections to the Kremlin.

But Trump Jr. didn’t come alone. Instead of contacting the FBI or other federal authorities about foreign nationals trying to influence the election — a practice prohibited under U.S. law — Trump Jr. brought with him to the meeting key members of the Trump campaign — Paul Manafort, then the campaign chairman, and Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law who is now a senior White House adviser.

When the New York Times story broke about the emails and the meeting, Trump Jr.’s initial response was just like his dad’s — to lie. He claimed the meeting was about U.S. adoptions of Russian children.

He then released the chain of emails when he learned the newspaper had copies and was ready to publish them.

He said nothing came out of the meeting, a claim also expressed by the Russian lawyer.

But the lies continue. Trump Jr. said that he had told Mr. Manafort and Mr. Kushner “nothing of the substance” about the meeting in advance. But he had forwarded the emails to both men before the meeting, with the subject line “Russia – Clinton – private and confidential.” And he says his father, the president, knew nothing of the meeting.

Wow! Trump Jr. must really believe the American people are stupid. How can anyone possibly believe that he would go to such a meeting, with the president’s campaign manager and key adviser in tow, no less, but say nothing about it to his dad? We also are amazed that Trump Jr. thinks the American people believe they talked about adoption policy.

We believe President Trump knew about the emails, ordered his son and key campaign people to attend and is now leading the cover-up strategy. It fits with the pattern of lies and deception he has tried to put over on the American people from early on.

At least three U.S. intelligence agencies, including the FBI, have concluded that the Russians interfered with the 2016 presidential election to help President Trump win.

But the president continues to deny it. And at the G20 summit in Germany earlier this month, President Putin reportedly denied hacking the U.S. election and President Trump accepted it.

This “wheelbarrow full of new evidence” raises the specter of “treason,” said U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia.

“We’re now beyond obstruction of justice in terms of what’s being investigated,” said Sen. Kaine, who was Mrs. Clinton’s vice presidential running mate in November.

“This is moving into perjury, false statements and even into, potentially, treason,” he told a reporter.

We strongly agree.

It’s time for President Trump to go.

We renew our calls for President Trump’s impeachment.

His continued collusion with a foreign government to undermine American democracy and to deceive the American people cannot be tolerated, endorsed or sanctioned. He continues to make a mockery of the U.S. Constitution and our protection from enemies by seeking to collect data on U.S. registered voters, including our voting history and Social Security numbers, and then suggesting a cyber security unit collaboration with Russia.

U.S. lawmakers were dumbfounded by his suggestion.

Thank goodness Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe has said ‘no’ to turning over voter data from the Commonwealth.

We’ve had enough of President Trump’s treachery and lunacy. Republicans and Democrats with any sense of right and purpose and love for this nation should stand up and declare, “Enough.”

We urge Special Counsel Robert Mueller, the FBI, the Senate and House intelligence committees and all others involved in probes of the president, his campaign, his family and the Russians to wrap things up before a greater American tragedy occurs.

President Trump has done enough damage. Remove him from office before he can do more.

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

An absence of facts

It is hard to be rebuffed more soundly than President Trump’s “election integrity” commission — or, as he called it, the “very distinguished voter fraud panel.”

The commission has been stiffed by most of the states.

It’s not hard to imagine why.

For one thing, the panel appears to be designed less to improve election efficiency than to boost the president’s fragile ego.

Unlike earlier commissions under President George W. Bush following the 2000 Florida election debacle or President Obama’s 2013 panel in response to such 2012 complaints as voters forced to wait in long lines to vote, President Trump’s Presidential Advisory Commission on Electoral Integrity was inspired by one of his own notorious fish stories.

You remember how last November, a few days after his election, the president indicated in a tweet that his Electoral College victory was not enough. He wanted to claim victory in the popular vote, too.

“In addition to winning the Electoral College in a landslide,” he tweeted on Nov. 27, “I won the popular vote if you deduct the millions who voted illegally.”

Through spokesmen, Presi-

dent Trump claimed a breathtaking 3 million to 5 million people voted illegally.

Where did he hear that number?

Leading fact-checkers PunditFact, Snopes and the Washington Post’s Fact Checker traced it to Alex Jones, the famously

Clarence Page conspiracy-obsessed radio and internet star, who, among other bizarre allegations, claims that the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in Newtown, Conn., was a hoax, put on perhaps to spur more gun safety legislation.

With similarly snowflake-thin credibility, Mr. Jones backed up the illegal voters claim by citing a “report” that turned out to be only a tweet by Gregg Phillips, a self-described conservative voter fraud specialist at another website called VoteStand.com, which reportedly offered the factcheckers no explanation for how he arrived at his number.

Yet in his typical don’t-backdown fashion, President Trump refused to let an absence of facts get in the way of his repeating the false claim to astonished congressional leaders in January. Even now, long after his inauguration, he is drawn back to his election totals like a hungry hound to a pork chop. His voter fraud pursuit resembles his hunt for President

Obama’s birth certificate.

Numerous states have said they won’t comply with the commission’s request for voter registrations, which includes voter history, the last four digits of Social Security numbers and other identifying personal information. News reports said 44 states had refused to comply with the request by Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who serves as vice chair of the commission.

But Mr. Kobach disputed that number, saying only 14 states and the District of Columbia had refused. Most of the rest had partly complied, except for information that they were barred by law from reporting.

Mr. Kobach pointed out that the requests are voluntary and that many states already offer the same information for sale to political parties and campaigns. When asked whether the commission would consider paying the states for the info, Mr. Kobach said he would not rule that out. Yet even he had to admit that Kansas law prevented his own state office from complying with his federal commission’s request.

Other unexpected comedy turned up in the rejections by some other states.

“My reply would be,” wrote Mississippi’s secretary of state, Republican Delbert Hosemann, “they can go jump in the Gulf

Justice not served After decades of struggles and sacrifices, civil rights legislation enacted in the 1960s won federal promises to ensure that discrimination is illegal and would not be tolerated. Unfettered access to housing, voting rights, fair credit, public accommodations and more was marked and celebrated as hard-fought victories for black Americans and other people of color. In later years, additional protections were added as amendments to safeguard the rights of the elderly, disabled and the LGBTQ community.

Today, a growing number of interests are questioning whether the Trump Administration intends to uphold these laws. Specifically, a series of federal agencies with offices dedicated to civil rights are at risk. Through budget cuts and staff reductions, these agencies will either outright deny or severely limit the ability to challenge discrimination.

Case in point: The Department of Education scaling back civil rights enforcement. Proposed department budget cuts will result in the loss of the equivalent of 46 full-time positions. For remaining staff, caseload levels will rise.

Laura Dunn, executive director of SurvJustice, a D.C.-based nonprofit that supports legal justice, recently told Inside Higher Ed, “They know that they can’t complete these investigations with such a lean budget and

inadequate staffing.”

On June 8, Candice Jackson, acting assistant secretary for the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights, issued a memo directing staff in all 12 regional offices to immediately begin new practices. Per Ms. Jackson, the Education Department goal is

Charlene Crowell to swiftly address compliance issues, reach reasonable resolution agreements and encourage voluntary settlements wherever possible. Investigation staff was advised to clear case backlogs and resolve complaints in a “reasonable time frame.”

On June 16, the nonpartisan U.S. Commission on Civil Rights weighed in on the proposed cuts and issued a lengthy statement detailing a new, two-year comprehensive assessment of federal civil rights enforcement that will, in part, examine whether current budget and staffing levels allow the office to adequately perform its duties.

Other agencies that also will be reviewed by the Commission include the Environmental Protection Agency, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Justice, Labor and the Legal Services Corp.

More criticism arrived on June 27 when 34 U.S. senators representing 22 states sent their own detailed letter of concern.

“You claim to support civil rights and oppose discrimination, but your actions belie your assurances,” the senators wrote Ms. DeVos. “Closing cases quickly at the expense of the quality of the

investigation is not in the longterm interests of the complainants and impedes students, teachers and families in receiving just resolutions.

“Rather than abandon a systematic approach, we strongly urge you to support increased funding for OCR’s budget to allow the office to hire additional personnel to swiftly resolve complaints.”

Research by the Center for Responsible Lending found that students of color often are targeted by high-cost private career and training institutes that advertise high incomes for jobs.

However, the outcomes promised and the experiences of these students do not match. Only 27 percent of all students in four-year programs in for-profit schools graduate within six years.

Students who do not graduate almost always wind up with deep student debt and low-paying jobs. When their loan repayments become too costly to maintain, loan defaults result that mar their credit profiles.

“If the Education Department was serious about addressing civil rights enforcement,” noted Robin Howarth, a CRL senior researcher, “they would be continuing the Obama administration’s emphasis on adequate staffing of this complex and timeconsuming function. Instead, they opt for gutting the standards of investigation in favor of quick resolution of cases.”

Ms. Howarth is right. Closing complaint cases quickly is not the same thing as justice.

The writer is communications deputy director for the Center for Responsible Lending.

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.

of Mexico.”

Kentucky Secretary of State Allison Lundergan Grimes quipped on MSNBC, “There’s not enough bourbon here in Kentucky to make this study seem sensible.”

Just to be clear, I’m not soft on voter fraud. I spent too many years as a reporter — including involved in a major vote fraud investigation — in Chicago, a city long associated with the sarcastic phrase “vote early and often,” to think that voter fraud is a myth. But I also know better than to think it runs into the millions, as President Trump claims.

However, even if only a few cases are uncovered, fraudulent voting must be rooted out wherever it is found, but not at the expense of unfairly blocking legitimate voters — or exaggerating the problem in ways that recklessly undermines public faith in our election system.

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Richmond Free Press

July 13-15, 2017

Letters to the Editor

Ashe played tennis at Brookfield Park, not Battery Park

Re: “Ashe mural to be unveiled at Battery Park on July 12,” Free Press July 6-8 edition: I had started writing a letter about the myth of Arthur Ashe playing tennis in Battery Park when I saw the letter to the editor by Kathryn L. Reid in the June 29-July 1 edition of the Free Press. I thought the matter had been addressed and corrected, but I see the myth is still alive and being promoted.

In 1950, my father moved our family to the 2700 block of Griffin Avenue, which was two blocks from Battery Park. Because the neighborhood was changing, the City of Richmond stopped maintaining the park. There were tennis courts but no nets. The surface was not maintained on the side of the park north of Overbrook Road. And things were not much better on the south side, where the basketball courts and swings were located.

The swings were in such disrepair that my father purchased a set for my sister and myself.

For years, black Richmonders traveled to Brookfield Park to learn to swim. “Stretch” Gardner, the basketball coach at Maggie L. Walker High School, taught me to swim in the pool. When it came to baseball, a little farther up were several baseball diamonds, where Charles Nicholson, who taught at Benjamin A. Graves Middle School,

was our coach.

Between the pool and the baseball diamonds at Brookfield were four tennis courts where I played tennis until I left Richmond to attend Howard University in 1964. Mr. Ashe lived next door to those courts. This is where he played. He left Richmond in 1960 to go to St. Louis to finish high school and on to UCLA, where he graduated in 1966.

Separate and much better facilities were provided for white Richmonders at Byrd Park.

The American narrative is full of lies and halftruths about slavery and the genocide of Native American people. As an institution in the black community, the Free Press needs to acknowledge the truth in this matter and help set the record straight. There should be a historic marker placed at the site of Brookfield Park.

Richmond during this time was very separate and very unequal. To say otherwise negates the suffering and hardships so many went through during those times.

LEONARD L. EDLOE Mechanicsville The writer serves on the board of directors of the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.

RRHA ‘missed a golden opportunity’ to help people become homeowners Re “Prospect of home ownership escapes 70-year-old Randolph resident,” Free Press June 29-July 1 edition: I was appalled reading the Free Press front page story about Charlene Harris, the 70-year-old Randolph resident.

Is the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s management becoming aloof and unfeeling towards the residents they serve?

To think that the RRHA would move a 70-year-old lady from a house she has lived in and called home for 49 years and relocate her into a less desirable house and neighborhood is inconceivable.

The agency’s management team missed a golden opportunity to place 119 tenants in affordable homes as homeowners. HUD’s Section 32 Public Housing Homeownership Program of the U.S. Housing Act was created to give public housing tenants access to affordable home ownership opportunities. The Section 32 program gave RRHA the option and the right to design a home ownership program as innovative as the agency desired, with flexible terms, unconventional arrangements and creative financing to enable families to purchase the scattered site homes.

The RRHA initially offered

to sell the house to Mrs. Harris for $88,000 and reduced the sale price to $58,000. Neither price was an innovative or affordable solution.

Mrs. Harris is 70 and has lived in the house since 1968. RRHA never negotiated with the tenants in good faith from the beginning.

The agency required tenants to pay a $500 earnest fee before it would tell them what the sale price would be. The NAACP stepped in to investigate and advocate on behalf of the tenants.

The 119 vacant houses have been in RRHA’s inventory for more than 10 years. The agency had adequate time to plan and implement a successful program that could have made home ownership possible for 119 tenants.

Their failure to offer most of the public housing tenants who are paying $500 monthly rents the opportunity to buy any of the housing is evident that there was no credible or well thought out home ownership program. (Eleven tenants did buy their homes.)

If RRHA can sell the houses to nonprofit organizations for $1, then the agency can sell the houses to tenants for $1 and find creative ways to obtain financing for the tenants through HUD 203K programs, partnerships with the city and banks and the use of Section 8 vouchers for mortgage payments rather than rental payments.

‘Placing markers with statues … will not fix this long-standing slap in the face’ Re “ ‘Tear those statues down:’ Richmonders decry mayor’s plan to put Confederate statues ‘in context,’ ” Free Press June 29-July 1 edition: James Baldwin wrote in “Notes of a Native Son” that Americans maintain the ability to transform bitter truths into non-offensive and pleasantly stimulating confections to transform their moral contradictions into proud decoration.

Richmond’s proudest decorations are the Confederate statues up and down a corridor whose homes are occupied by a majority of white owners, renters and businesses.

These statues represent a hateful and divisive history that some insist on falsely claiming to be the heritage of many Richmonders, and even more astonishing, a part of African-American heritage.

This is not true.

I am proud to say I was born and raised in Richmond. We, as a city, must come together and not only speak truth to power, but also acknowledge our dark and painful past unambiguously.

Placing markers with the statues to add context will not fix this long-standing slap in the face, but will insist that our city continue to embrace exclusion and marginalization.

I stand strongly in saying, “Take them down!”

RONALD A. TIMMONS JR. Richmond

Commonwealth of Virginia Virginia Department of Transportation Request for Qualification 501-BLW Exterior Historic Metal Window Restoration at the VDOT Central Highway Building, 1221 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219 An Optional Pre-Proposal Conference including a Site Tour will be held: July 21, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. at 1221 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219 (VDOT Central Highway Building Auditorium, First Floor).

Documents are located at www.eva.virginia.gov and available from the individual indicated below.

Inquiries should be directed to: Brenda L. Williams at brenda.williams@vdot. virginia.gov, or (804)786-2777 Proposals will be received in accordance with the information posted at www. eva.virginia.gov until 2:00 P.M. local time on August 10, 2017.

Instead, RRHA chose to sell 26 properties to investors who will renovate and flip the homes at market rates.

RRHA is contributing to depriving low-income persons of the opportunity to attain affordable housing in Richmond, where affordable housing is becoming unaffordable.

BERNICE E. TRAVERS Richmond The writer is president of the Richmond Crusade for Voters.

Courthouse Road (Route 155) Shared Use Path Charles City County Design Public Hearing

Wednesday, August 9, 5 – 6:30 p.m.

Charles City County High School 10039 Courthouse Road, Charles City, VA 23030 Find out about proposed construction of a shared use path along the west side of Courthouse Road (Route 155) between Route 5 and Charles City County High School.

The meeting will be held in an open house format from 5 – 6:30 p.m. where individuals can talk one-on-one with project staff. This flexible format allows participants to arrive whenever their schedule will allow.

Review project information and the National Environmental Policy Act documentation at the public hearing or at VDOT’s Richmond District Office located at 2430 Pine Forest Drive, Colonial Heights, VA, 804-524-6000, 800-3677623, TTY/TDD 711. Please call ahead to assure the appropriate personnel are available to answer your questions. Property impact information, relocation assistance policies and tentative construction schedules are available for your review at the above address and will be available at the public hearing.

Give your written or oral comments at the hearing or submit them by August 19, 2017 to Adam Brooks, Project Manager, Virginia Department of Transportation, 2430 Pine Forest Drive, Colonial Heights, VA 23834-9002. You may also e-mail your comments to Adam.Brooks@VDOT.Virginia.gov. Please reference “Route 155 trail public hearing comment” in the subject line.

In compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106 and 36 CFR Part 800, information concerning the potential effects of the proposed project on properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places is provided in the environmental documentation.

VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact VDOT’s Civil Rights Division at (804) 524-6091 or TDD/TTY 711. * In the event of inclement weather on August 9, this meeting will be held August 16 at the same time and location above.

State Project: 0155-018-574, P101, R201, C501 Federal Project: RSTP-5A27(060)

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF AN APPLICATION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY, FOR REVISION OF RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE: RIDER S, VIRGINIA CITY HYBRID ENERGY CENTER CASE NO. PUR-2017-00073 • Virginia Electric and Power Company d/b/a Dominion Energy Virginia (“Dominion”) has applied for approval to revise its rate adjustment clause, Rider S. • Dominion requests a total revenue requirement of $244.981 million for its 2018 Rider S. • A Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will hear the case on December 6, 2017, at 10 a.m.

• Further information about this case is available on the SCC website at: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case.

On June 1, 2017, Virginia Electric and Power Company d/b/a Dominion Energy Virginia (“Dominion” or “Company”), pursuant to § 56-585.1 A 6 of the Code of Virginia (“Code”), filed with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) an annual update of the Company’s rate adjustment clause, Rider S (“Application”). Through its Application, the Company seeks to recover costs associated with the Virginia City Hybrid Energy Center (“VCHEC” or “Project”), a 600 megawatt nominal coal-fueled generating plant and associated transmission interconnection facilities located in Wise County, Virginia.

In Case No. PUE-2007-00066, the Commission approved Dominion’s construction and operation of VCHEC and also approved a rate adjustment clause, designated Rider S, for Dominion to recover costs associated with the development of the Project. VCHEC became fully operational in 2012.

In this proceeding, Dominion has asked the Commission to approve Rider S for the rate year beginning April 1, 2018, and ending March 31, 2019 (“2018 Rate Year”). The two components of the proposed total revenue requirement for the 2018 Rate Year are the Projected Cost Recovery Factor and the Actual Cost True-Up Factor. The Company is requesting a Projected Cost Recovery Factor revenue requirement of $227,619,000 and an Actual Cost True-Up Factor revenue requirement of $17,362,000. Thus, the Company is requesting a total revenue requirement of $244,981,000 for service rendered during the 2018 Rate Year.

Dominion utilized a rate of return on common equity (“ROE”) of 11.5% for purposes of calculating the Projected Cost Recovery Factor in this case. This ROE comprises a general ROE of 10.5%, plus a 100 basis point enhanced return applicable to a conventional coal generating station as described in § 56-585.1 A 6 of the Code. For purposes of calculating the Actual Cost True-Up Factor, the Company utilized an ROE of 11% for the months of January 2016 through March 2016, which comprises the general ROE of 10% approved by the Commission in its Final Order in Case No. PUE-2013-00020, plus the 100 basis point enhanced return, and an ROE of 10.6% for the months of April 2016 through December 2016, which comprises the general ROE of 9.6% approved by the Commission in its Final Order in Case No. PUE-2015-00060, plus the 100 basis point enhanced return.

If the proposed Rider S for the 2018 Rate Year is approved, the impact on customer bills would depend on the customer’s rate schedule and usage. According to Dominion, implementation of its proposed Rider S on April 1, 2018, would decrease the monthly bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month by approximately $0.38.

The Company indicates it has calculated the proposed Rider S rates in accordance with the same methodology as used for rates approved by the Commission in the most recent Rider S proceeding, Case No. PUE-2016-00062.

Interested persons are encouraged to review the Application and supporting documents for the details of these and other proposals.

TAKE NOTICE that the Commission may apportion revenues among customer classes and/or design rates in a manner differing from that shown in the Application and supporting documents and thus may adopt rates that differ from those appearing in the Company’s Application and supporting documents.

The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing that, among other things, scheduled a public hearing on December 6, 2017, at 10 a.m., in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, to receive testimony from members of the public and evidence related to the Application from the Company, any respondents, and the Commission’s Staff.

Any person desiring to testify as a public witness at this hearing should appear fifteen (15) minutes prior to the starting time of the hearing and contact the Commission’s Bailiff.

The public version of the Company’s Application, as well as the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, are available for public inspection during regular business hours at each of the Company’s business offices in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Copies also may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company, Lisa S. Booth, Esquire, Dominion Energy Services, Inc., 120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. If acceptable to the requesting party, the Company may provide the documents by electronic means.

Copies of the public version of the Application and other documents filed in this case also are available for interested persons to review in the Commission’s Document Control Center located on the first floor of the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies from the Commission’s website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case.

On or before November 29, 2017, any interested person wishing to comment on the Company’s Application shall file written comments on the Application with Joel H. Peck, Clerk, State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. Any interested person desiring to file comments electronically may do so on or before November 29, 2017, by following the instructions on the Commission’s website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case. Compact discs or any other form of electronic storage medium may not be filed with the comments. All such comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2017-00073.

On or before September 15, 2017, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation. If not filed electronically, an original and fifteen (15) copies of the notice of participation shall be submitted to the Clerk of the Commission at the address above. A copy of the notice of participation as a respondent also must be sent to counsel for the Company at the address set forth above. Pursuant to Rule 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”), any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2017-00073. For additional information about participation as a respondent, any person or entity should obtain a copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing.

On or before October 20, 2017, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission, and serve on the Commission’s Staff, the Company, and all other respondents, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case, and each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. If not filed electronically, an original and fifteen (15) copies of such testimony and exhibits shall be submitted to the Clerk of the Commission at the address above. Respondents also shall comply with the Commission’s Rules of Practice, including: 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service; 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format; and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2017-00073.

The Commission’s Rules of Practice may be viewed at http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case. A printed copy of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and an official copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing in this proceeding may be obtained from the Clerk of the Commission at the address above.

VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY

A7

Richmond Free Press

A8 July 13-15, 2017

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

Riverside defeats the Blue Sox in RBI Tournament

Some talented, teenage baseball players have completed the Richmond area portion of their season.

Now they’re ready to hit the road.

Richmond’s U-18 league for Reviving Baseball in the Inner City finished Sunday, July 9, with Riverside defeating the Blue Sox 18-8 in the RBI Tournament final at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College’s Parham Road campus.

Sam Kemp swatted a bases-loaded triple and pitchers Guthrie Moore, Matthew Pinson and Henry Haas handled the pitching for victorious Riverside, which is based out of Richmond Little League at Byrd Park.

The tournament marked as much a beginning as and ending for the local sluggers and fielders.

A group of All-Stars representing both RBI and Metropolitan Junior Baseball League will travel to Greensboro, N.C., Friday, July 14, through Tuesday, July 18, for the MJBL Inner City Classic.

After that comes a trip July 20 through 23 to Philadelphia for an RBI World Series qualifier.

If victorious in Philadelphia, the Richmond contingent will travel to Cincinnati for the 25th Annual RBI World Series in August.

Some background is necessary.

The RBI, a national organization founded in 1989, and the MJBL are partners in promoting baseball to mostly minority youths in large cities around the United States. RBI has been sponsored

by Major League Baseball since 1991.

The MJBL was founded in Richmond in 1966

by Dr. William Forrester Sr. His son, William “Bill” Forrester Jr., has since been a driving force in the program.

The MJBL squad won the regular season, U-18 RBI title with a 6-3 record. Riverside

was second at 5-4.

This spring and summer, the RBI/MJBL fielded U-18 and U-15 leagues, with most games at Horace Edwards Field near Virginia Commonwealth University, and at Reynolds’ Parham Road campus.

While the RBI and the MJBL attract mostly African-American youngsters, this year’s local winner, Riverside, was a team comprised of white players coached by Will Moore.

“We absolutely welcomed them,” said local RBI Director Tracy Causey. “Yes, the intent of RBI was to encourage African-Americans to play. But the reality is that we want to interact with whites and Hispanics, too. It’s a great way for these kids from diverse backgrounds to get together.”

Riverside and the West End Royals, a team also from the Richmond Little League, were both allwhite entries this season in the U-18 division.

Guthrie Moore, the coach’s son, pitches for Richmond’s finest Here is the list of the two All-Star teams that will represent Richmond’s RBI this weekend in Greensboro.

U-16 players: Mark Norrell, William “MT” Forrester II, Devion Anderson, Josef Love, Marshall Trout, Guthrie Moore, Markell Patillo, Keyante Wright, Jerhmonty Watkins, Gimari Brown, Terrell Baker, Kendall Jones, Demare Kendall and Caleb Causey.

U-19 players: Josiah Armstrong, Larry Trotter, JuJuan Armstrong, AldrewVonte Jackson, Marvin Castro, Bryan Rodriguez, Dereck Rodriguez, William Gary, Deion Catron, Tyshawn Cooke, Vincent Kennedy, Keyon Smith and Frankie Worsham.

William Gary, right, of the Richmond Blue Sox slides safely into third base despite Duncan McGrath of Riverside covering him during last Sunday’s final in the RBI Tournament in Richmond.

Clement Britt

Armstrong High School and encouraged his white Little League friends to enter the RBI league, Coach Moore said.

“Our kids just love baseball. I call them baseball ‘lifers,’ ” said Coach Moore. “Race wasn’t even mentioned during the season. It never came up. And I want to say we really value our opportunity to play with others from different neighborhoods.”

Guthrie Moore is Riverside’s only player from Richmond Public Schools. Others hail from the Maggie Walker Governor’s School, Trinity Episcopal and Collegiate.

Guthrie Moore and Eric Trout will represent Riverside on the All-Star circuit. Others were selected for the team but chose not to play because of possible conflicts with college freshmen preparations.

In reaching the final, Coach Bob Raymond’s Blue Sox defeated the Rocky Mount, N.C., Mud Cats and host team MJBL. Riverside ousted the Royals to qualify for the championship game.

Keon Smith, a recent graduate of Highland Springs High School, swatted two homers in the tournament, including one against Riverside in the final. Smith will continue baseball this coming season at Virginia State University.

The Blue Sox got an outstanding pitching performance from 15-year-old Markell Patillo of Armstrong High School in the win over MJBL.

Blue Sox sound familiar?

Does the name Blue Sox sound familiar?

The Richmond Blue Sox have been as much a part of area baseball lore as peanuts, popcorn and Cracker Jacks.

Formed as an all-black, semipro team in 1947, the Blue Sox Sports Academy, Inc., a nonprofit organization, remains active as a sponsor and motivator for urban youth baseball.

A recent project was a major makeover of the baseball playing surface at Armstrong High School. That project is ongoing, with plans for installation of a scoreboard, dugouts and fencing.

While the BSSA concentrates on young people today, it began as an adult team competing at Washington Park and Hotchkiss Field on the North Side.

The original Blue Sox played in the Metro League locally and barnstormed along the Eastern seaboard. Its final season was 1991.

Blue Sox alumni include former Richmond Mayor Roy West and “Tic” Dark, who moved on to play in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ chain.

For more information, contact Blue Sox Coach Bob Raymond at raymondcpa@aol. com.

Excellence Perry lives up to his name Just about everything is special regarding Excellence Perry, starting with his name.

“Our family is very religious and believes words have power,” said the recent honors graduate of the Collegiate School in Western Henrico County.

“My name is my reminder of what I can do, what I’m capable of. I try and do my best in all areas. I don’t think cautiously.”

That also applies to his

younger sister, Triumph, a rising eighth-grader at Falling Creek Middle School in Chesterfield.

Excellence, who will begin freshman classes at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill this fall, is the 18-year-old son of Lazarek and Jocellyn Perry of Chesterfield County.

His grandfather, Gilmore Perry, is a former track athlete at Virginia State University.

Certainly, Excellence lived up to his name at Collegiate,

a private school he Athletic Associahas attended from tion football title. kindergarten through • He earned All12th grade.

State honors for inHis senior superladoor track, excelling tives include a list of in sprints (6.52 for 55 honors: meters) and jumps • As captain of (21-6 long jump).

Collegiate’s football • He garnered team, the 5-foot-10, Excellence Perry All-State honors as a 165-pound Perry rushed for lacrosse defender.

1,172 yards in leading the • Academically, he finished Cougars to the state Division Collegiate with a 4.28 GPA and 1 Virginia Independent Schools earned a score of 29 — out of

Aaron Judge fans turn heads at MLB Home Run Derby

Kathy Willens/Associated Press

Fans of New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge sport black robes and powdered wigs to many of his games.

Aaron Judge’s prodigious home run swing and his loyal fans were the big head-turners at the Major League Baseball’s Home Run Derby on Monday in Miami.

Judge, the brilliant New York Yankees right fielder, blasted balls to all corners of Marlins Park in winning the annual derby that precedes the MLB All-Star Game.

Meanwhile, his flamboyant fan base — dubbed “The Judge’s Chambers” — cheered on their hero wearing long black robes and white powdered wigs.

Judge defeated Minnesota’s Miguel Sano in the finals with 11 homers to 10. Judge’s longest shot was measured at a phenomenal 516 feet at the enclosed stadium.

Earlier, Judge ousted hometown favorite Justin Bour of the Miami Marlins in the quarterfinals and Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the semifinals.

In his first full season with the Yankees, the 6-foot-7 Judge leads the American League with 30 homers and 66 runs batted in. He also is among the batting average leaders at .329.

a maximum 36 — on the ACT college entry test.

• He won the College of William & Mary Leadership Award.

• He was named Collegiate Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

• He also earned early admission to UNC-Chapel Hill.

At UNC, he plans to compete only on club and/or intramural teams.

“I really hadn’t done that much until I was a senior,” he said of his athletic résumé. “I crammed a lot into this past year. This has been a year I will remember for the rest of my life.”

To prepare for his planned major in journalism and media, he has completed internships at a Richmond newspaper and television station. He sees himself as a TV news anchor sometime down the road.

Excellence said he owes his considerable success to “friends, family and God.” “That’s who kept me focused and on the right track,” he said.

The Perrys attend non-denominational Faith Landmark Ministries in Henrico County.

Excellence, who answers to “Ex” among close friends, said he differs from his sister in how they perceive “blueprints.”

“I’m very structured in following a schedule,” said Excellence.

“I go to school, do sports, eat dinner and do my homework.

If you gave Triumph a blueprint, she’d probably tear it up and throw it out the window.”

Triumph has found her athletic niche in scuba diving and fencing.

Excellence said he has been asked “a million times” about his name, with people wondering if it is a nickname.

When quizzed by a reporter for the millionth and one time, he chuckled and offered this: “We like to think it was hand-picked by the Lord himself. Now it’s engrained in my spirit and being.

It shows I can be proficient and successful in all areas.”

Flying Squirrels team members tapped for EL All-Star Game The Richmond Flying Squirrels were well represented in the Eastern League All-Star Game on Wednesday, July 12, in Manchester, N.H. Selected to compete were pitchers Tyler Cyr and Matt Gage, outfielder Slade Heathcott and infielder C.J. Hinojosa.

Miguel Gomez also was picked, but the infielder has since been called up to the majors by the parent San Francisco Giants.

Business is good, as usual, on the Boulevard.

Through 37 home dates prior to the All-Star break, the Richmond Squirrels averaged 5,738 fans, second in the EL to the Reading, Pa., Fightin Phils’ 5,896.

Remembering Ralph Garr, former phenomenal Richmond player

Beep! Beep!

In examining Richmond’s professional baseball history, one name deserves special mention — Ralph Allen Garr, aka “The Road Runner.”

No athlete ever shined brighter, or created more excitement on the Boulevard than the lefthanded hitting outfielder renowned for his elite bat, blinding speed and fitting nickname.

A third round draft choice out of Grambling State University in Louisiana, the two-time International League All-Star was brilliant in two seasons with the Richmond Braves, Atlanta’s former top affiliate.

Garr, along with Tommie Aaron and Dusty Baker, were among the first African-Americans to suit up at the old Parker Field.

The African-American players of that era lived at the Eggleston Hotel in Jackson Ward.

At least once in 1970, Garr and Baker visited the former Richmond Afro-American newspaper and its editor, the late Raymond H. Boone.

Garr’s Richmond statistics are breathtaking. As a 23-year-old IL rookie in 1969, the 5-foot-11, 197-pound Garr hit .329 with 63 stolen bases.

In 1970, he batted at a phenomenal .386

pace — an IL record — with 39 steals for the Richmond Braves.

Upon arrival in Atlanta as a full-time player in 1971, Garr maintained his torrid offensive pace.

Batting second in the Braves’ order, Garr hit .343 in 1971, second in the National League to St. Louis’ Joe Torre.

The next season, he hit .325, second in the NL again, this time to the Chicago Cubs’ Ralph Billy Williams.

“The Road Runner” was just getting loose.

In 1974, Garr’s .353 average and 214 hits led the NL. His 149 hits prior to the All-Star break still stands as the league mark.

At Atlanta’s Fulton County Stadium, Garr was a fan favorite both for his productivity and for his nickname, which was made official in Georgia. The Atlanta Braves negotiated an exclusive baseball contract with Warner Bros. Cartoons to use animated scenes from the Looney Tunes

character “Road Runner” on its scoreboard. Whenever Garr reached base, the cartoon character’s “Beep!

Beep!” was played on the right field calliope.

Garr, now 71 and living in Houston, went on to record a .306 career average with 1,562 hits and 172 big league stolen bases in a career that ended with the California Angels in 1980.

Hall of Fame columnist Garr Jim Murray of the Los Angeles Times once wrote this about Garr: “He’s harder to get out than an impacted tooth.”

Few have been more proficient at collecting hits and accumulating Hall of Fame honors.

Garr is a member of the state of Louisiana, Grambling State, International League and Atlanta Braves halls of fame.

The speedster delivered on all levels.

Playing second base for Grambling in 1967, Garr led the NAIA in hitting (.586) while help-

ing the Tigers to a 35-1 record.

There have been many All-Stars to pass through Richmond as members of the Virginians (1956 to 1964), the Braves (1966 to 2008) and the Flying Squirrels (2009 to present).

Tom Tresh, Joe Pepitone and Al Downing were among the Virginians who moved up to help the parent New York Yankees to several American League pennants.

Former Richmond Braves standouts who went on to greatness in Atlanta included Baker, Dale Murphy, Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones, Dave Justice, Javier Lopez, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz.

More recently, former Richmond Squirrels shortstop Brandon Crawford was a mainstay for the San Francisco Giants during their 2010, 2012 and 2014 World Series wins.

Pro baseball on the Boulevard has provided almost continuous entertainment for well more than a half century.

But those who had the privilege to watch him hit with a vengeance and kick up a cloud of dust on the base paths are convinced that Garr, “The Road Runner,” remains the top alltime attraction.

Richmond Free Press

July 13-15, 2017

B1

Richmond Free Press

B2 July 13-15, 2017

Happenings

5 African-American women hold senior, leadership positions at VMFA

By Holly Rodriguez

In 2015, only 4 percent of the curators, conservators, educators and leadership staff at art museums in the United States were AfricanAmerican, according to a recent survey by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Recent hires at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts are bucking that trend. Five AfricanAmerican women now occupy leadership and senior level positions at the publicly supported museum on the Boulevard in Richmond.

They are: • Hazel Duncan, who was named director of finance and accounting of the VMFA Foundation in January; • Jan Hatchette, who became deputy director for communications in April; • Valerie Cassel Oliver, who began earlier this month as the Sydney and Frances Lewis Family Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art; • Kimberly J. Wilson, who was hired as deputy director for human resources, volunteers and community service in December 2015; and • Paula Saylor-Robinson, who, since 2015, has been director of audience development and community engagement.

The wave of hiring African-Americans in these key positions began with the hiring of Ms. Wilson in 2015, according to the director of the VMFA. “We are the ninth largest comprehensive art museum in the United States, and we doubled our staff size when we opened in 2010,” said museum Director Alex Nyerges. “But we did not increase our human resources function.”

Ms. Wilson, he said, clearly stood above the rest of the candidates being considered in 2015 when the museum created the deputy director for human resources position.

He said part of the museum’s strategic plan is to have “a workforce, leadership and collection that reflects who we are as Richmond and Virginia.”

He said by casting a wider net with the help of Ms. Wilson’s connections, VMFA was able to find the four other women.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Five women of color holding key positions at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts are, from left, Paula Saylor-Robins, director of audience development and community engagement; Valerie Cassel Oliver, Sydney and Frances Lewis Family Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art; Jan Hatchette, deputy director for communications; Kimberly J. Wilson, deputy director for human resources, volunteers and community service; and Hazel Duncan, director of finance and accounting for the VMFA Foundation.

“The more diverse we can be,” he said, “the better we represent the community at large, the better we will be as an organization.”

Ms. Wilson said her responsibilities in recruitment are an ongoing conversation with everyone she works with, from interns to individuals on search committees.

“I’ve had to think of the culture of VMFA and how best to retain” employees, she said. “It’s easy to hire, not necessarily easy to retain.”

Ms. Hatchette, a native of Chesterfield County, said the museum has evolved. She said she was wowed during the hiring process by the museum’s goal of diversifying its audience.

“This place is a completely different place from when I was a middle-schooler,” she said.

“There is something happening here for everyone all of the time, and it goes beyond what is on the walls to the outside of the building.”

Ms. Wilson and Ms. Hatchette both have

backgrounds in higher education, a bonus that will contribute to the museum’s focus on expanding education opportunities for patrons of all ages.

Prior to joining VMFA, Ms. Wilson was the executive director of human resources and client services at George Washington University. She also has worked for University of Richmond and Howard University.

Ms. Hatchette began her career as a public relations officer for Central Fidelity Bank, now Wells Fargo. She worked for 17 years at the University of Richmond, most recently as senior director of marketing strategy and services, where she led efforts to develop and implement integrated strategic marketing communications to enhance the university’s brand and reputation.

Ms. Saylor-Robinson worked at Ipsos market research firm as director of qualitative research and client services before she began

at VMFA. Ms. Duncan was with the Longwood University Foundation prior to joining the VMFA staff. During her 12 years there, she started as treasurer, working her way up to chief financial officer and executive director.

She previously worked in finance and related functions for nonprofit agencies in New York and in Central Virginia. She was the first in her family to earn a college degree. She also earned an MBA. Before accepting the position at the VMFA, Ms. Cassel Oliver worked for 16 years at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston. Her first priority in her new role at VMFA is to review the modern and contemporary art holdings and develop a collection plan.

A major focus will be to add more works

by African-American artists and artists in the African Diaspora.

Chef Jerome Grant leads sweet taste Fairfax to keynote of success at new national museum MBL annual expo

By Julexus Cappell and Bonnie V. Winston

The day begins at 6:30 a.m. for the staff of Sweet Home Café, the highly acclaimed restaurant at the National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington.

That’s when 400 pounds of collard greens are put on the stove, and nearly 600 pounds of chicken and 100 pounds of catfish fresh from the Chesapeake Bay are being prepared each day for the thousands of visitors who will take a break from browsing the new Smithsonian museum’s exhibits to sit down for a dining experience that is both educational and delicious.

“We feed anywhere between 2,800 to 3,500 people a day,” said Jerome Grant, executive chef of Sweet Home Café, which opened with the museum in September 2016 to great expectations, throngs of people and great fanfare, including an array of dignitaries led by then President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

Already, the restaurant, under Chef Grant’s leadership, has taken the foodie world by storm. Earlier this year, Sweet Home Café was a semifinalist for a James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant in 2017.

The James Beard Foundation recognizes culinary excellence across the country.

Chef Grant talked about the restaurant, its success and his

Photo courtesy of Odd Moxie

Chef Jerome Grant, executive chef of Sweet Home Café in the National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington, talks about his culinary background and his work at the museum restaurant with Fredrika Teute of the Williamsburg Farmers Market during a presentation July 7 at the Williamsburg Regional Library.

background in a series of interviews and appearances July 7 and 8 including with the Free Press in Williamsburg, where he also led a cooking demonstration at the Williamsburg Farmers Market.

He traces his early lessons in the kitchen to his stepfather, an Air Force retiree and Hampton native John C. Smith, and his mother, Lorna Smith, a native of the Philippines, who stayed calm when he nearly burned the house down frying steak at a teenager.

“The first thing I ever cooked was rice,” he said. “My favorite quick dish now is a bowl of rice and soy sauce.”

His parents, who accompanied him, his 9-year-old son, Tremaine, and his fiancée on

the visit, said he has expanded their palettes as he has grown into a successful chef.

“I used to do the cooking at Thanksgiving and Christmas,” his father said. “But now he does it.”

At Sweet Home Café, food is an opportunity to teach, Chef Grant said. The concept and the dishes expand on the information offered in the other parts of the museum to make the eatery “an edible exhibit.”

The food is not the typical cafeteria-style food found in museums, he said. The menu, created by Chef Grant and the museum’s culinary team, took about two years to develop through research and tastings.

Dishes are split into four cat-

The art of dance Members of the City Dance Theatre take to the stage at Dogwood Dell last Friday to perform as part of the 2017 Festival of Arts. The troupe, under the direction of Annette Holt and Rodney Williams, has a repertoire that ranges from classical ballet and dramatic reflections of AfricanAmerican history to contemporary jazz and modern dance.

Its 18 members range in age from 9 to 18.

egories: Creole coast, Northern states, Southern states and Western Range. The categories are representative of different time periods in African-American history pre- and post-slavery and the migrations across the nation since.

They include an oyster pan roast inspired by Thomas Downing, a successful AfricanAmerican oysterman in New York in the late 1700s and early 1800s, who later owned a tavern that doubled as a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Another dish, “Son-of-aGun Stew,” is a contemporary remix of a popular stew served

by African-Americans working on chuck wagons in the West, where they migrated for new beginnings, he said.

“We’re teachers and educators through food,” Chef Grant said.

Justin Fairfax, the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor of Virginia, will be the keynote speaker at the Metropolitan Business League’s 2017 RVA LinkUp Expo on Wednesday,​ July 26.

The expo will be held 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the University of Richmond’s Jepson Alumni Center, 49 Crenshaw Way, on the campus.

The annual event connects small, womenowned and minority businesses in Central Virginia with corporate and government supply chain managers for meeting and networking.

“We are really excited to have such a dynamic keynote speaker like Justin Fairfax who, among many other things, is also a small business owner,” Sharon DabneyMr. Fairfax Wooldridge, the MBL’s interim executive director, stated in a news release.

“Many of our major corporate sponsors and members are participating and they are looking for SWaM-owned companies to do business with.”

Tickets are $30 for MBL members and $50 for nonmembers.

For information and tickets, go to http://​aap.events/RVALinkUp or call (804) 649-7473.

Richmonders named to national health institute board Two Richmonders active in health education have been named to the 18-member board of directors of the National Medical Association’s W. Montague Cobb Health Institute.

They are Dr. Betty N. Crutcher, a public health Dr. Crutcher specialist and wife of Dr. Ronald Crutcher, president of the University of Richmond; and Terone B. Green, an executive with the Sullivan Alliance, which works to increase the number of African-Americans in medicine and related fields.

The three-year appointments were effective July 1, the NMA announced.

The NMA, a leading association for African-American physicians, created the institute in 2004 to develop, evaluate and implement strategies that promote wellMr. Green ness and eliminate health disparities and racial bias in medicine.

Since its formation, the institute has become a key repository of research and data on the health of African-Americans, according to the NMA.

Free diabetes management workshop begins July 20

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press

Managing diabetes, from a healthy diet that includes tasty foods to lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke, is the focus of an American Diabetes Association education program this summer.

Free weekly workshops will be held 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays from July 20 to Aug. 17 at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 1127 N. 28th St. in Church Hill.

People with diabetes or who are pre-diabetic and their families are invited to attend, along with church and community groups.

The workshops are designed to increase awareness about Type 2 diabetes and will cover

prevention, management and treatment, nutrition, physical activity, risk control for heart disease, heart attack and stroke, complications that can arise and working with health care providers to control A1C levels.

There are 30 million people in the United States living with diabetes, and according to the Virginia Center for Diabetes Prevention and Education, Virginia has more than 531,000 adults diagnosed with the disease. Nearly 313,000 have the disease but are not yet diagnosed, the center reports.

Information: Contact Bedford Thaxton at bthanxton@diabetes.org or (804) 225-8038, ext. 3280.

Richmond Free Press

July 13-15, 2017

B3

Happenings

Personality: Julie Anderson

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Spotlight on 2017 Star of Life Award winner Growing up as the child of a paramedic and a firefighter, Julie Anderson says she never worried about her parents’ safety, even after her father was burned and hurt his back in two separate incidents.

“I was always really proud of them — that they were helping people and saving lives,” she said. “I focused on that part of it, not the part that they might get hurt.”

The 50-year-old paramedic followed in her parents’ footsteps of emergency services, becoming a registered paramedic like her mother.

She has worked with the Richmond Ambulance Authority for the last 10 years.

Because of her dedication to and excellence in the field, Ms. Anderson received the American Ambulance Association’s 2017 Star of Life Award during a ceremony on June 13 in Washington.

While her peers for the award nominated her, Ms. Anderson says her biggest surprise was the person who appeared on stage to present it.

It was Curtis Monk, president and chief executive officer of Commonwealth Public Broadcasting, the parent company of WCVE PBS, the Community Ideas Station. He was one of the first people whose life she saved after qualifying as a paramedic.

At the time, Mr. Monk was being taken to the hospital in Ms. Anderson’s ambulance when he went into cardiac arrest. Ms. Anderson’s quick actions and intervention saved his life.

He later underwent a heart transplant.

“I am thrilled to see Julie receive this national recognition,” Mr. Monk stated. “For without her and her partner that day, I simply would not be here right now. And for that, I am eternally grateful.”

In 2016, Ms. Anderson received the Medic of the Year Award from RAA. It is given to a paramedic who has demonstrated superior clinical abilities and who also has dedicated personal time and effort to ensuring RAA remains clinically on the cutting edge of mobile health care.

She says she doesn’t believe there is a success formula for being a paramedic, but passion definitely comes into play.

“You’ve gotta love it,” she

Date of birth: Sept.

17.

Current residence: Western Hanover County.

Education: Associate degree in accounting; nationally registered paramedic.

Family: Husband and a 26-year-old son and a 23-year-old daughter.

What Star of Life Award means to me: It’s nice to be recognized for your hard work and compassion for your patients. says. “You must have that drive because, if you don’t have it, then it can wear you down,” she says of the high-stress position.

“Sometimes I’m given that ability to save (people).

Sometimes not,” she said.

“But you learn that it’s just part of the job.”

Family, she says, has helped her keep her perspective on the best and worst of days. She remains close to her family figuratively and literally. She lives next door to her parents in Hanover County.

“My grandfather bought a big plot of land in the 1940s so all of his kids could live near one another,” she says.

“I live in the house that was my grandmother ’s house,” she says. Other relatives live close by.

Meet this week’s awardwinning lifesaver and Personality, Julie Anderson: Occupation: Paramedic with the Richmond Ambulance Authority.

Latest accomplishment: Recipient of the American Ambulance Association’s 2017 Star of Life Award.

What’s most satisfying about my job: Knowing that I’ve made a difference in someone’s life, whether it’s keeping them alive until we get them to the hospital or just calming them down and holding their hand until we get to the hospital.

How the public views paramedics: As heroes, but we are really just doing the job we are trained to do.

Why I decided to become a paramedic: I wanted to help people and to feel like I made a difference in someone’s life.

When and why I joined the Richmond Ambulance Authority: In August 2007.

I wanted to work in a 911 system but did not want to be a firefighter.

How I start the day: Today is the day I can make a difference in someone’s life, be it saving their life or the life of a loved one or just providing a friendly face in their time of need.

How I unwind: Reading, working jigsaw puzzles, working in my yard and spending time with my kids.

I place top value on: A happy friendly face and treating all people with respect.

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Best late-night snack: Carnation Breakfast Essentials, Rich Milk Chocolate flavor.

Best time of my life: When I’m with my kids, especially at the beach.

Greatest source of inspiration: My mother and father.

My father worked two jobs, one as a Henrico County firefighter. He always had a second job so my mom could stay at home with us.

But he always found time to take us camping and canoeing. My mom is 78 years old and still volunteers as a paramedic two 12-hour shifts a week.

If I’ve learned one thing in life, it is: To treat all people with respect — the way you would want to be treated or the way you would want your family member treated.

Kindergarten taught me: I never went to kindergarten.

Back in the day, kindergarten was an option. I went the first day and cried because I wanted to spend time with my mom and nannie, so my mom didn’t make me go back.

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Richmond Free Press

B4 July 13-15, 2017

Obituaries/Directory

Dr. William C. Jones, 83, noted obstetrician, dies Episcopal Church. He was buried practicing medicine. in Roselawn Memory Gardens in “He was very proud and humble Hanover County. about his work,” Dr. Johnson said.

On Tuesday evening, members of “Anywhere we went in the city, his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, held someone would stop us to remind a memorial service for him at Scott’s him of his care or to tell him of being Funeral Home Chapel. one of his deliveries. He was always A Richmond native, Dr. Jones grateful for the many people who studied medicine after serving as a helped make practicing medicine a lieutenant in the Army. joy,” she said.

He began his medical practice While his practice was a major Dr. Jones in 1968, after earning degrees from focus, Dr. Jones also was devoted to his family and his church, St. Philip’s Episcopal Virginia State University and Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn. He also did in North Side, Dr. Johnson said.

Dr. Jones died Wednesday, July 5, 2017, from graduate studies at Howard University and complications of Parkinson’s disease. He was Duke University.

After his medical license expired nearly five 83.

Family and friends celebrated his life years ago, he continued to go to his office at Wednesday, July 12, 2017, at St. Philip’s 2908 North Ave. almost daily to swap memories

Margaret P. Howlette, 55-year city educator, dies Margaret Poindexter Howlette Final tributes will be paid to mothered thousands of Richmond Mrs. Howlette at 11 a.m. Friday, children, although she never had any July 14, at the church where she of her own. was a founding member, Garland For 55 years, Mrs. Howlette Avenue Baptist, 2700 Garland Ave. dedicated herself to the elementary in North Side. students she came in contact with, The pastor, Dr. Jeffery O. Smith, first as a teacher for 29 years and then is to officiate. She is to be buried in as a guidance counselor for another Oakwood Cemetery following the 26 years. service.

Among other contributions, she A wake will be 6 to 7 p.m. ThursMs. Howlette established the “Reading Clinic” and day, July 13, at Scott’s Funeral Home the “Follow Through” program in Richmond Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd.

Public Schools, her family said.

Born in Richmond, Mrs. Howlette began her Admirers recall her dedication to children career in education following her graduation during her tenure at Carver and three former from Virginia Union University in 1959. She elementary schools, Baker, Clark Springs and also met her future husband that year, although Fairmount, before her retirement in 2014. they did not wed until six years later.

“She looked out for the children as if they In 1988, she began working as an elementary were her own,” said minister and community guidance counselor in Richmond after earning activist Rosa Jiggetts, one of those admirers. her master’s in the field from Virginia State “When a parent came to me with a prob- University. lem involving their child, I would call her Her family said she loved her hometown because she knew how to straighten things so much that she refused to ever drive on out quickly. Her retirement was a real loss Interstate 295 because the road bypasses the for the kids.” city, and “why,” she would say, “would anyone Along with children, her other great pas- want to do that.” sion involved the improvement of the Jackson She served on Garland Avenue Baptist’s Board Ward community where she lived much of of Trustees and sang in the choir. her life.

She also was a member of the Richmond She was a full partner with her husband, op- Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority tometrist M. Philmore Howlette, in activities to and its singing group, The Delta Pearls. benefit Jackson Ward prior to his death in 1998, She was active in the Gnihton Social Club and she continued her involvement in community and the Richmond Chapter of Chums Inc. affairs until her health began to fail.

Mrs. Howlette had no immediate survivors.

Her roles in education and civic affairs The family requests that memorial contributions are being remembered following her death on be made in her name to the Virginia Union UniThursday, July 6, 2017, following a long illness. versity Scholarship Fund, 1500 N. Lombardy She was 79.

St., Richmond, Va. 23220.

Shirley Clarke, former civic leader and community activist, dies at 86 Sr., Mrs. Clarke Shirley Johnson White and Shirley Hagins was just 16 when Marjorie Williams; two sons, Johnson Clarke enshe graduated from Tyrone Johnson and Benjamin joyed trying new Maggie L. Walker Johnson; eight grandchildren; career directions.

High School as vale- and five great-grandchildren.

For a time, she dictorian of the Class read blueprints for of 1947. her contractor father, She went on to James A. Hagins, as study architectural he reassembled the design at Virginia Belgiam Friendship State University, Building on the VirJuly 16, 2017 Ms. Clarke where she earned ginia Union UniverTheme: sity campus and constructed the nickname “Skates” from classmates because she walked houses in North Side.

Growing Older, Sustained

by God’s Great Grace She later worked for North so swiftly across the campus, Psalm 37-25, Corinthians 12:9 Carolina Mutual Insurance her family said.

Mrs. Clarke was active Co., served as director of the Sunday School – 9:30 am Washington Park Playground in civic affairs. She chaired Morning Worship – 11:00 am National Night Out programs with the city Department of Parks, Recreation and Com- for the Chestnut Hill Civic AsSpeaker: munity Facilities and worked as sociation and was active in the Evangelist Darlene Chambers a compliance specialist for the Highland Park Restoration and Richmond Department of Social Preservation Program.

Colors: Yellow & White She also was a former Services before she retired.

And for 30 years, she also member of the Delver Junior Women’s Club. sold Avon products.

Survivors include three The Richmond native died daughters, Alice Johnson, Sunday, July 2, 2017, at a Richmond area assisted living facility. She was 86.

Friends and family paid final 3200 East Broad Street tributes to Mrs. Clarke on Friday, Richmond, Virginia 23223 July 7, 2017, at Providence Park (804) 226-1176 Baptist Church, where she was Serving Richmond since 1887 a longtime and active member until her health failed.

Vacation Bible School The church’s pastor, the July 17 - July 21, 2017 Rev. Jerome C. Ross, delivered the eulogy. She was buried in nightly 6:00 p.m.

Oakwood Cemetery.

Sunday WedneSday The widow of George Clarke

Senior Citizen Sunday

Rev. Joseph R. Young, pastor of Oak Grove Presbyterian Church in Amelia, succumbs at 81 Born in Caroline County, Rev. Young began teaching For The Rev. Joseph Roger Young, the call to in Sussex County after graduating with an agriculture ministry came late in life. degree from Virginia State University. After six years The retired insurance claims adjuster was 65 when with the public schools, he then shifted careers to work he entered Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond with Allstate insurance company, where he retired to begin his new career. after 30 years.

He was 68 when he emerged from the seminary In addition to his ministry, Rev. Young also was active in 2004 with his master’s in Christian education and in the Presbytery of the James, a regional governing divinity, and 70 when he was ordained and called to body of the church. He was a past moderator of the his first pastoral assignment at Oak Grove Presbyterian Presbytery’s Black Caucus and served as moderator Church in Amelia County. of two of the Presbytery’s annual sessions.

He led the church until his death on Friday, June Rev. Young He twice represented the Presbytery in the Presby30, 2017, in Richmond. He was 81.

Family and friends gathered Friday, July 7, 2017, at Ginter terian Church’s national General Assembly.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Gwendolyn D. Young; Park Presbyterian Church to remember the minister and Richmond resident they described as a warm, friendly and generous man his son, U.S. Magistrate Judge Roderick C. Young of the Eastern District of Virginia; daughters, Jochelle R. Young and Dr. Chewho lived up to the Christian values he espoused.

The Rev. Willie Woodson, retired pastor of First United rie Y. Becton; three sisters, Mary Akins, Helen Claiborne and Presbyterian Church in North Side, where Rev. Young was a Frances Glover; a brother, the Rev. Walter T. Young; and three grandchildren. member for 43 years, delivered the eulogy.

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.

Summer Location Morning Worship Weekly Bible Study 500 E. Laburnum Avenue

8:30 A.M. 10 A.M.

p

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k Joseph Jenkins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. 2011-2049 Grayland Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23220 (804) 358-9177

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Joseph Jenkins, Jr., Founder (Dec. 19, 1938 - Dec. 9, 2006) Joseph Jenkins, III. • Jason K. Jenkins • Maxine T. Jenkins

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

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

Sunday, July 16, 2017 Sermon Series: Rethinking Message #1 Rethinking Our Calling Romans 8:28

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Theme: Emerging The New July 31st thru August 2nd 6:30 PM ~ 8:00 PM

Join us for an uplifting and inspiring session guaranteed to spark a spiritual and social transformation.

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o

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

SUNDAYS Church School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

10:45 AM ~ Worship Service

!

n

Sunday, July 16th 11:00 a.m. in the SPBC Youth Center

Em

Church School Morning Worship

A 21st Century Church With Ministry For Everyone

Bible Study is now on summer break and will reconvene in September.

Unity Sundays (2nd Sundays):

6:30 PM Prayer Meeting

Theme for 2016-2020: Mobilizing For Ministry Refreshing The Old and Emerging The New

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

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)

Sixth Baptist Church

Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, Pastor

Morning Worship Church School Morning Worship

All ARe Welcome

Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, Pastor “There’s A Place for You”

St. Peter Baptist Church Sundays:

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

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

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

8:30 a.m. ... Sunday School VBS10:00 2017 a.m... Morning Worship

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

Good Shepherd Baptist Church

Sharon Baptist Church Sunday, July 16, 2017

with friends.

He was a member of the National Medical Association and the Medical Society of Virginia.

He also was active in the VSU Athletic Club and was recognized for his contributions to his alma mater by being included on the VSU Wall of Fame.

At St. Philip’s, he served at various times as a junior warden, senior warden, trustee and vestryman.

In addition to Dr. Johnson, survivors include is wife of 59 years, Evora Williams Jones; two sons, Dr. David W. Jones of Atlanta, a pediatrician, and Dr. Mark M. Jones of Chesterfield, an orthopedic surgeon; two other daughters, Lisa Maria Jones Dixon of Columbus, Ohio, and Lori Jones Mason of Raleigh, N.C.; a brother, Dr. Percy E. Jones of Greensboro, N.C.; 10 grandchildren; and a great-grandson.



Expectant mothers often filled the waiting room in Dr. William Collins Jones’ busy North Side office.

They could be there for hours while Dr. Jones handled a delivery at a nearby hospital. But none of the women left because each believed her baby was in the best of hands.

“He had a special relationship with all of his patients, and they revered him as a caring physician,” said his daughter, Dr. Lydia Jones Johnson, a dermatologist and one of three of his children who became doctors.

“We were influenced by seeing all the good he did and how much he enjoyed his work,” she said.

According to his family, Dr. Jones was the first African-American to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology in the city. He delivered more than 8,000 babies during his 54 years

400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220

(near Byrd Park)

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

❖

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

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

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

Richmond Free Press

July 13-15, 2017

B5

Faith News/Directory

Faith group opposes Trump on voting data request Free Press staff, wire report

A national network of progressive faith organizations is rallying support for officials in Virginia and 43 other states and the District of Columbia who have rebuffed a Trump administration effort to collect detailed personal information on voters as part of a probe of alleged voter fraud.

Called the “Live Free Campaign,” the twoyear-old, California-based network led by the Rev. Michael McBride views the federal effort as an attempt to undermine hard-won voting rights.

“The faith community believes democracy is at risk,” Rev. McBride stated in a release sounding an alarm over the Trump initiative.

“The right to vote, secured decades ago with the blood of black folks and their supporters, is being threatened by the Trump administration,” the minister stated on behalf of Live Free, an arm of the nonprofit Pacific Institute for Community Organization.

The president, who has claimed that millions of people voted illegally and cost him a majority of the popular vote in the November 2016 presidential election, has set up the Election Integrity Commission and named Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach to lead the commission’s probe.

Although no state or national group has found evidence to support the president’s claim of widespread voter fraud in the election, the commission is moving ahead despite concerns that it is acting in secret and failing to maintain required public records, a concern the American Civil Liberties Union made public Monday when the watchdog organization filed suit seeking to force the commission to comply with a federal open meeting law.

The commission’s first act has been to demand officials in all 50 states and the District of Columbia turn over voter records, including partial Social Security numbers.

The request has been met with bipartisan resistance from most Republicans and Democratic officials who oversee voting operations in various states.

Because states are in charge of voting operations, it is unclear whether the commission

has the authority to obtain the records without permission of state officials charged with their safekeeping.

In Virginia, Gov. Terry McAuliffe has been outspoken in rejecting the commission’s request as a waste of time and resources.

Graffiti hits church building

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Garland Avenue Baptist Chu

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Vacation Bible School 2017

Wednesday, July 19, 2017 - Friday, July 21, 2017

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Ce lebrate Jesus! Saturday, July 22, 2017

Dinner 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | Session Start: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Th

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

 

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in the 2700 Block of Garland Avenue

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

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Pastor Kevin Cook

Mount Olive Baptist Church



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

1 p.m.



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Early Morning Worship ~ 8 a.m.

Sunday School ~ 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship ~ 11 a.m.

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

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

Sermons Available at BRBCONLINE.org

2017 Theme: The Year of Elevation

8:45 a.m.

10 a.m.

e ercies iisr  a.m. ul ile Su :0 p.m.

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

Rev. Darryl G. Thompson, Pastor



ile Su

Broad Rock Baptist Church

1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Church/Community Cookout



Church School Worship Service

suppression.”

Rev. McBride began organizing Live Free with PICO support as a faith response to the upheaval over a police officer’s killing of unarmed teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., in August 2014.

Riverview Baptist Church is left to deal with graffiti that was spraypainted on the side of its vacant auxiliary building. A former disability services center, the building is set to become the home of the Carol Adams Foundation, which serves victims of domestic violence. Church officials said the vandalism took place sometime between Saturday night, July 1, and morning services on Sunday, July 2. Location: Idlewood Avenue and Robinson Street across from Fountain Lake in Byrd Park.

Riverview 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. McBride agrees.

“This sort of meddling in state affairs serves no legitimate interest,” Rev. McBride said.

“On the contrary, it’s an attempt to undermine democracy. We urge all people of faith and lovers of justice to reject this strategy of voter

Summer Worship Schedule & Casual Dressing

Sunday, June 4 thru Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017 Worship Service 10:00 AM Sunday School and New Members Class 8:30 AM 8:00 AM & 11:00 AM Worship Services will resume Sunday, Sept.17

Garland Avenue Baptist Church Dr. Jeffery O. Smith, Pastor | 2700-2704 Garland Avenue, Richmond, Va. 23222-3602

Ebenezer Baptist Church 1858

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church

“The People’s Church”

216 W. Leigh St. • Richmond, Va. 23220 Tel: 804-643-3366 • Fax: 804-643-3367 Email: ebcoffice1@yahoo.com • web: www.richmondebenezer.com

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

Sunday, July 16, 2017

11:00 a.m. Worship Service Preaching: Rev. James Neely Sunday Church School Service of Holy Communion Service of Baptism Life Application Bible Class Wednesday Meditation & Bible Study Thursday Bible Study

Remember...

At New Deliverance, You Are Home!

See you there and bring a friend.

9:30 a.m.

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

Mon. 6:30 p.m.

Wed. 6:45 p.m.

Thurs., 11:45 a.m.

 Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus 

July 16, 2017

2300 Cool Lane, Richmond, Virginia 23223 804-795-5784 (Armstrong High School Auditorium)

10:30 A.M. Join Us for Worship!

Upcoming Events July 21 @ 6:30 P.M. Tuckahoe Youth Forum

July 22 @ 11:00 A.M. Marriage Ministry Event Weekly Worship: Sundays @ 10:30 A.M. Church School: Sundays @ 9:00 A.M. Bible Study: On Break for Month of July 2901 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 648-2472 ~ www.mmbcrva.org Dr. Price London Davis, Senior Pastor

Mosby Memorial Baptist Church “A Caring Community Committed to Listening, Loving,

Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.

Come Join Us! Reverend Dr. Lester D. Frye Pastor and Founder

To empower people of God spiritually, mentally and emotionally for successful living.

… and Listen to our Radio Broadcast Sundays at 10:15 a.m. on WCLM 1450 AM

Jesus went throughout Galilee teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

- Matthew 4:23

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

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Hebrew 12:14 (KJV)

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

Tune in on Sunday Morning to WTVR - Channel 6 - 8:30 a.m.

Wednesday Services

Thursday & Friday Radio Broadcast WREJ 1540 AM Radio - 8:15 a.m.- 8:30 a.m.

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

Sanctuary - All Are Welcome!

Wednesday Evening Bible Study 7 p.m. Prayer

Saturday 8:30 a.m. Intercessory Prayer

You can now view Sunday Morning Service “AS IT HAPPENS” online!

Also, for your convenience, we now offer “full online giving.”

Visit www.ndec.net.

THE NEW DELIVERANCE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (NDCA)

ENROLL NOW!!!

Accepting applications for children 2 yrs. old to 3rd Grade Our NDCA curriculum also consists of a Before and After program.

Now Enrolling for our Nursery Ages 6 weeks - 2yrs. old.

For more information Please call (804) 276-4433 Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

Richmond Free Press

B6 July 13-15, 2017

Continued from previous column

REQUEST FOR BIDS For Certain Easements Upon, Over, Under and Across Monroe Park at 15 North Laurel Street In the City of Richmond

The City of Richmond is seeking bids for certain easements upon, over, under and across certain property located in Monroe Park at 15 North Laurel Street for the construction, maintenance, and operation of electrical power transmission and distribution lines and associated appurtenances in accordance with a certain Right of Way Agreement, for a duration of 40 years, subject to certain responsibilities to be imposed by the Right of Way Agreement and subject further to all retained rights of the City of Richmond.

All bids for the easements hereby offered to be granted shall be submitted in writing to the City Clerk’s office by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 24, 2017.

Bids will be presented to the presiding officer of the Council of the City of Richmond on Monday, July 24, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. in open session and shall then be presented by the presiding officer to the Council and be dealt with and acted upon in the mode prescribed by law.

The City of Richmond expressly reserves the right to reject any and all bids. The successful bidder shall reimburse the City for all costs incurred in connection with the advertisement of this ordinance in accordance with section 15.2-2101 of the Code of Virginia and shall post the bond required by the ordinance.

A copy of the full text of the ordinance is on file in the City Clerk’s office, and the full text of the ordinance and the Right of Way Agreement to be executed is available at: https://richmondva.legistar. com/LegislationDetail.aspx ?ID=3079649&GUID=1D 97A2E7-01E6-4940-B970 -985872380D96&Options =ID|Text|&Search=2017-117 Please address any questions or bids to: Jean V. Capel, City Clerk City of Richmond 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200 Richmond, Virginia 23219 (804) 646-7955 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, July 24, 2017 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 ordinance: Ordinance No. 2017-136 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept $1,982,866.40 from the Virginia Department of Social Services, to transfer matching funds in the total amount of $671,857.01 from Fiscal Year 20172018 General Fund Budget appropriations to the Office of Community Wealth Building, to create a new special fund for the Office of Community Wealth Building in the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Special Fund Budget entitled “TANF RVA GPS,” and to appropriate funds in the total amount of $2,654,723.41 to the new TANF RVA GPS special fund, for the purpose of hiring program personnel for and providing training, work experiences, structured workshops, and supportive services to participants in the RVA Guiding People to Success program.

(COMMITTEE: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, July 20, 2017, 5:00 p.m., Council Chamber) 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 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, July 24, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2017-071 Continued on next column

As Amended To (i) repeal Ord. Nos. 89-202-180, adopted Jul. 10, 1989; 89-203-181, adopted Jul. 10, 1989; 94-156-147, adopted Jun. 27, 1994; 96-172-155, adopted Jun. 10, 1996; 98-200-251, adopted Jun. 22, 1998; and 2004-356351, adopted Dec. 13, 2004; (ii) repeal art. III, §§ 26 and 31 of the pay plan adopted by Ord. No. 93-117-159, adopted May 24, 1993; and (iii) amend art. III of the pay plan adopted by Ord. No. 93117-159, adopted May 24, 1993, by adding therein new §§ 26A (concerning reduction-in-force), 26B (concerning severance), and 26C (concerning [amicable departure] separation agreements); all for the purpose of revising the City’s provisions governing severance pay for classified and unclassified employees, including senior executive employees.

Ordinance No. 2017-117 To provide for the granting by the City of Richmond to the person, firm or corporation to be ascertained in the manner prescribed by law of certain easements upon, over, under, and across certain property located in Monroe Park at 15 North Laurel Street for the construction, maintenance, and operation of electrical power transmission and distribution lines and associated appurtenances in accordance with a certain Right of Way Agreement.

Ordinance No. 2017-123 To amend City Code § 2-728, concerning the Division of Emergency Communications, for the purpose of updating the Department’s functions; to amend and reordain ch. 2, art. IV, div. 19 of the City Code by adding therein a new § 2-729, concerning certain emergency communications agreements and fees, for the purpose of authorizing the Chief Administrative Officer to enter into and modify certain agreements with external subscribers who use the City’s emergency communications systems; and to amend Appendix A of the City Code by adding therein for § 2-729(c) new fees applicable to subscribers who use the City’s emergency communications systems and for whom the Department installs, maintains, or repairs equipment in vehicles.

Ordinance No. 2017-124 To authorize Cellco Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless, to encroach upon the City of Richmond’s rights-of-way with cell antennas and related equipment to be mounted on designated utility poles approximately located at 5201 Patterson Avenue, in the alley behind 336 Lexington Road, in the alley behind 4601 Leonard Parkway, at 4700 Hanover Avenue, and at 3407 Floyd Avenue, respectively, upon certain terms and conditions.

Ordinance No. 2017-128 To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to acquire, at a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 2113 Warwick Avenue and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer or the designee thereof to accept title to such property for the purpose of implementing a stormwater best management practice on the property and permanently maintaining the property in accordance with such practice.

Ordinance No. 2017-134 To amend and reordain ch.

24, art. II of the City Code by adding therein a new div. 11, consisting of new sections 24-273 through 24-277, and to amend Appendix A of the City Code by adding therein a new fee for section 24-275, concerning the co-location of small cell facilities on existing structures, for the purpose of reflecting amendments to state law. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, July 18, 2017, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2017-135 To amend ch. 8, art. I of the City Code, concerning City-owned real estate, by adding therein a new section 8-15, concerning the publication of a list of all City-owned real estate, to require that a list of all City-owned real estate be published on the City’s website. (COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, July 18, 2017, 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber) 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 HENRICO KLEITON DE OLIVEIRA, Plaintiff v.

RACHEL JEAN DE OLIVEIRA, Defendant.

Case No. CL16000820-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to grant Kleiton de Oliveira, the Plaintiff, a divorce from Rachel Jean de Oliveira, the Defendant, on the ground that the Plaintiff and Defendant have lived separate and apart for a period in excess of one year.

WHEREFORE, an affidavit having been filed that duet diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the location of Rachel Jean de Oliveira, it is hereby ORDERED that Rachel Jean de Oliveira appear before the Circuit Court for the County of Henrico by August 28, 2017, which is no less than fifty days from the entry of this order, to protect her interest herein.

An Extract Teste: Heidi S. Barshinger, Clerk Novo Taghavi 1500 Forest Avenue, Suite 124 Richmond, VA 23229 (804) 614-6920 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JEROME SATCHELL, Plaintiff v. MONIKA McCRAY, Defendant.

Case No. CL17-2850-7 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: obtain a divorce a vincullo matrimonii or from the Bonds of Matrimony.

It appearing from an affidavit that the defendant is: that diligence has been used without effect, by or on the behalf of the plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city defendant is.

It is ORDERED that Monika McCray appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before August 15, 2017.

A Copy, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk I ask for this: Jerome Satchell, Plaintiff, Pro Se Virginia: in the Circuit CourT for the City of Richmond Ibrahima Thiam, Plaintiff, v.

Shakira L. Townsend, Defendant.

Case No.: CL17001848-00 AMENDED ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from Defendant, SHAKIRA L. TOWNSEND, on the grounds that the parties have lived separate and apart continuously and without cohabitation or interruption for a period in excess of one year.

It appearing from an affidavit that Defendant’s residential address is unknown and that due diligence has been used on behalf of Plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city the Defendant is, without effect, it is ORDERED that Defendant appear before this Court (City of Richmond Circuit Court at 400 North Ninth Street, John Marshall Courts Building, Richmond, VA 23219) on the 9th day of August, 2017, at 9 a.m. and protect her interests herein.

A Copy Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, CLERK Defazio Bal, P.C. 4050 Innslake Drive, Suite 190 Glen Allen, VA 23060 (804) 585-3100 (804) 968-7907 (fax) dottie@defaziobal.com VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER CYNTHIA GAYE, Plaintiff v.

CHRISTOPHER GAYE, SR., Defendant.

Case No.: CL16001258-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who has been served with the Complaint by posted service appear here on or before the 11th day of August, 2017 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

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities

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(804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER AMIELIA FASSBACH, Plaintiff v.

KONRAD ZUREK, Defendant.

Case No.: CL17001499-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who is a nonresident of Virginia, appear here on or before the 11th day of August, 2017 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 YU SHI, Plaintiff v.

FEIJIA LIANG, Defendant.

Case No.: CL17001495-00 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 11th day of August, 2017 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

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 Stacy Solomon (Mother), Maurice L. Cobbs (Father) & Unknown (Father) to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 10/03/2017, at 11:00 AM, Courtroom #2

JOHN BAKER, DECEASED, et al., Defendants.

Case No.: CL17-2080 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1616 North 31st Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0000795/045, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, John Baker and Hattie Baker.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, JOHN BAKER, DECEASED and HATTIE BAKER, DECEASED, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that OPHELIA BAKER, DECEASED, who may have an ownership interest in said property has not been located and has not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that JOHN BAKER, DECEASED, HATTIE BAKER, DECEASED, OPHELIA BAKER, DECEASED, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before AUGUST 24, 2017, and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

AUGUST 24, 2017, and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Sheetal Damidi, Director 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.

CUSTODY Virginia: In the Circuit Court of the County of Chesterfield Godfrey and Billie Garrett, Petitioners, In Re: Morgan Denise Garrett Birth Certificate Registration No.: 145-04-074599 Registered in the State of Virginia Case No.: CA17-7 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object jof this action is to obtain an adoption of Morgan Denise Garrett.

WHEREFORE, an affidavit having been filed

by Petitioners that due diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the location of Jeffrey B. Byrd, it is ORDERED that Jeffrey B. Byrd appear before this court on the 5th day of July, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. to protect his interests herein.

A Copy Teste: WENDY S. HUGHES, Clerk I ASK FOR THIS: Lynn L. Robinson, Esquire VSB #43143 8 West Leigh Street Richmond, Virginia 23220 TEL: (804) 225-9027 FAX: (804) 225-9076 Attorney for the Petitioners VIRginia: IN THE Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court of the City of Richmond Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Stacy NeVAEH MCwhite, Juvenile v.

Stacy Solomon, Jonathan S. McWhite, Jakeel Townsend, Unknown (Father) Case No. J-093302-07-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Stacy Solomon (Mother), Jonathan S. McWhite (Father), Jakeel Townsend (Father) & Unknown (Father) of Stacy Nevaeh McWhite, child DOB 08/03/2016.

“RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of; visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Stacy Solomon, Jonathan S. McWhite, J a k e e l To w n s e n d & Unknown (Father) to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 10/03/2017, at 11:00 AM, Courtroom #2

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ALICE HUMPHREY, Plaintiff v.

WILLIAM HUMPHREY, Defendant.

Case No.: CL17001496-00 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 11th day of August, 2017 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

VIRginia: IN THE Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court of the City of Richmond Commonwealth of Virginia, in re latoya patrice cobbs, Juvenile v.

Stacy Solomon, maurice l. cobbs (Father), Unknown (Father) Case No. J-093286-06-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Stacy Solomon (Mother), Maurice Cobbs (Father), & Unknown (Father) of Latoya Patrice Cobbs, child DOB 01/25/2010. “RPR” means

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

ALBERT L. STOVALL aka ALBERT LEE STOVALL, DECEASED, et al., Defendants.

Case No.: CL17-2269 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 608 North 1st Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0000080/009, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Albert L. Stovall Estate.

An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, ALBERT L. STOVALL aka ALBERT LEE STOVALL, DECEASED, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that CLEO H. STOVALL, DECEASED, HATTIE MAE WILSON, DECEASED, HENRIETTA L E WI S , D E C E A S E D , SARA FAULCON, DECEASED, EDDIE FITTS a/k/a EDDIE FITTS, SR., D E C E A S E D , WI L L I E LEE FITS, DECEASED, ANNIE STOVALL COLE, DECEASED, and ROBERT J A S P E R S T O VA L L , DECEASED, who may have an ownership interest in said property, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that MILTON STOVALL, who may have an ownership interest in said property, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his/her last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.”

IT IS ORDERED that ALBERT L. STOVALL aka ALBERT LEE STOVALL, DECEASED, CLEO H. STOVALL, DECEASED, HATTIE MAE WILSON, DECEASED, HENRIETTA L E WI S , D E C E A S E D , SARA FAULCON, DECEASED, EDDIE FITTS a/k/a EDDIE FITTS, SR., D E C E A S E D , WI L L I E LEE FITS, DECEASED, ANNIE STOVALL COLE, DECEASED, ROBERT J A S P E R S T O VA L L , D E C E A S E D , M I LT O N STOVALL, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before AUGUST 24, 2017, and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

HELENA BATES JOHNSON, et al., Defendants.

Case No.: CL17-2424 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 712 North 35th Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0000968/008, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Helena Bates Johnson.

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

IT IS ORDERED that HELENA BATES JOHNSON and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before AUGUST 24, 2017, and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter.

An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v.

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

PHAVORIT KENNY, et al., Defendants.

Case No. : CL17-2972 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2301 Venable Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0000427/001, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Phavorit Kenny.

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

IT IS ORDERED that PHAVORIT KENNY and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before

License Notice S and S Foods Inc Trading as: Turmeric Indian Cuisine 3621 Cox Rd Ste C Henrico, Virginia 23233-1335 The above establishment is applying to the Virginia D epartment of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) for a Wine and Beer On Premises and Mixed Beverage license to Continued on next column

BID COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA CONSTRUCTION ITB # 17-1441-6CE – Crestview Elementary School Renovation - This project consists of renovation of the existing buildings Due 3:00 pm, August 1, 2017. Additional information available at: http://henrico.us/ purchasing/.

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

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

EOE M/F/D/V

Sr. Business Systems Analyst

in Richmond, VA. Review, analyze, & eval business sys. & user reqs/needs. Elicit & doc. business & functional reqs. Reqs either Master’s Deg. in Business Admin., Info. Sys. or rel. + 2yrs exp in job offered or any rel. occ. supporting projects related to business process improvements -or- a Bach.’s Deg. + 5yrs exp in same as above. Mail resumes to N. Carlton, AGA Service Company d/b/a Allianz Global Assistance, 9950 Mayland Dr., Richmond, VA 23233.

TransiT sysTem

GENERAL UTILITY Starting Rate: $16.61 per hour Closing Date: 28 July 2017

GRTC Transit System seeks a detailed oriented individual, 21 years of age or older, who can work independently and in a team environment to perform various vehicle service duties.

This position requires weekend and weekday availability. The hours will vary depending on shift. High school education required. Must have, at a minimum, a valid Virginia Class B CDL Learners Permit with P Endorsement required.

Candidates must have a good driving record with a point balance of five (5) or better and must be able to pass a background check along with a pre-employment drug test and a DOT physical.

Candidates may apply online at www.ridegrtc. com. No paper applications accepted.

GRTC is an equal opportunity employer with a drug-free work environment.

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COMMu NITy PRESERVATION A ND D EV EL OPMENT CORPORATION

Baker School Senior Apartments 100 W. Baker Street, Richmond, Virginia

INVITATION FOR BID CPDC is soliciting sealed bids from qualified General Building Contractors for The Baker School, 100 West Baker Street, Richmond VA; the adaptive reuse of the Baker School into 51 age restricted apartment units. This is a partnership with the Richmond and Redevelopment Housing Authority and is part of the Fay Towers redevelopment. Scope includes the interior renovation of the existing three level school building, including full replacement of MEP systems; repair and refurbishment of the existing exterior envelope and windows, including roof replacement; a stair tower/elevator/lobby addition; and installation of new parking lot and landscaping.

Interested qualified licensed Class A General Building Contractors should plan to attend a mandatory Pre-Bid Conference to be held at the site July 18, 2017 at 9:00 AM, followed by an inspection of the building. Attendance is mandatory and contractors will be required to verify familiarity with existing conditions. Section 3 and MBE/WBE Open House July 18th at 11:00 AM. This project will have the following requirements - 30% Section 3, 30% MBE/ WBE, Davis Bacon Wage Rates, Earth Craft and VHDA Minimum Design and Construction requirements.

The Pre-bid RFI Deadline is July 25, 2017 at 3:00 PM. Bids will be received only via email: Lee Alford, lalford@cpdc.org until 3:00 PM on August 15, 2017. The bid is to be broken down into a schedule of values consistent with AIA Document G703. CPDC reserves the right to select the bidder based on their overall qualifications and will notify bidders of their decision by August 29, 2017.

Digital files of the pricing documents will be made available through the Architect, Commonwealth Architects of Richmond, Virginia at the following site: ftp://ftp.comarchs.com. Enter Username: Baker-Bidding and Password: Commonwealth

The Tri-Cities Area Metropolitan 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan is ready for review; written comments on the Transportation Improvement Program should be addressed to Crater Planning District Commission, P.O. Box 1808, Petersburg, Virginia 23805 or by email at dhyder@craterpdc.org and should be received within the review period ending August 10, 2017.

PUBLIC NOTICE Pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 134 and 135; 49 U.S.C 5303 and 5304, the TriCities Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) hereby provides area citizens an opportunity to review and comment on the Transportation Improvement Program. This transportation plan has been developed by local and State agencies represented on the Tri-Cities Area MPO. A copy of the draft document is available for public viewing during regular visiting hours at public libraries in the Tri-Cities Area during a 30 day public review period beginning July 9, 2017 and ending August 10, 2017.

One public meeting will be scheduled on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 from 3:00PM- 5:00PM at Petersburg Multi-Modal Station first floor lobby located 100 W. Washington Street in Petersburg, VA. The MPO will hold a public hearing at its regular scheduled MPO Policy Committee Meeting on Thursday August 10, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Any persons in need of special accommodations to participate in these public meetings are requested to forward this information either by contacting the Crater Planning District Commission at 804-861-1666 or by email using the address listed below one week prior to the meeting date. Persons with a hearing impairment may contact the Virginia Relay Center at 1-800828-1120 to forward information to the Crater Planning District Commission and Tri-Cities Area MPO. A copy of the draft plan and other information related to the Tri-Cities Area MPO is available in electronic format located http://craterpdc.org/transportation/mpo. htm The Crater Planning District Commission and the Tri-Cities Area MPO assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, handicap, sex, age or income status, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent nondiscrimination laws, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity. Written comments on Transportation Improvement Program should be addressed Crater Planning District Commission, P.O. Box 1808, Petersburg, Virginia 23805 and or sent email dhyder@ craterpdc.org and received within the review period ending August 10, 2017.