June 16 18, 2016 issue by Richmond Free Press

Father’s Day

Meet the Morrisseys

VOL. 25 NO. 25

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

www.richmondfreepress.com

June 16-18, 2016

Grief unifies nation Richmond mourns in solidarity following Orlando massacre

when such tragedies occur, they are discussed for “two or three days” and then forgotten, he said. Mr. Harrison wants Diversity Richmond to begin conversations about how Richmond can become more unified. He also believes that the presence of Imad Damaj, a professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Virginia Commonwealth

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University who is president and founder of the Virginia Muslim Coalition for Public Affairs, will help increase understanding between the gay and Muslim communities. According to the coalition’s Facebook page, its goal is “to foster proper understanding of Islam and Muslims” in the Richmond region and across Virginia.

Mr. Mateen left behind a tangled trail of possible motives for the massacre. He also called police during his rampage to voice allegiance to various militant Islamist groups. Federal investigators have said Mr. Mateen was likely self-radicalized and there is no evidence that he received any Please turn to A4

McEachin, Wade on Nov. ballot By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Richmond’s next congressman will either be Democrat A. Donald McEachin or Republican Michael L. “Mike” Wade. As expected, both men easily overcame rivals to win their respective party’s primary election Tuesday. They gain the right to carry their party’s banner into the November general election to represent the refashioned 4th Congressional District in Washington. Overshadowed by the presidential race and the

massacre in Orlando, the congressional primaries drew less than 5 percent of the 490,000 voters in the district that stretches from Richmond to Chesapeake. The current 4th District congressman, seven-term Republican Rep. J. Randy Forbes of Chesapeake, did not run for re-election in the district. Instead, Rep. Forbes jumped into the Republican primary in the 2nd Congressional District centered in Virginia Beach. He lost the contest to Scott Taylor, a former Navy Seal who now represents the beach city in the House of Delegates.

Free Press staff, wire report

In the 4th District Democratic primary, Sen. McEachin, an attorney and state senator from Henrico County, won the primary by a 3-1 margin over Ella P. Ward, a retired educator and member of the Chesapeake City Council. Sen. McEachin garnered 11,837 votes, or 75 percent, to 3,981 votes, or 25 percent, for Dr. Ward. Sen. McEachin lost to Dr. Ward in her home base of Chesapeake and Suffolk. He won overwhelmingly

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Gov. Terry McAuliffe and several elected officials were among the crowd of nearly 1,000 people who gathered Tuesday night at Diversity Richmond in North Side to show their support for the people of Orlando.

“This type of violence — we’ve become almost numb to it,” said Mr. Harrison, adding that such incidents “still hurt.” Mr. Harrison said Diversity Richmond’s vigil, which drew nearly 1,000 people, sought to promote healing and building bridges. Vigils are just one step in trying to stem gun violence based on race, religion or sexual orientation, he said. Too often

Trump rally sinks under weights Donald Trump was expected to pack the Richmond Coliseum when he visited the city last week. After all, he has packed arenas in other cities. But in battleground Virginia, and this Democratic-friendly city, the presumptive Republican nominee ended up addressing a half-full building Friday evening. A Richmond minister who led the rally’s opening prayer estimated that 6,000 to 7,000 people were on hand in a space that can hold up to 13,000 individuals. Pastor Steven A. Parson Sr., founder and former pastor of the Richmond Christian Center, called the attendance impressive given the “one-day confirmed notice.” A staunch Trump supporter, Pastor Parson believes more people would have come if much of the advance media coverage had not focused on the likelihood of a heavy police presence aimed at preventing disruption from Trump “protesters,” whom the minister described as “young people who are paid or go by the race card the Democrats have played for years.” Despite all the talk, only about 200 protesters gathered and there was minimal disruption. Richmond Police reported detaining five people; one for disorderly conduct. However, for others, the relatively small attendance for the Trump rally could be a signal that interest in the GOP candidate has peaked and could be on the decline, at least in Virginia, a state seen as a mustwin for any contender for the presidency. The Richmond rally took place after Mr. Trump came under fire for bashing the U.S.-born federal judge who is

Free Press staff, wire reports

In what has become all too common, several Richmond churches and community groups gathered this week to hold vigils and pray for victims of gun violence. This time, the songs of solace and tears of despair were for the slaughter unleashed Sunday morning when 29-year-old gunman Omar Mateen killed 49 people and wounded 53 others at an Orlando, Fla., nightclub frequented by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patrons. Numerous reports have stated that Mr. Mateen, who was shot and killed by police during the three-hour ordeal, targeted the club based on his allegiance to the Islamic State and hatred of gays. Other reports stated that Mr. Mateen struggled with his own sexual identity. Diversity Richmond, which advocates that members of the LGBTQ community be treated with fairness, dignity and respect, held a vigil Tuesday night at its Sherwood Avenue location in North Side. Still shaken by the shootings, Bill Harrison, the organization’s president and executive director, said that while such violence is “horrific,” even more horrifying is the nation’s seeming acceptance of such tragedies.

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Combating summer slide

‘The Books Brothers’ mobilize for book giveaway at Holton By Bonnie N. Davis

Linwood Holton Elementary School students Jace and Jazz Miles enjoy reading so much that they wanted to spread their passion throughout the school. Thanks to some quick brainstorming by their mother, Otesa Middleton Miles, and Holton’s librarian, Diane Glover, the youngsters’ wish was granted in the form of a daylong “Book Bonanza” — a giveaway Wednesday in which each of the 600 students at the West Laburnum Avenue school in North Side went home with two or more books to call their own. “It was amazing to see students squealing and jumping at the chance

to choose books,” said Mrs. Miles, a communications consultant for a major health care company whose flurry of action with her boys netted about 1,400 books for the event. “If we can help students stay academically active and nurture a love of reading and learning, we’ve succeeded. Parents, students, neighbors, teachers and friends made this a success.” With firefighters from Richmond Fire Stations No. 14 and No. 16 to help youngsters make their selections, Holton students received new and gently used books with appealing titles and subjects, including several from the Harry Potter series and Caldecott Medal winners. With Jazz, 10, and Jace, 7, including

their younger sibling, Just, 5, in the effort, they dubbed themselves “The Books Brothers” when they canvassed the block of their North Side neighborhood for book donations. Within four weeks, the boys collected about 1,200 books with the help of neighbors, Barnes & Noble, the main branch of the Richmond Public Library and the Lower School Library at Collegiate School. Monetary donations from a couple of Mrs. Miles’ friends went toward the purchase of new books through Scholastic, which provides literary resources for schools, teachers and families. The Miles brothers also donated books from their own library. Please turn to A5

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Brothers Jace, 7, left, and Jazz Miles, 10, show off some of the 1,400 books they collected to give to their fellow students at Richmond’s Linwood Holton Elementary School. The boys’ efforts mean that Holton’s 600 students will have at least two books of their own to read during summer break.

Ali laid to rest in send-off ‘fit for a king’ By Yvonne Coleman Bach Louisville Defender Editor

Muhammad Ali’s family takes part in the traditional Muslim service last Thursday at Louisville’s Freedom Hall for The Champ. They are, from left, Khalilah Ali, Mr. Ali’s second wife; Lonnie Ali, his wife of the last 30 years; and daughter Laila Ali.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. The world watched as the life of boxing champion Muhammad Ali was celebrated last week in his hometown of Louisville, Ky. Services last Thursday and Friday, both filled to capacity, and a procession through the streets of Louisville highlighted the send-off fit for the king he was. Mr. Ali, a world boxing legend who

“America must never forget that when a cop and an inner-city kid talk to each other, miracles can happen,” — Lonnie Ali at the public memorial service for her husband, Muhammad Ali.

won the heavyweight title a record three times between 1964 and 1978, died Friday, June 3, 2016, at age 74. More than 14,000 people attended a traditional Muslim service last Thursday at Freedom Hall, while an interfaith memorial

service was held last Friday in Downtown Louisville. Although Mr. Ali touched the lives of people throughout the world, the people of Louisville knew what others did not know. The procession route included a stretch of Broadway Street, where, in earlier days, Mr. Ali would drive his big recreational vehicle when he returned home to Louisville after winning his fights. Sometimes Please turn to A4

A2 June 16-18, 2016

Richmond Free Press

Local News

Honoring Alicia Rasin The Rev. Ben Campbell leads a prayer at the June 7 dedication of the “Peace Fountain” in Jefferson Park in the East End in tribute to the late Alicia Rasin, Richmond’s longtime volunteer “ambassador of compassion.” Before her death last October, Ms. Rasin devoted her efforts to comforting families of homicide victims. For more than 20 years, she organized vigils for the bereaved and funerals for

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond those killed. She also founded and led Citizens Against Crime to galvanize community efforts to halt the killings and provide information to police to make arrests. The fountain, installed across the street from Ms. Rasin’s longtime residence on Princess Anne Avenue, is a gift to the city from the J. Fulmer Bright Foundation and was secured for the site by the Friends of Jefferson Park. The city also has installed an honorary street sign bearing Ms. Rasin’s name on Princess Anne Avenue. Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

City pools open this Saturday Get ready to splash. Richmond is about to open its outdoor public swimming pools. Open to the public without charge, the pools staffed by lifeguards will open noon Saturday, June 18, the day after classes end for students in Richmond Public Schools. The pools, by location, are: East End • Fairmount, 2000 U St. • Powhatan, 1000 Apperson St. in Fulton • Woodville, 2305 Fairfield Ave. North Side • Battery Park, 2719 Dupont Circle • Hotchkiss, 701 E. Brookland Park Blvd. South Side • Blackwell, 238 E. 14th St. West End • Randolph, 1507 Grayland Ave. The outdoor pools will be open seven days a week through Labor Day, Monday Sept. 5. Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 1 to 4:30 p.m., open swim; 5 to 7 p.m., family swim; 7 to 8 p.m., adult swim; Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Two city indoor pools in South Side also will be open Monday through Friday — Bellemeade, 1800 Lynhaven Ave., and Swansboro, 3160 Midlothian Turnpike. Both pools offer open swimming from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Open swimming also is offered from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Swimming for groups with reservations is offered from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 to 3:45 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. The pools will offer swimming lessons for children and adults at levels from beginner to advanced. Lifeguard certification, first aid and CPR training also are available. Details: (804) 646-5733 or www.richmondgov.com/parks.

Fans, shelters available to beat the heat

Senior Connections, the Capital Area Agency on Aging, is helping older adults combat summer heat and prevent possible health hazards. The Fan Care Program provides fans and air conditioners to low-income adults age 60 and older. Seniors who live in Richmond and the counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent and Powhatan are eligible. The program is funded in part by Dominion Virginia Power and the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services. Applicants should call Senior Connections’ Fan Care Hotline at (804) 343-3005 and leave a message with their name, address and phone number. Additional information: (804) 343-3000. The City of Richmond also will open cooling stations Downtown and in South Richmond this season where bottled water will be available when the temperature or heat index is expected to reach 95 degrees or higher. The cooling stations will be at the Richmond Department of Social Services, 900 E. Marshall St., and the Southside Community Services Center, 4100 Hull Street Road. Officials said food will not be provided and pets, with the exception of service animals, will not be allowed. — BONNIE N. DAVIS

Website launched to help people without attorneys Thinking of representing yourself in court? The Supreme Court of Virginia wants to help. The court set up a website, http://selfhelp.vacourts.gov, to provide answers to basic legal questions on cases involving traffic tickets, small claims and landlord-tenant issues. The website also provides information on divorce, custody and visitation, guardianship and protective orders. The site includes a glossary of legal terms, instructions about routine processes that need to be followed and information on public law libraries. However, the site does not provide legal advice. A project of the Virginia Access to Justice Commission, the new website is seen as a “milestone … toward providing greater and more meaningful access to civil justice in Virginia,” stated Justice S. Bernard Goodwyn, who sits on the state’s highest court and serves as co-chair of the commission. The state Supreme Court established the commission in 2013 to promote equal access to justice with particular emphasis on meeting the legal needs of residents, particularly in civil cases. Virginia is one of 28 states to have established such commissions to find ways to aid those who cannot afford attorneys. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

VSU names new provost Virginia State University President Makola M. Abdullah has found the person he wants to lead academic affairs at the Ettrick campus. His choice is Dr. Donald E. Palm, currently associate provost for undergraduate education at Florida A&M University, where Dr. Abdullah previously worked for 15 years. Dr. Palm, who also is a professor in the College of Pharmacy at FAMU, will succeed Dr. W. Weldon Hill as VSU’s provost and vice president of academic affairs. He is to start Aug. 1. Dr. Palm will bring “more than two

decades of experience in higher education,” Dr. Abdullah stated in announcing the appointment last week. Dr. Palm has spent his career at Florida A&M as a professor and administrator, according to Dr. Dr. Palm Abdullah. During his tenure, Dr. Palm has won awards for teaching and authored numerous research papers in the field of neuroscience.

A Pittsburgh native, Dr. Palm earned a bachelor’s in chemistry from Lincoln University and a doctorate in pharmacology from Pennsylvania State University’s Hershey Medical School. He also was involved in post-doctoral research at Brown University on traumatic brain injury. Dr. Abdullah served as a dean at FAMU, and was provost and vice president for academic affairs at Florida Memorial University and as provost and senior vice president at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Fla., before coming to VSU. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

Petersburg police chief ousted By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Dironna Moore Belton may carry the title of interim Petersburg city manager, but she’s using her authority to shake up the city government. In her latest move, she terminated Police Chief John I. Dixon III after nearly nine years and brought back a retired veteran of the force, former Maj. William C. Rohde, to temporarily fill the job. Ms. Belton said publicly that Mr. Dixon’s services “are no longer needed.” She told him June 7 that his time in command of the 110-member sworn force and of the police bureau’s $10 million budget was over. Mr. Dixon Chief Rohde To critics who might object, the no-nonsense executive made it clear that she is in charge. “I am responsible for managing the day-to-day operations for the city and that is exactly what I am doing. All of our directors work at the discretion of the acting city manager, and I am exercising that discretion,” Ms. Belton said. While neither she nor Mr. Dixon provided any detail on what caused the rupture, Ms. Belton said that his departure would allow “a search for leadership that is more in line with the goals and vision that I have for the city.” Previously chief executive officer of the Petersburg Area Transit Co. that operates buses for the 32,000-resident city, Ms. Belton was tapped in March to run the struggling municipality following Petersburg City Council’s decision to fire then-City Manager William E. Johnson III amid concern about financial management and inaccurate water bills. The abruptness of Mr. Dixon’s ouster was spotlighted at a meeting of the council a few hours after his termination, when the Southside Virginia Association of Realtors presented an award to the police bureau recognizing its contributions to public safety and quality of life in the city. Mr. Dixon had been expected to attend to accept the award. A Marine Corps veteran, Mr. Dixon took charge of the bureau in September 2007 following 25 years with the Richmond Police Department, where he rose from patrolman to command of several units as a major. Along with his work in Petersburg, Mr. Dixon also served as president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives in 2013 and 2014. His position brought him a 2013 appointment from President

Obama to a national commission on gun violence that Vice President Joe Biden chaired after the slaughter of schoolchildren in Newtown, Conn. Still, Mr. Dixon has had his controversies. His departure comes amid two ongoing State Police probes into the bureau. One probe concerns the loss of more than $13,000 from a drug case that went missing from the police bureau’s evidence locker. The other probe involves allegations that officers coerced confessions in one or more cases. The city also is dealing with a lawsuit in which 28 current and former officers claim they were not paid for working overtime. Mr. Dixon’s successor, Chief Rohde, spent 39 years with the Petersburg force before retiring last September. In announcing Chief Rohde, Ms. Belton made clear her disappointment with Mr. Dixon. For example, she stated that the city would continue to work with the State Police “to address patterns of negativity” that continue to dog the police bureau. Ms. Belton also stated that she expects the interim chief to develop “reforms that will bring greater fairness, independence and transparency to police timekeeping, discipline and accountability processes … (and rebuild trust) between our police and our community.”

Former Petersburg city manager hired by debt collection company William E. Johnson III has found a new position three months after being fired as Petersburg’s city manager. Mr. Johnson was named senior vice president for governmental affairs for the Credit Adjustment Board Inc., a Henrico County-based debt collection company. Joshua H. Rahman, the company’s chief executive officer, announced Mr. Johnson’s appointment Monday. Mr. Johnson, who was fired from the City of Petersburg in early March, will be involved with the Credit Adjustment Board’s growing effort to engage in debt collection for local governments. Mr. Johnson Mr. Rahman said Mr. Johnson has 18 years of experience with local governments, including the City of Richmond. He “is highly respected in the industry and has produced results everywhere he went,” Mr. Rahman stated. The collections company was founded in 1957 and works mainly with companies and health care systems to collect money that is owed to them. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

VUU hosts ‘Taking Care of Business’ session Virginia Union University is working to prevent the kind of last-minute snafus that disrupted enrollment and housing for dozens of students at the start of classes last August. In a proactive move, VUU President Claude G. Perkins announced that the school will host a special “Taking Care of Business” session on campus from 10 a.m.

to noon Saturday, June 18, for returning students at the Henderson Center. Campus officials will be there to deal with payment accounts, financial aid and housing. The goal is to allow students to set up payment plans and file applications for scholarships and financial aid, clearing the way to apply for campus housing before the start of classes Aug. 11.

Dr. Perkins stated that VUU plans to follow this session with a “Panther Launch” for new and prospective students 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 25, at Ellison Hall. The program also will involve meetings with school officials to take care of financial and housing details. Additional information: (804) 257-5711 or (804) 342-3570.

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Richmond Free Press

June 16-18, 2016

Your Health

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There’s an old proverb (non-biblical) that says, “March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers.” They left out the part about the sneezing, itching, eye-irritating, peak allergy season that is May. It’s fitting that the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has declared May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. Unfortunately there is no cure for asthma or allergies. Allergy rates are on the rise in America, affecting more than 50 million people. Here in Richmond, allergies have become a very prevalent and unwelcomed part of life. The AAFA ranked Richmond 14 out of 100 on their list for, “The Most Challenging Places to Live With Spring Allergies.” That’s down four spots from number ten in 2015. The goal of National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month is to raise awareness and educate those dealing with asthma and allergies. The UCAN program at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU is doing just that. The goal is to educate children and parents in the community, so that they can better self-manage asthma and live an active life.

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Most associate allergies with grass and pollen, an inescapable consequence of springtime. Another association is of the four-legged persuasion. Some know it all to well—the red, teary, swollen eyes that come from playtime with man’s best friend and cuddling with that oh so cute kitty. While both of those common allergy associations are spot on, there is another area of allergy that is growing and affects many in the population—food allergies. According to Food Allergy Research and Education, known as FARE, food allergy affect 15 million people in the U.S. and 1 in 13 children. More than 200,000 cases of food allergy reactions result in emergency department visits per year. Serious allergic reactions to food allergy can lead to anaphylaxis, which is life threatening. In a research study the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), analyzed 452,237 children from 1988 to 2011. They found that food allergy increased at a rate of 2.1 percent among black children, and 1 percent among white children. Further studies are being conducted to determine the cause of this increase among black children. There is not yet a clear understanding of why food allergies are increasing across all segments of the population. The best way to know if a food allergy is present is to schedule an appointment with a qualified physician for testing.

Your Journey to Wellness Starts Here

Thank You May is National Trauma Awareness Month, designated such in 1988 by President Reagan and Congress. When it comes to trauma care, VCU Health is Virginia’s premier resource and only Level 1 trauma center in the state. The center is a state-of-the-art facility equipped to handle multiple types of challenging traumatic injuries. It’s also veriﬁed by the American College of Surgeons in adult, pediatric and burn trauma care. Trauma care is provided via multiple disciplines to deliver direct help from subspecialty experts, which include The Pediatric Trauma Center, the Department of Emergency Medicine, the Department of Neurosurgery, The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the Department of Radiology. Through the Center for Trauma and Critical Care Education, VCU Health works with community groups and ﬁrst responders to meet the requirements and best practices of emergency care. VCU Health also provides outreach programs such as the Injury and Violence Prevention Program. The mission is to reduce and prevent injuries and violence in Central Virginia. You can learn more about the resources and programs available at the Center for Trauma and Critical Care Education by calling (804) 828-4204, or simply visit ctcce.vcu.edu.

The Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) is a worldclass organization providing EMS services to the city of Richmond. The RAA came about as an answer to a big problem in Richmond. In the 80s, EMS calls were being serviced by private ambulance companies. The emerging problem was that privat-

They are men and women of the RAA are operate by an ideal that people need to be there for each other. Here are a few words to the community about why public service is their passion. Tiffany Samuels, Paramedic, Field Training Officer Tiffany Samuels is a true success story. She began her EMS career in 2008 with an entry-level position as a Vehicle Services Technician. Since then she has worked her way up to Clinical Services Committee Chair. “I know I always wanted to help people. I do what I do not because of money, but because of passion.” She is constantly training and learning, so that she can provide patients the best care possible. Her message to the community, “Go for your dreams.” Recently Samuels received the ‘Star if Life’ award from the American Ambulance Association. Chris Stanton, Systems Status Controller Originally from Alabama, Chris Stanton has been with RAA for 3 years. Stanton is literally the voice of the RAA, receiving calls and deploying units to respond in the field. He framed his role

ized ambulances could pick and choose which calls they would respond to and which ones they wouldn’t. In a time where calls were frequent, especially in lower socioeconomic areas of the city, calls were not being serviced, and the community was suffering the consequences. In 1991, the Richmond Ambulance Authority Act was created giving the city the authority to, “create and to regulate a unified emergency medical services system in order to preserve, protect and promote the public health,” according to the official act set forth on September 23, 1991. Since then the RAA has done that job with precision. Through technology, innovation and strong connections to the community, they continue to deliver on that mission. They are not attached to fire and rescue, as the EMS services in the surrounding counties. Instead, you will see them out in the community, parked at street corners and convenience stores. And that’s not because they’re taking a break. This is where technology and innovation come into play. The RAA uses a dynamic deployment system that analyzes historical data to let them know where there are hot

zones in the city. These are areas where service calls have been high at a particular time and are likely to come in. It positions them to respond quickly to calls that come in. Which, for 911 calls is a response time of five minutes. Last year the RAA ran 50,000 911 calls. This year the RAA will celebrate its 25th anniversary. Rob Lawrence, RAA Chief Operating Officer, said, “The world knows about the RAA, but not everyone at home does.” He’s speaking of the global reputation the RAA has of operational efficiency and excellence in care. It’s a reputation that brings in Air Force PJ (Special Operations Pararescue) candidates to Richmond. They learn their clinical training by being embedded with the RAA. Getting the community more involved is elevating awareness in Richmond. One way the RAA is doing that is by conducting educational sessions for community organizations. Recently they ran a CPR class for the Richmond Citizens Police Academy. Two classes were held simultaneously, one in English and one in Spanish.

perfectly. “You’re talking to someone that is having the worst day of their life, and you’re the first person they’re talking to, while they’re in some sort of crisis.” He believes that the most awesome part of his job is that he’s helping someone, even if it is just by phone. His message to the community, “We’re here to make sure you get the right kind of help.”

a job, it’s a way of life. Helping people is a way of life. And we win what I call the EMS prize—which is that we get to do it all again tomorrow.”

Rob Lawrence, Chief Operating Officer In observing the environment at the RAA, one thing that was immediately clear is the high level of respect that other team members have for Rob Lawrence. He’s been in public service for over 33 years and with RAA for 8 of those years. Lawrence immigrated to the United States from the United Kingdom just to work at the RAA. Lawrence says, “We are developing EMS for the world and the world comes to Richmond to see us. We are also a public health service in addition to an emergency service.” They organize community programs to help increase the collective public health of the city. Lawrence says, “It is not

Richmond Free Press

A4 June 16-18, 2016

News

Grief unifies nation Continued from A1

instruction or aid from outside groups such as Islamic State. Mr. Mateen was a U.S. citizen, born in New York of Afghan immigrant parents. “He appears to have been an angry, disturbed, unstable young man who became radicalized,” President Obama told reporters Tuesday after a meeting of the National Security Council. One official familiar with the investigation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said investigators are only beginning to delve into the contents of Mr. Mateen’s cellphone and other electronic devices. The source said they believe Mr. Mateen browsed militant Islamic material on the internet for two years or more before the Orlando shootings. Mr. Mateen’s wife attempted to talk him out of the attack, NBC News reported on Tuesday, citing officials familiar with her comments to the FBI. The attack on the Pulse nightclub in the central Florida city was the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history, and the worst attack on the lesbian, gay,

bisexual and transgender community. Soon after the attack, Mr. Mateen’s father indicated that his son had harbored strong anti-gay feelings. He recounted an incident when his son became angry when he saw two men kissing in downtown Miami while out with his wife and young son. The Orlando killings came six months after the massacre of 14 people in San Bernardino, Calif., by a married couple professing Islamist militant ideologies. Angel Colon, who was in Pulse with friends at the time of the attack, described hearing gunfire and falling to the floor, shot in the left leg. “I couldn’t walk at all,” Mr. Colon told reporters at Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was among 27 survivors being treated. “All I could do was lay down. People were running over me.” Mr. Colon said he had a hopeful moment when Mr. Mateen went into a bathroom — where he later took hostages — but the gunman then emerged, systematically making his way through the club shooting people who were already down, apparently to ensure they were dead.

Candelight vigil Friday for Orlando victims

“I look over and he shoots the girl next to me and I was just there laying down and thinking, ‘I’m next, I’m dead,” Mr. Colon said. Mr. Mateen shot him twice more, one bullet apparently aimed for Mr. Colon’s head but striking his hand, and another hitting his hip, Mr. Colon recalled. When police drove Mr. Mateen back into a restroom, an officer dragged Mr. Colon to safety, he said. Two U.S. officials, both of whom have been briefed regularly on the investigation and requested anonymity to discuss it, said that if it emerged that Mr. Mateen led a secret double life or had gay impulses that conflicted with his religious beliefs, it might have been a factor in explaining his motive. “It’s far too early to be definitive, and some leads inevitably don’t pan out, but we have to consider at least the possibility that he might have sought martyrdom partly to gain absolution for what he believed were his grave sins,” one of the officials said. The official noted that the concept of martyrdom is not confined to Islam, as Christians also venerate martyrs who died for their beliefs.

Richmonders are holding a candlelight prayer vigil remembering the victims, families and community impacted by Sunday morning’s shooting rampage at a gay nightclub in Orlando. The vigil, sponsored by United Communities Against Crime and Delegate Delores L. McQuinn, will be held 7 p.m. Friday, June 17, outside the John Marshall Courts Building, 400 N. 9th St. in Downtown. Organizer Charles D. Willis, executive director of United Communities Against Crime, said speakers will include Delegate McQuinn, Mayor Dwight C. Jones and Richmond Sheriff C.T. Woody Jr. The theme: “Together we stand.” Participants are asked to bring candles and white balloons. Details: (804) 399-1111 or (804) 687-3293.

Ali laid to rest in send-off ‘fit for a king’ Continued from A1

he would drive fast enough that the police would pull him over. But when they looked inside and saw it was The Champ, they would just smile and tell him to slow down. Mr. Ali was loved by his hometown, and he always made it clear that he, too, loved Louisville. Known for bragging, Mr. Ali was called the “Louisville Lip” by many. But he called himself “The Greatest.” He often would say, “It’s not bragging if you can back it up.” Louisville backed him up, showing the world that he was “The Greatest” when more 100,000 people lined the streets for 20 miles to say their final goodbyes. As the procession originating from A.D. Porter & Sons Funeral Home — Southeast passed, people

chanted, “Ali, Ali.” Some threw flowers on the hearse carrying their hometown hero. Children ran alongside the hearse, throwing jabs in the air. Others ran up and kissed the vehicle’s roof. As the procession traveled down Broadway, Hana Ali, the champ’s daughter, tweeted, “We just left the funeral home and are in the car now following our beautiful father in route to his final resting place, as his reoccurring dream is realized. When he was younger, he said, ‘I used to dream that I was running down Broadway in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, and all of the people were gathered in the street waving at me and clapping and cheering my name. I waved back, and then all of a sudden I just took off flying. I dreamed that dream all the time …’ ” The procession made the final leg of the journey into Cave Hill Cemetery, a

Victorian-era cemetery where Mr. Ali was taken to his final resting place. Thousands of rose petals were strewn at the entrance, which was lined with mourners. About 15,000 people awaited the public interfaith memorial service at the KFC YUM! Center, where many celebrities came to say their final goodbyes, among them director Spike Lee, former NFL great Jim Brown, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Whoopi Goldberg, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, boxing greats Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis and soccer star David Beckham. Unable to attend because of his daughter’s graduation, President Obama sent senior adviser Valerie Jarrett as his representative. Minister Louis Farrakhan, boxing promoter Don King and civil rights leader Jesse L. Jackson Sr. also were

in attendance. Former President Bill Clinton, U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah and comedian Billy Crystal were among the speakers at the three-hour service that began with prayers from the Quran. The moderator was an imam from Memphis. Two rabbis, a Roman Catholic priest, leaders of two American Indian tribes and a Baptist minister participated in the program. Sen. Hatch, a friend to Mr. Ali for 28 years, said Mr. Ali was “an effective emissary of Islam.” He said Mr. Ali showed us all the path of greatness. He said Mr. Ali told him “God gave me this condition (Parkinson’s) to remind me always that I am human and that only He is the greatest.” Lonnie Ali, a Louisville native and Mr. Ali’s wife for 30 years, gave a moving tribute to her husband.

“He wanted us to use his life and his death as a teaching moment for young people and the world,” she said. Mr. Ali “may have challenged the government, but he never ran from it, or from America.” Ambassador Attallah Shabazz, daughter of the late Malcolm X, gave a tearful tribute to Mr. Ali. A Louisville for the last six years, she said, “Having Muhammad Ali in my life somehow sustained my dad’s breath for me just a little while longer, 51 years longer until now.” Former President Clinton said Mr. Ali was not imprisoned by Parkinson’s disease. He recalled Mr. Ali’s carrying the Olympic torch in 1996 at the Atlanta games. “He was going to make those last steps, no matter what it took. The flame would be lit, no matter what, the fight would be won.”

Readers recall stories, memories of ‘The Greatest’ We invite Free Press readers to go to our website, www.richmondfreepress.com, and share your memories of Muhammad Ali and condolences honoring the champ. Also enjoy a short video of Carroll Sample’s imitation of Mr. Ali and hear a poem written by Ernest Woodson, both of which are posted to the site. By Bonnie V. Winston Free Press readers have offered a host of stories and memories of the late boxing legend Muhammad Ali in the days since his death and memorial services. Clearly, many in the Richmond community have been touched by The Champ. We share a few of those stories here: Carroll Sample Sr., 55, of Highland Park

Mr. Sample

Carroll Sample was working as a dishwasher at the Crazy Greek restaurant in Richmond when he learned from the owner that Muhammad Ali was coming to town and would be stopping by Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Malvern Avenue. It was 1993, and Mr. Sample, a former Virginia amateur welterweight boxing champion, was beside himself.

“I went home and told my kids,” he said. “Then I called a man at the church. I told him my kids were crying because they wanted to see Ali.” The man kept telling him no, that it was a private event at the church. But the persistent Mr. Sample won out. On his seventh call, the man relented and told him to come and bring his three children, Lakeshia, Carroll Jr. and Jamar, ages 7 to 13. Mr. Sample, who boxed in his first bout at age 12, was an avid fan of The Champ and used to do impressions of Mr. Ali. As he trained around town, including at Ray Brown’s gym in Downtown, he got better and better at both boxing and imitating Mr. Ali. By the time Mr. Sample won the 1977 Virginia amateur welterweight title, he’d mastered Mr. Ali’s voice and knew by heart many of The Champ’s rhymes. So when Mr. Sample took his children to meet Mr. Ali, he was beside himself with joy. “I got so excited. I told him I used to be a boxer,” Mr. Sample recalled. Then he recited, in his best Ali imitation, the rhyme Mr. Ali said before his “Fight of the Century” against Joe Frazier on March 8, 1971: “Joe’s going to come out smokin’ And I ain’t gonna be jokin’ I’ll be pecking and a-pokin’ Pouring water on his smokin.’ This may shock and amaze you But I will destroy Joe Frazier.” When he finished, Mr. Sample said The

Champ looked at him, laughed and said, “This kid right here is crazy!” With one frame left on the film in his camera, Mr. Sample snapped a photo of his children with Mr. Ali and left. “That was one of the biggest days of my life,” Mr. Sample said. The framed photo sits today in his home. George Bey, 63, East End Richmond George Bey was a seventh- or eighthgrader at Richmond’s former East End Junior High School on North 37th Street, when Mr. Ali made an unannounced visit to the school. “It was in the 1960s, after he been stripped of his title Mr. Bey because he was a conscientious objector and didn’t go to Vietnam,” Mr. Bey recalled. “I don’t know why he was in town or what made him come by the school,” Mr. Bey said. “But Mr. Charles Spurlock, the assistant principal, welcomed him and they let the students out early.” Outside the building, the youngsters crowded around The Champ, who playfully sparred with

some of the boys and then offered several life lessons, Mr. Bey remembered. “He was telling us to stay in school, be positive, respect our parents. Then he started walking and the whole crowd walked with him. “We followed him a couple of blocks to a barbershop at 36th and M streets. It was run by Muslims. And he sat down and got a haircut. And we were all there.” Ernest Woodson, 65, of Bowie, Md. Ernest Woodson has long admired Muhammad Ali. And when The Champ died, Mr. Woodson planned to hop a plane for Louisville, Mr. Woodson Ky., to attend the funeral. But Mr. Woodson’s son, Romone Monterey Woodson, a Gulf War veteran who lives in Williamsburg, couldn’t fly because of a traumatic brain injury. So Mr. Woodson, a government consultant and poet at heart, placed ads in the Richmond Free Press and a daily newspaper in Newport News to share with people a poem he wrote about Mr. Ali. His poem, “The Greatest of All Time,” was published in the June 9-11 edition of the Free Press on Page B7. “He was an inspiration,” Mr. Woodson said. “He took a stand that wasn’t popular with many, but it’s something we all can learn.”

Trump rally sinks under weights Continued from A1

presiding over a fraud case involving the defunct Trump University. Former students are seeking damages, claiming that the for-profit university that Mr. Trump led ripped them off. Mr. Trump surprised and dismayed a wide swatch of Republicans when he attacked U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel. Mr. Trump’s claim: The judge, the son of Mexican immigrants who was born in East Chicago, Ind., is biased against him because Mr. Trump is promising to build a wall on the southern U.S. border to keep Mexicans from illegally entering the country. The attack on the judge appeared to be the last straw for a number of GOP party members, who have been not been enthralled by many of the remarks from Mr. Trump, who launched his campaign last year stating Mexicans who cross the border without permission are “criminals and rapists.” During his free-wheeling speech in Richmond, Mr. Trump doubled down on attacks that others view as racist. For example, he expressed tongue-in-cheek remorse for calling U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts “Pocahontas,” a jab at a past claim she has made of being part American Indian. “I’m doing such a disservice to Pocahontas,” Mr. Trump told the crowd. Sen. Warren, a Democrat whose heritage claim was questioned during her run for the senate in 2012, has been an outspoken Trump critic and is often mentioned as a potential running mate for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. The crowd rewarded his remarks with chants of “Build the wall!” and “USA! USA!” Outside the Richmond Coliseum, protesters chanted, “No KKK, no fascist USA, no Trump.”

The demonstrators were generally peaceful until some Trump backers with “Wall” signs ventured into their ranks, leading to shoving and the throwing of fists. Richmond police officers quickly moved to end the confrontation, pulling at least two Trump backers over a barricade and leading them away with their hands bound. During his run for the nation’s top office, Mr. Trump has attracted some hard-core conservatives while repelling others. His brazen shots at people like the judge seems to have helped push staunch Bernie Sanders supporters into the arms of Mrs. Clinton while splintering his own party. That’s how a man wearing a Ted Cruz shirt and hat found himself in the unusual position of protesting outside the Coliseum alongside people shouting to protect abortion rights. Once a dyed-in-the-wool Republican, the man said that a Clinton presidency would be better for the conservative movement. In his view, the billionaire businessman would cut deals with Democrats and sully the name of the conservatism. Still, Mr. Trump won a hearty on-stage endorsement from Republican state Sen. Richard H. Black of Loudoun, one of the General Assembly’s most strident Christian conservatives. Sen. Black, who made headlines at home and abroad by meeting recently with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, told the crowd that Mrs. Clinton had to be defeated to prevent her from stacking “the United States Supreme Court with Marxists.” Alice Martin, 21, is one of the many young Bernie Sanders backers coming to terms with the Vermont senator’s defeat at the hands of Mrs. Clinton. Ms. Martin described the former secretary of state “wishy-washy” and unprincipled. Still, the Virginia Commonwealth University senior said that Mrs. Clinton would likely get her vote. “I would never vote for

James Haskins/Richmond Free Press

Donald J. Trump, the presumptive Republican Party nominee for president, addresses a half-full Richmond Coliseum crowd last Friday during a campaign swing through the battleground state.

Donald Trump. He’s going to regress this country.” Since the rally, Mr. Trump has continued to offend. Witness his remarks this week in the wake of the massacre in Orlando, Fla., in which a gunman mowed down 49 patrons at a nightclub catering to gay people and injured 53 others. Within hours of the horrific attack, Mr. Trump sharpened his vow to ban temporarily the admission of Muslim immigrants if he becomes president and to suspend immigration from areas of the world where “there is a proven history of terrorism.” He did so in pointing to the Muslim ties of the gunman, who was killed by police. Asked his response to Mr. Trump’s remarks, Pastor Parson said that Mr. Trump wants a “temporary” ban of Muslims and only wants to ban radical Muslims, not the “good ones like Muhammad Ali.”

Richmond Free Press

June 16-18, 2016 A5

Local News

McEachin, Wade on ballot for Nov. election Continued from A1

in Richmond and the 13 other localities that make up the 4th Congressional District. About 5,400 people voted in Richmond, about one-third of all the people who cast ballots in the 4th District’s Democratic primary, and Mr. McEachin won the city by a nearly 7-1 margin. In a victory statement after the results rolled in, Sen. McEachin looked ahead to the general election after thanking voters, supporters and Dr. Ward. “I am eager to point out the differences between my opponent and me,” stated Sen. McEachin, who already is considered the front-runner for November’s general election in the Democraticleaning district. “Mike Wade belongs to the party of Donald Trump,” he stated, “and has publicly embraced him. On the other hand, I am proud to stand for progressive values. I want to bring people together, not divide them. I want us to work together to make this country prosperous and secure, not to isolate and denigrate different groups. “As we go into the fall,” he continued, “I will keep talking with voters about the need to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure, bring jobs to the district, improve our public education system, ensure access to quality, affordable health care, keep our communities safe, expand access to broadband internet and do more to address climate change.” In the Republican primary won by Sheriff Wade, 7,773 voters cast ballots. He claimed 4,988 votes, or 64 percent, to 2,785 votes, or 36 percent, for conservative activist Jackee K. Gonzalez. Ms. Gonzalez raised less than $14,000 in seeking to upset of her better-known rival. Mr. Wade lost to Ms. Gonzalez in her home base of Ches-

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

James Haskins/Richmond Free Press

Democrat A. Donald McEachin, right, celebrates his primary victory over Ella P. Ward on Tuesday night outside his Henrico County law office with his wife, Colette, and Gov. Terry McAuliffe.

Republican Michael L. “Mike” Wade, second from left, is joined by his smiling family after Tuesday’s primary win over Jackee K. Gonzalez. With him are, from left, granddaughter Charlotte, wife JoAnn, grandson Michael, granddaughter Betsy, son-inlaw Carey Wood and daughter Jessica Wood.

terfield County and in Charles City County, but picked up wins in the 14 other localities, including Richmond where he won 60 percent of the 1,117 votes cast in the GOP primary. Though currently trailing Sen. McEachin in fundraising, Sheriff Wade is unfazed by his underdog status. “I think we can beat Donald McEachin,” he said at his victory party. The four-term sheriff, who has won plaudits for his progressive programs at the Henrico jail, said he plans to run as a candidate who is “dedicated to finding common sense conservative solu-

tions for the families of the 4th Congressional District.” Meanwhile, Richmond’s former congressman, Democratic Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, was unchallenged for the Democratic nomination as he seeks to win a 13th term representing the 3rd Congressional District, now centered in Newport News, Hampton and Norfolk. In November, he will take on long shot Republican Marty Williams, a retired Chesapeake police sergeant and former state senator and Newport News City Council member who currently chairs the Chesapeake Planning Commission.

‘The Books Brothers’ mobilize book giveaway Continued from A1

An additional 200 donated books came in two days before the giveaway. The idea for the giveaway was born after Jace celebrated his birthday last winter with a book-themed party at a local library. Each party guest took home at least one book. Noticing how much Jace’s guests enjoyed the party, Mrs. Miles and her sons wanted to do something that would enable more youngsters to own books. Mrs. Miles approached Ms. Glover with her idea. And with the approval of the librarian and Holton Principal David Hudson, she settled on a date, developed a flier and started soliciting friends to donate books. Timing for the giveaway

was perfect. Receiving books at the end of the school year helps to ensure that students will be motivated to read during the summer, researchers say, and hopefully not succumb to what has been described as the dreaded “summer slide.” Studies have shown that many elementary school students, particularly those from low-income households, tend to lose some of the academic gains made during the school year because they fail to read or have access to books during the summer break. The “slide” is real, Ms. Glover said. “Children who are given access to books are likely to have increased reading levels and reading interest,” she said, adding that all of Holton’s students love to read. “We

want that to continue during the summer. We don’t want them to slip and slide. We want their reaching achievement to increase.” Other resources available for students during the summer include the Destiny Online Catalog system for school libraries, the “Slay the Slide” reading program and various programs at local libraries, Ms. Glover said. Meanwhile, the Miles boys are happy that reading newly acquired books will engage many of their classmates this summer. “I know I’m not the only person who needs to read, and reading helps you get a good education,” said Jazz. “I decided to donate books and help with the book drive to help others

succeed and achieve.” Jace agreed. “I think it’s cool to have a book drive. I wish we had a book drive everyday,”

he said. “I like giving away books because it helps other young readers to read better.”

Richmond Free Press

Cone flower in the West End

Editorial Page

June 16-18, 2016

Another case for action For the umpteenth time, the nation has been plunged into the horrific details of another bloodbath at the hands of a gun-toting madman. No sooner than we can catch our breath from the workplace holiday party-turned-mass shooting in San Bernadino, Calif., that left 14 dead and 22 injured comes the tragedy early Sunday at an Orlando, Fla., gay club, where 49 people were gunned down and 53 people were wounded. The stories of the survivors are simply harrowing. But what makes it feel like the nation is caught in a drowning undertow is the realization that the Orlando devastation comes on the eve of the first anniversary of the Charleston, S.C., church massacre. In that mass shooting, a 21-year-old white supremacist sat through a Bible study at Emanuel A.M.E. Church and then took out a gun and blew away nine people, including the church’s senior pastor who also was a state senator. How many more unfathomable acts must take place — slaughtering gays, African-Americans, Latinos, immigrants, Jews and white children and adults — before our elected representatives in Washington act? This is the 16th time President Obama has had to address a mass shooting during his two terms in office. What can he say? What words can he, or other officials, possibly use to console the families? The survivors? The nation? We are overjoyed by the backbone grown by Democrats in the U.S. Senate, who launched a filibuster Wednesday led by Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut. They vowed to speak as long as necessary to pressure reforms to curb gun violence. But a Republican-controlled Congress, bankrolled by the National Rifle Association, has refused to take even the smallest steps toward change. Even after the shocking deaths of 20 youngsters and six adults at a Newtown, Conn., elementary school in December 2013, the NRA puppets in Congress refused to ban sales of assault weapons or expand background checks for gun purchasers. GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump believes Sunday’s massacre in Orlando is an example of why people need guns. And he brazenly criticizes President Obama for “weakness.” But we remind him and our readers that while President Obama repeatedly has called for tougher gun laws, Republican indifference to the national nightmare blocks Congress from acting to help end the madness. We believe Orlando is another painfully clear reason why people don’t need guns, especially assault weapons like those used in the latest and previous attacks. If someone is on a terror watch list, or a ‘no fly’ list, why should he or she be allowed to walk into a gun shop and purchase a weapon? Surely, there should be a way for a person to appeal his or her name being on such a list. We understand that innocent people can be falsely caught in a government bureaucracy and red tape. But the purchase should be stopped at the start. Background checks also should be required before all gun purchases, no matter whether the weapon is purchased from a private seller or at a gun show. And there should be tighter bans on where people can carry their guns. Restrictions shouldn’t be limited only to courthouses, airports, schools and possibly political conventions — even Republican Party gatherings. We warn members of Congress to take heed to the cries of the American voters demanding change — or face the consequences at the ballot box at election time. If you don’t want blood on your hands from future massacres, then do something to stem the senseless violence that is harming us all.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Literacy warriors needed The Dictionary defines warrior as “a person who fights in battle and is known for having courage and skill.” In “Roots,” reimagined Kizzy Kinte tells her dad, “Reading is my way of being a warrior, my way of feeling free inside.” Teaching enslaved people to read and write was illegal in most Southern states, so reading was an act of resistance, an act of rebellion, a warrior act that could get you sold or worse. Reading material described as “subversive,” such as David Walker’s “Appeal,” could get you killed. While enslaved people deeply desired knowledge and risked their lives to learn to read, an ugly saying emerged about African-Americans and literacy: “If you want to hide something from black people, put it in a book.” I think the saying has less to do with black folk and reading, and more to do with white people’s wishful thinking. Still, the achievement gap suggests that we need more African-

American people to become literacy warriors. The education system is replete with racial disparity and unfairness. AfricanAmericans, 18 percent of the pre-kindergarten population, garner 48 percent of the suspensions, and are three times as likely as white students to get expelled. Black girls are

Julianne Malveaux the most likely to experience expulsions. African-American students are also three times as likely to repeat a grade level as other students. While one in five white students takes calculus in high school, just one in 15 AfricanAmerican students does. And African-American students are three times as likely to be taught by first-year teachers as white students are. There are all kinds of reasons for these educational disparities, some of which are a function of income, residential location, wealth and parents’ education — and all of these are correlated. There are multiple organizations that advocate for more educational equity and for closing the achievement gap. Billions of resources

have gone into addressing the challenges that come with closing the achievement gap, but educational inequality is persistent. We need education warriors, people who are committed to fighting the educational inequality with courage and skill. One of the statistics that bothered me most about the condition of education is the fact that young black people start out behind when they get to kindergarten. Home literacy is an issue. Ninety-one percent of white children who are not enrolled in preschool are read to at least three times a week by family members, compared to 78 percent of African- American students. Some say this gap in home literacy is among the factors in producing the word gap, which some say may be as large as 30 million words. Some researchers, however, dispute this compilation and its meaning. There is also a racial gap in the availability of books in homes, and African-American youngsters may have less access to libraries. Where are the literacy warriors who would read to the children who are experiencing gaps? Where are the ones who will ensure that libraries

Obstacles to mental health care In 2015, Jamycheal Mitchell died in the Hampton Roads Regional Jail after being arrested for stealing $5 worth of snacks from a convenience store. According to Mr. Mitchell’s family, he had bipolar disorder and schizophrenia but had stopped taking his schizophrenia medication. His arrest and death highlight a number of issues. For decades, jails and prisons have become short-term and long-term holding facilities for people with diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health conditions. This has a big impact on African-Americans for reasons including overrepresentation in poverty and less access to health resources. People sometimes ask why it can be difficult to access health resources. There is no quick and easy answer. Many communities have been ignored and mistreated for decades and are now expected to trust health professionals and use resources provided. Community culture is also important, including the belief of many African-Americans in religion, faith and spirituality as a healing force. Through religion-faith-spirituality, many African-Americans believe in something greater than oneself. There is less importance given to self-awareness and self-improvement but, instead, it is important to be religious and take care of family and community. While these beliefs

can create strong and resilient communities, there can also be problems when individuals are unhealthy. People can have physical conditions and mental conditions that are ignored or considered unimportant. Sometimes people try to self-diagnose, selfmedicate, or self-heal through prayer and the use of vitamins or other substances.

Kimya N. Dennis Shay T. Dennis This is where we must encourage healthy lifestyles and keep track of our physical and mental health. Being a physically healthy and mentally healthy person does not mean we are not taking care of our family, our community or are denying our blackness. (This is not a “white people thing.”) In fact, being healthy means we truly love ourselves (never ignore yourself), our family and our community. We need to encourage people to know about their physical health and mental health. We also need to encourage people to access health resources and services in their cities and communities. It can be difficult to find health resources and services,

which is why some mental health organizations do community presentations and are vendors at community events. People can contact mental health organizations to discuss cost for services and whether public transportation is nearby. This is a two-way street that requires openness and availability on the part of health professionals and the community. While we want health professionals to understand our communities, we should also try to understand how difficult it can be to reach our communities. Mental health practitioners and volunteers are understandably saddened when they work hard to provide resources only for these resources to be unused or underused. It can feel like a waste of time and money. As a community, we need to reduce the shame and silence associated with mental health and we need to encourage people to use resources provided to the community. Kimya N. Dennis, a Richmond native, is a criminologist and sociologist who addresses black mental health, suicide and self-harm issues. Shay T. Dennis, a Richmond native, is a mental health provider who works with clients and outreach in Northern Virginia and Washington.

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

in some communities are adequately stocked? Are there warriors who will give children books to take home, warriors who will fight to expand the offerings of our nation’s public schools? We need literacy warriors. These should not only be teachers in classrooms and parents at home, but preachers, politicians and all others concerned with the achievement gap. We need folks who will fight for literacy with persistence, courage and skill. We need warriors as fierce as Kunta and Kizzy Kinte, as committed as Mary McCloud Bethune, as passionate as the teachers, black and white, who were paid little or nothing to go South to teach the newly emancipated. Where are the literacy warriors? The writer is an economist and author.

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Richmond Free Press

June 16-18, 2016

Letters to the Editor

World Sickle Cell Day June 19 June 19 is World Sickle Cell Day. Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. The disease causes red blood cells to function abnormally. The cells become rigid and curve into sickle shapes. The red blood cells become hard and sticky and they die early, which causes a constant shortage of red blood cells. The sickle shape makes it difficult for the cells to flow through tiny blood vessels and blocks the flow of blood and oxygen to vital organs of the body. These blockages can cause repeated episodes of severe pain, organ damage, strokes, serious infections and other medical complications. A person with SCD is born with the disorder. It is not contagious. People cannot catch the disorder by being around a person who has it. Healthy parents, each having inherited a sickle cell gene from their parent, has the

probability of passing the gene to their offspring. It is estimated that SCD affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the United States, mainly African-Americans. One in 500 African-Americans is living with the disease and one in 36,000 HispanicAmericans are born with the disease. Since Virginia added hemoglobinopathy screening to its newborn testing in 1989, on average 75 newborns have been identified yearly with SCD in the state. Many parents do not know that they have the sickle cell trait. Testing people of child-bearing age is very important, as well as prenatal women. The sickle cell trait occurs in approximately one in 12 African-Americans. Approximately 3 million people living in the United States have the trait and many are unaware of their status. Medical treatment, management and care have made great strides since Congress

Lest we forget The American tragedy of gun violence that President Obama has futilely tried to address during his tenure in office has once again reared its ugly head in Florida. It is repeatedly being described as either the worst mass shooting on American soil or in the history of the United States. Sadly, at Wounded Knee in South Dakota in 1890, more than 200 Native American men, women, and children were brutally massacred by cannon and rifle fire. Why is this not considered when such statements are re-

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passed the 1972 Sickle Cell Anemia Control Act, but we have not found the cure. Research continues at many universities throughout the world as we try to “Break the Sickle Cycle.” Virginia Commonwealth University’s medical campus has many research projects that receive some grant founding. We need our family, friends, organizations, churches and corporations to help spread awareness about SCD. Blood, bone marrow and financial donations will help Break the Sickle Cycle. On Sunday, June 19, World Sickle Cell Day 2016, let us offer a prayer that soon and very soon we will break the sickle cell cycle.

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NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF AN APPLICATION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY FOR APPROVAL AND CERTIFICATION OF THE PROPOSED REMINGTON SOLAR FACILITY PURSUANT TO §§ 56-46.1 AND 56-580 D OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA CASE NO. PUE-2016-00048 On May 4, 2016, Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion Virginia Power” or “Company”) filed with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) an application (“Application”) for approval and a certificate of public convenience and necessity (“CPCN”) to construct and operate a 20 megawatt (nominal alternating current (“AC”)) utility-scale solar electric generating facility near the town of Remington in Fauquier County, Virginia (“Remington Solar Facility”). The Company requests approval and a CPCN for the Remington Solar Facility pursuant to §§ 56-46.1 and 56-580 D of the Code of Virginia and the Commission’s Filing Requirements in Support of Applications for Authority to Construct and Operate an Electric Generating Facility, 20 VAC 5-302-10 et seq. According to the Application, Dominion Virginia Power proposes to build the Remington Solar Facility on 125 acres of land owned by the Company, located across from the Company’s existing natural gas-fired Remington Power Station. As proposed, the Remington Solar Facility would include ground-mounted, fixed-tilt solar panel arrays, and would interconnect using 34.5 kilovolt distribution-level facilities (together with the proposed Remington Solar Facility, the “Project”). If approved, Dominion Virginia Power expects the proposed Project to begin commercial operation on or about October 1, 2017. According to the Application, Dominion Virginia Power plans to build and operate the Project, if approved, as part of a “public-private partnership.” The Company states that the electrical output of the Remington Solar Facility would be dedicated solely to the Commonwealth of Virginia (“Commonwealth”), a non-jurisdictional customer of the Company, and that the Commonwealth has agreed to purchase this electrical output at a negotiated price for a term of 25 years. Additionally, under a separate agreement, Microsoft Corporation has agreed to purchase all of the environmental attributes generated by the Project, including the renewable energy credits, at a negotiated price for a period of 25 years. Dominion Virginia Power estimates the cost of the proposed Project to be approximately $46 million, excluding financing costs, or approximately $2,300/ kilowatt at the approximately 20 megawatt (nominal AC) rating. Dominion Virginia Power states that it is not seeking to recover the cost of the Project from its Virginia jurisdictional customers through either a rate adjustment clause or base rates. The Company states that there will be no impacts to its Virginia jurisdictional cost of service, base rates, fuel rates, or rate adjustment clauses as a result of the Company’s ownership and operation of the Project during the 25-year term of the agreements described above. Interested persons are encouraged to review the Application and supporting documents for the details of these and other proposals. The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing in this case that, among other things, scheduled a public hearing at 10 a.m. on October 13, 2016, in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, to receive the testimony of public witnesses and the evidence of the Company, any respondents, and the Commission’s Staff. Any person desiring to testify as a public witness should appear at the hearing location fifteen (15) minutes before the starting time of the hearing and contact the Commission’s Bailiff. Copies of the public version of all documents filed in this case 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. Copies of the public version of the Company’s Application and the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing also may be inspected during regular business hours at each of the Company’s business offices in the Commonwealth. Copies of these documents also may be obtained, at no charge, by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company, Horace P. Payne, Esquire, Dominion Resources Services, Inc., Law Department, RS-2, 120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. If acceptable to the requesting party, the Company may provide the documents by electronic means. On or before October 6, 2016, any interested person may 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. Interested persons desiring to file comments electronically may do so on or before October 6, 2016, by following the instructions found 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. PUE-2016-00048. Any person or entity may participate as a respondent in this proceeding by filing a notice of participation on or before July 27, 2016. If not filed electronically, an original and fifteen (15) copies of the notice of participation shall be filed with the Clerk of the Commission at the address set forth 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. Any organization, corporation, or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by Rule 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUE-2016-00048. 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. 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 set forth above. VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY

Richmond Free Press

A8 June 16-18, 2016

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

Pamm Goode

Prince George Blue Sox pitcher Marquis Johnson winds up for a throw during last Sunday’s game in Disputanta against the Dinwiddie County Giants. Johnson is a student at St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, N.C.

Old-fashioned baseball reigns in the country

Baseball is losing ground in urban areas but remains a premier attraction down dusty country roads, far removed from the city’s hustle and bustle. On diamonds carved out of the woods in places like Prince George and Dinwiddie counties, old-fashioned country hardball, spiced with ample music, food and socializing, still takes center stage on warm weekends. The predominantly black Virginia Commonwealth Baseball League, founded in 1972, is actually in a growth spurt, having expanded from six to 11 teams since 2013. “As more people in different areas find out about us — about adult baseball — we keep adding teams,” said acting president Charles Ellis. “It’s good baseball — lots of former high school and college players. But the most fun part is the spectators coming out and enjoying themselves.” The league’s name has changed through the years, from Central League to Tri-Cities League to Virginia Central League prior to its current tag. A three-man board of directors handles decision making. Ellis, a 1961 graduate of the former George Washington Carver High School in Chesterfield, often serves as public address announcer and

VCU heading South

Virginia Commonwealth University will be taking its basketball talents South during the upcoming season. Coach Will Wade’s Rams will play the University of Illinois on Dec. 3 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, home of the NBA’s Miami Heat. VCU Coach Wade also will play Nov. 25 to 27 in the Battle4Atlantis in Nassau, The Bahamas. Other entries are Michigan State University, University of Louisville and Baylor, Wichita State, St. John’s, Louisiana State and Old Dominion universities. The game in Miami will mark VCU’s first meeting with the Big 10 Conference Illini. The Rams have met every Big 10 member but Penn State University and the University of Nebraska. VCU’s history against Big 10 teams began Dec. 28, 1970, when Coach Chuck Noe’s Rams (then an NAIA independent) stunned the University of Minnesota at the Franklin Street Gym in overtime. In NCAA tournaments against Big 10 foes, VCU has defeated Purdue University and lost to the University of Iowa, Indiana University, University of Michigan and Ohio State University. In addition to its 2016-17 Atlantic 10 Conference schedule, VCU will play at Old Dominion and Liberty universities, and host Middle Tennessee University, Georgia Tech, University of North Carolina-Asheville, Princeton University, University of Louisiana-Monroe and Howard University. VCU’s first ever game against Howard University will provide area fans a look at the Bison’s James “J-Byrd” Daniels. The 5-foot-11 rising senior from Hampton led the nation in scoring last season with 27.1 points per game. The University of Oklahoma’s Buddy Hield was second with 25 points per game.

statistician at games. Having witnessed the league’s ebbs and flows over the decades, Ellis was in top form behind the mic for the June 12 showdown between the league’s two premier teams — the Dinwiddie County (D.C.) Giants and home-standing Prince George Blue Sox. The Blue Sox diamond, located at 9800 Centennial Road in Disputanta, is surrounded by woods and features a grass infield, outfield fence and covered grandstand. The laid-back, after-church atmosphere on a muggy Sunday resembles images of old Negro League matchups prior to 1947. Between innings, an up-tempo DJ revs up the audience with high-volume, high-energy sounds, mixing oldies with contemporary songs. The concession stand business is brisk, with fried chicken, barbeque and french fries among the popular choices. Even those not planning on eating succumb to captivating aromas. And while adult beverages are permitted and for sale onsite, it’s a family friendly outing with as many women and children attending the games as men. Fans flocked to see the much-awaited Blue Sox take on the Giants, but seemingly no one was in a hurry to see the 3 p.m. opening pitch.

The growing flock filled the covered stands and Major League Baseball is less than 10 percent brimmed over to the shaded surrounding areas. African-American. Canopies begin popping up down baselines. On an adult participation level, slow-pitch Tickets — or “donations” as they like to say softball long ago took roots and isn’t about to — are “about $3,” but subject to negotiation. budge. The grassy parking lot can’t keep up with “I’d say softball is our biggest opponent in demand for spots. attracting players,” said Ellis. “And all those Attendance peaks at maybe 500 by the fifth year-round basketball leagues hurt, too.” inning, when an unexpected thunderstorm strikes On just about any weeknight or weekend, it’s with a vengeance, interrupting play and scatter- not difficult to find a softball game or 10 — men’s, ing unprepared onlookers. women’s and co-ed — at any public park. Once skies brighten and the play reBut if it’s sumes, player-Coach Chia Taylor’s Giants baseball that Hardball havens win 2-0, behind hurler Brian Bierlein, imlights your fire Here are the proving to 6-0 and establishing themselves — a crack of Virginia Commonwealth again as the in-season champ. the bat meetBaseball League affiliates. The Blue Sox, under venerable Coach ing horsehide, East Division Bill Crockett, fall to 5-2 with both losses fastball popping Prince George Blue Sox to the Giants. into catcher’s Tidewater Tigers History reveals that if the Giants don’t mitt — your Petersburg Lions win the pennant, the Blue Sox will. choices are limWakefield Nationals “It’s a rivalry that’s been going on a ited. Chuckatuck (Smithfield) Trotters long time — 20 to 30 years,” said Coach The Giants’ West Division Taylor. Coach Taylor Dinwiddie County (D.C.) Giants Somehow, adult baseball flourishes may have said Dinwiddie Orioles in the backwoods while it struggles elseit best: Carson Cardinals where. City schools nowadays sometimes “Only one Lunenburg Tigers Chase City Dodgers have difficulty fielding a baseball squad. place you can Petersburg Royals find grown men playing baseball * The regular season ends July 30, anymore. It’s in with playoffs to follow. Games start the country — 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. right here.” ‘Farm system’

Henley family photo

Kequan Henley goes up and over the bar to take the state high jump title last week in Harrisonburg. The Armstrong High School senior also placed fifth in the triple jump and ran a leg on the Wildcats’ 4x100 relay team, which placed fourth.

Injury cleared way for championship in high jump Before Kequan Henley ever took off as a high- the pit apron. flying state champion in the high jump, the tall “Most of your top jumpers use a five step,” and springy Armstrong High School student was said Coach Crossin. “It’s all about rhythm. in love with basketball. The extra steps create more momentum flying Then during his sophomore year in 2014, he to the bar.” suffered a significant injury. The son of Chaquita Henley and stepfather “First game of the year, I went up for a rebound Jamaris Jennings boasts an athletic family tree. and came down on my head. Knocked me out. I His mother was a high jumper for George Wythe woke up in the hospital with a bad concussion,” High School. His uncle, Taj Henley, starred in he recalled. football at George Wythe High and Ohio UniverHenley wasn’t cleared for sports for six months. sity and was invited to the Miami Dolphins’ NFL The experience on hardtraining camp. Another wood also led him to uncle, hurdler McArthur Pouring on the Cole a change of athletic Henley, finished fourth direction. in the State Group AAA For 15 years, the Virginia Group AAA high From then on, HenIndoors in 2006. jump record was the property of Alexander Cole ley’s focus has been on Henley is a high of Armstrong High School. track and field, specififlier in more ways than Cole’s 7-foot-1 leap in 1987 was No. 1 on cally the high jump. one. Virginia’s list until Keith Moffatt of Menchville “The injury woke He ranked ninth in High School in Newport News cleared 7-foot-3 Kequan up to his real Armstrong High’s senior in 2002. Also a basketball standout, Cole went on to sport,” Armstrong High class of 224. He earned score 1,471 points and grab 711 rebounds in track Coach Tim Crossin a 3.4 GPA in mostly four seasons at the University of Delaware. said with a chuckle. honors and Advanced Moffatt would eventually clear 7’ 5½” and The switch from Placement courses. His would become the NCAA Division II high sneakers to spikes has scholarship to NSU is jump champ at Morehouse College in Atlanta. worked out for the a combined athleticbest. academic scholarship. It has led to both a The energetic teenstate title for Henley and the equivalent of a full ager has been spotted all over town. scholarship to Norfolk State University. He works part time as a host at Applebee’s on Last week in Harrisonburg, Henley cleared 6 Laburnum Avenue and volunteered for the UCI feet 6 inches winning the State 3A title. He nar- Road World Championship bicycle races and at rowly missed at 6-8. the Freedom Classic. An all-round talent, the 6-foot-2, 175-pound Norfolk State is excited about Henley’s versasenior also took fifth in the triple jump and helped tility. Spartans’ track Coach Kenneth Giles views Armstrong High to a fourth-place finish in the Henley as a possible MEAC champion in both the 4x100 relay. high jump and also the 10-event decathlon. Prior to the state competition, Henley won One activity he won’t be participating in at NSU conference and regional titles during a time in is basketball — not even on a pick-up level. His which he was experimenting with a different only jumping, he insists, will be into foam rubber jumping approach. cushions. He has written off hardwood. With Coach Crossin’s guidance, Henley gradu“After that fall I took,” he said, “I’m afraid of ated from a three-step to a five-step takeoff on what might happen if I try it again.”

At least four Virginia Commonwealth Baseball League alumni have gone on to play in the major leagues. Here are those players, along with their Commonwealth League affiliation, position, years in the big leagues and teams. Curtis Wilkerson (D.C. Giants), shortstop, 19831993 – Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, Kansas City Royals James Austin (McKenney Bucks), pitcher, 19911993 – Milwaukee Brewers Mike “Peewee” Christopher (Sussex Tigers), pitcher, 1991-1996 — Los Angeles Dodgers, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers Jackie Bradley Jr. (Prince George Blue Sox), outfield — currently with the Boston Red Sox Others who have reached the minor leagues: Mike Mallory (D.C. Giants), pitcher/outfield, 1999 - 2006 in Chicago Cubs chain. Steve Fleming (Prince George Blue Sox), 19751979, outfield, Pittsburgh Pirates chain Sam Roberts (Blue Sox), catcher, 2011-2014, Oakland Athletics chain Will Roberts (Blue Sox), pitcher, currently with Cleveland Indians chain

VUU signs 4 Virginia Union University basketball coach Jay Butler has announced signings of four new players and suggests more may be on the way. Newcomers for 2016-17 include three freshmen, plus a transfer student from NCAA Division I Siena College in New York. The incoming freshmen are 6-foot-5 Eddie ClaytonJohnson from Fork Union Military Academy, 6-foot5 Jordan White from Clinton Christian in Upper Marlboro, Md., and 6-foot-4 Jordan Peebles from Greensville High School in Emporia. Clayton-Johnson initially went to Deep Creek High School in Chesapeake. Joining Coach Butler’s roster from Siena College, is 6-foot-4 transfer student Jimmy Paige, originally from Cape Henry Collegiate School in Virginia Beach. “We’re still looking to bring in a post player or two, and possibly a point guard,” said Coach Butler, who guided VUU to a 16-14 record last year in his first year as head coach at his alma mater. Becoming eligible as freshmen after sitting out 2015-16 at VUU are three local athletes, 6-foot5 Stephon Davis and 6-foot-4 Travon Brown from Armstrong High School, and 6-foot-3 Tre Patterson from John Marshall High School. On the debit side, Butler announced Ke’Andre Gibson and Colton Lewis are leaving VUU, with plans to transfer. Gibson started 26 games and led VUU in assists and steals, while averaging 5 points per game. Lewis started 13 games, averaging 4 points and 3 rebounds. Expected Panthers returnees include top three scorers — Ray Anderson (20.8 points per game), Cory Cooley (13.0) and Tavon Mealy (12.2). NCAA Division II permits the “equivalency” of 10 basketball scholarships, allowing for the possibility of partial grants to more than 10 student-athletes. This differs from Division I, with a “head count” limit of 13, meaning no more than 13 players can be on scholarship, regardless of whether they have full or partial grants.

June 16-18, 2016 B1

Section

Richmond Free Press

Happenings

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

www.wallErjEwElry.com

Personality: Dr. Ram Bhagat

The Annual Commemoration of the

Bill “Bojangles” Robinson statue

Spotlight on 2016 Peacemaker of the Year

Dr. Ram Bhagat is all too familiar with gun violence. After losing his younger brother at the hands of a gun in 1981, Dr. Bhagat vowed to fight gun violence through his love for drumming. In 1994, Dr. Bhagat formed “Drums No Guns,” a percussion ensemble that inspires people of all backgrounds to reject gun violence through drumming, dance and drama that celebrates life. While the idea for Drums No Guns originated in New Haven, Conn., its groundwork took place in Richmond. Dr. Bhagat’s work as a science educator, peace activist and musician has not gone unnoticed. The Richmond Peace Education Center recently named Dr. Bhagat, 60, as its Peacemaker of the Year. “We thank him for his work to address systemic and cultural oppression, his spirit of creative nonviolence and his efforts to educate and empower the youngest members of the Richmond community,” says Adria Scarf, director of the center. The award was presented last month at the Richmond Peace Education Center’s Member Appreciation Dinner at Ginter Park Presbyterian Church. Dr. Bhagat also will be recognized at the Peace Center’s annual dinner and auction on Nov. 5. In a recent “TEDxRVA” talk, Dr. Bhagat quoted educator Paolo Friere, saying, “The community must be uplifted by the victims of trauma, the oppressed, who must not become perpetrators, but who, through the process of self-healing, uplift the community.” Dr. Bhagat’s own commitment to helping others heal has resulted in him leading conflict resolution training for the Richmond Peace Education Center. It reaches hundreds of youth and adults in churches, juvenile detention centers, community organizations, schools and social service agencies throughout the area. Drums No Guns performances and workshops have taken place during local events such as Celebrate Jackson Ward, Emancipation Day and the Richmond Folk Festival. In 2011, Dr. Bhagat traveled to Burundi in East Africa to participate in the first Healing and Rebuilding Our Communities, which facilitates healing from trauma caused by violence, war and genocide. He will further spread his message of healing next week during a trip to Brazil, which will include his “Healing Community with Rhythm” classes, “Yoga Drum Dance” workshops and “Conflict Resolution Training for Youth.” Dr. Bhagat began drumming in 1976 while enrolled at Virginia State University. He notes that the drum symbolizes “the oldest basic rhythm that connects people of all cultures — sort of like the heart.” He has studied African, African-American, Afro-Brazilian and Afro-Caribbean rhythms from local and international master drummers. In addition to his work with Drums No Guns and other organizations, Dr. Bhagat has taught at Open, John Marshall and Thomas Jefferson high schools and the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School in Richmond. He most recently served as chairman of the science department at Ballou Senior High School in Washington. As a certified yoga teacher, Dr. Bhagat often integrates yoga, as well as drumming and the arts, into his community initiatives. Dr. Bhagat’s next move will be to work with schools in Richmond, Washington and other areas to help prevent situations that lead to crisis and trauma, he said. Meet this week’s Personality, a real peacemaker, Dr. Ram Bhagat: Date and place of birth: March 28, in New Haven, Conn. Current residence: Richmond’s South Side. Alma maters: Virginia State

University, bachelor ’s in microbiology;Virginia Commonwealth University, bachelor’s in science education; VSU, master’s in school and community counseling; VCU, post-graduate certificate in administration and supervision; VCU, doctorate in leadership. Family: Fiancée, Traci L. Johnson and our daughter, Shanthi Ananda Bhagat, 14, and a blended family consisting of three daughters and three sons from our previous marriages, Kiran Bhagat, 31, Shyam Bhagat, 29, Kamala Bhagat, 28, Sohan Bhagat, 26, Kevin Johnson, 22, and Yasmeen Johnson, 20. Occupation: Educator, trainer and consultant. Other activities: I am the president of the board for The Conciliation Project. As cofounder and artistic director of Drums No Guns, I promote nonviolence through drumming, dance and drama. Why this recognition is significant: The Richmond Peace Education Center’s Peacemaker of the Year Award is a great honor because it represents the huge impact that my work has had on so many people. I feel so blessed to know how my devotion to the struggle for peace affects those close to me. Importance of peace: Peace is love. What the world needs is a paradigm shift from violence and hate to peace and love. When we lose touch with the natural rhythms of our bodies and our world, we also lose the ability to sustain healthy communities. Violence can be considered an extreme case of community out of balance, a form of social arrhythmia, where disconnection, mistrust and alienation prevail. Why I advocate for it: Peace opens the heart and nurtures the soul. Achieving true peace and helping others reach the same goal is my purpose. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Life’s most persistent question is: What are you doing for others.” I am committed to healing and rebuilding our communities. I selected the name Drums No Guns to: Encourage young people to learn creative nonviolent ways to resolve conflicts. Drums No Guns is a metaphor for Life Not Death. DNG is my retaliation to gun violence. I use the power of drumming, dance and drama to celebrate life. Why it is needed: Since the beginning of history, drums

have helped us communicate, lifted our spirits and made us feel connected. There’s really no secret to the drum’s power. Rhythm is universal. Each culture has a distinct rhythm that expresses the pulse of that society. Drumming can reconnect, revitalize and synchronize community. I use drumming as a metaphor for family and community, by showing the inter-relationships of various rhythms from around the world. Number of current participants: Drums No Guns world percussion ensemble ranges from five to 15 performers. Hundreds of youths have participated in DNG events and programs. Hours of practice each week: 10,000 hours over 20 years. Top highlights of program: “Stand for Children,” with a 1,000-voice choir on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, sponsored by the Children’s Defense Fund; Special Olympics World Games in New Haven, Conn.; Million Mom March on the National Mall in Washington; and 11th Annual Generation Dream Edu~Concert among many others! Where I learned to drum: I started playing hand drums in 1976 at Virginia State University. My dad bought me a pair of white LPs. They were my first set of congas. I traveled up and down the East Coast and to New Orleans and back. Hours needed to make a rookie drummer proficient: At least five hours per week for a year. Today’s youths are: Resilient, Resourceful and Ready for Change! Outlook at start of day: Om Paramatma, please give me the energy to accomplish my goal which is to unite with you, please give me the courage to tell the truth and face the truth, please give me the wisdom to understand you and unite with you, please give me the devotion to dedicate my mind, body, and soul to you and the Guru, please give me the strength to serve humanity with compassion. The best thing my parents ever taught me was: To believe in myself and have faith in the Most High. Nobody knows: I played Little League baseball and my team went to the championship. Book that influenced me the most: My senior year in high school was a turning point. I discovered Hinduism and yoga. There were two books that I borrowed from the New Haven Public Library. Even though the titles and authors are embedded somewhere in my memory, I clearly remember that the book about yoga changed my life. Two other books, “A Separate Reality” and “Journey to Ixtlan” by Carlos Castaneda also were significant to my awakening. They captured my imagination and inspired me to seek a traditional master/ disciple relationship. What I’m reading now: “Reaching and Teaching Children Who Hurt” by Susan E. Craig and “Fostering Resilient Learners” by Kristin Souers.

will be held by The Astoria Beneficial Club on

June 25, 2016, 10:00 A.M.

If I’ve learned one thing in life, it is: To be grateful! Next goal: I have five goals for the upcoming school year: 1) establish the Drums No Guns Foundation 501(c)(3), 2) create an after-school drumming, dance, and drama program for black and Latina girls, 3) start Yoga Drum Dance workshops at the Integral Yoga Center of Richmond, 4) present a Racial Healing and Justice workshop series in partnership with The Conciliation Project at the Chrysalis Institute, and 5) design a professional development program that focuses on culturally responsive restorative justice and trauma healing practices for teachers.

at Adams and Leigh Streets in Richmond, Virginia This ceremony honors entertainer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson for his gift of a traffic light for the safety of the students at Armstrong High School. Mr. Robinson saw a great need in the community. With personal funds purchased the traffic light for $1,400, after he saw two children almost hit by a car while trying to cross the street at Leigh and Adams on their way to Armstrong High School. This traffic light provided safe passage for students, and the community who used this busy intersection. It was the first traffic light north of Broad St. where mostly African-Americans lived. The Astoria Beneficial Club was instrumental in the erection of the statue in 1973, and has held this memorial service annually on the fourth Saturday in June.

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Government Center Building 10900 Courthouse Rd Charles City VA 23030

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Eanes-Pittman Public Safety Training Ctr 6610 Public Safety Way Chesterfield VA 23832

Henrico County Training Center 7701 E. Parham Rd Henrico VA 23294

J.E.J. Moore Middle School 11455 Prince George Drive Disputanta VA 23842

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Petersburg Fire Training Division 1151 Fort Bross Road Petersburg VA 23805

Individuals with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations should contact Kathy Robins, Senior Planner, at the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission at 804-323-2033 or by email at krobins@richmondregional.org at least 10 business days prior to the event. Every effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations.

Presented by the Central VA Emergency Management Alliance with funding from the US Department of Homeland Security. Points of view or opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of FEMA's Grants Programs Directorate.

Richmond Free Press

B2 June 16-18, 2016

Happenings Long way past the Oscars

Top Tony Awards won by people of color Free Press wire reports

NEW YORK People of color snagged the top Tony Awards for performances on Broadway stages during the past year— a sharp contrast to Hollywood’s all-white Academy Awards for movies. The 70th annual Tony Awards on Sunday celebrated LinManuel Miranda’s smash success “Hamilton,” which won 11 awards and saw best musical performance awards go to Leslie Odom Jr., Daveed Diggs and Renée Elise Goldsberry, stars of the musical about Alexander Hamilton, one of the nation’s founding fathers. Mr. Miranda, who plays Alexander Hamilton, is of Puerto Rican heritage, while Mr. Odom, Mr. Diggs and Ms. Goldsberry are African-American. “The Color Purple” — a tale of struggle involving an abused African-American woman who rises above her circumstances— rounded out the major awards, with the show’s star, Cynthia Erivo, winning the top prize for a lead actress in a musical. Her victory moved to tears Oprah Winfrey, executive producer of the show based on author Alice Walker’s novel. This was the first time that all of the top awards for Broadway musicals went to non-white performers. The award winners were joined by the long list of nominees and others who work on Broadway who also reflected diversity. The audience was equally diverse, and that diversity received a humorous salute from emcee, James Corden, who quipped: “Think of tonight as the Oscars, but with diversity. It’s so diverse, Donald Trump has threatened to build a wall around this theater.” Mr. Diggs, who won the coveted featured actor prize, said he was proud of the varied cultural and personal backgrounds of the people who were nominated for awards. “There is so much diversity on Broadway right now,” he said

Andrew Kelly/Reuters

in a backstage interview. ”It’s nice to have it feeling a little more mainstream and a lot more inclusive.” In February, film industry luminaries such as Will and Jada Pinkett Smith and director Spike Lee boycotted the Oscars to protest the lack of diversity. The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, which awards the Oscars and is led by an African-American woman, first defended its selections, but then issued a promise to make

“substantive changes designed to make the Academy’s membership, its governing bodies and its voting members significantly more diverse.” High-level victories for people of color on Broadway are expected to influence Hollywood. The massive success of the hugely diverse “Hamilton” could push casting directors to consider more diversity in key film roles.

Family Day at VMFA Artist Kehinde Wiley, left, signs an exhibition catalogue last Friday for Chelsea Burwell as Amber Cole waits for his autograph at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, where a retrospective of Mr. Wiley’s work opened during the weekend. Enthusiasm for the exhibit, “Kehinde Wiley: A New Republic,” drew thousands of Richmond area residents to the museum’s free Family Day festivities last Saturday, where people of all ages enjoyed a variety of music, art and activities throughout the museum and its grounds. Noah Scalin, below left, used clothing donated by Diversity Thrift to fashion a portrait based on a photograph by James Conway Farley, an African-American photographer who ran a studio in Richmond in the late 1800s. Dancers enjoyed the beats of the Afro Beta Drummers under a tent outside, while a member of the Harlem Chamber Players, right, entertained the crowd. Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Lanier Richmonder debuts his film June 22 exhibit at Historical Society By Free Press staff

Football great Willie Lanier is getting renewed attention. The Virginia Historical Society is hosting a special display of items related to the life of the Richmond area resident, including his Maggie L. Walker High School diploma and the Super Bowl ring he was Mr. Lanier awarded for playing on the Kansas City Chiefs’1970 championship team in Super Bowl IV. The Lanier collection is part of the new VHS exhibit “Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” that will be on view through Sept. 5. The museum will showcase the exhibit with a special event, “History of Football Cards,” 10:30 a.m. to noon and 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 16. The VHS is at 428 N. Boulevard. Further information: (804) 358-4901.

Lucas Jackson/Reuters

Top Tony Award winners show their coveted trophies after last Sunday’s ceremony in New York. They are, from left, Daveed Diggs, best performance by an actor in a featured role in a musical; Cynthia Erivo, best performance by a leading actress in a musical; Leslie Odom Jr., best performance by a leading actor in a musical; and Renee Elise Goldsberry, best performance by a featured actress in a musical. Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of “Hamilton,” accepts the Tony Award for best original score.

While growing up in Richmond, Jai Jamison knew that he wanted to be a film director. Next week, the 30-year-old’s awardwinning feature film, “Tri,” will premiere in Richmond. The film, chronicling the efforts of two female triathletes, will be shown 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, at Bow Tie Cinemas, 1310 N. Boulevard. “Everything happens in the time it’s supposed to happen,” said Mr. Jamison. “I am beyond excited.” Mr. Jamison is the son of retired Richmond District Court Judge Birdie Jamison and former Richmond City Manager Calvin Jamison. Mr. Jamison, who is the film’s director and co-writer, said it depicts the fictional story of a medical technician, played by actress Jensen Jacob, whom a cancer patient inspires to take part in a triathlon. It melds colorful

characters with competitive sports of running, cycling and swimming over long distances. “Tri” contains lessons that can be applied to anyone, he said, “whether they want to clean a garage or finish a book.” Mr. Jamison The upbeat movie, whose cast includes former TV actor Tim Reid, already is winning raves, including snagging the top prize, Film of the Year, at the Northern Virginia International Film and Music Festival in late April. “Tri” also recently won the Indie Spirit Best Story Line Award from the Boston International Film Festival and was recognized by the Directors Guild of America. Mr. Jamison said he was happy to work with Mr. Reid in the film, someone he credits for nurturing his interest in filmmaking during an internship at Tim and Daphne Reid’s New Millennium Studios in 2004.

Links to history

A 2003 graduate of the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School in Richmond, Mr. Jamison earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Hampton University, and a master’s degree in fine arts and film from American University. In 2010, he studied at FAMU International in Prague, Czech Republic. “I have been fortunate to have a number of mentors and also a number of women mentors,” Mr. Jamison said. “There are not a lot of African-American women directors, but there are a lot coming up.” The film’s Richmond premiere will be highlighted with limousines and red-carpet arrivals at the theater, according to the schedule. An audience discussion with the cast and crew will follow the film’s showing. The independent film will be shown in a weeklong limited engagement from June 24 through June 30 at the Criterion Cinemas at Movieland, 1331 N. Boulevard. Details: www.triforcure.com

Dr. Jill Bussey Harris, second from right, president of the Richmond Chapter of The Links Inc., presents a $100,000 check to officials from the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia. Accepting the donation, to be made by the women’s service organization over five years, are, from left, museum director Tasha Chambers; Dr. Monroe Harris, chairman of the museum’s campaign fund and husband of Dr. Bussey Harris; and Marilyn H. West, chair of the museum’s board. The presentation took place June 9 at the museum, where the chapter held its year-end celebration hosting a dinner for 15 girls at Franklin Military Academy involved in the chapter’s Focused Motivated Achievers program. In its third year, the program seeks to follow the eighth-graders through high school. Ayasha Sledge

Richmond Free Press

June 16-18, 2016

Happenings

Father’s Day

Father’s Day will be celebrated Sunday, June 19, with people across the country grilling, baking cakes and cookies and buying ties for the man who has a special place in the hearts and lives of their family. In honor of fathers everywhere, the Free Press put the following question to several people:

What wisdom did your father instill in you?

Ajai BlueSaunders

Ajai Blue-Saunders of Henrico County, director of Supported Employment of Virginia, Co.: “My father was big on respect. He taught me to always respect my elders and to do what’s right. He taught me the value of integrity.”

Michael Ng of Richmond, a restaurateur: “He taught me to stay humble and to be who you are.”

Michael Ng

Ruth Freiseis

Ruth Freiseis of Richmond, a retired federal employee: “He taught me that, as a woman, I can do and be anything. Education is important. Not going to college was not an option.”

Sally Lee of Bon Air, a home health care professional: “My dad was very laid back and taught me to take things slow and pay attention to the little things.”

Asad Haith of Highland Springs, a personal trainer: “My father taught me to always have integrity and to be a man of your word.” Asad Haith

Sally Lee

Interviews and photos by Sandra Sellars for Richmond Free Press

Meet the Morrisseys By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Photos by Clement Britt

After the “I do’s,” Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey and Myrna Warren turn to walk down the aisle last Saturday as husband and wife to the applause of 250 guests. Below, Mr. Morrissey’s daughter, Kennedy, 3, shares a laugh as she starts her duties as flower girl with his 7-year-old nephew, John, the ring bearer.

Attorney Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey took a break last weekend from his campaign to be Richmond’s next mayor to wed Myrna Warren, the young woman he went to jail for 17 months ago. On a bluff overlooking the James River, the former General Assembly delegate and his 20-year-old bride exchanged loving “I do’s” last Saturday in front of nearly 250 people, mostly family and longtime friends of the bride and groom. Two Richmond clergymen presided at the ceremony on Mr. Morrissey’s 8-acre farm in Eastern Henrico County — the Rev. Wayne Ball, the former priest at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church that Mr. Morrissey attends, and Dr. A. Lincoln James Jr., pastor of Trinity Baptist Church, who has known Mr. Morrissey for 30 years. Mr. Morrissey’s five children — including two babies with the former Miss Warren — were participants in the ceremony as the couple recited traditional vows “She is the most beautiful person in the world — both inside and out,” Mr. Morrissey said. “She is an ‘old soul,’ and the love of my life.” Rose petals were strewn on a white runner for the bride to walk down the aisle to meet the tuxedoed groom under a canopy on the lawn. The bride wore a Maggie Sottero-designed sleeveless sheath gown of ivory lace over light gold, embellished with Swarovski crystals. This was the first marriage for Mr. Morrissey, 58, a former Richmond commonwealth’s attorney who has had an unconventional legal career, including losing his law license for a few years then bouncing back in 2007 to win a seat in the General Assembly. He later was reinstated as a member of the Virginia State Bar, with help from a divided state Supreme Court. Many of the guests had known Mr. Morrissey for years. Typical was his best man, Dr. Ken Stoner, who first met Mr. Morrissey as a dental patient in 1982 and became fast friends with him after they went water skiing. Mr. Morrissey’s run for mayor was visible to all wedding guests with several big campaign signs with his oversized photo posted along Osborne Turnpike on

the route to the farm in Varina. Closer to the farm were several smaller signs with wedding messages: “Forever begins today.” The couple’s path to the altar has had many twists and turns. They met when Miss Warren was 17 and Mr. Morrissey hired her as an intern at his law office. Within a month, the estranged father of the intern, Coleman Pride, along with her sisters, was calling for the arrest and prosecution of Mr. Morrissey for having sex with the underage teen, who was known at the time as Myrna Pride.

The couple’s son, 15-month-old Chase, was held during the ceremony by his father.

She dropped her father’s surname and adopted that of her supportive mother, Deidre Warren. Within a year, Mr. Morrissey was facing felony charges, despite assertions by him and the young woman that the charges were trumped up. Given Mr. Morrissey’s status as a state legislator at the time, the scandal took on a life of its own. Facing a long term in prison if convicted, Mr. Morrissey accepted an Alford plea in which he denied guilt but acknowledged there was enough evidence to convict him of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The misdemeanor, for which he received a sixth-month jail sentence in December 2014, saved his

law license. The groom resigned his legislative seat, then won a special election to regain the seat to the dismay of General Assembly leaders. Able to continue to serve in the House of Delegates while on work release, he became the first member of the legislature to be on the floor of the House and sleeping in the jail for three months. Like others in jail, he only had to serve half the sentence based on good behavior. After jail, Mr. Morrissey and Miss Warren welcomed their first child, son Chase, in March 2015 when she was 19. She delivered their daughter, Bella, in March 2016, while juggling motherhood, the campaign, college classes and a move to the family’s new home on Seminary Avenue in Ginter Park. The ceremony went off as planned by retired schoolteacher Pam Parker of Simply Perfect Weddings and More and her team. It began a fashionable half-hour late to give late-arriving guests time to park in nearby fields and ride a trolley to the ceremony. Meanwhile, the bride waited patiently in a limousine. The five Morrissey children were front and center at the ceremony. His two oldest daughters, Angela Schaefer and Lindsey Mackay, both in their 20s, were bridesmaids. His 3½-year-old daughter, Kennedy, who lives with the couple, was the flower girl. Mr. Morrissey’s 7-year-old nephew, John, was the ring bearer. Fifteen-month-old Chase accompanied his father, while 2 ½-month-old Bella was carried by a friend of the bride. The wedding party also included the groomsmen, the Rev. Joe Ellison and businessmen Abe Massad and Warren Rogers, and maid of honor Kaelah McClaine and bridesmaid Tiffany Crespo. Saxophonist Rick Elliott, who serenaded guests before and during the ceremony, joined DJ Kevin “K.J.” Johnson and his wife, Cherrese Johnson, in providing music at the post-nuptials dinner under a tent. For the couple, the scandals are now fading into family lore. And the bevy of guests who attended indicates many wish them well.

Dick Gregory to open Juneteenth celebration Dick Gregory will be in Richmond this week to help launch the annual two-day Juneteenth celebration to mark African-American liberation from slavery. Now 83, the veteran civil rights activist, social critic, writer and comedian will headline the opening ticketed event 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 17, at the Dominion Arts Center’s Rhythm Hall at 7th and Grace streets in Downtown, it has been announced. Tickets are $15 for adults 19 and older, or $25 for two; $10 for students 12 to 18; and free for youths under 12. The Juneteenth festivities will continue Saturday, June 18, with a free public celebration beginning around 5 p.m. The program will

include a youth cultural summit, music and dance at the site of the Manchester Docks, where slave ships once loaded and unloaded human cargo at the east end of Maury Street, according to Janine Bell, executive director of the Elegba Folklore Society, which Mr. Gregory organizes the celebration. The program will wrap up with a 2-mile, torch-lit walk along the Slave Trail between the docks and the site of Lumpkin’s Jail, a once notorious slave jail and auction site, near Broad and 16th streets, Ms. Bell stated.

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freedom to the remaining 250,000 slaves in the Lone Star state. Before Gen. Granger’s arrival, word of the proclamation had not circulated in the state. The celebration of slavery’s end in Texas has become an annual event that has spread to Richmond and other cities across the nation. Event details: www.efsinc.org or (804) 644-3900.

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Richmond Free Press

B4 June 16-18, 2016

Faith News/Directory

Christians respond to Orlando attack Free Press wire report

Christians responded quickly to the shooting rampage at an LGBT nightclub in Orlando, Fla. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association immediately sent trained chaplains with the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team to Orlando to offer emotional and spiritual care to victims of the attack that took place early Sunday at Pulse. The Washington National Cathedral tolled its mourning bell 50 times Monday in honor of the lives lost. Christian leaders also released statements mourning the dead, condemning the violence and encouraging prayer. The African Methodist Episcopal denomination re-

leased a statement noting the mass shooting came almost exactly a year after the shooting that took the lives of nine people at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C. The church called it a reminder that “racism and hate are still a part of American life.” But not all LGBT Christians heard good news in some of the messages. Matthew Vines, author of “God and the Gay Christian,” noted in an op-ed for TIME magazine that nearly 50 percent of LGBT Americans are Christians, like himself. For them, Sunday mornings are a reminder that they are not accepted in many pews. “The core problem is that so many Christians still talk about the LGBT community

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

SUMMER HOURS

Love and Blessings.

No 8 a.m. Service

~ Louise Johnson and family

 

Grace Evangelistic Ministries Church



7643 Hull Street Road North Chesterfield, VA 23236 (804) 833-9493 or (804) 585-9186

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





Elder Maricia S. Hayes, Pastor

Church School Worship Service

WELCOME TO “THE UPPER ROOM” Morning Worship Service: 10:00 a.m. (1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays) Sanctuary Prayer: 9:45 am 3RD SATURDAY EVENING Worship Service: 5:00 pm Ministering Encouragement and Hope WEDNESDAY “HOUR OF POWER” Bible Study: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm 2ND & 4TH SATURDAY MORNING Prayer Meeting: 8 am – 9 am

Father’s Day

Happy

8:45 a.m. 10 a.m.

 ile Su

1 p.m.

 e ercies iisr  a.m. ul ile Su :0 p.m. ie oore Sree o 

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

11:00 AM Mid-day Meditation

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

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

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

Wednesday Services Noonday Bible Study 12noon-1:00 p.m. Attendance - 57 Sanctuary - All Are Welcome! Wednesday Evening Bible Study 7 p.m. Attendance - 97

Saturday 8:30 a.m. Intercessory Prayer

You can now view Sunday Morning Service “AS IT HAPPENS” online! Also, for your convenience.

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Hebrews 12:14 (KJV) www.ndec.net

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

Dr. & Mrs. Joe Ellison, Jr. Senior Pastor & Founder

All Are Welcome!

8659 Staples Mill Road | Henrico, Virginia 23228 Church (804) 937-1356 | joechap62@gmail.com

FATHER’S DAY

Coming Events

Graduates Sunday

Sunday, June 26, 2016 Sunday School – 9:30a.m. Morning Worship - 11:00a.m.

SUNDAY JUNE 19, 2016

Morning Worship - 11:00a.m. Preaching:

We Honor 2016 Grates

Rev. Robert C. Davis

Deacon’s Deaconesses and Trustees Day

Music by:

Male Chorus U.B.C.

4:00p.m. Speaker: Rev. Daniel Watson Springfield Baptist Church Gordonville, Virginia

1813 Everett St., Richmond, VA 23224

Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, Pastor (804) 303-6297 – (804) 303-6797-FAX PASTORS: ROSCOE D. COOPER, JR., BARBARA E. INGRAM, DARRYL E. WALKER

Worship Opportunities Sundays: Morning Worship Church School Morning Worship

NOW ENROLLING:

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

AGES 5-12 YEARS OLD JOIN US FOR 11 WEEKS OF SUMMER ACTIVITIES AND ADVENTURES JUNE 20, 2016 THRU SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 MONDAY – FRIDAY (6:30 AM – 6:00 PM)

Unity Sundays (2nd Sundays) Church School 8:30 A.M. Morning Worship 10 A.M. Thursdays: Mid-Day Bible Study 12 Noon Prayer & Praise 6:30 P.M. Bible Study 7 P.M. (Children/Youth/Adults)

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & COST CONTACT: (804) 303-6291

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

Ebenezer Baptist Church 1858

“The People’s Church”

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

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Sixth Baptist Church Theme for 2016: Becoming a Five-Star Church of Excellence With Mission, Growth, Prayer, Purpose, Vision We Are Growing In The Kingdom As We Grow The Kingdom

with Word, Worship and Witness

11:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. Every 3rd Sunday 2nd Sunday, 11 a.m. Mon. 6:30 p.m. Tues. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Wed. 7:45 p.m. Wed. 4:30 p.m. Wed. 6:00 p.m. Thurs., 11:45 a.m.

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

Mosby Memorial Baptist Church

Happy Father’s Day! Sunday, June 19, 2016

9:00 AM – Father’s Day Breakfast 10:45 AM – Divine Worship Message by: Rev. Joe Young Minister of Christian Education Save The Date: Monday, June 20, 2016 7:00 PM – Youth Revival “Summer Camp Now Registering” Twitter sixthbaptistrva

Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

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

Facebook sixthbaptistrva

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

2016 Theme: The Year of Restoration

Joinus for morning worshipat 10:30 A.M. As we celebrate Father’s Day.

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

Upcoming Events June 25, 2016 Men’s Weekend & Community Day CARITAS Furniture Drive, Cookout, Health Screenings, Workshops& Vendor Presentations

Summer Worship Schedule

through Sunday, September 11, 2016

Sunday School and New Members Class 8:30 AM Worship Service

(One Powerful Service)

10:00 AM

Weekly Worship: Sundays @ 10:30 A.M. Church School: Sundays @ 9:00 A.M. Bible Study: Wednesdays @ Noon & 7:00 P.M. 2901 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 648-2472 ~ www.mmbcrva.org Dr. Price London Davis, Senior Pastor

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church

Riverview Baptist Church 2604 Idlewood Avenue, Richmond, Va. 23220 • (804) 353-6135

Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Hewlett, Pastor • Rev. Dr. Ralph Reavis, Sr. Pastor Emeritus

www.riverviewbaptistch.org

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THE NEW DELIVERANCE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (NDCA)

FREE Food, School Supplies, Groceries and Drawing

St. Peter Baptist Church

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Coming Soon

Community Outreach June thru September

Rev. Robert C. Davis, Pastor

June 19, 2016

Remember... At New Deliverance, You Are Home! See you there and bring a friend

Tuesdays

Community Wide Prayer - 7:00 pm

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY BIBLE STUDY closed for summer

“MAKE IT HAPPEN”

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

Pre-Worship Prayer - 10:45 am Worship Service - 11:00 am

Union Baptist Church

“A Caring Community Committed to Listening, Loving, Learning and Leaning While Launching into our Future.”

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY Sunday, June 19, 2016

SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2016 8:30 a.m. Church School | 10 a.m. Morning Worship

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

Pastor Kevin Cook

An Outreach Of Essex Village Ministries

the problem of gun violence. But before it was updated, it didn’t mention the problem of “anti-LGBT animus that pervades much of American society, including the church,” Mr. Vines said. And some messages were unkind. For example, Pastor Roger Jimenez of the anti-gay Verity Baptist Church in Sacramento, Calif., told his congregation that Christians “shouldn’t be mourning the death of 50 sodomites.” Meanwhile, Russell Moore, president of the Southern Baptists’ Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, said, “Christian, your gay or lesbian neighbor is probably really scared right now. Whatever our genuine disagreements, let’s love and pray.”

Sharon Baptist Church

The Family of the late Linwood R. Johnson, Jr, would like to express our sincere thanks for your prayers, telephone calls, cards, visits, support and concern during our period of sadness. We will never forget the love shown to us.

(Off Pocoshock Blvd)

like they’re not a part of the church. For instance, he said, many of the statements made by prominent Christians didn’t name LGBT people as the targets of Sunday’s massacre. One of them was the Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference. “Today’s deplorable act of terrorism goes against everything we stand for as Americans and as Christians,” he noted in a statement Sunday. “We call upon all Americans to come together for the purpose of building a firewall of love, grace, truth and respect against intolerance, hatred, bigotry and violence.” Christian activist and author Shane Claiborne blamed

“Lord, give us the people no one else wants”

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SUNDAYS Church School 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. ❖

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

June 16-18, 2016

Legal Notices 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, June 27, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2016-091 As Amended To amend and reordain City Code § 2-301, concerning certain definitions applicable to City Code §§ 2-301—2-304, for the purpose of modifying the definition of “economic development project” to include public investment. Ordinance No. 2016-133 As Amended To amend and reordain Ord. No. 80-103-90, adopted Jun. 16, 1980, as previously amended by Ord. No. 2003-26-24, adopted Feb. 10, 2003, and Ord. No. 2007-264-231, adopted Oct. 22, 2007, which authorized the special use of the property known as 1617 Monument Avenue as a day nursery, to authorize expansion of the existing day nursery and accessory parking on the properties known as 1617 Monument Avenue, 1627 Monument Avenue, and 1627 Rear Monument Avenue, upon certain terms and conditions. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan recommends Singlefamily (Medium Density) land use for the property. The Master Plan defines the primary uses for this category as single-family and two-family detached and attached dwellings at densities of 8 to 20 units per acre, and includes residential support uses such as schools, places of worship, and neighborhood parks, among others. Ordinance No. 2016-146 As Amended To amend section 43 (Step-Based Pay System for Sworn Fire Fighters and Police Officers) of Article III of the pay plan adopted by Ord. No. 93117-159 on May 24, 1993, for the purpose of providing for a step advancement for certain sworn fire and police personnel. Ordinance No. 2016-148 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 1118 North 30th Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $1,750 to Elderhomes Corporation for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-149 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 1333 North 27th Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $1,750 to Elderhomes Corporation for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-150 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 2015 Venable Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $1,750 to Elderhomes Corporation for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-151 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 807 North 24th Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $1,750 to Elderhomes Corporation for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber)

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Ordinance No. 2016-152 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 1100 North 23rd Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $1,750 to Elderhomes Corporation for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-153 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 1217 North 29th Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $1,750 to Elderhomes Corporation for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-154 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 3102 1st Avenue and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $1,750 to Adult Alternative Program Inc. for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-155 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 3205 Midlothian Turnpike and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $1,750 to Adult Alternative Program Inc. for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-156 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 824 North 24th Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $1,750 to Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity, Inc. for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-157 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 902 North 25th Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $1,750 to Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity, Inc. for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-158 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 1517 North 35th Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $1,750 to Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity, Inc. for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-159 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 Continued on next column

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a tax delinquent judicial sale, the property located at 2610 Houston Avenue and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $1,750 to Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity, Inc. for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-160 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 805 Chimborazo Boulevard and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $1,750 to Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity, Inc. for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-161 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 1913 3rd Avenue and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $1,750 to Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity, Inc. for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-162 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 1309 North 27th Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $1,750 to Better Housing Coalition for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-163 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 1313 North 27th Street and to authorize the conveyance of such property for $1,750 to Better Housing Coalition for the purposes of eliminating blight and making such property available for redevelopment. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-164 To amend Ord. No. 201557-83, adopted May 15, 2015, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Special Fund Budget, and to appropriate funds in the amount of $20,000 to the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Special Fund Budget by increasing the estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Animal Care and Control’s Pet License Collections special fund by $20,000 for the purpose of funding expenditures allowed under Va. Code § 3.2-6534. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-165 To amend City Code § 26873, concerning exemptions from certain license taxes, for the purpose of reflecting amendments to Va. Code § 58.1-3703. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-166 To amend City Code § 28-57, concerning disconnection of gas, water and wastewater service for nonpayment of service charges, for the purpose of reflecting amendments to Va. Code § 15.2-2119. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber)

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Cherry Street in front of 800 West Main Street, upon certain terms and conditions. (Committee: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, June 21, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-174 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute and deliver to Dale A. Stewart and Sallie P. Stewart a Deed of Release and Termination of Easement Agreement for the purpose of terminating a certain easement held by the City across the properties known as 5600 Riverside Drive and 5606 Riverside Drive. (Committee: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, June 21, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-175 To amend ch. 2, art. III, div. 2 of the City Code by adding therein a new § 2-91 for the purpose of authorizing the Chief Administrative Officer, on behalf of the City, to enter into license agreements or similar documents to permit the City to use real property not owned by the City under certain conditions. (Committee: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, June 21, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-177 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $54,780 from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office by $54,780 for the purpose of purchasing operating supplies for the Victim Witness program. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-178 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $100,000 from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation; to transfer $52,000 from the Fiscal Year 20152016 Department of Public Works’ Parking Enterprise Fund Budget; to transfer $5,000 from the Office of Community Wealth Building and $10,000 from the Department of Economic and Community Development in the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 General Fund Budget; to amend the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Special Fund Budget by creating a new special fund for the Department of Economic and Community Development called the Bus Rapid Transit “Pulse” Project Business Support Initiative Special Fund; and to appropriate the grant funds received and matching funds transferred to the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Bus Rapid Transit “Pulse” Project Business Support Initiative Special Fund by $167,000 for the purpose of providing funding for the business support initiative related to the construction of the Broad Street Bus Rapid Transit project. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-179 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $11,484 from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services; to transfer $1,276 in matching funds from the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 General Fund Budget, Department of Justice Services account; and to appropriate the total amount of $12,760 to the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Justice Services by $12,760 for the purpose of providing additional services for pre-disposition and postdisposition programs at the Juvenile Detention Center. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber)

Ordinance No. 2016-173 To authorize the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond and the RPAC, Inc. to encroach upon the public right-of-way with a proposed outdoor dining area on the north line of West Main Street between North Laurel Street and North

Ordinance No. 2016-180 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $20,000.00 from the National Recreation and Park Association and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 20152016 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities by $20,000.00 for the purpose of funding healthy eating and

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physical activity education initiatives through Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities community centers in the city of Richmond. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-181 To amend Ord. No. 201573-84, adopted May 15, 2015, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by increasing estimated revenues from various taxes and other sources, transferring funds from various agencies and nondepartmental programs and from the Fiscal Year 2014-2015 fund balance excess reflected as the Revenue Stabilization Fund and as unassigned fund balance in the City’s accounting system, and appropriating such increase in estimated revenues and such transferred funds to various agencies and non-departmental programs. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-182 To amend Ord. No. 201573-84, adopted May 15, 2015, which adopted a General Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2015-2016 and made appropriations pursuant thereto, to transfer funds in the amount of $125,000 from the Department of Economic and Community Development agency and to appropriate $125,000 to a new line item in the Non-Departmental agency for the purpose of making a grant pursuant to Va. Code § 15.2-953(B) to Southside Community Development and Housing Corporation to implement a YouthBuild USA project targeted to up to 32 eligible East End participants between the ages of 16 and 24. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-183 To amend ch. 12, art. IV of the City Code, concerning fees for City services, by adding therein a new § 12-121, concerning fees for the use of the City’s bicycle share system, and to amend Appendix A of the City Code by adding therein new fees for City Code § 12-121, for the purpose of establishing the fees to be charged for the use of the City’s bicycle share system. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-184 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute an Exercise of Renewal Option and First Amendment to Operating and Maintenance Agreement between the City of Richmond and Richmond First Tee for the purpose of providing for the use by Richmond First Tee of City-owned real estate known as the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range located at 400 School Street to provide golf, learning facilities and educational programs for area youth. (Committee: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, June 21, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-185 To authorize The Camel, Inc., to encroach upon the public right-of-way with a proposed outdoor dining area encroachment on the south line of West Broad Street between North Lombardy Street and North Allen Street in front of 1621 West Broad Street, upon certain terms and conditions. (Committee: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, June 21, 2016, 3:00 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

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Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER CORNELIUS WILLIAMS, Plaintiff v. JERRI WILLIAMS, Defendant. Case No.: CL16001432-00 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 15th day of July, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. Courtroom 2 and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING PHILLIP EUGENE BROWN, SR., Plaintiff v. MICHELLE BROWN, Defendant. Civil Law No.: CL16-1762 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of the abovestyled suit is to obtain a divorce from the bonds of matrimony from the defendant on the grounds that the parties have lived separate and apart without interruption for a period of more than one year, since July 7, 2003. And it appearing by Affidavit filed according to law that Michelle Brown, the above-named defendant, is not a resident of this state and that due diligence has been used by or in behalf of plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city the defendant is, without effect. It is therefore ORDERED that the said Michelle Brown do appear in the Clerk’s office of the Law Division of the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond, John Marshall Courts Building, 400 North 9th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, on or before August 8, 2016 and do whatever necessary to protect her interest in this suit. An Extract, Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER TAMMY DESPRES, Plaintiff v. JAMES DESPRES, Defendant. Case No.: CL16000970-00 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 1st day of July, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER DAWN JAMES-TAYLOR, Plaintiff v. ANDREW TAYLOR, Defendant. Case No.: CL16001386-00 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 1st day of July, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure Counsel for Plaintiff VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 798-9667

CUSTODY virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of the City of Richmond Commonwealth of Virginia, in re CHEYENNE LANE, Juvenile Case No. JJ092167-03-00 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Unknown, (Father), of CHEYENNE LANE, child, DOB 02/24/2016, “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including Continued on next column

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but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support. It is ORDERED that the defendant Unknown (Father), appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/her interest on or before 10/31/2016, at 2:00 PM, Court Room #4. Diane Abato, Esq. 730 E. Broad St., 8th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 804-646-3493

real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Arthur Coleman. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, ARTHUR COLEMAN a/k/a ARTHUR JAMES COLEMAN, who may be deceased, and the heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest of ARTHUR COLEMAN a/k/a ARTHUR JAMES COLEMAN, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that ELLA MAE COLEMAN a/k/a ELLA K. COLEMAN a/k/a ELLA KENNEY COLEMAN, who may be deceased and the heirs, devisees, assignees or successor/s in interest of ELLA MAE COLEMAN a/k/a ELLA K. COLEMAN a/k/a ELLA KENNEY COLEMAN and MAMIE SMITH a/k/a MAMIE C. SMITH a/k/a MAMIE SMITH DELANEY, who may be deceased and the heirs, devisees, assignees or successor/s in interest of MAMIE SMITH a/k/a MAMIE C. SMITH a/k/a MAMIE SMITH DELANEY, who may have an ownership interest in said property, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that RUTH ELLA BOYD, who may have an ownership interest in said property, 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 ARTHUR COLEMAN a/k/a ARTHUR JAMES COLEMAN, who may be deceased, and the heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest of ARTHUR COLEMAN a/k/a ARTHUR JAMES COLEMAN, ELLA MAE COLEMAN a/k/a ELLA K. COLEMAN a/k/a ELLA KENNEY COLEMAN, who may be deceased and the heirs, devisees, assignees or successor/s in interest of ELLA MAE COLEMAN a/k/a ELLA K. COLEMAN a/k/a ELLA KENNEY COLEMAN, MAMIE SMITH a/k/a MAMIE C. SMITH a/k/a MAMIE SMITH DELANEY, who may be deceased and the heirs, devisees, assignees or successor/s in interest of MAMIE SMITH a/k/a MAMIE C. SMITH a/k/a MAMIE SMITH DELANEY, RUTH ELLA BOYD, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JULY 22, 2016, 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 JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt IN the COunty of Chesterfield Commonwealth of Virginia, in re EMILY ELIZABETH JEAN & DYLAN JAMES CAROLINA BLUE MCMILLIAN, JIM HARFORD WILLIAMS v. JOSHUA RAY JEAN & ELIZABETH ANN MCMILLIAN Case No. JJ067715-06-00, JJ052464-07-00 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON The object of this suit is to: Determine custody of Emily Elizabeth Jean (DOB: 1/5/05) and Dylan James Jean (DOB: 12/3/01), whose mother is Elizabeth Ann McMillian, and whose father is Joshua Ray Jean, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 16.1-241A3. It is ORDERED that the defendant Joshua Ray Jean & Elizabeth Ann McMillian appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before August 8, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of the City of Richmond Commonwealth of Virginia, in re SOPHIA RINEHULTS, Juvenile Case No. JJ091775-04, OrDEr Of puBLicatiON The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Unknown, (Father), of S O P H I A RI N E H U LT S , child, DOB 11/06/2015, “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support. It is ORDERED that the defendant Unknown (Father), appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/her interest on or before 9/7/2016, at 9:30 AM, Court Room #5. Diane Abato, Esq. 730 E. Broad St., 8th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 804-646-3493

PROPERTY Virginia: In the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond Theo Jones, Plaintiff v. Bernice D. Washington, et al, Defendants. Case No. 760CL15002102-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION TO: Bernice D. Washington AND Unknown Heirs, Devisees, Successors in Interest and/or Assigns of Bernice D. Washington The object of suit is to quiet title in and establish title in the plaintiff to 105 West 21st Street, Richmond, Virginia 23224, that was willed by Milton Jones, to Lillian Jones Dobbins and Herbert Dobbins, her husband, in Will Book 15, page 358, probated February 16, 1959; both died intestate, leaving Bernice D. Washington, as a potential heir to said property, now a lot. An affidavit having been made and signed that the heirs, devisees, successors in interest and/or assigns of Bernice D. Washington, believed to be deceased, whose names are unknown, are or may be interested in the property to be disposed of in this suit, and if any such heirs, devisees, successors or assigns there be, it is therefore ORDERED, that each of said parties appear on or before July 10, 2016, and do whatever is necessary to protect their interest. A Copy, Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk I ask for this: Audrey Freeman JaCobs (VSB 13166) Attorney at Law 2214 East Marshall Street P.O. Box 7970 Richmond, Virginia 23223 804.643.0500 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. Case No.: CL16-1871-4 ARTHUR COLEMAN a/k/a ARTHUR JAMES COLEMAN, Who May Be Deceased, and THE HEIRS, DEVISEES, ASSIGNEES OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF ARTHUR COLEMAN a/k/a ARTHUR JAMES COLEMAN, et al., Defendants. ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 210 KERN Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map/ GPIN# S007-0874/007, to sale in order to collect delinquent Continued on next column

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. Case No.: CL16-2154-4 4SITE INVESTMENT GROUP LLC, et al., Defendants. ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2800 HOPKINS Road, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map/GPIN# TaxMap/GPIN# C009-0606/010, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, 4SITE INVESTMENT GROUP LLC. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, 4SITE INVESTMENT GROUP LLC, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that CARLTON V. CROSSIN, who may have an ownership interest in said property, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that 4SITE INVESTMENT GROUP LLC, CARLTON V. CROSSIN, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before _JULY 22, 2016, 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

BIDS COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA Proposals for Architectural and Engineering Services Crestview Elementary School Renovation and Skipwith Elementary School Renovation pursuant to RFP #16-1205-5JK is due by 2:30 p.m., Friday, July 8, 2016. The Request for Proposal is available at: http://www. henrico.us/departments/ purchasing/bids-andproposals/

Richmond Free Press

B6 June 16-18, 2016

Sports Plus

Former VUU football center now Roanoke’s new mayor Sherman Lea has gone from the center of the football action at Virginia Union University to the center of the political arena in Roanoke, where he is now the mayor elect. The 63-year-old Danville area native will be sworn in as mayor June 27. He will officially take office on July 1. Area football fans may recall Lea as the starting center on Coach Willard Bailey’s 1973 CIAA championship football team that posted an overall 9-1 record, including 9-0 in the CIAA. “I remember Sherman as someone who was determined to get the job done. He was an excellent center,” recalled Coach Bailey. “I’ll be there for his (installation) ceremony and I plan to take a group of his former teammates. We’re very proud and wouldn’t miss it.” The Panthers’ 1973 CIAA title was the first since 1923. The team featured two eventual NFL starters — offensive guard Herb Scott, who went on to play with the Dallas Cowboys, and defensive back Anthony Leonard of the San Francisco 49ers. Lea, who played at 240 pounds wearing jersey No. 58, provided much of the blocking for quarterback Timothy Keeles and running backs Larry Roberts and Lofell Williams. “I was blessed to play for Coach Bailey, and also (assistant) Coach Chavis,” Lea said in a

Mayor Lea

phone interview from his home in Roanoke. “They were tough taskmasters. No one worked harder for success than we did at Vir-

ginia Union.” Lea graduated from VUU in 1974 with a degree in sociology and urban studies. Much of

Willard Bailey to keynote VIAHA Hall of Fame banquet Former Virginia Union University football Coach Willard Bailey will be the keynote speaker for the Virginia Interscholastic Association Heritage Association’s inaugural Hall of Fame Banquet. The banquet will be 5 p.m. Monday, June 20, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 990 Hilton Heights Roads, in Charlottesville. The 2016 Hall of Fame class includes 11 athletes, 10 coaches, six contributors to student athletics and one special recognition. Local inductees into the VIAHA Hall of Fame will include Donald L. “Cisco” Ross Jr., a former basketball star at Richmond’s Armstrong High School, and George Lancaster, basketball

coach at Highland Springs High School in Henrico and a former sports standout at West End High School in Mecklenburg. Former Maggie L. Walker High School coaches Arthur “Stretch” Gardner and Fredrick T. “Cannonball” Cooper and former Armstrong High School Mr. Bailey Coach Maxie Robinson Sr. will be inducted posthumously. Also to be inducted are the late Jesse H. Jefferson Jr., a baseball standout at the former Carver

High School in Chesterfield County who went on to play for the Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Pittsburgh Pirates and California Angels; and the late George Peterson Jr., former principal of Richmond’s Armstrong High School. Special recognition will go to the ArmstrongWalker Football Classic, a 40-year Thanksgiving weekend football game between Richmond’s Armstrong and Maggie L. Walker high schools that became a cultural phenomenon. VIA was the governing body from 1954 to 1970 for Virginia’s public schools for black students during segregation.

his professional life has been with the Virginia Department of Corrections. In 1984, he became the first African-American to be named chief probation and parole officer. He has been on Roanoke City Council since 2004 and was named vice mayor in 2008. He is also associate pastor at Garden of Prayer No. 7 Vision of Faith Ministries and is a past chairman of the Roanoke School Board. Running as a Democrat for mayor, Lea received more than 80 percent of the vote during the May election. He succeeds David Bowers, and is Roanoke’s second African-American mayor, following Noel C. Taylor, who served in that capacity from 1975 to 1992. “I’m a local politician with no aspirations to go any further,” Lea said. “I think it is on the local level you can make the most immediate impact. My goal is to improve the quality of life for Roanoke’s citizens.” Lea’s son, Sherman Lea Jr., was quarterback for Roanoke’s 1997 William Fleming High School team that lost to Hampton High School with Ronald Curry in the State Group AAA, Division 5 championship. He later quarterbacked at the University of Virginia-Wise. From 2000 to 2013, Lea sponsored the Western Virginia Education Classic promoting HBCU schools. The intent was to encourage dropouts to return to the classroom. Coach Bailey took teams from both VUU and the former St. Paul’s College to the event at Roanoke’s Victory Stadium. Lea was a football standout at Dan River High School in Pittsylvania County, near Danville. He originally enrolled at Shaw University in Raleigh, then later transferred to VUU, where he became a two-year starting center for Coach Bailey, who had succeeded Tom Harris as head coach in 1971. The 1973 championship was the first of Coach Bailey’s seven CIAA titles, six at VUU and one at Norfolk State University. In addition to coaching Lea, Coach Bailey also instructed the center in his health and physical education class. Coincidentally, a few years earlier, Coach Bailey’s students included Dwight C. Jones, who became Richmond’s mayor in January 2009.

Employment Opportunities Security Officer

The City of Richmond announces the following project(s) available for services relating to: RFP -K160013313 – Bill Printing Services Receipt Date: July 7, 2016 at 3:30 P.M. Pre-Proposal Date/Time/Location: June 21, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. located at City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, 11th floor, Room 1104, Richmond, VA 23219 Information or copies of the above solicitation is available by contacting Procurement Services, at the City of Richmond website (www. RichmondGov.com), or at 11th Floor of City Hall, 900 E. Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. Phone (804) 646-5716 or faxed (804) 6465989. The City of Richmond encourages all contractors to participate in the procurement process. For reference purposes, documents may be examined at the above location.

DRIVERS:

CDL – A 1 yr. exp., Earn $1250 + per week, Great Weekend Hometime, Excellent Benefits & Bonuses, 100% No Touch/70% D & H

888-406-9046

St. Peter Baptist Church

SEEKING ORGANIST

Please submit a cover letter of interest and a resume via email to ebcoffice1@yahoo.com or mail to the Director of Music, Ebenezer Baptist Church, 216 W. Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23220.

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College is the third largest community college in Virginia and offers a variety of programs and services to the residents of the City of Richmond and five surrounding counties. Annually, our three campuses serve over 19,000 credit students and provide training for an additional 11,000 students through the Community College Workforce Alliance. During our 44-year history we have educated more than 300,000 people in the Richmond area.

Richmond Free Press

Reynolds is seeking applicants who share in its commitment to students and teamwork. The College supports a culture of life-long learning, celebrating its diversity, and recruiting and retaining star quality employees.

644-0496

The College is excited to announce part-time teaching opportunities for Summer 2016 and Fall 2016.

call

Virginia State Fire Marshal The VA Department of Fire Programs is accepting applications for State Fire Marshal until 5 p.m. Monday, June 27th, 2016. This is a full-time position, pay band 6, with a hiring range of $55,000 to $95,000. For the full job description, and to apply, visit: http://virginiajobs. peopleadmin.com/postings/45309.

For specific teaching disciplines and information on how to apply, please visit the college’s website: www.reynolds.edu. AA/EOE/ADA/Veterans/AmeriCorps/Peace Corps/Other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.

Corporate Counsel

AssistAnt Counsel The Virginia Housing Development Authority (“Authority”) seeks a full time attorney in connection with its multi-family lending programs. The opening is in the Authority’s Richmond headquarters. Counsel’s primary responsibilities will be documenting and closing multi-family loan transactions, addressing post-closing legal issues (approval of easements, transfers of ownership, loan increases, workouts, foreclosures, owned-project disposition, etc.) and preparing any required amendments to multi-family loan documents. Counsel will also advise the Authority on legal issues involving its multi-family lending programs and assist with general corporate matters. Opening is for an entry-level position (minimum 3 years of experience preferred) working 40 hours per week. Prior in-house or law firm experience in drafting multifamily loan closing documents and conducting multi-family loan closings is desired. JD from accredited law school and Virginia State Bar license required. We offer a competitive salary with generous benefits package. Submit resume with cover letter stating salary requirements online only at: http://www.vhda.com/about/careers An EOE

A progressive suburban church is seeking grant writers and a video media technician. Interested persons please forward resumes to spbcoffice@verizon.net. Salaries are negotiable.

Ebenezer Baptist Church is seeking a proficient organist to play for our Women’s Choir on 4th Sundays. The applicant must read music on sight, as well as play in anthem, spiritual, and gospel style, and read hymns.

To advertise in the

Opioid Treatment Facility downtown. Must be DCJS certified, unarmed with current First Aid/ CPR. Have proven customer service skills, valid VA drivers’ license, reliable transportation and a flexible schedule. Hours will include early evening weekdays and weekend mornings. EOE. Please call 804-592-2852; ask for Brenda or Mary.

This position closes at midnight on Sunday, July 10, 2016. Hiring Range: $78,609 – 102,190 Background and credit checks will be performed as a condition of employment. The City of Richmond is seeking to fill the following position: Appraiser II 08M00000036 City Appraiser’s Office Apply by 06/26/2016 Benefits Program Specialist –Temporary (10) 27M000000806 Department of Social Services Apply June 19, 2016 Gas & Water Service Technician Public Utilities 35M00000550 Apply by 7/3/16 Pretrial Probation Officer- Adult Program 15Grant0036 Department of Justice Services Apply by June 26, 2016 Project Management Analyst Manager End User Support Services 20M00000134 Apply by 06/26/2016 Training Specialist I (Agency), Customer Care 35M00000145 Department of Public Utilities Apply by 07/03/16 Utilities Instrumentation & Control Technician II, Wastewater Division 35M00000267 Department of Public Utilities Apply by 07/03/16 ****************** For an exciting career with the City of Richmond, visit our website for additional information and apply today! www.richmondgov.com EOE M/F/D/V

Freelance Writers: The Richmond Free Press has immediate opportunities for freelance writers. Newspaper experience is a requirement. To be considered, please send 5 samples of your writing, along with a cover letter to news@richmond freepress.com or mail to: Richmond Free Press, P. O. Box 27709, Richmond, VA 23261 No phone calls.

Program Specialist in Early Childhood Special Education The Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE’s) Training and Technical Assistance Center (T/TAC) at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is seeking an experienced and dynamic professional to serve as a Program Specialist for personnel serving children and youth with disabilities. This professional will join a team of Program Specialists who provide training and technical assistance to personnel in schools, school divisions, community child care centers, and state operated programs in the Central and Southside Virginia regions. Required education, experience and licensure include, but are not limited to, the following: Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education; a valid Virginia teaching license with endorsement in Early Childhood Education or a similar license from another state; at least five years’ experience as a teacher or instructional specialist in childhood special education programs, at least 2 years of providing professional development (training, technical assistance, coaching) to adults related to early childhood and early childhood special education; prior participation in implementing a systems change initiative related to early intervention early childhood special education and early childhood education; extensive knowledge of evidence-based practices and current issues in the field of early intervention, early childhood special education, or early childhood education; competence in the use of assistive technology and augmentative communication devices; and demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU. This is a full-time twelve month position at the T/TAC at VCU. This position is grant funded through June 30, 2017. Your application must include: 1) an application letter describing how your education and employment experiences meet the required qualifications, 2) a complete and current vitae, 3) three references who have knowledge of the applicant’s skills, worked with or supervised the applicant whom we may contact directly (including telephone numbers and email addresses). To be considered, you must meet all required qualifications. To apply, please submit your application online at http://www.vcujobs.com. For questions, please contact Cheryl Bishop at cebishop@vcu.edu or call (804) 827-9989. The position is located in the VDOE’s T/TAC office located in Richmond. Salary will be determined by experience in the field and education degrees obtained. Full benefits will accompany the position. “Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, veteran’s status, political affiliation or disability.”

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