March 17 19, 2016 issue

Grand jury OKs probe of city connection to mayor’s church

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

has indictment powers.

He said that no information has been presented to the grand jury.

“We’re still gathering info,” he said. “First, we needed to get permission for the State Police to assist.”

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

VOL. 25 NO. 12

Judge Malveaux

Malveaux moves to Va. Court of Appeals

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

www.richmondfreepress.com

MARCH 17-19, 2016

Obama picks D.C. jurist

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Henrico County Judge Mary Bennett Malveaux is a beneficiary of the judgeship fight between the governor and the Republican-dominated General Assembly.

She is headed to the state’s 11-member Court of Appeals where she will make history as the court’s first AfricanAmerican female member.

She is officially to begin on April 16.

Currently, Judge Rossie D. Alston Jr. is the appellate court’s lone African-American member.

Both the House of Delegates and the Senate overwhelmingly elected Judge Malveaux to the vacancy that opened when the Republican-dominated General Assembly promoted Appeals Court Judge Stephen R. McCullough to the state Supreme Court.

“Republicans in the House and Senate chose her because we thought she was the best candidate, and the other side agreed because the vote essentially was unanimous,” said Richmond Delegate Manoli Loupassi, chair of the key House subcommittee on the judiciary.

“The bipartisan support she received reflects the esteem in which she is held.”

Her jump to the Virginia

ee Fr

Fr ee

A grand jury Wednesday granted the Virginia State Police permission to investigate whether Mayor Dwight C. Jones blurred his roles as the city’s chief executive and senior pastor of First Baptist Church of South Richmond.

Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael N. Herring called it a “procedural step” that allows the State Police to probe whether the mayor improperly used his city position to benefit the church or any of its members.

Mr. Herring indicated people should not read too much into the action his office requested from the multijurisdictional grand jury, an investigative body that also

Judge Garland

President nominates Judge Merrick Garland for U.S. Supreme Court amid GOP pushback

Free Press wire report

WASHINGTON President Obama nominated veteran appellate court Judge Merrick Garland to the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, setting up a potentially ferocious political showdown with Senate Republicans who have vowed to block any Obama nominee.

Considered a moderate, Judge Garland, 63, is chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.

He was picked to replace longserving conservative Justice Antonin Scalia, who died on Feb. 13.

“I’ve selected a nominee who is widely recognized not only as one of America’s sharpest legal minds but someone who brings to his work a spirit of decency, modesty, integrity, even-handedness and excellence,” President Obama said in the White House Rose Garden.

“These qualities and his long commitment to public service have earned him the respect and admiration of leaders from both sides of the aisle (Democrats and Republicans).

He will ultimately bring that same character to bear on the Supreme Court, an institution in which he is uniquely prepared to serve immediately,” President Obama added.

GRTC driver raises safety concerns after stabbing

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

GRTC bus drivers have been assaulted by angry and upset passengers at least 16 times during the past five years.

They have reported being spit on, punched and hit with water bottles and book bags, according to GRTC records. One driver last year even had a knife briefly held to his throat.

S.F. Braxton knows all too well how vulnerable drivers can be as they pilot city buses, even though such attacks are extremely rare given the tens of thousands of people who ride the bus and the number of trips buses make.

Nearly a year ago, Ms. Braxton was savagely stabbed in the left arm by a passenger in one of the most serious incidents to date.

“He got angry,” Ms. Braxton said. “He appeared lost and confused. He didn’t know where he was going, and he lashed out at me.”

While her wound has healed, every day she has to look at the ugly 8-inch scar left by her assailant and she tries to cope with the constant fear she lives with.

A driver for 15 years who once racked up awards for safety, she still deals with the physical damage from the knife attack.

She has been out of work since the attack on April 14, 2015. Her arm, she said, likely will never be same. While the blade fortunately missed her artery, numerous nerves were severed, making it hard for her move or lift her

S.F. Braxton bears the scar of the vicious knife attack that changed her life. She has not been able to return to work since she was stabbed April 14, 2015.

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Please turn to A4 Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Sweeping changes to impact high school learning, training

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

High school is headed for an overhaul in Virginia.

Under reforms approved by the General Assembly, students who take courses to become computer technicians, mechanics, nurses and plumbers or enter other career and technical fields are to be placed on an equal footing with students seeking to go to college.

The new approach is to become effective with

ninth graders entering school in 2018, according to legislation Gov. Terry McAuliffe supported and that was approved by big majorities in the House of Delegates and Senate.

The passage of this legislation embraces the governor’s vision of upgrading workforce training and steering more students into productive, high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree.

“Getting every student the skills and training they need to succeed is an essential part of our

efforts to build a new Virginia economy,” Gov. McAuliffe said as he introduced his proposals in late December, shortly before the 2016 General Assembly’s start in early January.

Such changes will put “greater emphasis on hands-on learning, early college courses and industry credentials while maintaining rigorous standards,” he said.

Among other things, the approved legislation the governor is expected to sign will eliminate the advanced diploma for students planning to matriculate at college, according to state Secretary of Education Anne B. Holton.

In response to a Free Press query, Secretary Holton credited the nonpartisan Standards of Learning Innovation Committee with coming

up with recommendations last year to meet the governor’s desire “to truly redesign high school for the first time since the 19th century.”

The legislation, she stated, opens the door to changing “the way students earn credits to graduate,” she stated.

Under the revamp, “the first two years of high school will focus on general education classes, while the next two years will emphasize experiential learning, internships, on-the-job training, and other opportunities for students,” she stated.

The legislation directs the state Board of Education to revamp the curriculum to enable Please turn to A5

Byrd Middle School to get name change

By Joey Matthews

James Haskins/Richmond Free Press

Talkin’ that talk Basketball fans come in all ages, as the Virginia Union University Lady Panthers experienced during their recent NCAA Division II games at Barco-Stevens Hall. Here, Christian Prince, left, and his buddy Knight Jones, dissect the latest play last Friday night, when the Lady Panthers took on Indiana University of Pennsylvania. VUU rolled to a 91-72 win to advance to last Saturday’s regional semifinals. Please see article, additional photos on A8.

Jordan Chapman wore a broad smile. Her mother, Amy, wiped away tears of joy. And the people around them applauded.

Their happy reaction came after the Henrico School Board voted 5-0 to change the name of Harry F. Byrd Sr. Middle School at its March 10 work session at the New Bridge Learning Center.

“I’m just so happy and overjoyed that this happened,” said Jordan, a Hermitage High School senior.

“While all my other friends have been going out and doing things like playing soccer, I’ve been working on this the past six or seven months. This is so gratifying to me and the other people who worked so hard to help make this happen.”

The 17-year-old had plenty of community support for her petition drive to change the name of the middle school at 9400 Quioccasin Road.

Her effort started in the fall after she learned in a class at Hermitage High of the racist campaign led by the late Mr. Byrd, a former Virginia governor and U.S. senator, to deny African-American children a public education as one of the chief architects of “Massive Resistance.”

The state-sanctioned policy was designed to skirt a ruling in 1954 by the U.S. Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education to desegregate public schools to alleviate unequal educational resources. Massive Resistance led to the closure of some public schools in Virginia between 1958

Vestige of racist past to be removed

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A2 March 17-19, 2016

Richmond Free Press

Local News

Walker statue to be shorter than initial plan

Maggie Walker’s statue in Downtown could wind up at least 6 feet shorter than sculptor Antonio “Toby” Mendez first envisioned.

Instead of a 14-foot tall statue standing on a 5-foot pedestal as the sculptor proposed, the bronze figure of the much-admired Richmond businesswoman and civil rights leader would be no more than 10 feet tall and stand on 3-foot,4-inch pedestal in the proposed plaza at Adams and Broad streets.

The smaller version was recommended Tuesday by the Richmond Public Art Commission’s influential Site Selection Committee after a review of the conceptual design.

“We felt the statue needed to be more accessible,” particularly for pedestrians and visitors to the site, said architect Sarah S. Driggs, chair of the Site Selection Committee. She said SSC members felt that the original concept was oversized and focused more on serving passing traffic than those on foot.

Under the recommendation, the statue would rise 12- to 13-feet above the proposed plaza. Mr. Mendez already has submitted a conceptual view that incorporates the SSC recommendation for the Walker statue to be 9- to 10-feet tall and installed on a shorter pedestal.

The SSC also proposed “tweaks” to the plaza design and the landscaping that would be part of the site, Ms. Driggs said.

The committee does not have the last word, but its views are expected to shape the discussion as the statue project moves through the approval process.

The conceptual design now heads to the Urban Design Committee, an arm of the city Planning Commission. The UDC is expected to consider the conceptual design on Thursday, April 7, and forward its recommendations to the full Public Art Commission, which is to meet Tuesday, April 12.

All the recommendations would go to the city Planning Commission, which is empowered to make decisions on the design and placement of statues. The Planning Commission could vote on the conceptual design on Monday, April 18.

All of the meetings are open to the public. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

Dramatic glass reeds decorate the reflecting pool in The E. Clairborne and Lora Robins Sculpture Garden outside the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Dale Chihuly created the giant red reeds for a 2012 exhibit of his work at VMFA, and the museum acquired the work a year later.

Internationally known in the field of glass artistry, Mr. Chihuly and his staff used red glass from Finland and created the reeds at a Norwegian glass factory that can handle such long pieces.

Water lilies, lotuses and grasses have been planted throughout the installation to add a natural touch, according to the museum.

Rankine named new dean at UR The University of Richmond School of Arts and Sciences will have a new dean June 1.

He is Dr. Patrice Rankine, currently dean for Arts and Humanities at Hope College in Holland, Mich.

“Dr. Rankine is an experienced and accomplished scholar and administrator who deeply appreciates the importance we, at Richmond, attach to our deans being student-focused and committed to faculty development,” University of Richmond Provost Jacquelyn S. Fetrow stated Tuesday in announcing the appointment.

Dr. Rankine will succeed Dr. Kathleen Skerrett, who has served as dean since 2011. She will become a tenured professor in the university’s Department of Religious Studies.

At Hope College, Dr. Rankine oversees nine departments and several interdisciplinary programs, including a new museum, music building and art gallery.

Prior to Hope College, he served as assistant head of the School of Languages Dr. Rankine and Cultures and as director of the Interdisciplinary Program in Classics at Purdue University.

“At Hope College and Purdue University, he has provided inspired academic leadership to faculty colleagues for more than 10 years, while also distinguishing himself as a colleague and a scholar,” Dr. Fetrow stated.

“We look forward to what he will do to build upon the achievements of Dean Skerrett and further advance the outstanding programs of our College of Arts and Sciences.”

Dr. Rankine, a professor for nearly two decades, stated in the announcement that he is “delighted to join the faculty and leadership team at the University of Richmond.”

He stated that he is “honored to be chosen” to work with “colleagues who are national leaders in their areas of research and teachers who produce productive citizens.”

Dr. Rankine is a graduate of City University of New York’s Brooklyn College and earned his master’s and doctoral degrees from Yale.

He is an award-winning scholar who has published books, articles and book reviews and lectured widely in his field. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

Courtesy of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Commission

Views of the Emancipation Proclamation and Freedom Monument that sculptor Thomas Jay Warren has proposed for Brown’s Island.

Tentative design, sculptor chosen for Emancipation Monument

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Plans for a Richmond monument that pays tribute to the Emancipation Proclamation and enslaved Africans are moving forward three years after it was first proposed, according to a state commission that is spearheading the effort.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Commission has tentatively selected the sculptor and a potential design for the Emancipation Proclamation and Freedom Monument.

The commission’s chair, Richmond Delegate Jennifer L. McClellan, told the Free Press that the commission is in negotiations with Thomas Jay Warren of Denver to create the sculpture that is to be placed on Brown’s Island, the city’s playground on the James River.

Delegate McClellan also provided a photo of the model that Mr. Warren delivered to the commission in competing for the work. The commission found his proposal to be the best fit with the concept.

The concept first was outlined in 2013, when former Richmond state Sen. Henry L. Marsh III led the commission.

That was the same year Virginia and the nation marked the 150th anniversary of

President Lincoln’s executive Delegate McClellan said order freeing slaves in rethe goal is to have the monubellious, slavery-defending ment in place by 2019 when Confederate states. ceremonies and programs will In its request for sculpture be held to mark the 400th anproposals, the commission niversary of the arrival of the stated that it sought to comfirst Africans in the fledgling memorate “the Emancipation Virginia colony in 1619.

Proclamation by erecting a If the commission closes the monument … as a permanent deal, Mr. Warren, 58, would reminder of the many enslaved bring extensive experience.

Mr. Warren Africans who did not witness His previous works include freedom. a life-size bronze statue at the Medgar “It is the commission’s hope that Evers Memorial in Jackson, Miss.; the the monument will spark inquiry about life-size bronze statue of Dr. King in slavery, emancipation and freedom Newark, N.J.; and a tribute statue to and inspire future generations to work Sojourner Truth in Florence, S.C. … advance Dr. King’s dream of the His works also include the centerpiece ‘Beloved Community,’ a place where sculpture for the New Jersey Vietnam human dignity and the work of each Veterans Memorial in Holmdel, N.J.; a individual is affirmed and recognized marble relief depicting George Washand where peace, justice, equality and ington’s crossing of the Delaware at love prevail.”

McConkey’s Ferry, Pa.; and the life-size Delegate McClellan said elements bronze statue of Sioux spiritual leader still need to be agreed upon between Frank Fools Crow at Bear Butte State the commission and Mr. Warren before Park in South Dakota. a contract is awarded.

He also created the 8-foot statue at Before the work can be done, she said Rutgers University Stadium that comthe commission would need to raise the memorates America’s first college footmoney. She estimated the cost around ball game — the 1869 match between $1.2 million for the monument.

Rutgers and Princeton University.

State senator launches bid for Congress State Sen. A. Donald McEachin formally announced In his announcement Tuesday, Sen. McEachin his candidacy for the open seat in the 4th Congresstated that he wants to go “to Washington to consional District. tinue to make a difference.”

Richmond and Eastern Henrico are now part of the “I have dedicated my career to fighting for 4th District, which has been represented by Republican the underdog in my law practice and have over Congressman J. Randy Forbes. However, Rep. Forbes a 10-year record in the General Assembly of announced he will give up the seat and run in the 2nd standing up for human rights, for seniors, for Congressional District. veterans and for those at the margins. I’m runSen. McEachin, a 54-year-old Democrat and personal ning for Congress because I’ve had enough of injury attorney, was re-elected last year to a third term the backward agendas and hateful language in in the state Senate. He will not have to give up his Washington,” he said.

Sen. McEachin General Assembly seat to run for Congress.

“I’ve had enough of Republicans attacking civil While he’s the first to announce for the congressional seat, rights, voting rights and human rights of Americans. I’ve had he could face competition for the Democratic nomination in enough of Republicans trying to tell women how to control their the June primary. own bodies and their own health care decisions.

His substantial legislative experience makes him a formidable “And I’ve had enough of Republicans slashing Social Security, candidate. He served four terms in the House of Delegates before Medicare and education funding while protecting tax cuts for being elected to the Senate in 2007. He also ran unsuccessfully millionaires and billionaires. for attorney general in 2001.

“In Washington, I will work every day to ensure everyone

has an opportunity for a good job with good wages,” to support funding for public schools, to ensure veterans have needed health care and services, to protect the environment, to preserve Social Security and Medicare and to support equal rights.

Meanwhile, Henrico County Sheriff Michael Wade plans to seek the Republican nomination to run for the seat.

The 4th Congressional District also includes Petersburg and Hopewell and stretches to Chesapeake in Hampton Roads.

Richmond used to be in the 3rd Congressional District, but was shifted to the 4th District as a result of federal court rulings. The rulings found the 3rd District included an excessive number of African-American voters, diluting the voting strength of African-American voters in neighboring districts. The federal court then changed the congressional district boundaries, including moving Richmond with its majority-black population, to the 4th Congressional District.

The move opened the door for Virginians to elect more than one African-American to Congress. — JEREMY M. LAZARUS

Richmond Free Press

March 17-19, 2016

A3

Local News

City juvenile detention center re-certified The Richmond Juvenile Detention Center has passed its latest state review with flying colors.

Richmond officials said the center was notified last month that it had been recertified to operate for another three years after receiving 100 percent passMr. Baskerville ing grades on all elements of the audit.

“This is a tremendous vote of

confidence and shows what an exceptional job that the director, Rodney Baskerville, and his staff are doing,” said Rufus Fleming, director of the city’s Department of Justice Services.

“It shows the right people are in place,” said Mr. Fleming, whose department includes the

detention center.

The 60-bed center is on Oliver Hill Way next door to the Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court and across the street from the Richmond Justice Center.

The most recent statistics provided by the department

show about 52 youths are being held at the facility awaiting court hearings.

In May 2012, Mayor Dwight C. Jones shut down the detention center after the state found serious deficiencies in security and staff oversight.

The state got involved after

the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP went public with the problems in 2011, spurring the state’s intervention.

The center reopened after the mayor’s top aide, now Richmond General District Court Judge David M. Hicks, overhauled the staff, and the city

made substantial improvements to the building.

Mr. Baskerville, who heads a staff of about 60 people, led the reopening in July 2013 after the state inspected the revamped center and awarded its certification as a new facility.

— JEREMY M. LAZARUS

Student advocate wins case in Chesterfield

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Kandise Lucas, an advocate for disabled students and their parents, did not trespass at a Chesterfield County high school last year despite being banned from the property, a Chesterfield Circuit Court judge ruled Wednesday.

Judge Timothy J. Hauler threw out the misdemeanor trespass charge the school system had Ms. Lucas brought after finding Ms. Lucas did not have the requisite intent.

Quoting from a 1988 Virginia Court of Appeals decision, the judge ruled that Ms. Lucas had “a good faith basis … and a sincere belief she had a right” to enter Meadowbridge High School on April 29, 2015, to attend a meeting with a parent, student and school officials concerning the student’s individual education plan (IEP).

Judge Hauler’s ruling came after three hours of testimony in the case that tested whether Ms. Lucas or other student advocates could be arrested for entering school property.

“Victory,” said Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey, who represented Ms. Lucas pro bono at the request of the state NAACP. “I feel like all my families and the children I represent won,” Ms. Lucas said. “Now they don’t have to worry that their advocate can be banned.

It’s an awesome feeling.”

Judge Hauler, who scolded the school system for involving the courts rather than “handling this in another way,” kept his ruling narrow. He did not address a motion from Mr. Morrissey, who urged the judge to dismiss the case based on federal laws that protect advocates for disabled students from arrest or retaliation by a school system.

Ms. Lucas took the case to Circuit Court after being convicted in Chesterfield General District Court. She also filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, which is investigating whether the county violated federal law and the rights of the parent and student to be represented by the advocate of their choice.

Witnesses in the case testified that the Ms. Lucas had attended two previous IEP meetings at the high school on behalf of the student and had been invited by the school and the parent for the April 29 meeting.

However, before the meeting, the county school administration sent Ms. Lucas a letter reminding her that she had been banned from school property in 2011 and notifying her the ban would be enforced. The letter was issued after Ms. Lucas sharply criticized the school system for its treatment of the student in published statements and interviews and filed a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights.

Prosecutors presented evidence that Ms. Lucas flouted the ban and was arrested after entering Meadowbridge High.

They urged her conviction, which carries a $2,500 fine and a year in jail.

Mr. Morrissey argued that the school system brought the charge in retaliation for her outspoken criticism.

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We’re especially proud of the hard work and dedication of our construction and design partners. From the smallest details that make the biggest difference, you have helped us create a new standard of care, comfort and convenience for children and families across the region. We extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to everyone who helped make the Children’s Pavilion possible.

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A4 March 17-19, 2016

Richmond Free Press

News

Grand jury OKs probe of city connection to mayor’s church Continued from A1

Other sources have indicated the FBI and the Office of City Auditor Umesh Dalal also are participating in the probe.

Under state law, the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation must have the approval of the governor, the attorney general or a grand jury to be involved in a probe of an elected official.

Mr. Herring announced last month that he would involve the State Police.

While he didn’t have authority to make the request, Mayor Jones earlier asked for a State Police investigation to try to clear any suspicions involving his church and city government after a report by Mr. Dalal found that the city’s director of public works was managing the construction of a satellite sanctuary for Mayor Jones’ church while on city time.

In response to the grand jury’s action, the mayor’s office

Malveaux moves to Va. Court of Appeals Continued from A1

Court of Appeals appears unusual. She has spent about five years on the Henrico General District Court, a lower court whose judges rarely, if ever, write opinions or create precedents.

However, Delegate Loupassi noted that “the last four or five people who were elected to the appeals court were lawyers with no judicial experience. Judge Malveaux has judicial experience out of the gate.”

Judge Malveaux also has previous experience as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney, Delegate Loupassi said. That background, he said, is ideal for a court where the “bulk of the work involves criminal appeals.”

“Her experience gives her a perspective a lot of other folks would not have,” he said. “While it is good to have people who have been appellate attorneys, she has seen it, done it, lived it, not just theoretically.”

Judge Malveaux currently serves as the chief judge of the Henrico General District Court. She went on the bench in 2011 and was the Henrico court’s first full-time African-American female judge.

She is married to Courtney M. Malveaux, a former assistant attorney general and former chairman of the Richmond Republican Committee who is now with the Richmond-based firm of ThompsonMcMullan.

Judge Malveaux also is the daughter of Dr. Lillie R. Bennett, a longtime Richmond pediatrician on North Side, and the sisterin-law of Suzanne Malveaux, a former CNN correspondent.

Delegate Loupassi said this week that Judge Malveaux’s successor on the General District Court has yet to be chosen. Judges of the Henrico Circuit Court could end up making the selection, though with consultation with Republican leaders to ensure the person selected could win election in the next session.

For Gov. Terry McAuliffe, the overall result of the General Assembly judicial fight was a slap in the face.

The choice of Judge McCullough brought an end to the governor’s efforts to secure the state Supreme Court seat for his temporary appointee, Justice Jane Marum Roush.

The governor only could bitterly grouse about the decision of the Republican majority that blocked her. He called her ouster and the process of replacing her “an unprecedented political affront to the independence of our judiciary, the branch of government we depend on to apply calm and deliberative thought to our commonwealth’s thorniest disputes.”

The Republicans’ first choice for the state Supreme Court, Judge Alston of the Court of Appeals, also was blocked by one of their own members, new Richmond Sen. Glen H. Sturtevant Jr. Sen. Sturtevant refused to join the 20 other Republicans in the Senate in electing Judge Alston. He abstained to prevent Judge Alston from gaining a majority, then jumped to join his colleagues in selecting Judge McCullough for the state’s highest court.

He did not respond to a Free Press question as to why he did not support Judge Alston when the choice came down to him or Judge McCullough.

In response to an initial Free Press query, Sen. Sturtevant stated that during his Senate campaign last year and after he took his seat, “I supported electing Supreme Court Justice Roush, a highly qualified and well-regarded individual who was already serving on the bench.

“While the events that unfolded prior to my arrival at the Senate were unfortunate,” he continued, “Justice Roush deserved to stay on the bench, and I voted accordingly. I kept the commitments I made to my constituents by voting for (her) and abstaining on Judge Alston.”

However, he sided with his colleagues who felt that “it would have been irresponsible to both the commonwealth and the court, itself, to leave a vacancy on the (state Supreme) Court because of a political stalemate in the legislative branch. It was the General Assembly’s constitutional responsibility to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court based solely on the jurist’s qualifications to serve.

“I was pleased (to vote for) another highly qualified jurist, Judge McCullough, a respected and experienced judge who has served the commonwealth with distinction for more than 19 years, including as solicitor general and as assistant attorney general.

“Justice McCullough will serve on the commonwealth’s highest court with a commitment to justice and the rule of law,” the senator stated.

stated, “We welcome the grand jury’s action that will allow the State Police” to undertake the investigation the mayor previously requested. An impromptu prayer circle gathered Wednesday night on the front lawn of Mayor Jones’ South Side home.

The auditor determined that Richmond Public Works Director Emmanuel O. Adediran, an associate pastor of First Baptist, used city business hours to oversee the church project and used city computers to Mr. Adediran send and receive emails about the sanctuary development in Chesterfield County.

In the wake of the report, Mayor Jones and Selena CuffeeGlenn, the city’s chief administrative officer, required Mr. Adediran to give up a week of vacation time based on Mr. Dalal’s

estimate that he had misused 38 hours of city time.

The Free Press later reported from sources that Mr. Adediran had permission from superiors to take on the volunteer project manager role for the church and to make up his time on the city job after hours and on weekends.

Emails found on Mr. Adediran’s work computer and released

by Mr. Dalal confirmed Mayor Jones was aware of Mr. Adediran’s work for the church while on city time.

The issue of church members conducting church work while on the city clock blew up again when the Richmond Ambulance Authority dismissed a top executive, Pamela J. Branch, who was found to be working on church business while on the job.

Ms. Branch was the RAA’s legal counsel and personnel director and a volunteer clerk at First Baptist. She was dismissed after she objected to being disciplined for violating RAA policy and threatened to sue for religious discrimination.

Obama picks Judge Garland for U.S. Supreme Court Continued from A1

Senate confirmation is required for any nominee to join the bench and Senate Republicans have vowed not to hold confirmation hearings or a vote on any nominee picked by the Democratic president for the lifetime position on the court.

Republicans are demanding that President Obama leave the seat vacant and let the next president, to be elected in November and sworn in next January, make the selection.

Judge Garland is a longtime appellate judge and former prosecutor who President Obama also considered when he filled two previous Supreme Court vacancies.

In a foreshadowing of the pressure campaign the White House and its allies plan to wage in the coming weeks, the White House noted that seven current Republican U.S. senators voted to confirm Judge Garland to the D.C. circuit court in 1997.

Judge Garland, who has earned praise from lawmakers of both parties in the past, was named to his current job by Democratic President Clinton in 1997, winning Senate confirmation in a 76-23 vote. Prior to that, he worked in the Justice Department during the Clinton administration.

Judge Garland was born and raised in President Obama’s hometown of Chicago.

He won scholarships to attend Harvard University and graduated summa cum laude. He then earned his law degree from Harvard Law School.

Prior to being selected to his current post, he served in numerous other legal posts. Among those, he was deputy assistant attorney general for the Criminal Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, then as principal associate deputy attorney general.

He was praised for his work on the government’s response to the 1995 bombing in Oklahoma City by domestic terrorist Timothy McVeigh. He also supervised the department’s response to the Unabomber and the Montana Freemen.

In his 19 years on the D.C. Circuit, he has earned a reputation as a consensus builder and a fairminded jurist.

Virginia’s two U.S. senators lavished high praise on his selection.

“Merrick Garland is a well-respected jurist with impeccable qualifications and unrivaled experience,” Sen. Tim Kaine said in a statement.

“He also has garnered enthusiastic support from Democrats and Republicans in the past,” he added, “which should leave Republicans in the Senate no excuse for obstructing his confirmation process.

Justice demands that the Senate provide

advice and consent for any Supreme Court nominee.”

Sen. Mark R. Warner agreed.

“Judge Garland is an exceptional judge worthy of the honor of serving on the Supreme Court,” he said in a release to the media.

“This remarkably qualified appellate judge deserves a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, thoughtful consideration by the full Senate, and an up-or-down vote,” he added.

Without Justice Scalia, the nine-member Supreme Court is evenly split with four liberals and four conservative justices.

President Obama’s nominee could tilt the court to the left for the first time in decades.

Billionaire Donald Trump speaking on ABC’s “Good Morning America” program, said it was critical for Republicans to take back the White House to avoid Democrats shaping the Supreme Court.

“You have four Supreme Court judgeships coming up, and that would mean they would take over, that would mean for 50 years, probably, this country will never be the same,” Mr. Trump said.

“The Republicans should do exactly what they are doing. I think they should wait till the next president and let the next president pick,” Mr. Trump said.

GRTC driver raises safety concerns Continued from A1

arm. She said the muscles on her left arm are too weak to help her right arm turn the steering wheel of a bus.

While GRTC denies it, Ms. Braxton believes the company has done too little to protect drivers or train them to deal with disruptive and potentially violent passengers.

Frank Tunstall III, who represents GRTC drivers as president and business agent for Local #1220 of the Amalgamated Transit Union, agrees.

“We’ve talked to the company about better addressing safety,” Mr. Tunstall said. “Our drivers are given some minimum training, but it is not sufficient to deal” with the kind of danger that can suddenly erupt.

GRTC spokeswoman Carrie Rose Pace said the transit company has safety protocols in place and teaches drivers to manage passengers who present a threat or are disruptive.

Among other things, she said drivers are taught to remain seated, to maintain a calm and composed presence and to call for assistance if needed. She said the protocols are incorporated into the training of new drivers and reinforced in annual refresher courses.

Mr. Tunstall said the company has talked about the possibility of installing shields to reduce driver vulnerability. Ms. Pace confirmed the company has explored options, but based on driver feedback, GRTC is not

pursuing installation of such barriers.

Even after the stabbing, neither the union nor the drivers requested shields, Ms. Pace said.

Despite the risks, drivers are not allowed to carry any kind of weapon for protection.

“It’s a firing offense,” Mr. Tunstall said, citing a company policy that requires the immediate dismissal of any driver found to be carrying any “instrument or weapon designed or intended to do bodily harm.”

Ms. Pace said the company provides other safety tools for drivers. For example, she said that each bus is equipped with emergency and priority buttons a driver can press to quickly connect with dispatch if they feel unsafe.

The emergency button turns on audio in the bus and broadcasts it so that a dispatcher can immediately hear what is happening and assist, she said.

Ms. Braxton said neither of the buttons worked when she was attacked. Other drivers have told her of similar problems.

She said the attack took place around 9:30 p.m. She had just made her last stop and was headed back to the garage. Just one passenger was left, she said.

The passenger began demanding that she take him back to the Azalea Avenue stop where she had picked him up, about a mile north.

When she refused, she said the man became more and more angry and began cursing and verbally abusing her.

Increasingly frightened, Ms. Braxton said, “I kept pushing the buttons and

pushing the buttons, but I didn’t get any response.”

Feeling isolated, she acknowledges she left her seat and got into an altercation with the man in trying to get him off the bus.

She said help came after the man stabbed her. She managed to call 911, using her cell phone to summon police and emergency medical personnel. A dispatcher finally responded after she called police, she said.

Ms. Pace, however, said GRTC found no evidence that Ms. Braxton pushed the emergency call button.

Instead, Ms. Braxton pushed the lower priority buttons, said Ms. Pace, who acknowledged that it can take several minutes or more for a dispatcher to clear an earlier call and respond.

Ms. Pace noted that another way GRTC tries to keep drivers safe is with security cameras. They provide video and audio, she said, which is one reason police were able to quickly identify and capture Ms. Braxton’s attacker.

Video from the cameras is reviewed whenever there is an incident or complaint, whether filed by an operator or a customer, Ms. Pace said.

Ms. Braxton hopes that speaking out about the attack she survived will encourage other drivers to press the company to put more attention on safety.

“I’m an example of what can happen when the safety and protection of drivers does not get proper attention.”

Byrd Middle School to get name change Continued from A1

and 1964 rather than allow African-American and white students to attend the same schools. While African-American students were denied an education, state funds were used to pay for white students to continue their education at all-white private schools.

Jordan’s campaign to remove Mr. Byrd’s name from the school drew backing from a diverse group of people who passionately voiced their objections to the school name at several Henrico board meetings and through emails, letters and phone calls to Henrico schools leaders. Few publicly dissented to the change.

Most of those who spoke at board meetings argued that it was hateful to have Mr. Byrd’s name on any public school. They said it was especially disrespectful to African-Americans, who comprise just more than 20 percent of the school’s total student population of 999.

The board’s history-changing, unanimous vote came at 4:10 p.m. March 10, after each board member cited his or her reason for supporting the name change.

The community has 30 days to recommend new names for the building. The Henrico School Board then intends to select a name, which will be in place at the start of the 2016-17 school year, the board said.

Board member the Rev. Roscoe Cooper III, who represents the Fairfield District, told the Free Press after he cast his vote, “It’s im-

portant we build a school system that is inclusive and representative of all races, religions and all of our community members.

“You’re talking about someone who was the architect of Massive Resistance and sought to exclude black children Ms. Chapman Ms. Montague from getting an education,” he said of Mr. Byrd. “In 2016, there’s no place for someone like that to be honored with their name on a school.”

Chaldea Montague, 65, who attended the meeting, said she was pleased with the board’s action. She said Byrd Middle School and adjacent Pemberton Elementary are situated on land that once belonged to her ancestors, the Vandervalls.

She said the property of her great-great-grandfather, Benjamin Dunlop Vandervall, was taken by the county by eminent domain around 1968 and Byrd Middle School was built on the site.

The Pemberton Elementary building, Ms. Montague said, used to be known as Vandervall School, named for Mr. Vandervall’s brother, civic leader William LeRoy Vandervall. It was built on land the Vandervalls sold to the county in the early 1950s for a

Want to suggest a new name for Byrd Middle School?

Henrico Public Schools spokesperson Andy Jenks said suggestions are being collected online at www.henricoschools.us.

Suggestions also may be emailed to the clerk of the Henrico School Board, Sue Largen, at dslargen@henrico.k12.va.us or sent via U.S. mail to Sue Largen, Clerk of Henrico School Board, 3820 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Va. 23223.

People also may phone suggestions to (804) 652-3808. If leaving a voicemail, include your name, contact information and suggested name for the school.

school for African-American students. Ms. Montague attended Vandervall School, which was closed in 1968 when Henrico schools were integrated. The building later was reopened and renamed Pemberton Elementary.

“It’s wonderful and history has been changed again,” Ms. Montague said of the vote to change the middle school’s name. “I’m ecstatic. Words can’t describe how happy this makes me.”

While she didn’t offer any new possible names for the school, Jordan said she would like it “to honor someone who was the exact opposite of (Mr. Byrd), someone who was positive and inclusive to everyone so that all students would feel welcome and could be proud of their school name.”

Richmond Free Press

March 17-19, 2016 A5

Local News

2016 General Assembly ends with bipartisan consensus on budget, other measures Free Press staff, wire reports

The 2016 General Assembly session is over — ending last Friday, a day early, on a high note of accomplishment.

The hectic 59 days produced a landmark compromise on gun laws and a new state budget providing a dramatic boost in spending on public education and offering pay hikes for state workers and lawmakers.

Despite a heated battle over filling a state Supreme Court seat, Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe and his allies and Republicans who dominate the House and Senate found plenty of common ground.

The session ended last Friday evening after lawmakers passed a two-year, $105 billion state spending plan effective July 1 that does not include any new taxes or increased fees.

Higher-than-predicted tax revenues allowed legislators to provide a 3 percent raise for state workers and deputy sheriffs and a 2 percent raise for public schoolteachers. Lawmakers also approved boosting their own compensation for attending official,

nonsession meetings from $200 to $300 a day.

The legislature largely turned its back on an expansion of charter schools and agreed in the budget to increase spending on K-12 public education by $900 million over the next two years, a point of pride. State colleges and universities also are to receive additional funding.

Republicans provided local school boards more flexibility on the use of state dollars, allowing them to spend it on new teachers, textbooks or in other ways.

“One size does not fit all, so allowing the localities the flexibility to meet their most critical needs was most important to us,” said Delegate Thomas A. “Tag” Greason, R-Loudoun County, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

The governor did not get everything he wanted in the budget, and once again, Republicans refused to include any provisions to expand Medicaid health insurance to thousands of uninsured Virginians, a top priority for Gov. McAuliffe and Democratic legislators.

Still, the governor said he was pleased with the vast majority of spending proposals.

School officials make push for more money

By Joey Matthews

Audience members applauded repeatedly as students from Richmond Public Schools delivered stirring remarks, creative musical performances, inspiring spoken word renditions and precision marching exercises at the 2016 State of the Schools Address.

Also praising the students’ efforts were Superintendent Dana T. Bedden, School Board Chairman Jeffrey T. Bourne and others who spoke at the annual public gathering where school leaders assess the school system’s progress and its needs.

In their remarks, RPS leaders urged city officials to help Richmond’s talented students to reach their potential by providing additional school funding.

“It goes without saying that investing in our students will ultimately create a return on investment that will allow the city to flourish,” Dr. Bedden said in his March 10 address at the event held at the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School.

On the flip side, Mr. Bourne warned, “Without sustained investment, we are at risk of losing another generation to poor educational outcomes.”

That push for more money continued this week during a joint meeting Monday with the Richmond School Board and Richmond City Council.

Mayor Dwight C. Jones also attended the joint confab held at the Richmond Police Training Academy next to Virginia Union University’s campus.

There, Mayor Jones said he would convene a committee to come up with a plan to provide long-term funding for RPS. He said he would craft legislation to submit to City Council to earmark 20 percent of future funds from real estate taxes to be used for schools.

The push for additional funding for RPS continued at Monday night’s City Council

meeting, where educators, parents and community members asked council members to back RPS’ funding request.

RPS leaders are seeking an additional $18 million in city spending in their $293 million budget request for fiscal year 2017 to help provide pay raises for most teachers and other staff and to continue to implement the superintendent’s ambitious academic improvement plan.

They also are seeking $49.6 million in capital funds to kickstart a new five-year school building project on South Side and for maintenance of existing schools.

Mayor Jones has countered that by proposing level funding in his $709 million city budget for the new fiscal year that begins July 1. He also is asking for $5 million in his proposed capital budget for school building.

In response, Dr. Bedden’s leadership team told the School Board last week it would seek to close the $18 million budget gap by instituting a series of cost-cutting measures.

That plan includes closing six schools, implementing a hub bus transportation system, contracting out janitorial services and increasing the pupil-teacher ratio, among other things.

School leaders also said they would seek to find ways to trim nearly $6 million more from the budget to reach their funding goal for the FY2017 budget.

In his State of the Schools address, Dr. Bedden told the audience that the city could greatly reduce poverty and improve other life safety issues facing its most vulnerable citizens by upping financial support to the schools.

“Education has been widely proven to reduce poverty, reduce crime and improve health, as well as reduce health care costs and positively impact economic development,” Dr. Bedden said.

Sweeping changes to impact high school learning, training Continued from A1

students to gain core skills in the ninth and 10th grades and then either get on a college track or a career and technical track or some combination of the two in the final two years.

As part of the legislation, every student either would have to complete an Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate course or earn a credential in career and technical education (CTE) to earn a diploma after the revamp takes effect.

The new emphasis on CTE is seen as assisting students who are not college bound to prepare for opportunities in an array of “middle skill” occupations that do not require four-year degrees and pay an average of $58,000 or more a year.

According to a 2015 report from the Virginia Community College System, as many as two-thirds of the 1.5 million Virginia jobs anticipated in factories, health care operations, construction sites, retail stores and other work arenas will not require a college degree.

Instead, those jobs would be in the “middle skills” that would require no more than a two-year associate’s degree and industry-recognized credentials that could be obtained in high school. Until this legislation created the prospect of change, the report found that high schools did not ready students for such jobs, creating a pool of unfilled positions.

As the report put it: “While there will always be a need for college degree and graduate programs, Virginia’s business community is emphatically saying that there are not enough people with the skills that align with their needs.”

Along with the high school overhaul, the legislature also approved Gov. McAuliffe’s plan to provide grants of up to $3,000 to support people seeking to improve their work skills by taking non-credit courses at community colleges and other public twoyear schools. The state Council of Higher Education has been designated to manage the new grant program.

Mr. Bourne echoed those thoughts.

“The success or failure of our school system can do more for our city than I think anyone can imagine,” he said. “It can be a catalyst for business to expand.

It can be a magnet for young families to move here, stay here, raise their kids and send them to our public schools, pre-K through graduation.”

Dr. Bedden told the audience that many of the children who attend RPS face economic hardships that most of their suburban counterparts do not.

He said at least 40 percent of children who attend the city’s public schools live in poverty and three out of four qualify for free or reduced lunch, which is another indicator of poverty.

“Many of our students have needs that must be addressed first, before the learning process can begin,” Dr. Bedden stressed.

“So, what happens when the needs of students from families with low income are taken into account?” he asked.

“We begin to close the achievement gap.”

Mayor Jones said at Mon-

day’s joint School Board-City Council meeting that he would seek to name a committee of city staff, School Board staff, City Council representatives, financial and legal advisers, business representatives and community members in the next few weeks and direct them to form a long-term funding plan over the following two months.

The plan would be introduced to City Council and the School Board sometime after June 1, the day after the council’s deadline to approve the budget for the coming fiscal year.

Board members welcomed the plan, but said in the meantime they desperately need more money now for cash-strapped schools.

“This is becoming a civil rights issue,” warned School Board member Kimberly B “Kim” Gray, 2nd District, of the need to provide equitable funding to crumbling schools in impoverished communities of color.

Mr. Bourne added, “We’ve still got immediate problems and we’ve got to find a way to bridge this …”

“It’s a great budget. I’m ecstatic about the budget,” said Gov. McAuliffe, adding that he got about 90 percent of what he sought.

Among other things, he gained authority for a $2.1 billion bond package that will clear the way for new developments on college campuses and for meeting state infrastructure needs. He also secured funding for initiatives in broadband, bioscience and cyber security and gained support for improving state ports, including Richmond’s, to expand trade.

Gov. McAuliffe also praised the legislature for giving the green light to “a logical and long-overdue update to Virginia’s approach to high school education, placing a greater emphasis on hands-on learning, internships, early college courses and industry credentials rather than classroom seat-time.” The changes would take effect in 2018.

The “education investments in our budget are comprehensive and designed to strengthen our talent pipeline from pre-kindergarten to workforce development,” he said. He noted the approval of bills that will usher in “workforce training to meet the needs of businesses in each region. Virginia will be the first state in the nation to create a pay-for-performance workforce-training program.”

The governor also won support for proposals to enable former medics and corpsmen to use their experience to gain health care jobs while seeking state licensure. The legislature also backed his plans to create new state veterans centers in Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia and for an expansion of the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond.

Gov. McAuliffe and Republicans also managed to forge a highly touted compromise on gun-related legislation. The deal will allow more holders of concealed handgun permits from other states to legally carry guns in Virginia, something Republicans wanted. In exchange, the governor and his Democratic allies gained new measures banning people subject to permanent protective orders in domestic abuse cases from owning or carrying firearms and authorizing a State Police presence for the first time at gun shows to provide voluntary background checks.

The governor, limited to a single four-year term, called the deal one of the biggest improvements in gun safety in years, despite withering attacks from opponents.

The governor and Republicans were at loggerheads on other issues. He vetoed several pieces of legislation, including a General Assembly effort to maintain subsidies and incentives for the shrinking coal industry.

Republicans also killed efforts by a liberal-conservative coalition to raise the felony threshold for thefts from $200 to $500 to reduce the number of people tagged with felony records, as well as proposals to enable juveniles to wipe out criminal records.

Democrats also bemoaned the failure of the legislature to pass any of the proposals to ease barriers Republicans have erected to voting.

The session also was marked by a high-decibel fight over a state Supreme Court justice that continued right up until the legislative session’s end.

Republicans ultimately got their way when they elected Virginia Court of Appeals Judge Stephen R. McCullough to the state Supreme Court the day before the session ended, after forcing the ouster of a female justice the governor had temporarily appointed.

Lawmakers are set to return to Richmond in April to take up the governor’s suggested amendments and vetoes of legislation.

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Richmond Free Press

Saucer Magnolia blooms in East End

Editorial Page

A6

March 17-19, 2016

Just say no to Trump After Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump each racked up numerous victories in key primary contests Tuesday in their quests for the presidential nomination of their respective political party, Mrs. Clinton, a Democrat, took a major jab at the billionaire Republican businessman.

“Our commander-in-chief has to be able to defend our country, not embarrass it,” she told supporters Tuesday night.

“When we hear a candidate for president call for rounding up 12 million immigrants, banning all Muslims from entering the United States, when he embraces torture, that doesn’t make him strong. It makes him wrong,” she said, calling on Americans to fight against such “bluster and bigotry.”

We are heartened by efforts across the nation and the world by people to turn up the heat against Mr. Trump in fear that it may be too late to stop him from claiming the GOP nomination and perhaps, ultimately, the presidency.

Even the anarchist hacking group, Anonymous, issued its own global cyber campaign against Mr. Trump, calling on computer geeks around the world to target Mr. Trump, his campaign and multiple business websites on April 1.

“We need you to shut down his websites, research and expose what he doesn’t want the public to know,” a person wearing a scary Guy Fawkes mask said on Anonymous’ YouTube channel. “We need you to dismantle his campaign and sabotage his brand.”

While we don’t condone illegal actions to curb the Trump madness, we admittedly are interested to see what information, if anything, is dug up.

“Dear Donald Trump, we have been watching you for a long time, and what we see is deeply disturbing,” the Anonymous video says. “You have shocked the entire planet with your appalling actions and ideals.”

“You say what your current audience wants to hear, but in reality you don’t stand for anything except your personal greed and power,” it adds.

Can the nation and the world idly stand by and watch this bully’s rise to power? As protests against his racism and hatred mount, Mr. Trump continues to gin up the emotions of his supporters who respond with violence.

The surge in brutality has created chaos, even among police.

At a Trump rally last week in Fayetteville, N.C., 26-year-old Rakeem Jones, an African-American protester, was punched in the face by a 78-year-old white Trump supporter as he was being escorted out of the rally by sheriff’s deputies. The deputies then responded by tackling Mr. Jones to the ground and handcuffing him, rather than going after the attacker.

Mr. Jones

Mr. McGraw

We are grateful that the Cumberland County, N.C., sheriff finally came to his senses and arrested the 78-year-old perpetrator, John McGraw, who told someone on video that the next time protesters show up, he might have to kill them. Five deputies were suspended, with three demoted in rank, for mishandling the whole situation.

So where is Mr. Trump, the presidential wannabe?

He pledged earlier to pay the legal fees for anyone who would punch out his detractors.

When you juxtapose Mr. Trump’s response and actions when compared with our sitting president, we believe millions of people sadly will be kicking themselves when President Obama leaves office in January. His leadership and comportment will be sorely missed.

President Obama expressed dismay Tuesday about the “vulgar and divisive rhetoric” on the presidential campaign trail and the “misguided attempts” to shut down free speech.

“In response to those attempts,” the president said, “we’ve seen actual violence, and we’ve heard silence from too many of our leaders … Too often we’ve accepted this as somehow the new normal.”

Corrosive behavior can undermine our democracy, he said, as well as our society and our economy.

“It’s worth asking ourselves what each of us may have done to contribute to this kind of vicious atmosphere in our politics,” the president said.

As voters, we need to ask that question. And we need to remember that at election time.

To borrow a phrase from the late First Lady Nancy Reagan, “just say no” to Mr. Trump and those who would spread his hate-filled agenda.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Trump: The GOP’s Frankenstein President Obama has seen this horror movie before. His political opponents not only distorted his positions when he first ran for president, but deliberately lied about his place of birth, asserting that because he — according to their fiction — was not a U.S. citizen, he was not qualified to be president.

Donald Trump, who actually sent a private investigator to Hawaii in an attempt to prove that President Obama was not born there, is now the leading Republican presidential contender. And now that he is eliminating his competitors with the irresponsible language and Demolition Derby-style tactics that he hurled at President Obama, GOP party leaders are in a panic because it might cost them this year’s election.

Meanwhile, President Obama is wondering why anyone is surprised.

“How can you be shocked?” he asked in a speech at a Democratic National Committee event in Austin, Texas. “This is the guy, remember, who was sure that I was born in Kenya — who just

wouldn’t let it go. And all this same Republican establishment, they weren’t saying nothing. As long as it was directed at me, they were fine with it. They thought it was a hoot, wanted to get his endorsement. And then now, suddenly, we’re shocked that there’s gambling going on in this establishment.”

Feeding their base constantly the notion that everything is a

George Curry disaster, that everybody else is to blame, that Obamacare is destroying the country. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s true or not. It’s not, we disagree with this program, we think we can do it better — it’s, oh, this is a crisis!

“So if you don’t care about the facts, or the evidence or civility, in general, in making your arguments, you will end up with candidates who will say just about anything and do just about anything.”

Among those who didn’t “care about the facts” at the time were former Republican presidential nominees John McCain, Mitt Romney and Mr. Romney’s running mate, House Speaker Paul Ryan.

David Remnick, editor of the New Yorker, described Mr. Trump as an “American

Demagogue” and said he is “the beneficiary of a long process of Republican intellectual decadence.”

He wrote, “Paul Ryan denounces Trump but not the Tea Party rhetoric that propelled his own political ascent. John McCain holds Trump in contempt, but selected as his running mate Sarah Palin, the Know-Nothing of Wasilla, one of Trump’s most vivid forerunners and supporters. Mitt Romney last week righteously slammed Trump as a ‘phony’ and a misogynist, and yet in 2012 he embraced Trump’s endorsement and praised his ‘extraordinary’ understanding of economics.”

Mr. Trump outmaneuvered the Republican competition with outright racist appeals that would have derailed any other candidate.

The Republican front-runner has become a favorite of white supremacists largely by insulting women, “the blacks,” Muslims and the physically disabled while delivering one simple-minded message, according to Ted Koppel: “ ‘We’re gonna be the best, we’re gonna be the greatest, I’m gonna negotiate the best deals you’ve ever seen.’ ” Mr. Koppel explained, “There is no substance in any of that, and nobody among his followers seems to care about that.”

Incarceration addiction aids jailers only “Jails and prisons are the complement of schools; so many less as you have of the latter, so many more must you have of the former.”

— Horace Mann, “Report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” 1881

America is addicted to incarceration.

No nation holds as many people behind bars as the United States of America, and the numbers tell it all. The United States imprisons 716 people for every 100,000 residents.

That is more than any other country on this planet. Our nation has the largest prison population in the world, both in terms of the actual number of inmates and as a percentage of the country’s population.

While the United States has less than 5 percent of the world’s population, we lock up almost 25 percent of the world’s total prison population.

Well-meaning people will differ on the question of whether America’s war on crime has truly benefited the American taxpayer. But because numbers don’t lie, we cannot question the fact that our criminal justice obsession with retribution instead of rehabilitation has profited private prison operators in our nation’s sprawling prison industrial complex to the tune of billions of dollars.

The country’s two largest private prison operators, Corrections Corporation of America and GEO Group, recently posted their earnings. Combined, the two for-profit prison companies collected $361 million in profits last year. According to In the Public Interest research and policy center, CCA made $3,356 in profit for every person they incarcerated and GEO Group made $2,135. Incarcerating Americans at the staggering rate of one in

Marc H. Morial every 110 adults has become a profitable business that promotes the bottom lines of CEOs, but fails to promote effective public safety strategy.

Research has shown that investing in social programs and education — resources that can help keep people out of jail in the first place — is far more effective at improving public safety than investing in incarceration. Policies that promote prison over education, incarceration over mental health services and jail over job services come more than at the long-term cost of our collective well-being and safety.

During the past four decades, state spending on corrections has outpaced funding for public education, with states spending three times as much on prisons than schools. Private prisons, which began cropping up as an alternative for cash-strapped states attempting to save money by outsourcing the building and running of prisons to private companies, are incentivized to keep cells full

at the lowest possible cost, not to keep cells empty.

When every occupied bed represents a broken family, communities torn apart, diminished future job prospects, a potential loss of voting rights and the increased risk of returning to crime, our nation’s over-reliance on jails to combat our entrenched social ills — and the taxpayer money that keeps the system thriving — should be re-routed into education and the social institutions that serve the public good and are aligned with public safety goals.

America’s incarceration addiction is devastating wide swaths of already socially and economically vulnerable communities. Statistically, AfricanAmericans are incarcerated at nearly six times the rate of white people. Combined, AfricanAmericans and Latinos represent well over 50 percent of our national prison population.

Crime induced by a lack of opportunity cannot be solved by punishment. Our current sentencing policies and prisons have not proven themselves capable of fixing mental illness, drug addiction, homelessness or unemployment.

They only hide these pressing social issues from view.

We must decide, as a nation, if we are going to continue to turn to blind, mass incarceration as a solution for the problems in our society, or if we are going to invest in individuals, not incarceration, and make these private prisons obsolete.

A former mayor of New Orleans, the writer is president and CEO of the National Urban League.

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.

Mr. Trump has become the Republican Party’s Frankenstein. In the horror movie, Victor Frankenstein creates a creature from the body parts of the deceased. He discovers his experiment has gone awry and expects the creature to die, but he doesn’t. Once the creature is rejected by society, he exacts revenge by killing everyone Frankenstein loves.

There is no doubt that the person who has been referred to as “Frankentrump” is killing the Republican Party.

Historian Nina Turner said on CNN, “It is ironic to me that some of the same Republicans right now, some of them who are calling out Mr. Trump, did not call him out when he pushed the birther movement on our African-American President Barack Obama. They were nowhere to be found. They thought it was cute. Now that it’s plaguing their house, it’s not so cute anymore.”

The writer is editor-in-chief of EmergeNewsOnline.com.

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Richmond Free Press

March 17-19, 2016

A7

Letters to the Editor

‘Our kids deserve the best’ Re “Planned school cuts causing pain,” March 10-12 edition: Children are our future and need to be treated like that. But because the schools will not receive the amount of money that is needed, cuts will be taking place. Our students need money in the budget so that they can learn and raise their learning curve.

It seems that Mayor Dwight C. Jones has other projects that he thinks are more important than our students’ education. We also have many schools that have mold and are not a fit environment in which students can learn. We seem to have enough money for other matters like the Washington NFL team. So why is this matter of dealing with the schools being put on

the back burner?

The future is now and our students need all the help they can get, as well as a positive environment in which to learn. Some eventually will be doctors, lawyers and go into other professions and careers. But they need a helping hand to move up the ladder in the classroom.

Smaller classes and increased teacher pay can make all the difference in the world. The more qualified teachers we get can influence our students to move forward and rise to the top.

Our kids deserve the best and this issue needs to be treated that way.

ERNEST PARKER JR. Richmond

Road ‘City is having to heaven an uplift, but not the people’

I believe we do not have to be able to read a book to go to heaven.

Some of our Christian preachers are misleading their followers to think that knowledge is that important. Jesus taught his followers to think like a little child — to have the faith necessary to obey His teachings.

When Christians obey the teachings of Jesus and use their time and money to help people in need, they are on the road to heaven.

MORTON C. MILES JR. Williamsburg

I have lived in Richmond or wasted could be used for the for a number of years and it’s betterment of all people. funny how some things remain People are getting tired of the same and others are done being lied to or played cheap. with a different twist, but the The city is having an uplift, results are identical. but not the people.

While there are different We must remember that faces, nothing really hap- we all have to answer for pens to benefit the poor and what we’ve done with things downtrodden. My concern entrusted to us. is about those who have to suffer because of someone SAM WARD else’s decisions or neglect. I Richmond thought that when the people elect officials, those officials are supposed to represent the people. The people are supposed to be the boss.

I have been watching the Richmond City Council meetings for a while now and it seems that when a legitimate concern is brought up, City Council attempts to cut the speakers off with the 30-second BSGN-2344 CHNA Feedback Print_RFP_5-418x5-25_FINAL.pdf 7 3/3/16 limit. The money that is used

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Richmond Free Press

A8 March 17-19, 2016

Sports Stories by Fred Jeter

VUU’s ‘Windy City Wonder’ breaks records, dazzles fans at regional finale Kiana Johnson with her right inAfter winning the NCAA Division II Atlantic ’ is so fast, so agile, finger. ers Region, Virginia Union University’s dex“Giving so dynamic. She Winn God e women’s basketball team advances to his glory,” she said l c navigates a basr i c the NCAA Elite Eight at The Pentagon in ketball floor like unashamedly.

Sioux Falls, S.D. a sleek sports car, Johnson’s list Elite Eight: Tuesday, March 22 reducing foes to of honors contin1 p.m.

Florida Southern College vs. Lubbock clunker status. ues to sprout.

Christian University (Texas) Virginia Union On Monday, 3:30 p.m. Virginia Union University vs. Bentley University’s super she added the University (Mass.) senior was full NCAA Atlantic 7 p.m.

University of Alaska-Anchorage vs. Francis throttle Monday Region Most ValuMarion University (S.C.) night at Barcoable Player honor 9:30 p.m. Grand Valley State University (Mich.) vs.

Stevens Hall, the to previous awards Pittsburg State University (Kan.) visiting West Libof CIAA Player of Semifinals: Wednesday, March 23 erty University the Year and CIAA Played in Sioux Falls, S.D. team trailing in her Tournament Most NCAA Division II Final: Monday, April 4 fumes in the NCAA Valuable Player.

Played in Indianapolis, Ind. Division II Atlantic About all that’s (Held in conjunction with NCAA Division I Final Four) Region finale. left is National The 5-foot-6, Player of the Year 130-pound human whirlwind from the Windy — surely an achievable goal. During the regular City (Chicago) broke both the NCAA tourna- season, Johnson led the nation in scoring while ment record and her own school record for the finishing second in assists. most points scored in a single game in leadTo reach Monday’s regional final, Johnson had ing VUU to a 91-77 victory against the West 27 points in the Lady Panthers’ 91-72 quarterfinal Virginia school. victory last Friday over Indiana University of The Lady Panthers now are headed to South Pennsylvania. Johnson then tacked on 31 points Dakota, where they will play in the Elite Eight as VUU beat Wheeling Jesuit University 75-66 on Tuesday, March 22, in Sioux Falls. in last Saturday’s semifinals.

Johnson’s 49 points — to go with eight asOn Monday night, Johnson made her Barcosists, six steals and four rebounds — eclipsed Stevens Hall farewell in the regional finale one the VUU record of 45 points scored in a single to remember. game that she set earlier this season.

“It was going to be my last home game. I More impressively from a national perspec- wanted to give them a show,” she said. tive, it topped the NCAA Tournament record of An added incentive came from having one 46 points set by Fort Valley State University’s of her three brothers in attendance. He had Sherika Tarpkins in 2005. driven to Richmond from Norfolk, where he “I just came out aggressive, determined to is stationed in the Navy. get it done,” said Johnson, a transfer student Tickets for the NCAA regional final were $15 from Michigan State University. and no one was asking for a refund. Johnson’s “This is for everyone at Virginia Union, and point total was exceeded only by the number of for everyone back home in Chicago, Uptown. smiles she put on her admiring fans’ faces.

I love ya’ll.”

By intermission, the psychology major alAfter each score, she points to the heavens ready had 30 points, four assists and four steals

James Haskins/Richmond Free Press

Virginia Union University’s Kiana Johnson kisses the NCAA regional championship trophy she and her teammates were awarded after Monday night’s victory over West Liberty University at Barco-Stevens Hall.

as VUU led 49-34, and the rout was on. With 3 minutes left in the third period, the Lady Panthers led 68-42.

Consider: This glitzy, dominant performance came at the expense of a strong opponent that finished with a 29-5 record.

It’s safe to say the visiting West Virginians never had seen anything quite like VUU’s “Windy City Wonder.”

Wearing jersey No. 3, which is sure to be retired some day, Johnson wound up with a final tally that included 18 of 33 from the floor overall, 4 of 6 behind the arc, and 9 of 9 at the foul line.

And if there was a category for “pizzazz,” she would sport big totals in that, too.

Overshadowed by Johnson’s creative, entertaining style were 6-foot-2 post players Lady Walker (11 points, 13 rebounds) and Taylor White (11 points, 14 rebounds).

So now for Coach AnnMarie Gilbert’s squad, it’s goodbye Barco-Stevens Hall, hello

The record box Kiana Johnson’s 49 points against West Liberty University on Monday is the most points ever scored in a single game by a player for the Lady Panthers at Virginia Union University’s Barco-Stevens Hall.

However, Mike Davis is credited with most points ever scored in a single game by any VUU player at Barco-Stevens Hall.

On Feb. 21, 1968, Davis scored 62 points in a 110-86 Panthers’ win over visiting Hampton University.

Davis’ 62-point total still stands as VUU’s one-game record. In 1969, Davis became the first round draft choice (14th taken overall) of the NBA Baltimore Bullets.

South Dakota.

“I hear it’s beautiful country,” said Johnson.

“When we get there, we want to do some sightseeing,” she said. “And we want to win.”

Hampton Pirates win MEAC; now face U.Va. in NCAA Of 68 teams chosen for the NCAA, Division I, basketball tournament, Hampton University has drawn one of the most challenging first round games.

Coach Buck Joyner’s Pirates, which won the MEAC championship last Saturday, will travel to PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C., on Thursday, March 17, to face the University of Virginia and ACC Player of the Year Malcolm Brogdon.

The game, with at approximate 3:05 p.m. tipoff, will be broadcast live on truTV. Despite a powerful season, Hampton is seeded No. 16, or last, in the NCAA’s Midwest Region. The University of Virginia, which was the runner-up on last Saturday’s ACC tournament, is ranked No. 1 in the region.

That’s the deflating news. No 16th seed team has ever upset a No. 1 team.

More cheerful news is that HU, the proverbial David to U.Va.’s Goliath, is used to carrying a slingshot in its gym bag.

A year ago, HU faced thenundefeated University of Kentucky in Louisville in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament and lost 79-56.

Hampton also was ranked No. 16 in 2011 when it lost to Duke University 87-45.

MEAC teams generally receive No. 16 seeds, or are relegated to the First

Hyunsoo Leo Kim/The Virginian-Pilot

The Hampton University men’s basketball team erupts in celebration Saturday night as the Pirates put the finishing touches on its 81-69 victory over South Carolina State University to win the MEAC Tournament at the Norfolk Scope.

Four like HU was last year, posting a win over Manhattan College before facing the University of Kentucky.

Still, there is uplifting history in HU’s corner.

In 2001, HU became the first No. 15 seed to knock off a No. 2 seed

when it shocked Iowa State University with a 58-57 win.

And just three seasons back, No. 15 Norfolk State University played Cinderella with an upset of No. 2 University of Missouri.

Hampton has played U.Va. seven

times over the years in regular season games and is 0-7.

While the Pirates are extreme long shots to advance in Raleigh, they had the upper hand last weekend at the Norfolk Scope, where they rolled to their sixth MEAC title.

Improving to 21-10, senior-laden HU beat Morgan State University 8381, Savannah State University, 89-55, and South Carolina State University, 81-69, in the final.

Senior Reginald Johnson Jr., with 21 points and eight assists against S.C. State University, was Most Valuable Player of the MEAC Tournament.

Brian Darden had 22 points and made seven straight free throws down the stretch. Quinton Chievous had 13 points and seven rebounds.

Jervon Pressley came off the bench for 14 points and nine rebounds.

HU has fared better in Division I MEAC than it did in its long association with the Division II CIAA. Since joining MEAC in 1995, HU has won the tournament in 2001, 2002, 2006, 2011, 2015 and this year.

Between 1946 and 1994, the Pirates were CIAA champs only in 1991, 1982 and 1983.

While HU is coming off a victory, U.Va. isn’t. Coach Tony Bennett’s 26-7 Wahoos lost Saturday night to the University of North Carolina Tarheels in the ACC final in Washington Still, U.Va. is ranked No. 3 nationally in the Rating Percentage Index power ranking. Hampton is No. 160 of 350 schools, with a 324 strength of schedule.

The Hampton-U.Va. victor will advance to the March 19 second round game in Raleigh against the winner of the Texas Tech-Baylor game.

VCU heads to Oklahoma City for NCAA despite A-10 loss

Julie Jacobson/Associated Press

Virginia Commonwealth University guard Jonathan Williams plays smothering defense against St. Joseph’s University’s DeAndre Bembry in the second half of Sunday’s Atlantic 10 Tournament championship game at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

If you’re among the thousands of passionate Virginia Commonwealth University basketball fans, you’ve become accustomed to this time of year scrambling for last minute flight reservations.

For the third straight year, the Rams are headed to the NCAA. So Rams fans who want to cheer on the team in person will be putting up considerable time, effort and expense.

After losing to St. Joseph’s University 87-74 in the Atlantic 10 Tournament finale last Sunday in Brooklyn, N.Y., the Rams are headed to Oklahoma City, 1,293 miles from Richmond.

Coach Will Wade’s 24-10 Rams are seeded No. 10 in the NCAA’s West Region and will face No. 7 Oregon State University, featuring Gary Payton II, on Friday, March 18. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., with the game slated to be televised on TNT. The winner of the Rams-Beavers matchup likely will face No. 2 Oklahoma, also at the 18,023-seat Chesapeake Energy Arena, home of the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder.

Oklahoma City is practically a VCU “home game’ in comparison to previous

NCAA destinations.

In 2014, Richmonders trekked to San Diego to meet Stephen F. Austin University of Texas. Last year, the Rams met Ohio State University in Portland, Ore. Both Pacific Coast excursions resulted in overtime losses for the Rams.

Travel-happy Rams fans like to think they can dominate any facility within a reasonable distance, such as Brooklyn’s Barclays Center where VCU is 10-3 during the past four seasons in Atlantic 10 Conference play.

The nearest NCAA regional competition this year is in Raleigh, N.C., where Rams fans would have decorated the facility in black and gold.

Led by All-Tournament senior Korey Billbury, VCU routed the University of Massachusetts and Davidson College at the Barclays Center before falling to St. Joseph’s in the final game that was televised on CBS. VCU is joined by St. Joseph’s University and the University of Dayton in the NCAA field.

Leading scorer Milton Johnson (17.4 points per game), also a senior, twisted his ankle in the quarterfinals and wasn’t

his usual All-A10 self.

Johnson had nine points against Davidson, five against St. Joseph’s and was a combined 2-for-9 on 3-pointers in the final two games.

This marks the Rams’ sixth straight trip to “The Dance,” and the 15th time in school history, starting in 1980 when Coach J.D. Barnett was directing VCU fortunes and John Marshall High alumnus Ed Sherod was the playmaker.

VCU’s best showing was in 2011, when the Rams marched to the Final Four in Houston, the same location as this year’s Final Four. There is a second coincidence.

The Rams launched the 2011 NCAA quest with a victory over a big-name Pac 12 team, Southern California. Rams fans are hoping for similar results Friday when the team plays another Pac 12 powerhouse, Oregon State.

OSU’s All-Pac 12 star is 6-foot-2 Payton, son of OSU alumnus and longtime NBA standout Gary Payton Sr., who played professionally from 1990 to 2007. Known as “The Glove” for his famous defense, Payton Sr. was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.

March 17-19, 2016 B1

Section

B

Richmond Free Press

Diamo JeWe 19 Eas rich (8

Happenings

Personality: Dan Fellows

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

Spotlight on Richmond Ambulance Authority innovator and award winner Dan Fellows, fleet manager for the Richmond Ambulance Authority will go as far as the sun to ensure the highest quality of service for the residents of Richmond.

The Richmond native stood out among 60 finalists to receive top honors for his innovative use of solar energy to supplement the electrical needs of ambulances. He is responsible for the design and day-to-day operations of RAA’s fleet of 40 ambulances.

His above-and-beyond dedication was recognized at the national 2016 EMS Today Conference by the Journal of Emergency Medical Services.

The EMS10 Award, presented Feb. 24 at the conference in Baltimore, recognizes 10 individuals who have found ways to improve clinical or operational practices in the EMS industry.

One of the issues EMS workers face in the field is keeping onboard electronics like communications systems and computers charged when the ambulance is away from a power plug. To keep all of these systems charged and ready, ambulance engines have to idle constantly. This puts a strain on the engine and electrical system, and significantly increases fuel costs.

“We first tried generators and standard electric cabling,” explains Mr. Fellows. “Solar seemed to be the best possible solution to the problem.”

Based on his recommendation, RAA agreed to install solar panels on one of their ambulances. After working through the logistics of mounting and wiring the panels to the vehicle, they soon discovered that solar energy could in fact power the ambulance’s entire electrical system.

Mr. Fellows performed a yearlong evaluation to collect data on the efficiency of solar power in ambulances before the entire fleet was converted.

The cost savings and positive environmental impact proved to be a winning combination.

While the solar panels don’t generate enough energy to allow trucks to be completely turned off between calls, the ambulance engine only powers heating and air conditioning systems. The solar panels power all of the electronics.

Even with the overwhelming success of his idea, he admits that his nomination was a complete surprise.

“I was in disbelief when I received the email congratulating me on being nominated for the award,” says Mr. Fellows.

This combination of diligence and humility has defined Mr. Fellows 20-year career with RAA — qualities that have not gone unnoticed by the organization’s leadership.

“Dan is a creative manager who is constantly looking for solutions to improve efficiency,”

uncontrollable.

Benefits to Richmond from RAA: World-class EMS. RAA has a global reputation for highperformance EMS and great clinical outcomes. Additionally, RAA conducts research which benefits the whole EMS world as well as the City of Richmond.

www.wallErjEwElry.com

Services provided: 911 emergency response and non-emergency transport and community outreach services.

How I start my day: By reviewing in my mind the obstacles before me and working through plans on how to overcome them knowing all can be overcome when I continue to have a positive outlook and drive to see the process succeed. says RAA CEO Chip Decker.

“The solar panels on our ambulances have led to noticeable cost reductions. We are proud of Dan and happy to see him recognized on a national level.”

This is the third EMS10 Award for the RAA. The latest award makes RAA one of only two EMS organizations in the United States to be recognized with three such awards. The other three-time winner is MedStar, which is based in Fort Worth, Texas.

So what’s next for RAA’s 2016 great innovator?

“I’ll continue to collect data and continue to develop more efficient emergency vehicles,” Mr. Fellows says.

Here’s this week’s innovative Personality, Dan Fellows: Date and place of birth: September 1972 in Richmond.

Current place of residence: Henrico County.

Education: Nashville Auto Diesel College.

Family: Wife, Kristin Fellows.

How I received news that I was the award recipient: I received an email congratulating me on being nominated and winning an EMS10 innovator of the year award.

First reaction: Disbelief. What was it I had done to deserve this award?

Meaning of award to me: Honored and humbled to know my accomplishments and hard work were being recognized and to be included in such an exclusive group of industry innovators.

How I was nominated: By Rob Lawrence, chief operating officer of the Richmond Ambulance Authority. I later discovered that there were 60 finalists, which were narrowed to 10 winners.

What influenced your idea to use solar power: We had a vehicle that was parked in a location where power to maintain its electronic systems was not available. Solar seemed to be the best possible solution

to the problem. After installation and gathering of data, the solar solution worked well and even provided a small charge under the streetlight where it was parked.

List other energy sources tested: Generators and standard electric cabling were considered. Solar offered the only solution that did not require construction the addition of electrical circuits or the use of fuel.

What equipment benefits from using solar energy: The solar panels charge the vehicle batteries, directly providing for an offset of the vehicle’s electronic systems draw and reducing wear and damage to vehicle batteries and alternator. Also, the additional power produced allows the engine to idle normally when posted in the EMS system instead of running at an increased idle to maintain the battery charge, thus reducing fuel use.

How I unwind: Spending time with my wife, gardening, working on home projects and cooking.

I place top value on: Humility, knowing I do not have all the answers, but the answer is out there somewhere; I just need to find it.

Best late-night snack: String cheese!

Best time of my life: Meeting my best friend, my wife.

Favorite recreational activity: Traveling and RV camping and refurbishing my 1958 RV. Greatest source of inspiration: History and science channels. I’m inspired by how discoveries have been made and the process to find new ones.

If I have learned one thing in life, it is: Never stop trying to reach your goals. The value of what you do is determined by how hard you work toward it.

What I do on my job: As fleet manager, I supervise the maintenance, construction, inventory and disposal of all Richmond Ambulance Authority fleet assets, including collection of data, managing of fleet staff, root cause analysis of preventative maintenance and repairs to gain efficiencies and reduce cost while providing a stable, effective fleet.

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What’s most satisfying about it: Knowing the work done in the fleet department has a direct impact for the providers and patients. Being able to look into vehicle systems, test and develop new processes to better EMS. When and why I joined the Richmond Ambulance Authority: I first came to RAA in 1995 after working in local automotive shops to have the opportunity to work on emergency vehicles and the specific systems within them.

Most memorable situation: Being told by a supervisor I seem to have a knack for trying to find ways to control the

Opal Tometi Co-founder of Black Lives Matter

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Stuart C. Siegel Center 1200 W. Broad St. Free and open to the public

Join the VCU School of Social Work for an evening with Opal Tometi, co-founder of Black Lives Matter. Learn how the movement was made — from social media moment to 21st-century civil rights movement. Be a part of the conversation that has sparked a national dialogue, and see how you can affect positive change in Richmond and beyond.

Richmond Free Press

B2 March 17-19, 2016

Happenings

Malia, Sasha turn heads at first state dinner Free Press wire reports

Sasha and Malia Obama, the teenage daughters of President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, were nothing less than stunning for their first state dinner, where they were first clad in designer fabrics and later in controversy.

During the official White House event last Thursday night welcoming Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, both Sasha and Malia ruled the red carpet, rubbed elbows with dignitaries and enjoyed a rare star-struck moment with “Deadpool” star Ryan Reynolds.

Unfortunately, heated discussions centering on the girls attire have arisen, marring the First Family’s historic evening. The issue arose when Kristen Sze, an ABC network news anchor in San Francisco, commented about the price of the girls’ gowns.

Ms. Sze called the gowns, which ranged in price from $17,000 to $20,000, “too expensive for such young girls.” She further fueled the discussion by asking her Twitter followers if they would pay that price for dresses for their teenagers.

Black Twitter took to the Twittersphere in defense of the girls, hitting back with comments like, “Better question: Is your mom The First Lady? No? Your opinion is irrelevant.”

The First Family has been characteristically unfazed by the subsequent gown discussion. Joanna Rosholm, press secretary to the First Lady, released this statement in the past about Mrs. Obama’s wardrobe: “And for the record, the government isn’t paying for any of the first family’s wardrobe. Mrs. Obama pays for her clothing.

For official events of public or historic significance, such as a state visit, the first lady’s clothes may be given as a gift by a designer and accepted on behalf of the U.S. government. They are then stored by the National Archives.”

Regardless of the social media flap, the elegance of the First Family could not be denied. The always fashionable First lady wore a custom strapless gown by one of her favorite designers, Jason Wu. Her daughters wore dresses by designer Naeem Khan.

Malia, 17, who was seated between Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels and actress Sandra Oh, wore a strapless faille gown with crystal beading from the designer’s pre-fall 2015 collection.

Sasha, 14, wore a dress from the Indian-American designer’s 2016 resort collection. The red, black and sheer gown was embroidered with all-over threadwork, beading and appliqué, accentuated by a fitted bodice and ball skirt. She also tied a thin ribbon around her neck as a choker. She appeared right at home seated next to actress and model Blake Lively.

Photo by Pete Souza

Malia and Sasha Obama turned the Cross Hall portico into a fashion catwalk — making a splash in designer gowns at their first state dinner. The First Family welcomed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, to the White House. It was the first U.S. visit for a Canadian prime minister in nearly two decades.

It was clear that the coming-of-age moment was not lost on President Obama, who couldn’t resist gushing about his daughters.

“When I was first elected to this office, Malia was just 10 and Sasha was 7. And they grow up too fast. Now, Malia is going off to college … and I’m starting to choke up,” the president said during his opening remarks at the dinner.

Prime Minister Trudeau also recognized the girls’ confidence

and grace, and took the opportunity to pay tribute to them.

The Canadian leader recalled how he grew up in the spotlight when his dad was prime minister and how he missed state dinners because he was too young. He went on to express his admiration for the sisters’ strength and said that they enjoy a “remarkable childhood and young adulthood that will provide extraordinary strength and wisdom beyond your years for the rest of your life.”

‘Sights and Sounds of VUU’ event March 31

Author, journalist Barbara Ehrenreich to speak at housing coalition event The Richmond-based Better Housing Coalition is hosting an event 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 24, at the University of Richmond’s Jepson Alumni Center to explore “the real-world challenges lower-income families face every day in finding decent housing, good jobs, healthy foods and effective transportation.”

Award-winning journalist and best-selling author Barbara Ehrenreich will discuss her 2001 novel, “Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America,” where she went undercover to take on a series of minimumwage jobs.

A question-and-answer session will follow, moderated by Dr. Laura Browder, the Ms. Ehrenreich university’s Tyler and Alice Haynes Professor of American Studies.

Tickets are $45. Registration to attend the event, which also includes a book signing and reception, ends Monday, March 21.

For more information, call (804) 644-0546 or go online to www.betterhousingcoalition.org.

Hattitude 2016

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

A variety of colorful hats highlighted “Hattitude 2016: Hats Off to Women,” an annual awards program hosted by the Cavalier Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association. The luncheon program, held last Saturday at a Henrico County hotel, was in celebration of Women’s History Month. Jean P. Boone, president/publisher of the Richmond Free Press, was among the honorees. Pictured, from left, are honorees Samantha Thompson, founder of Esteem Teens; Thelma Bland Watson, executive director of Senior Connections; Mrs. Boone; ABWA chapter President Sylvia BuffingtonLester; honorees Sharon Oliver, founder and publisher of CEO Magazine, and Elvatrice Belsches, historian and educator; and keynote speaker, Richmond native C. Gail Bassette, Maryland’s secretary of general services.

Local NAACP to host education forum, anniversary luncheon The Richmond Branch NAACP is holding a community discussion about educational issues at its next meeting 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, at Club 533, 700 N. 3rd St., in Downtown.

The theme of the meeting that is free and open to the public: “A Village Gathering: Our School Children in Crisis.”

Topics to be discussed include fair funding, excessive suspension, fair treatment of special needs children and discrimination in the region’s hiring process, according to a branch release.

Speakers include Richmond School Board

member Tichi Pinkney Eppes and Kandise Lucas, an advocate for disabled children.

For more information on the forum, call Lynetta Thompson at (804) 982-8072 or Marty Jewell at (804) 585-8698.

The branch also has scheduled its Founders’ Day and Recognition Luncheon marking its 99th anniversary at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at Royal Manchester Event Center, 1731 Wall St., on South Side.

For more information about the luncheon, call Margaret Johnson at (804) 873-1202 or Sylvia Wood at (804) 337-0698.

Virginia Union University is hosting a night of visual and performing art Thursday, March 31, with the theme “A Journey Through the Sights and Sounds of Virginia Union University.”

The free event begins at 5 p.m. at the Claude G. Perkins Living and Learning Center with “Behind the Lens,” an exhibit of campus photographs

by Ayasha Sledge, the official university photographer.

It will continue at 7 p.m. in the Allix B. James Chapel in Coburn Hall with a concert, “Colors of Sound,” by the university’s Concert Band and First Thursday Jazz Ensemble directed by Fayesha Cousins.

The event is being hosted by the James River Valley Chapter of The Links Inc. For more information, go to www.vuu.edu.

Stacie Page of Shirley A Leonard Foundation

Vendor Showcase March 19, 2016 10 a.m. to 2p.m.

Occasion Event Hall 1108 E. Nine Mile Rd Highland Springs, VA 23075

★ dmissioonp ★ Free A se and sh

Brow hile vendors w with the freshments. re enjoying chance Try your 0 raffle. /5 0 5 e at th away! zes give Door pri

Photo by Clement Britt

A loving embrace Daniel Rodriguez holds his daughters Jasmine, left, and Nicole, close on Sunday afternoon at the fifth annual “Dance of their Own” at the Richmond Justice Center in Shockoe Bottom. The semiformal event provided the opportunity for selected male inmates to share the afternoon with their daughters and enjoy comedy, dance, games and other activities. The event was part of the Date with Dad Weekend sponsored by the nonprofit Girls for a Change. Richmond native Chad L. Coleman of AMC’s “The Walking Dead” and Malik Yoba of the hit TV series “Empire” were special guests at the dance.

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Photo by Clement Britt

Hundreds of car and truck lovers are drawn to the Virginia Motor Trend International Auto Show, where the hottest new cars and trucks were presented last weekend. All makes, models, styles and colors of the latest vehicles and “must-have” cars were on display at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Downtown.

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Richmond Free Press

March 17-19, 2016

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‘Let Freedom Ring’ initiative extended at historic Williamsburg church

Photo by Darnell Vennie/The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

The newly restored bell at historic First Baptist Church of Williamsburg.

The First Baptist Church of Williamsburg will continue letting freedom ring through the month of May. In February, the historic church started by enslaved and free African-Americans commemorated its 240th anniversary with the kick off of the initiative “Let Freedom Ring: A Call to Healing a Nation.” People were invited to come to the church at 727 Scotland St., or go via social media, to ring the newly restored church bell as a symbolic call for racial healing, peace and justice nationwide.

The response was so overwhelming that organizers decided to extend the bell ringing into May on a limited basis.

More than 4,000 people came to the church during Black History Month to ring the bell and more than 7 million participated via social media, said Sue Wilson, chair of First Baptist’s communications ministry.

“People came to honor loved ones, to ring

(the bell) for lost opportunities for ancestors, to ring for hope for the future for their children and grandchildren, to atone for the past, to work for the future, and on and on,” she said.

“Some came not knowing why they came, but left with a clear understanding of how the history of First Baptist Church paralleled so much the history of our people, their struggles, their perseverance for 240 years. It was such a healing process for so many.”

Among the notables who rang the bell: The Rev. Jesse Jackson, singer Dionne Warwick and the descendants of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, the nation’s third president and the African-American woman he enslaved and with whom he fathered six children.

More than 800 people also participated in the church’s Social Justice March on Feb. 28, where keynote speaker Rex M. Ellis, associate director for curatorial affairs at the Smithsonian’s

National Museum of African American History and Culture, made reference to the sparks ignited in the Williamsburg community and beyond by those ringing the bell.

“Like people when brought together, those sparks will make a flame, and when fanned, those flames will produce a fire,” he said.

Organizers hope “Let Freedom Ring” will ignite the passion of people to continue to work for social justice and peace.

“There are so many issues under which we could light a fire,” Mrs. Wilson said.

Reservations to ring the bell at the church are available on the first and third weekends through May. Time slots are available between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on March 18 and 19, April 1 and 2, April 15 and 16, May 6 and 7 and May 20 and 21.

For details and to sign up, go to www.letfreedomringchallenge.org.

58

Hood Temple Male Chorus Celebrates

Years of Music Ministry Sunday, March 20, 2016 3:30 p.m.

Also Featuring

Saint Paul Baptist Church B.o.M.B. Squad

Tabernacle Baptist Church Male Chorus

Larry Bland & Promise Master of Ceremony Rev. James D Lewis

St. Thomas Mass Choir

Hood Temple A.M.E.Z. Church

The Voice of Zion Choir

St. Thomas A.M.E. Zion, Norfolk, VA Hood Temple A.M.E. Zion Church

16 W. Clay St., Richmond, VA 23220 For more info call 804.644.7586

Rev. Tony D. Henderson, Pastor

All are Invited! Free Admission

Garland Avenue Baptist Church

Come Come Men’s Day Join Us Join Sunday, March 20, 2016 11:00 a. m.

For Us Vacation Speaker: Bible School 2015 For The Honorable Judge C. N. Vacation Bible School 2015Jenkins, Jr. Come Celebrates

Join Us Theme: Men of Purpose: Remembering theFor Past, Celebrating the Present, Vacation Bible Schoo Preparing for the Future

Chief Judge of the Richmond City Circuit Court

Dr. Jeffery O. Smith, Pastor

Garland Avenue Baptist Church Garland Avenue Baptist Church Dr. Jeffery O. Smith, Pastor

Dates:

2700-2704 Garland Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23222-3602 2700-2704 Garland Avenue 2700 Garland Avenue Dr. Jeffery O. Smith, Pastor Richmond, Virginia 23222 Richmond, Virginia 23222-3602 Dates: Wednesday, July 15, 2015 – Friday July 17, 2015 Dinner: 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 15, 2015 – Friday July 17, 2015 Start: – 8:30 M A U N D Y T H U R Session SDA Y 6:30 Wp.m.

OR S p.m.

HIP Dinner: 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

2700-2704 Garland Theme: What’s Love 24, Got To•Do WithAvenue It? Thursday, March 2016 Noon Session Start: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Richmond, Virginia 23222-3602 Sharon Baptist Church | 22 East Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23219

Garland Avenue Baptist C Fellowship with Us

Theme: What’s Love

Got To Do With It? Rev. Melvin Shearin | PastorDates: of GreatWednesday, Hope Baptist Church, Speaker July 15, 2015 – Friday July 17, 201 Saturday, July 18, 2015 Dinner: 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Fellowship with Us G O O D2:00Fp.m.

R I- 5:00 D Ap. Y m. W O R S H I P Session Start: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 18, 2015March 25, 2016 • Noon Friday, At Our Sixth Mount Zion Theme: What’s Love To Do With It? 14 W DuvalGot Street 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p. m.

Richmond, Virginia 23220 Community Picnic At Our “Father forgive them, for they know Fellowship God, My God, why hast thou with Us Location: 2700“MyBlock of Garland Avenue not what they do” forsaken me?”

July 18, 2015 Community Picnic Luke 23:34 MatthewSaturday, 27:46 Rev. Dr. Price Davis Rev. Alvin Armstead 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p. m.

Location: 2700 Block of Garland Pastor,Avenue Mosby Memorial Baptist Pastor, First Union Baptist Church -

The 7 Last Expressions of Christ Church

“Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise” Luke 23:43

Rev. Dr. Cheryl Ivy-Green

At Our Picnic John 19:28 Rev. Location: Dr. Toni Shackleford2700 Block of Garland Avenue Dill Road

“I thirst” Community

Williams

Executive Minister, First Baptist Church of South Richmond

Associate Minister, First Baptist Church Hockley – King and Queen

“Woman, behold thy son...

Behold thy mother’’

“It is finished”

John 19:26-27

Rev. Dr. Marquita Burton Pastor, Antioch Baptist Church Mathews

John 19:30

Rev. Dr. Jerome Ross

Pastor, Providence Park Baptist Church “Father into thy hands I commend my Spirit”

Baptist Ministers’of CONFERENCE and Luke 23:46

Rev. Dr. John Kinney

Pastor, Ebenezer Baptist Church Beaverdam

Richmond

Vicinity

Richmond Free Press

B4 March 17-19, 2016

Faith News/Directory

BCWH Architects

Expanding Peter Paul Development Center This architect rendering offers a view of the planned $3.2 million expansion of the nonprofit Peter Paul Development Center at 1708 N. 22nd St. in Church Hill. Gov. Terry McAuliffe joined center and community leaders Tuesday to break ground on the 5,000-square-foot addition. The five-month construction project is to begin in May. The addition will allow the Episcopal Church-affiliated center to offer tutoring and after-school services to 165 youths, up from 90 youngsters now served on site, and to increases services

to 155 youths at three satellite locations. Founded by community activist John Coleman, the center has been offering programs since 1979. Today, along with low-income youths, the center offers classes and activities for senior citizens. It also serves as a twice-monthly distribution site for the Central Virginia Food Bank. Now led by Damon Jiggetts, the center is raising an additional $2.3 million to support operations, pay off debt and create an endowment.

National clergy group outraged over attempts to block court appointment

By Adelle M. Banks Religion News Service

Black clergy from across the country are expressing outrage about the Republicanled U.S. Senate’s vow to block any nominee President Obama picks to fill a vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court, saying it reflects racism and disrespect.

The Rev. Freddy Haynes of Dallas said March 4 that while Senate Republicans have condemned statements about racism by the leading GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump, they need to act on those words.

“I’m saying to the Senate: Before you denounce the splinter of racism blatantly espoused by a certain candidate, I need you to check the log of obstruction and racism that is in your eye,” the megachurch pastor said.

“We declare the president’s right and responsibility, constitutionally, to appoint a Supreme Court nominee that goes

Trice Edney News Wire from Global Information Network

Two members of the conservative Christian Democratic Union political party of German Chancellor Angela Merkel were linked to a spate of verbal racist attacks against an African priest who ministered to refugees fleeing oppressive African regimes.

The two resigned their posts but it didn’t end there for the Catholic priest of Congolese origin. The Rev. Olivier Ndjimbi-Tshiende stepped down this week after receiving death threats and racist abuse from anonymous sources.

Rev. Ndjimbi-Tshiende, 66, told shocked parishioners of his decision during a church service Sunday in Zorneding, a small town near the southern city of Munich.

O n e c a l l e r t o l d R e v.

Ndjimbi-Tshiende to “go to Auschwitz” after he spoke up for Eritrean war refugees in Germany. It was the latest incident in a growing wave of abuse and violence directed against migrants and refugees in Germany.

“You cannot imagine what

through a just and fair practice.”

The National African American Clergy Network held a conference call to express its outrage about the nomination process. On Feb. 22, coalition members Rev. Barbara issued a letter and Williams-Skinner video urging the GOP-controlled Senate to consider President Obama’s nominee. They said they received no response.

The Rev. Barbara Williams-Skinner, the network’s co-chair, said the group is asking the Senate “to do nothing special for President Obama. Just do your job.

Just do what the Constitution says — and that is to hear the nominee and to vote on the nominee.”

On Wednesday, President Obama

Priest attacked over aid to refugees

nominated Judge Merrick B. Garland to the high court despite Republican demands that the next president make the nomination. The clergy leaders hope African-American voters will contact their senators and consider their treatment of the nomination process when they vote in upcoming primaries and the general election.

“We must educate our communities regarding those who are leading this obstruction and those who are supporting this obstruction and those who are silent in the face of this obstruction,” said the Rev. Otis Moss Jr., another co-chair of the network. “We must do it now. We must remember in November.”

On March 1, Super Tuesday, Baltimore megachurch pastor Jamal-Harrison Bryant and several hundred black clergy gathered for a “Praying for Supreme Justice Rally” at the high court to protest the Senate’s plans to halt President Obama’s justice nomination.

tus by the Home Office after three months.

Since then, Ms. Fekadu has built a new life, studying for a degree in business and technology. She has offers from four universities to study biomedical science. She also volunteers with Young Roots, a charity that helps young refugees.

“Young Roots helped me gain confidence. Now it’s my turn to help others,” she said. “I’ve Rev. Olivier Ndjimbi-Tshiende been in their situaLondon where Seada Fekadu, tion so I can understand them an Eritrean refugee was com- and I’m happy to help.” mended for counseling refugees In recognition of her work, by the group Women on the Ms. Fekadu will receive an Move. award recognizing women with Ms. Fekadu was 16 when a migrant or refugee backshe escaped from Eritrea after ground who provide inspiring her father was arrested for his leadership. The awards are political activities. After tak- organized by the United Nations ing a boat to Djibouti, a plane and Migrants Organise. to Paris and then smuggled in the back of a truck to London’s Waterloo Railway Station, she was granted refugee sta-

Riverview Baptist Church

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

Women’s2016 Day

Sunday, March 20, 2016 11:00 AM Guest speaker: Rev. Faye Cooper-Baldwin

Theme:“Faithful Women Working for the Kingdom of God”

Luke 1:46-48

Zion Baptist Church 2006 Decatur Street Richmond, VA 23224

d

Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Sr., Pastor

Easter Sunrise Service Sunday, March 27, 2016 6:00 am

Breakfast served immediately following service

Morning Worship at 10 am Transportation Services 804-859-1985 “Reclaiming the Lost by Proclaiming the Gospel”

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

Sunday, March 13, 2016

8:00 AM - Morning Worship 9:30 AM - Sunday School 11:15 AM - Morning Worship

Pastor and First Lady’s 20th Anniversary Luncheon Saturday, April 9, 2016 The Place at Innsbrook Call Church for more information (804) 643-3825 Tuesday-Thursday

Moore Street Missionary Baptist Church

1408 W. Leigh Street • 358-6403

Dr. Alonza Lawrence, Pastor

� �Wilson & Associates’

I have experienced here,” he told a Munich newspaper.

“The pressure is too great and I am tired.”

The dispute erupted after Sylvia Bohrer, the local chair of her party, described the refugees as “invaders.” Then Ms. Bohrer’s deputy described the priest as “unser Neger” — which translates as “our nigger” or “our Negro.” Both Ms. Bohrer and her deputy have since resigned.

Hate speech in Germany is a punishable offense and police are now investigating a possible crime against Rev. Ndjimbi-Tshiende.

A different scenario, meanwhile, was playing out in

Sunday, March 20, 2016

8:30 a.m. – Church School 10:00 a.m. – Morning Service

Good Friday, March 25, 2016 7:00 p.m. – Service

Four Stations of Good Friday at MSMBC

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



Early Morning Worship ~ 8 a.m.

Sunday School ~ 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship ~ 11 a.m.

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

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

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

“MAKE IT HAPPEN” Pastor Kevin Cook

Funeral Service, Inc.

Monthly Obituary Column • February 2016

Brian V. Wilson Owner

Thank you to the following bereaved families for allowing us to serve you during the month of February 2016. You are still in our prayers and thoughts.

View full obituaries online at www.wilsonafs.com Taneka Y. Bethea Rita A. Parker Thomas J. Toczko Mary F. Seward William E. Newbill, Sr. Doris I. Ball Russell L. Harris, Jr. Alleen C. Washington Garry R. Kelley Thomas W. Lampkin, Jr. Christopher A. Griffin

Funerals & Cremations

Over time, some things change.

But, our tradition of providing service of the highest caliber has remained the same for over 100 years while serving Richmond and surrounding areas with dignity and excellence.

115 E. Brookland Park Blvd., Richmond, Virginia 23222 Toll-Free: 1-888-603-3862 | Phone: 804-321-9095 Fax: 804-321-1033 | www.scottsfuneralhome.com

Mary A. Edwards Gloria J. Harris Curtis L. Brown Nathaniel John Charity, Jr. Willie Mae B. Spann Phyllis V. Somerville Goldie H. Gentile Wilbur E. Booker Karen E. Williams Linda C. Edmond Lucille Cooper-Meade

5008 Nine Mile Road, Richmond, VA 23223 • 804-222-1720, Fax 804-222-1745

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Dennis Jordan Andre L. Lee JoAnn Biggs Shirley Ann Johnson Polly A. Brown Theresa A. Cooper Henry Carlos, Jr. Leroy Hattorf Darnell L. Radden Patricia A. Hardy Walter Wyatt Jones

Remembering those we love ... Remembering those we serve.

804-644-0496

Richmond Free Press

or

Richmond Free Press

March 17-19, 2016

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Faith News/Directory

Ugandan Kids Choir to perform March 20 at Abundant Life The Ugandan Kids Choir will perform 10 a.m. Sunday, March 20, at the Abundant Life Church of Christ, 3300 Neale St., in Henrico County.

The choir is comprised of 10 Ugandan children who will perform traditional African songs and dance, according to organizers.

The children are in the United States under the sponsorship of Childcare Worldwide, which has been dedicated to empowering children in the developing world since 1981.

Through child sponsorship, the organization provides children in need with an education that will lead to future employment.

The Ugandan Kids Choir has performed across the country.

For more information: Tonya Edgerton at (804) 329-2522, extension 201, or go to www.alccrichmond.org or www.childcareworldwide.org/choir.

Dr. Bedden to speak March 26 at church forum Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Dana T. Bedden is to head a panel discussing the challenges, progress and future of public schools in the city.

The forum will be held 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at Broomfield Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 609 Jefferson Davis Highway on South Side.

The theme: The State of Public Education in Richmond, Virginia.

Charlotte Hayer, president of the Richmond Education Association, also will be among the panel members.

Topics to be discussed include the proliferation of public charter schools versus the devaluation of traditional public schools, school closures/overcrowding and modernDr. Bedden izations, parental engagement, absenteeism/ truancy, standardized tests, discipline and suspension, and efforts to mentor African-American and Hispanic students, according to organizers.

The event is being sponsored by the Broomfield C.M.E. Church Board of Christian Education.

For more information, call the church at (804) 232-5680.

Mosby Memorial Baptist Church

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

March 20, 2016 Join us for worship on Palm Sunday!

Easter Sunday ~ March 27, 2016

6:00A.M. Sunrise Service @ Faith Community Baptist Church 9:00A.M. Church School Easter Presentation 10:30A.M. Easter Service 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.mosbymemorial.org Rev. Dr. Price L. Davis, Pastor

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 March 20, 2016

with Word, Worship and Witness

Palm Sunday

11 a.m. – Divine Worship Message by: Pastor Bibbs Prayer Power Series #11

Easter Weekend Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor Twitter sixthbaptistrva Facebook sixthbaptistrva 400 South Addison Street Richmond, Va. 23220 (near Byrd Park)

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

Saturday, March 26, 2016 Community Children’s Celebration Narrative of The Resurrection On The Lawn following Easter Egg Hunt/Cookout 2p.m. – 4p.m.

Easter Sunday

March 27, 2016 7 a.m. – 8 a.m.

Sunrise Service On the Lawn “Breakfast To Follow” 9 a.m. – Excerpts From The Movie “The Bible” In The Sanctuary 10:45 a.m. – Morning Worship After Worship: Drama Ministry Presentation ★ Enjoy The Weekend With Us! ★

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church C

o

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

SUNDAYS Church School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. ❖

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

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

Courtesy of New Deliverance Evangelistic Church

Church celebrates 20th anniversary Bishop Gerald O. Glenn and First Lady Marcietia S. Glenn of New Deliverance Evangelistic Church, right, enjoy a moment with Free Press President/Publisher Jean P. Boone and her son, Raymond H. Boone Jr., Free Press vice president-new business development, at the 20th anniversary celebration of the church founded by Bishop Glenn and his wife. The dinner event, held Saturday evening at a Downtown hotel, featured an address by Bishop Steve Coleman of the Williams Temple Church of God in Christ in Portland, Maine. New Deliverance is located at 1701 Turner Road in Chesterfield County.

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

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

2016 Theme: The Year of Restoration



11:00 AM Mid-day Meditation

Sundays

8:00 a.m.

Early Morning Worship 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School 11:00 a.m.

Morning Worship

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

Tuesdays

Noon Day Bible Study

Wednesdays

6:30 p.m.

Prayer and Praise 7:00 p.m.

Adult Bible Study

ST. PHILIP’S Episcopal Church

Palm Sunday Sunday, March 20th

St. Peter Baptist Church Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, Pastor

Worship Opportunities Sundays:

Morning Worship Church School Morning Worship

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

Unity Sundays (2nd Sundays) Church School Morning Worship

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

8:00 AM and 10:30 AM (Choral Eucharist)

The Great Vigil of Easter Saturday, March 26th 7:00 PM

Thursdays:

Mid-Day Bible Study 12 Noon Prayer & Praise 6:30 P.M. Bible Study 7 P.M.

Easter Sunday March 27th

(Children/Youth/Adults)

Palm Sunday Service March 20, 2016 8 a.m. & 11 a.m. Services

Maundy Thursday Service March 24, 2016 7 p.m.

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 11:00 a.m.

Sunday Church School 9:30 a.m.

Service of Holy Communion Every 3rd Sunday Service of Baptism 2nd Sunday, 11 a.m.

Life Application Bible Class Mon. 6:30 p.m.

Mid-Week Senior Adult Fellowship Tues. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Wednesday Meditation & Bible Study Wed. 7:45 p.m.

Homework & Tutoring Wed. 4:30 p.m.

Holy Week Services Scouting Program p.m.

March 23, 2016 -Wed. Holy6:00 Wednesday Thursday Bible Study Thurs., 11:45 a.m.

- 7:30 PM March 2016 -Pastor Maundy  Thursday - 7:30 M. 24, Armwood,  Dr. Levy Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus PM March 25, 2016 - Good Friday - 7:30 PM Resurrection Sunday - March 27, 2016 SonRise Service - 6:00 AM and “High Worship” - 11:00 AM

Triumphant

Baptist Church

2003 Lamb Avenue Dr. Arthur M. Jones, Sr., Pastor (804) 321-7622

20th NDEC Founders’ Bible Study: Tuesday - 9 a.m.

Wednesday -& 7 p.m.

Church Prayer Services: Wednesday Anniversary (1st & 3rd ) 7 a.m.

Every Wednesday 8 p.m.Banquet Church School - 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service - 11:15 a.m.

Communion - 1st Sunday

8:00 AM and 10:30 AM (Festive Choral Eucharist)

Phoebe A. Roaf, Rector

2900 Hanes Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222 (804) 321-1266 www.stphilipsrva.org

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church

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

S E RV I C E S

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

Monday March 7, 2016 Corporate Prayer Attendance - 167

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

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

Attendance - 64 Sanctuary - All Are Welcome!

Wednesday Evening Bible Study 7 p.m.

Attendance - 140

Saturday 8:30 a.m. Intercessory Prayer

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

Also, for your convenience.

March 23, 2016 Holy Wednesday - 7:30 PM March 24, 2016 Maundy Thursday - 7:30 PM March 25, 2016 Good Friday - 7:30 PM Resurrection Sunday March 27, 2016 SonRise Service - 6:00 AM and “High Worship” - 11:00 AM

Women With Mission and Purpose Conference 2016!

T

Satu

Th

For m

Thursday, April 14, 2016 through Saturday, April 16, 2016

Theme:

In His Presence - "Striving for Total Wellness" - Mind, Body & Spirit

Breakfast

Saturday, April 16, 2016 9 A.M. - Doubletree Hotel For more information and to register visit

www.ndec.net

T WR

B6 March 17-19, 2016

Richmond Free Press

Legal Notices City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, April 4, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. in the Fifth Floor Conference Room of City Hall and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, April 11, 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 ordinance: Ordinance No. 2016-093 To authorize the special use of the property known as 2804 Idlewood Avenue for the purpose of permitting non-medical professional office use, upon certain terms and conditions. The proposal is to establish a professional office use (non-medical), within a single family detached dwelling. The subject property is located in an R-53 Multi-Family Residential zoning district and it’s adjacent to the Boulevard City Old and Historic District. The existing R-53 does not permit office uses and therefore a Special Use Permit is required. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates the subject property along Idlewood Avenue for Multi-Family (Medium Density) land use. Primary uses in this category are multi-family dwellings at densities up to 20 units per acre. Typical zoning classifications that may accommodate this land use category include R-43 and R-48.

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so.

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

Jean V. Capel City Clerk City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, March 28, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2015-192 As Amended To amend and reordain ch. 2, art. VII of the City Code by adding therein a new div. 3, consisting of §§ [2-1341—2-1344] 2-1350—2-1353, for the purpose of requiring the maintenance of an internet location at which public information concerning certain projects is electronically published for public access.

Ordinance No. 2016-036 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 $223,329.00 from the Debt Service agency and to appropriate the transferred funds to the Office of the City Auditor agency for the purpose of providing funds for the performance of auditing services by an external auditor and by internal auditors within the Office of the City Auditor.

(Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, March 24, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-037 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Parking Lease between the City of Richmond, as Lessor, and 312 East Broad Street LP, as Lessee, for the purpose of leasing to 312 East Broad Street LP seven parking spaces in a portion of the City-owned parking facility located at 401 East Broad Street. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, March 24, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-038 To require the Chief Administrative Officer to cause the preparation of a written economic development plan that identifies potential adverse impacts of the construction of the Broad Street Bus Rapid Transit project and programs that the Chief Administrative Officer proposes to mitigate these potential adverse impacts and to submit such plan to the Council no later than the commencement Continued on next column

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of construction of that project. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, March 24, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-079 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept $2,000,000 from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Capital Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Main Street Station Multi-Modal Transportation Center project in the Economic and Community Development category by $2,000,000 for the purpose of funding the Main Street Station Phase 3 development.

Ordinance No. 2016-080 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept a gift, valued at up to $75,000, from the Friends of Allen Avenue Common of materials, construction, and other services needed to complete improvements to the southeast Allen Avenue median. (Committee: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, March 22, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-081 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept a gift, valued at approximately $61,591, from the Friends of Jefferson Park of fitness trail equipment for the purpose of replacing existing fitness trail equipment of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities located on the grounds of Jefferson Park at 1921 Princess Anne Avenue.

(Committee: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, March 22, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-082 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Grant Contract between the City of Richmond and Forest View Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc., for the purpose of providing Forest View Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc. with a grant of $30,000 in “Four for Life” funds pursuant to Va. Code § 46.2-694. (Committee: Public Safety, Tuesday, March 22, 2016, 5:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-083 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Grant Contract between the City of Richmond and West End Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc., doing business as Richmond Volunteer Rescue Squad, for the purpose of providing West End Volunteer Rescue Squad, Inc. with a grant of $30,000 in “Four for Life” funds pursuant to Va. Code § 46.2-694. (Committee: Public Safety, Tuesday, March 22, 2016, 5:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-084 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Project Agreement for Use of Commonwealth Transportation Funds – Fiscal Year 2016 between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for the purpose of receiving a grant of $2,000,000 to fund Phase 3 improvements to Main Street Station. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, March 24, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-085 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute the fourth Citywide Revolving Loan Fund Program Cooperation Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond for the purpose of administering the Citywide Revolving Loan Program. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, March 24, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-086 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute the fourth Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund – Tranche I Cooperation Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond for the purpose of continuing the Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund Program. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, March 24, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-087 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, Continued on next column

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on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute the third Economic Development & Housing Revolving Loan Fund – Tranche 2 Cooperation Agreement between the City of Richmond, Virginia and the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond, Virginia for the purpose of continuing the Economic Development and Housing Revolving Loan Fund Program. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, March 24, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-088 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to enter into the Contractor Assistance Program Fourth Cooperation Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond for the purpose of providing for the Authority to serve as the administrative agent of loans made through the Contractor Assistance Loan Program.

(Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, March 24, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-089 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to submit an amended application to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to expand the uses of the Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund capitalized with $9,875,000 in Section 108 Loan Funds to include development and rehabilitation of affordable housing, business retention and expansion, economic development initiatives in enterprise zones, promoting job creation, and facilitating business creation and expansion. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, March 24, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-090 To amend and reordain City Code § 2-298, concerning the functions of the Department of Economic and Community Development, and to amend ch. 2 of the City Code by adding therein a new art. VIII, concerning development planning, consisting of div. 1 (§§ 2-1371—2-1374), concerning general matters, and div. 2 (§§ 2-1391—21393), concerning the planning process, for the purpose of requiring a comprehensive economic development plan, an economic development implementation strategy, and a process for including economic growth areas in the City’s master plan. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, March 24, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-091 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.

(Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, March 24, 2016, 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber) Ordinance No. 2016-092 To amend City Code § 12-32, concerning the disposition of funds from the sale of real estate and certain insurance proceeds, for the purpose of providing that real estate tax revenues from former school properties that the City has sold be set aside for the operations of the School Board of the City of Richmond. (Committee: Finance and Economic Development, Thursday, March 24, 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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year. An Affidavit having been filed that Defendant, Andrea Lynn Sample, is not a resident of the State of Virginia and that her last known address is 205 VFW Road, Lot 4, Grovetown, Georgia 30813, it is ORDERED that the Defendant appear before this Court on or before the 21st day of April, 2016 at 8:30 a.m., to protect her interest in this suit.

An Extract, Teste: WENDY S. HUGHES, Clerk Earl J. Gee, (VSB # 20043) McEachin & Gee, P.C. 211 East German School Road Richmond, VA 23224 (804) 864-5291 (phone) (804) 864-5292 (fax) Counsel for Plaintiff VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER MIRIAM DELGADO, Plaintiff v.

JOSEPH LUDWIG, Defendant.

Case No.: CL16000712-00 ORDER APPOINTING GUARDIAN AD LITEM

It appearing that the defendant, Joseph Ludwig, Inmate #1004888, is currently incarcerated in Greensville Correctional Center, 901 Corrections Way, Jarratt, VA 23870, and as such, is considered a person under a disability, on motion of the plaintiff, and pursuant to Virginia Code Section 8.01-297, the Court does appoint Theodore M. Galanides, Esquire, 262 East Williamsburg Road, Sandston, Virginia 23150, a discreet and competent attorney at law, as Guardian ad litem for the said Joseph Ludwig in this divorce proceeding and directs that the Guardian ad litem file such responsive pleadings on behalf of Joseph Ludwig as are deemed advisable within twenty four days of his receipt of this Order.

Let the Clerk certify copies of this Order to all Counsel of record and the herein appointed Guardian ad litem.

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 WILLETTA MOORE, Plaintiff v.

ANTHONY MOORE, Defendant.

Case No.: CL16000657-00 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 20th day of April, 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 RODJALYN PENDERGRASS-DAVIS, Plaintiff v.

REGINALD DAVIS, Defendant.

Case No.: CL16000554-00 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 20th day of April, 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 OF THE COUNTY OF CHESTERFIELD PHILLIP M. SAMPLE, Plaintiff v.

ANDREA LYNN SAMPLE, Defendant Case No.: 041CL15002757 ORDER OF PUBLICATION 2/26/2016

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

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ABDUL JOSEPH KOOMSON, Plaintiff v.

SANDRA BOONE, Defendant.

Case No.: CL16000627-00 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 20th day of April, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this:

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Divorce

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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 ROBIN BARBER, Plaintiff v.

LEON BARBER, Defendant.

Case No.: CL16000626-00 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 20th day of April, 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 DIVONYA ROBINSON, Plaintiff v.

CLIFTON ROBINSON, Defendant.

Case No.: CL15000282-00 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 20th day of April, 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 MARISHA HICKS, Plaintiff v.

ROBERT HICKS, JR., Defendant.

Case No.: CL16000628-00 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 20th day of April, 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

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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 20th day of April, 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 PATRICIA GRAHAM, Plaintiff v.

DAMIAN WILLIAMSON, Defendant.

Case No.: CL16000549-00 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 20th day of April, 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 WAVERLY FERRELL, Plaintiff v.

LEVONE FERRELL, Defendant.

Case No.: CL16000428-00 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 26th day of April, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

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

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ZERITA NEWMAN, Plaintiff v.

BRIAN NEWMAN, Defendant.

Case No.: CL16000622-00

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER ANTHONY EDMONDS, Plaintiff v.

JESSICA EDMONDS, Defendant.

Case No.: CL14000695-00 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 20th day of April, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

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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 CHESTER ROBINSON, Plaintiff v.

SHANA ROBINSON, Defendant.

Case No.: CL15002628-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, who has been served with the Complaint by posted service appear here on or before the 14th day of April, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. and protect her interests.

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

JERMAINE HARRIS, Defendant.

Case No.: CL16000553-00 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 14th day of April, 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 COLBY WILLIAM LANE, Juvenile Case No. JJ078169-09, JJ078169-10 The object of this suit is to: Continued on next column

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Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Gerald Scott, (Father), Unknown, (Father), of Colby William Lane, child, DOB 07/16/2002, “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 Gerald Scott (Father), Unknown, (Father,) appear at the above-named Court and protect his interest on or before May 24, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. Court Room #1.

Matthew Morris, Esq. 730 E. Broad St., 8th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 804-646-3493 virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of thE city Of richmOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Kelsie Alvis, Juvenile Case No. JJ085689-07, JJ085689-08 The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Jesse Alvis, (Father), Unknown, (Father), of Kelsie Alvis, child, DOB 01/30/2007, “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Jesse Alvis (Father), Unknown, (Father,) appear at the above-named Court and protect his interest on or before May 24, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. Court Room #1.

Matthew Morris, Esq. 730 E. Broad St., 8th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 804-646-3493 virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of thE city Of richmOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re KEITH O’NEIL BROWN, JR., Juvenile Case No. JJ086675-10

The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Unknown (Father), Keith O’ Neil Brown Jr., child, DOB 12/04/2002, “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 interest on or before June 20, 2016, at 9:00 a.m., Court Room #1.

Matthew Morris, Esq. 730 E. Broad St., 8th Floor Richmond, Virginia 23219 804-646-3493

1-800-Pack-Rat (5471 - Richmond) 6601 S Laburnum Ave Sandston, VA 23250 919-488-3636 Notice of SALe tenant: Carson, Dondra Diaz, Carlos Kenney, Edward Marie, Lynn Thompson, Ryan

Unit # 802423 801844 D04087 D54566 D50751

1-800-Pack-Rat (5471-Richmond), 6601 S Laburnum Ave, Sandston, VA 23250, has possessory lien on all of the goods stored in the units above. All these items of personal property are being sold pursuant to the assertion of the lien on 3/29/2016 at 10:00 AM in order to collect the amounts due from you. The sale will take place on www.strangeauctionservices.com from 3/29/2016 to 4/5/2016 at 6:00p.m..

East Main strEEt/rElocatEd dock strEEt transportation projEct public information Meeting When: Wednesday, March 23, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Powhatan Community Center, 5051 North Hampton St., Richmond, VA project number: 104079. project scope: The purpose of the East Main Street/Relocated Dock Street Transportation Project is to provide a better transportation network that will accommodate current and future traffic volumes in the rapidly developing East End area of the City. It also will help improve pedestrian and bicycle access to the City’s Riverfront, and potentially enlarge the area along the Riverfront to include more acreage for recreational and open space activities.

The planned project elements include: • Relocation of Dock Street, including a roundabout where relocated Dock Street meets East Main Street.

• East Main Street Streetscape from Peebles Street to Nicholson Street with (2) two travel lanes, curb and gutter, bike lanes, parking lanes, brick sidewalks and ornamental lights along both sides of East Main Street and intersection improvements at the intersection of Nicholson Street.

• Closure of Dock Street from Pear Street to Nicholson Street; and Nicholson Street Streetscape, including installation of ornamental lights, sidewalk and landscaping from the East Main Street intersection and north to the railroad bridge.

For questions, comments or arrangements for special needs please contact: Adel Edward, P.E., Engineer III, Project Manager, City of Richmond Department of Public Works 900 E. Broad St., Suite 603 Richmond, VA 23219 Phone: 804.646.6584 Adel.Edward@Richmondgov.com www.richmondgov.com

Richmond Free Press

March 17-19, 2016

B7

Legal Notices/ Employment Opportunities NCLEX REviEw

The City of Richmond announces the following project(s) available for services relating to: RFP W160018678 – Joint Health Care Program - City of Richmond and Richmond Public Schools Due Date: April 12, 2016 at 3:30 p.m.

Pre-Proposal Meeting - A pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 24, 2016 at 9:00 a.m.

The meeting will be located at City Hall, 9th Floor - HR Training Room, 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 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) 646-5989. The City of Richmond encourages all contractors to participate in the procurement process.

NCLEX PN/Review begins 4/2/16 NCLEX RN/Review begins 4/3/16 Small groups (1-6 Attendees), Sessions held in Chester Contact Dr. Booker to reserve your seat!

Dr. Corliss Booker, APRN, FNP,-BC cvbooker@gmail.com

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(804) 239-4758

Drivers:

CDL-A 1yr. Excellent Family Medical Ins. Guaranteed Weekend Home Time.

Earn $65,000 + Monthly Bonuses.

Absolutely No-Touch.

888-406-9046

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

Mortgage Banking

Loan CoLLeCtions offiCer (rentaL Housing) VHDA’s Rental Housing Servicing Department is seeking applicants with experience in mortgage servicing, customer service and all phases of collections. Qualified applicants must have a working knowledge of collection practices, customer service and accounting principles, excellent oral and written communication skills, excellent Microsoft Office suite (particularly Word and Excel) experience, extreme attention to detail, highly developed organizational skills and the ability to multitask.

Mortgage banking experience preferred. Commercial loan experience and working knowledge of Strategy system is a plus. If you possess these requirements and enjoy working in a fast-paced and professional environment, please submit a cover letter and resume, stating salary requirements, online only at: http://www.vhda.com/about/careers An EOE

Background and credit checks will be performed as a condition of employment.

Security Officer Opioid Treatment Program in Richmond.

Must be DCJS certified, unarmed.

Current CPR & First Aid with valid VA driver’s license, reliable transportation and flexible schedule.

Hours include early weekend mornings and early evening weekdays. Proven customer service skills.

Qualified individuals should call Brenda or Mary at 804-592-2852. EOE.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is soliciting bids for the: Pauley Center Re-roofing and Interior Repair Project Bids for this project will be received at VMFA until: Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 2 PM EDT Copies of RFP # 23820160311 may be downloaded from eVA at www.eva.virginia.gov/

IMMEDIATE JOB OPENINGS Mount Olive Baptist Church in Glen Allen, Virginia has the following part-time job openings: Church Administrator and Food Service Director. The church is also seeking a full-time Music Director. Please visit the church’s website at www.mobcva.org to view the complete job announcements for these positions. All positions are opened until �illed. A Criminal History Background Check and/or credit history check are required.

Clean offices, restrooms, exterior grounds and do minor repairs: non-profit drug treatment facility. 12:00 pm- 3 p.m. daily. M-F. Contact Brenda or Mary at 804-592-2852. EOE.

Counselor FT SA Facility in Richmond, VA. BSW degree. Must be CSAC. Email brendaw@ hricorp.org or marym@hricorp.org. You could also fax 804-644-6310. EOE.

JANITORIAL Now Hiring

General Cleaners, FloorTechs, Team Leaders & Supervisor. Experience in commercial/healthcare setting preferred. Must have valid DL & acceptable background. Apply at peninsulacleaning.com or call (757) 833-1603

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church Office Assistant

Full Time New Deliverance Evangelistic Church is currently seeking an Office Assistant. Excellent communication skills and experience and knowledge of MS office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) are required. Hours are Tuesday – Friday, 8 am – 6 pm.

Please submit a resume to: employment @ndec. net, mail to 1701 Turner Road, North Chesterfield, VA 23225 or fax to 804-276-5272.

To advertise in the

Richmond Free Press call

This position closes at midnight on Wednesday, March 23, 2016.

Hiring range - $39,084 – 50,808

Janitor

644-0496 RN

Non-profit Methadone Program seeks an RN to supervise LPNs, dispense Meds, Assist Pharmacists & Physician, maintain medical records, and provide patient care, schedule appts., crisis intervention as needed. Valid license, First Aid/ CPR (instructor a plus), supervisory experience, knowledge of opioid treatment, call Mary at 804592-2852 or email marym@hricorp.org. EOE.

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 surrounding counties.

Annually, our three campuses serve over 20,000+ credit students and provide training for an additional 15,000 students through the Community College Workforce Alliance. Over the years, we have educated more than 300,000 people in the Richmond area.

The College 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.

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Richmond Free Press

B8 March 17-19, 2016

Sports Plus Stories by Fred Jeter

John Marshall bows to I.C. Norcom in state semifinal Some people worried that when all-time scorer Travis McKie left Richmond’s John Marshall High School, the Justices’ basketball fortunes might dip.

It didn’t happen.

McKie went on to greatness at Wake Forest University and the Justices kept rolling.

Now, concerns may arise about John Marshall High School’s fortunes following the departure of their All-State shooting star Jeremy CarterSheppard.

Coach Ty White says that as much as he hates losing seniors Carter-Sheppard and stalwart Xavier Trent, the John Marshall High drumbeat will continue.

“We’ve got a program here,” Coach White said after his Justices were erased by Portsmouth’s I.C. Norcom High School 75-62 in the State 3A semifinals last Friday at the Siegel Center at Virginia Commonwealth University.

“We work with our players. We train them.

We’ll be back,” he said.

In a postgame press conference, Coach White conceded Norcom High’s dominance — the Greyhounds led 60-38 in the fourth quarter — while he praised the last game for his senior stars.

“It’s kids like this that make you want to coach,” he said passionately of his seniors.

“They make you proud to coach.”

They’ll be missed, but the ball will keep bouncing.

From this year’s 22-7 squad, three starters will return — 6-foot-6 Greg Jones, 6-foot-7 Isaiah Anderson and 6-foot Levar Allen.

Jones, who had12 rebounds in the semifinals, and Anderson, who is still recovering from the flu in the game against Norcom High, will be seniors next season. Allen, as a freshman, had 10 points, logging 28 minutes in last Friday’s game.

Both Allen and another ninth-grader, DeMarr McRae (seven points, 17 minutes), have that “it” factor coaches covet. Even on a difficult

Norcom’s legend lives on

night, they didn’t back down.

The future “Levar & DeMarr Show” figures to draw raves.

Other players also will return next season for the Justices, including 6-foot-10 junior JeQuan Smith, a work in progress. Another player on the watch list is Isaiah Todd, a 6-foot-8 incoming freshman.

John Marshall High has become an established powerhouse.

During Carter-Sheppard’s career, John Marshall High was 90-21 — State Group AAA runners-up in 2013, State 3A champs in 2014 and State 3A semifinalists this season. The stylish southpaw struck nylon on 260 3-point bombs en route to 1,488 career points.

He will haul his smooth jumper and handle to Orlando to play for the University of Central Florida in the powerful Big East Conference.

Both Carter-Sheppard (23 points, 5 steals) and Trent (15 points, 5 rebounds) were valiant in defeat against the quick Greyhounds.

On any level, Norcom High School dominates. Norcom finished 29-1 after defeating Hopewell High School in overtime in the state final Saturday night.

One of three Portsmouth high schools (along with 4A Churchland High and Woodrow Wilson High), Norcom High won Group AAA titles in 2010 and 2011, and was 4A State champ in 2014 and 2015.

Norcom High Coach Leon Goolsby’s program has won five state crowns in the last seven years, including three in a row.

In postgame interviews, he was asked how his Greyhounds would fare against 4A, 5A and 6A kings.

“I’d like our chances,” he said.

He continued, “I’d prefer all six divisions put together and determine one state champ.”

In jest, he added, “Bring ’em on. LeBron, Golden State. We’re ready.”

James Haskins/Richmond Free Press

John Marshall High’s Xavier Trent seeks consolation from Assistant Coach Kevin Bettis in the late stages of the Justices’ 75-62 loss to Portsmouth’s I.C. Norcom High School in the State 3A semifinals last Friday at the Siegel Center at Virginia Commonwealth University.

There is a saying that the best way to predict the future is to study the past.

If so, expect Norcom High School to be

Great feats by I.C. Norcom High School basThe 6-foot Morris continued torchketball players have come to be expected. ing the nets until he had 127 points If it’s not too late, former Greyhound — all by himself — in a 139-33 Johnny Morris, who still lives in Portsmouth, Greyhounds victory. may even deserve a page in “Ripley’s Believe Wearing the No. 11 jersey, the only It or Not.” number the Portsmouth high school has On Feb. 22, 1961, Morris accomplished retired, Morris mixed a two-handed set something unlikely ever to be matched or shot with endless fast-break layups for approached or even dreamed of.

57 field goals.

Johnny Morris Morris scored 59 points — in the first half For gravy he added 13 free throws alone! — in Norcom’s game at Mary N. Smith High with an underhanded “granny style” motion.

School on the Eastern Shore.

The game was played under the auspices of the Known as “Pep,” he was just warming up.

Virginia InterscholasticAssociation, the governing body

back at the Siegel Center for the 2017 state championship tournament.

And John Marshall High School, too.

for the state’s African-American schools until 1969.

The one-game record in the Virginia High School League, the athletic organization that previously governed solely the state’s all-white schools, was 83, set by Freddie James at Portsmouth’s Churchland High School in 1954.

Even 83 sounds impossible until learning that Morris, believe it or not, tallied 95 points by the end of the third quarter during the Norcom-Smith record-breaking game.

To cross the Chesapeake Bay in those days, I.C. Norcom took a ferry. Only in Morris’ case, you might guess he walked on water.

VSU Trojans end season with second round NCAA loss

You can make a strong case for this being Virginia State University’s best basketball season in program history.

Better yet, you can make a convincing argument next season will be even better.

The Trojans’ winning streak ended Sunday with an 84-74 loss to West Liberty University in NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional play in Wheeling, W.Va. That’s a tiny smudge at the end of what has

been a brilliant run under third-year Coach Lonnie Blow.

Consider these achievements: • Finishing 24-6 — and 14-2 in the CIAA, VSU eclipsed its best previous win total of 22, set in 1973-74.

• The Trojans won the CIAA Tournament for just the third time since 1946 and the first time since 1988.

• Coach Blow became the CIAA’s first to

win the tournament at two schools (he won at St. Augustine’s University in 2010) and to be Coach of the Year at two schools (VSU this year and St. Augustine’s in 2010).

• E a r n i ng t he t a g “ K i ng s of t he Road,” VSU may have been the only team in the nation to go undefeated (10-0) in true road games. VSU’s loss to Virginia Union University was on neutral territory at the Richmond Coliseum. The loss in Wheeling, W.Va., also

James Haskins/Richmond Free Press

Scrimmage with VUU Panthers Tre’Vaughn Booker, a member of the Broken Men Foundation Youth, splits two Virginia Union University defenders during a recent scrimmage and clinic at the Blackwell Community Center on South Side. VUU Coach Jay Butler and the team also talked to youths about the importance of education. The Chester-based foundation seeks to “guide men back to a path of productivity by providing them with the support network and tools to face their life burdens, heal, and move forward,” according to its website.

was on neutral territory.

• In defeating Fairmont State University of West Virginia 76-66 last Saturday, VSU marked its first time advancing beyond the first round in NCAA play. In previous trips to the postseason dance party, VSU was a first round loser to Mount St. Mary’s University in 1982 and North Carolina Central University in 1988.

Also it was the first time any CIAA team has advanced in the NCAA’s since Shaw University in 2012.

Now here may be most uplifting news of all: The Trojans will move next season into the sparkling new Multipurpose Center with a cast nearly identical to this year’s.

Of the current top nine scorers, only one — senior Javon Moore (8.9 points per game) — will be moving on.

Top returnees include guard Kevin Williams, Most Valuable Player of the CIAA Tournament, and All-CIAA Elijah Moore, both now juniors.

The 6-foot-8 Moore had 26 points in VSU’s loss to West Liberty University.

Williams, a dynamic all-round talent, and Moore, a threat inside and out, clearly rank with the CIAA’s elite performers.

VSU boasted two of the CIAA’s top freshmen in high-rising Walter Williams and 6-foot-9 Joe Bradshaw, and one of the most talented newcomers in Cyonte Melvin, a 6-foot-3 Hampton native who transferred to VSU from Radford University.

Melvin had 12 points in each of the NCAA games.

The Trojans fell short of breaking the university’s longest ever winning streak of 13, set in 1975-76. Still, they finished this go-round with 13 victories in the final 15 games.

VSU rolled through the CIAA tournament with double-digit wins over Fayetteville State University (71-57), Bowie State University (8170) and Livingstone College (89-79).

With so many superlatives, momentum aplenty, a shiny new arena and a powerful cast of returning players, next season can’t come soon enough in Ettrick.