Nov 30 dec 2, 2017 issue by Richmond Free Press

Look who’s getting married B2

Meet advocate for children to find permanence B1

VOL. 26 NO. 48

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

www.richmondfreepress.com

ee Fr

Fr ee

c e l e b rat ing o u r 2 5 t h A nniv e r s ar y

November 30-December 2, 2017

Recognizing problem is Rx for change cell anemia, are ones for which black people show a greater propensity genetically. No matter the factor, studies show African-Americans receive less than ideal, or even substandard, care when they are ill. “With all socioeconomic factors being equal, the patient of color is still getting lower quality health care than their white counterparts,” said Dr. William Young, an internal medicine physician practicing in Richmond. “Skin color remains the main factor limiting access to quality health care. No amount of wealth or status mitigates against this trend.” Dr. Young’s observations are echoed in a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in May 2000. The report found generally that “…Blacks receive less intensive hospital care, including fewer cardiovascular procedures, lung resections for cancer, kidney and bone

By Samantha Willis

The headlines about health problems plaguing the AfricanAmerican community are frequent and alarming. From diabetes to hypertension and heart disease, to asthma and certain types of cancer, the statistics are clear: Black people suffer from a multitude of chronic health conditions and at a rate higher than other racial and ethnic groups. Further, not only are these potentially fatal diseases more prevalent in the African-American community, studies suggest that the health care African-Americans receive to treat these conditions is unequal to that of others. Questions as to why such health disparities, inequalities and gaps in treatment occur are critical, and ones that health care professionals, researchers and the community at large are struggling to understand and mitigate in Richmond and across the nation. “Disparities in health and health care access exist in Virginia,” reported the Kaiser Family Foundation, noting that “measures of health status and access to and utilization of health care services in Virginia vary by race/ethnicity.” Black people in Virginia have a life expectancy of 75 years, according to the foundation. By comparison, the life expectancy for white people in Virginia is 79 years. For Asian-Americans in Virginia, it’s 87 years and Latinos, 88 years. “The mortality rates due to heart disease, cancer and diabetes are higher for blacks in Virginia than whites,” the foundation found. In Richmond, a 2016 study by Virginia Commonwealth University’s Center on Society and Health found that “African-Americans from the East End show greater risk of developing several preventable diseases, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and also exhibit higher rates of obesity and smoking and lower access to health coverage and health services.“ Across the city, the report continues, “Death rates from heart disease and diabetes exceed the state average.” Diet, environment and lifestyle account for some of these disorders, according to doctors. Other diseases, such as sickle

Racial disparity in health care

Free health forum on Dec. 7 The Richmond Free Press and U.S. biopharmaceutical companies are sponsoring a public forum, “Curing What’s Killing Us: Fighting Chronic Disease in Richmond’s AfricanAmerican Community.” The free event will be held 4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at the Hotel John Marshall, 101 N. 5th St. Free Press Publisher Jean P. Boone will moderate a panel that will include state Sen. Rosalyn R. Dance; Bert Bruce, vice president of global marketing in rare disease at Pfizer pharmaceutical company; and Dionne Henderson, director of community and multicultural health initiatives with the American Heart Association. Reservations are required by contacting dammons@ mwcllc.com by Friday, Dec. 1.

marrow transplants, Cesarean sections, peripheral vascular procedures and orthopedic procedures.” Social issues, including issues of race, are linked to health disparities in the black community, as well as the individual bias of health care providers, studies and local health care providers said. “There is injustice and inequity in America, so of course that impacts our health care,” said Dr. Samuel Hunter, a pathologist at Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital and president of the Richmond Medical Society, an association of black physicians. To diagnose conditions, and to treat them, doctors and health care professionals must examine a patient’s symptoms. From Please turn to A4

Lawsuit alleges RRHA overcharged VCU offers chance thousands of public housing residents Dr. Coogan

Mr. Herring

Sheriff Woody

for jail inmates to ‘write way out’ By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Instead of spending time behind bars, a few inmates soon could serve their sentence in a college classroom. That’s the idea behind a new program that Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael N. Herring and Virginia Commonwealth University are creating. It is dubbed “Writing Your Way Out.” The program is to launch Tuesday, Jan. 16, with the start of VCU’s second semester. On that day, up to 10 people convicted of nonviolent offenses and facing jail time are to start an English course at VCU alongside 10 college students. The course: “English 366: Writing and Social Change.” This is the same service-learning course that has been taught since 2011 at the Richmond Justice Center as part of the Open Minds program. Dr. David Coogan, a VCU associate professor Please turn to A4

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Has the landlord for Richmond’s public housing residents been ripping off its tenants? Yes, according to the nonprofit Legal Aid Justice Center, the poor people’s law firm with offices in Richmond, Charlottesville and Falls Church. In a federal lawsuit percolating since February, the Legal Aid Justice Center accuses the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority of overcharging at least 3,000 families for electricity in violation of federal housing and state consumer protection laws. RRHA, which is now in settlement talks, has not sought to refute or deny any of the allegations, according to court documents in the case, the latest in a series the Justice Center has brought and won against other Virginia public housing agencies, including those in Charlottesville and Petersburg. The Richmond case, filed on behalf of six current and former tenants as well as all families renting from RRHA, focuses on the period between 2014 and 2016. However, the Justice Center alleges RRHA began overbilling in 2012. According to the suit, RRHA wrongly assessed $229,947

in excess utility charges between October 2014 and November 2016 without providing any justification. Along with inflating utility bills, RRHA also assessed tenants a $15 monthly late fee for failure to pay rent plus the utility charge and used nonpayment of the excessive utility bills as an excuse to wrongly seek eviction, the suit states. And RRHA did so knowing that the utility overcharge was assessed in violation of the lease, federal housing law and a state law that bars landlords from treating unpaid utilities as rent and charging a late fee on that portion of a monthly bill, the suit states. Cenquetta Harris exemplifies the financial and emotional toll Please turn to A4

Opponents fear Main Street Station plans will run over slave memorial By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Hopes of creating a memorial park in Shockoe Bottom recalling Richmond’s role as a center of the slave trade appear to conflict with efforts to make Main Street Station a more significant passenger rail stop. Mayor Levar M. Stoney is raising apprehension among advocates of the memorial park, including 2nd District City Councilwoman Kim B. Gray and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, who believe he is ignoring the opportunity to bring national attention to Richmond’s pre-Civil War history and the AfricanAmericans who were once bought and sold like cattle. The mayor, who insists that the station and Richmond’s slave history can coexist, raised concern by throwing his support to a draft federal-state environmental plan that calls for expanding both rail service and the footprint of the station should higher speed rail ever materialize between

Richmond and Washington. Such a plan is still a distant prospect given the projected $5 billion cost. But under the state’s preferred plan, Main Street Station would be a stop for virtually all north-south trains. Improvements to tracks and stations in the Richmond area alone are projected to cost at least $1.5 billion to turn the RichmondD.C. run into a two-hour train trip rather than the three hours it now takes.

Catching advocates of the memorial park off guard, Mayor Stoney issued a letter Nov. 1 to the state Department of Rail and Public Transportation. In it, he put the city on record as endorsing the state’s preferred plan to boost Main Street Station as outlined in a just-released draft environmental report. The proposal calls for adding new tracks, Please turn to A4

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Big talker My’Isis Gee, 3, is content to talk with her dad on the cell phone Tuesday, while her mom, Michelle Gee, waits for the conversation to wrap up and the phone to be passed back. The Gees were in the 400 block of East Franklin Street in Downtown.

Neo-Confederates to return for second Richmond rally By Ronald E. Carrington

A neo-Confederate group plans to return to Richmond next month for a second “Heritage Not Hate” rally on Monument Avenue, despite new state regulations restricting firearms and the number of people allowed at rallies at the Gen. Robert E. Lee monument. CSA II: The New Confederate States of America, a Tennessee-based group, “will hold

their rally on Richmond City property outside of the traffic circle surrounding the Lee monument in the same location of the Sept. 16 rally,” Thomas Crompton, a rally organizer, told the Free Press on Wednesday. “We are coming back to Richmond on Saturday, Dec. 9,” he said. “Any and all information will be disseminated the day of the rally.” Mr. Crompton refused to say how many CSA II members and other neo-Confederate groups plan

to show up to support the statues on Monument Avenue that honor Confederates. Mr. Crompton and his wife, Judy, also organized the Sept. 16 rally at the Lee monument that drew about six CSA members who were greatly outnumbered by roughly 200 counterprotesters, many of whom carried signs calling for the statues to be taken down. Please turn to A4

A2 November 30-December 2, 2017

Richmond Free Press

Local News

Larus Park water sale on track for approval By Jeremy M. Lazarus

A controversial City Hall plan to sell more water to Chesterfield County appears to be on track to win Richmond City Council approval now that a key member is supportive. City Councilwoman Kristen N. Larson, 4th District, advised the Free Press last week that she will drop her opposition to the plan that would allow the county to clear trees and install a large new water tank and pipes in 1.2 acres of a public park in her district. The total project is projected to cost $22 million, according to the city. Ms. Larson said she was persuaded to support the project after Mayor Levar M. Stoney announced the city’s Department of Utilities had agreed to purchase 18 acres of largely undeveloped adjacent land to expand Lewis G. Larus Park, located in the 8800 block of Huguenot Road. That $420,000 purchase also needs the council’s approval. However, Ms. Larson indicated that this would be the first and last time she would support any development in the 106acre Larus Park or the new addition. She conditioned her support for the Chesterfield water project on winning council approval of a conservation easement that would ensure that no additional park land could be disturbed. The unwritten rule for the council is to defer to the incumbent district representative’s view of a project in his or her district. Under planning for nearly two years, the project drew an immediate thumbs down from Ms. Larson and others on City Council after Mayor Stoney put the issue on the council’s docket in April. The main objection: The plan would require lifting a councilimposed ban on development in Larus Park. The proposal also drew fire from Richmond parks advocates like Dr. Charles Price, who had crafted the ban that council passed in 2001 to protect Larus and other city parks. Charles Pool, a citizen advocate, also urged rejection based on his analysis that the city would make very little money from the proposed sale of an extra 5 million gallons of water a day to Chesterfield. The county currently buys 27 million gallons a day of treated drinking water from the city and would boost that to 32 million gallons a day if the Larus project is approved. The department acknowledged the city would earn about $85,000 a year in net new revenue from the sale of the additional water. The city plans to charge Chesterfield 7.4 cents for each 7.48 gallons of treated water the county purchases, or just a fraction more than the 7.05 cents the city spends to produce the water. That contrasts with the 40.4 cents city residents pay for each 7.48 gallons of drinking water used, according to the city’s published charges. The department bills in cubic feet. One cubic foot equals 7.48 gallons.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Cityscape

Banks of windows usher sunlight into this ing rooms, a gym, space for music and play building to aid in the treatment of children with therapy, classrooms and a garden and other depression, mood disorders and other mental green space. Slices of life and scenes health needs. VTCC expects to dramatically increase the in Richmond That’s just one way that the new home for number of children served from the current 7,000 VCU Health’s Virginia Treatment Center for Children is seeking seen yearly on an outpatient basis and the 1,000 who are served to improve service to its young patients. as patients. The new building will replace the center at 515 N. The new $56 million center, located at 1308 Sherwood Ave. in 10th St. Once emptied, the old building near City Hall will be North Side, is to open early next year. It sits on 4.5 acres across replaced by VCU Health with a $384 million, multistory adult the street from the Children’s Hospital of Richmond. medical outpatient center and parking deck that is projected to The center includes 32 in-patient beds, 20 outpatient consult- open in 2020.

GOP holds 51-49 edge over Dems in House after election certification By Jeremy M. Lazarus

ing whether to press a legal challenge to the results in the 28th House District based on the state board’s finding that at least 147 Democrat Joshua Cole fell just 82 votes short of becoming voters were given the wrong ballots in precincts split between the first African-American delegate to represent Stafford County the 28th, 2nd and 88th House districts. and end outright Republican control of the House of Delegates, Another 55 absentee ballots, which arrived late, also were according to the state Board of Elections. not counted; a Democratic lawsuit to force them to be counted The board on Monday certified Mr. Cole’s Republican oppo- failed. nent, Robert “Bob” Thomas Jr., a businessman and member of the Ahead of the board’s certification, Mr. Elias filed a federal suit Stafford County Board of Supervisors, as the winner in the hard- on behalf of several voters who were given the wrong ballots fought contest to replace retiring in a bid to stop the state board House Speaker William J. Howell from acting, but a judge declined in the 28th House District. to intervene then. The Thomas win allows ReHowever, U.S. District Judge publicans to cling to a 51-seat T.S. Ellis told the plaintiffs that majority in the General Assemthey might have cause to ask him bly’s 100-member lower chamber. to call for a new election once the The slim majority may enable state board officially decided the the GOP to continue to block winner. So far, no motions urging Mr. Cole Mr. Tanner Ms. Simonds expansion of health care, push him to order a new election have anti-abortion and anti-immigration measures and nix other been submitted. measures on which the political parties are divided. Meanwhile, Mr. Cole is expected to request a recount that would The election board’s action, though, is not expected to end be paid for by the state because of the close result. However, in legal and political fights swirling around the 28th District and at Virginia, recounts rarely, if ever, change the official results. least two other House districts in which the election was decided Recounts now are being sought in the other two hotly conby razor-thin margins. tested races. In Northern Virginia, another African-American, A Democratic win in any of the three through a recount or other Donte Tanner, is expected to ask for a recount in the 40th House means would result in a 50-50 split and require Republicans to District, where the Democratic nominee fell just 106 votes short allow a power-sharing arrangement in the House of Delegates. in his bid to oust incumbent Republican Delegate Timothy D. Democrats, who held only 34 seats before the election, picked Hugo of Fairfax. up at least 15 seats in the Nov. 7 election, giving them 49 seats in The other recount is expected in an even tighter race in Newthe House of Delegates. They are continuing to battle for control port News. Democrat Shelly Simonds officially lost by just 10 of the three contested seats, which, if won, would be a boon to votes in her bid to oust Republican incumbent Delegate David E. the incoming Democratic governor, Dr. Ralph S. Northam. Yancey in the 94th House District. The Free Press misidentified In the wake of the board’s action, Marc Elias, a lawyer for the district in a story on the battle for control of the House of House Democrats, stated that he and his clients are still mull- Delegates published in the Nov. 16-18 edition.

GRTC to honor Rosa Parks Friday GRTC will honor civil rights legend Rosa Parks on the 62nd anniversary of her defiant refusal to give up her seat on a public transit bus in Montgomery, Ala., ultimately leading to the U.S. Supreme Court upholding a lower court ruling that racially segregated seating on public transportation is illegal. On Friday, Dec. 1, GRTC will reserve the first passenger seat on every bus and display on them a commemorative sign honoring Mrs. Parks’ legacy on the anniversary of her Dec. 1, 1955, action. The electronic signs on the front of GRTC buses also will rotate with a special message Mrs. Parks honoring Mrs. Parks, while bus operators will keep headlights on during the day to “represent her light.” Mrs. Parks was arrested when she refused to give up her seat to a white passenger in Alabama, spurring a yearlong boycott of the Montgomery transit system. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., then a young preacher, emerged as one of the leaders of the boycott. It also helped launch nationwide efforts to end segregation in public facilities. Mrs. Parks died in October 2005 at age 92. — RONALD E. CARRINGTON

Deadline to sign up for health insurance through ACA is Dec.15 Roughly two weeks are left to sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. People also may re-enroll or change their insurance plan through the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace by the Dec. 15 deadline. Coverage will start on Jan. 1, once premiums are paid. The website to enroll will be shut down from midnight to noon every Sunday except Sunday, Dec. 10, according to Trump administration officials. Despite the Trump administration’s efforts to curtail the ACA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said 504,181 people signed up for insurance in the week ending Nov. 25. Total sign-ups reached 2.78 million during the first four weeks of enrollment, officials reported. The figures do not include enrollment in the District of Columbia or for the 11 states that run their own health care marketplaces and websites. Details about the ACA and enrollment are available at www. healthcare.gov. — RONALD E. CARRINGTON

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

New Richmond postmaster Joseph F. Thekkekara is sworn in as Richmond’s new postmaster Wednesday in the Old House Chamber at the State Capitol. Previously a postmaster in Texas, Illinois and New York communities, he is the 34th person to hold the title in Richmond since the beginning of the postal service around 1778. He is surrounded by family, from left, son Jason, wife Annie and son Justin as the oath of office is administered by Linda Malone, U.S. Postal Service vice president for the Capital Metro area, which stretches from Baltimore to Atlanta. Mr. Thekkekara started his career as a mail carrier in 1988. He succeeds Harold G. O’Connor, who was postmaster for 11 years before being removed in 2016 and retiring earlier this year in the wake of a scandal over management efforts to reduce carrier overtime pay by changing time cards.

Dozens of inmates may be released by new interpretation of old policy By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Dozens of aging inmates who have served decades in state prisons could become eligible for release as a result of the Virginia Parole Board’s decision to change the interpretation of a now defunct version of the state’s three-strikes law. Adrienne Bennett, chairwoman of the state parole board, announced Monday that the board, with the approval of Gov. Terry McAuliffe, now would require that a person must be convicted of additional crimes after release from prison to qualify as a three-striker. Her statement came in the wake of a Norfolk newspaper’s published report on Saturday about virtual life sentences for more than 250 prisoners labeled threestrikers under the law in place between 1982 and 1995.

The Virginian-Pilot found the law was being interpreted to apply the label to people convicted of three felonies, even if they had not served time in prison before being convicted of multiple felonies and even if they had not hurt anyone. The newspaper’s investigation showed that a division of the Virginia Department of Corrections secretly applied the label that made three-strikers ineligible for parole. The Parole Board’s change of interpretation would allow those prisoners to apply to the board for release. The General Assembly changed the law in 1995 as part of abolishing parole. Since then, a convict could be considered a three-striker only if he or she had served a previous stint in prison, but that did not have any impact on those convicted under the old law. King Salim Khalfani, former executive

director of the Virginia State NAACP, cheered the Parole Board’s updated interpretation. “This is the right thing to do, “ Mr. Khalfani said. “The original intent of Virginia’s three-strikes law was for it to apply to a person who was incarcerated, released, incarcerated and released and incarcerated a third time,” he stated Monday. “During and after my tenure with the state NAACP, I sought to convince governors, secretaries of public safety and parole boards to go back to the original interpretation of the law to no avail,” he stated. He praised the newspaper for exposing the problem and commended the Parole Board for taking notice and quickly adopting the policy change. He also praised the governor for approving the change that he said would have a big impact on prisoners and their families.

T:11”

Richmond Free Press

November 30-December 2, 2017

T:21”

This Is Us available on XFINITY Stream app

The best scene of all The best action, comedy, and drama happen when screens are down, devices are off and you’re tuned in to the ones you love. This holiday, connect with each other because with the X1 DVR, you can record up to six shows at once. Plus, enjoy instant access to the most free TV shows and movies with XFINITY On Demand — you’ll never miss a thing. Also, with XFINITY xFi, you get the speed, coverage, and control you need. XFINITY will change the way you celebrate the holidays.

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. XFINITY On Demand requires XFINITY TV service. XFINITY xFi is available to XFINITY Internet service customers with a compatible XFINITY gateway. Does not apply to WiFi hotspots. © 2017 Comcast. All rights reserved.

Richmond Free Press

A4 November 30-December 2, 2017

News

Racial disparity in health care Continued from A1

there, they may question, “How authentic do I believe these symptoms are? Do I need to run more tests on this person to diagnose them?” Dr. Hunter said. A doctor’s bias may influence how he or she reacts, he said. In the 2015 book, “Just Medicine: A Cure for Racial Inequality in American Health Care,” author Dayna Bowen Matthew stated that a doctor’s implicit bias may support his or her decision not to refer a black patient with coronary heart disease symptoms to a specialist. Instead, the physician may recommend “only a conservative course of medical treatment, though a white patient in the same condition would have been referred for an interventional procedure.” Although the doctor isn’t engaged in overt racism, “the covert disparity in treatment may ultimately decrease the quality of (the patient’s) health and longevity of life just as if the doctor had hung a “Whites Only” sign on his door and refused (the patient) admission in his examination room,” wrote Ms. Matthew, a law professor at the University of Virginia. The potential for bias looms even larger when determining the resources — and even bricks and mortar — for health care within communities of color. Are funding and resources allocated to provide quality health care centers in areas of largely minority populations? Are there enough doctors available to work in underserved areas?

VCU offers jail inmates to ‘write way out’ Continued from A1

of English, founded the program with support from Richmond Sheriff C.T. Woody Jr. In Open Minds, Dr. Coogan teaches a course at the jail that includes residents and VCU students. The students come together to read and write about literature, share stories of their lives, support one another and contend with the diversity of experiences tied to race, class, generation, gender, sexual orientation, addiction and the criminal justice system, Dr. Coogan said. Essentially, Dr. Coogan is bringing the course to the VCU campus. He has the support of the university and the city’s prosecutor. The goal of the program, according to Dr. Coogan: To help offenders “figure out a way to live a better life, a life that keeps them out of the criminal justice system, a life in which they’re proud of what they’re doing, where they’ve discovered a new life purpose or just kind of figured out those self-sabotaging behaviors that create a lot of pain in their own life and in the lives of others.” He also stated that the course would enable VCU students to see they have more in common with those in jail than they might realize. “Though some are incarcerated and some are free, we’re all struggling with something. It could be a history of trauma or poverty,” Dr. Coogan stated. People taking the course come to learn “how to respect one another in their very diverse struggles,” he said. Each of the offenders will be mentored in the class by two coaches, Dean Turner and Kelvin Belton, who worked with Dr. Coogan while they were incarcerated at the Richmond City Jail in 2006. Mr. Turner and Mr. Belton later co-authored a book with Dr. Coogan on the experience, “Writing Our Way Out: Memoirs from Jail,” that was published in 2015. Mr. Herring supports the professor’s approach and describes him as creating a model that “illuminates the complexity of an offender’s behavior, making it harder to rush to judgment. For participants, it offers something that traditional prosecution trajectories do not — introspection and hope.” To get into the program, he stated, the offenders must be able to read and write and want to break their cycle of crime. Participants cannot be incarcerated for a sex offense, a violent felony or burglary. Selected offenders must follow the program’s code of conduct or face removal. VCU Police Chief John Venuti stated that he and his department support “Writing Your Way Out” and expect the program to be a benefit. “I have found that people often learn more from being given a second chance rather than an actual consequence,” Chief Venuti said. “In the appropriate situations, this program allows select offenders to get that second chance.” The three-credit course will be part of Dr. Coogan’s regular teaching load, with the VCU students taking the class for credit and the offenders participating as part of a plea agreement, according to VCU. Dr. Montserrat Fuentes, dean of the VCU College of Humanities and Science of which the English Department is a part, said that “as a college, we are committed to making a difference in the lives of our community members. “This program is a good fit. It promotes reading, writing and literature as a means to reduce recidivism while offering a unique experience for our students,” she said. Dr. Coogan said half of the 10 offenders who will participate in the class have been selected. He is working with a judge, the prosecutor and the public defender’s office to find others interested. “We’re working with the public defender’s office and a judge so they’re all aware of the program,” Dr. Coogan said. “Collaboratively among these three offices — the judge, the public defender and the prosecutor — everyone is thinking about who would be best positioned to take advantage of this opportunity, who really wants to change, as opposed to, ‘You’re being sentenced to VCU.’ ”

The answer, according to research, is no. Virginia lawmakers have responded in part by requiring the state Board of Health to analyze the “health status and conditions of minority populations in the Commonwealth by age, gender, and locality,” and to report on these statistics annually. Additionally, agencies such as the Virginia Department of Health’s division of Multicultural Heath and Community Engagement work to eradicate health disparities “through a focus on social determinants of health,” which include “socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, geography, gender, immigrant status and other social classifications,” according to its website. Recognizing these disparities is important and critical to maintaining good health. But what can individuals do to improve and preserve their health? Talking openly about health care disparities and maintaining an active lifestyle and exercise routines are just a start, said Alice Freeman, an urban nutritionist, and the CEO of Healthy Heart Plus in South Side. Additionally, “we need to make community connections that provide access to fresh, healthy foods,” said Ms. Freeman. In a city plagued with food deserts, Ms. Freeman’s organiza-

tion engages in food advocacy and food justice efforts, and its programs educate and empower African-Americans in Metro Richmond “to eat in a way that contributes to good health.” Although African-Americans are adversely impacted by various conditions and may face challenges when seeking quality health care, the first steps to combating these problems are awareness of the issues. Establishing a secure relationship with your doctor also goes a long way toward maintaining good health. “The most important thing a patient can do, and a primary care physician can do, (is) establish a good relationship where the two trust each other,” said Dr. Hunter. “The physician will have adequate compassion and care for the patient because of that relationship.” And don’t be afraid to speak up, he advised. “At any time that you doubt (the care) you are receiving, it’s important to validate what you are receiving.” For more information on statewide efforts to understand and combat health disparities impacting ethnic communities, visit the Virginia Department of Health’s website, www.vdh.gov. To learn more about how food impacts overall health and healthy food access efforts in Richmond, contact Heart Healthy Plus at (804) 320-1220 or www.healthyheartplus.com.

Opponents fear Main Street Station plans will run over slave memorial Continued from A1

station parking and passenger platforms that would extend into the area proposed for the memorial park. Advocates want to create the memorial park on 4 acres bounded by the current train tracks, Broad, 17th and Grace streets. Mayor Stoney also called on the state to study installing additional infrastructure to enable the station to offer baggage service, now only available at Amtrak’s other area station located near Staples Mill Road and Glenside Drive in Henrico County. Despite his inaugural pledge 10 months ago to create a new era of partnership with City Council, the mayor did not consult with or seek the approval of the council before issuing the letter. Ms. Gray considers the mayor’s decision to act before talking with the council “outrageous.” She agrees that previous councils have endorsed the concept of expanding the station in Shockoe Bottom, but she argues that the council has not discussed the impact such an expansion would have on the history of slavery. She opposes any changes to Main Street Station that could impact the area that more than 150 years ago housed slave jails and auction blocks. Those buildings were razed long ago; the area is now covered by parking lots and fill dirt with any residue from the historical sites at least 12 feet below ground. Still, Ms. Gray notes that the draft environmental report notes in one appendix that there “is a high probability” of finding “intact remains” located on land next to the station. That land would be needed to support new tracks and baggage infrastructure under the expansion plan. She is upset that anyone — particularly an African-American mayor, she said — would want to “desecrate sacred ground. This is wrong, just wrong.” In her view, station growth would attract hotels and other infrastructure that are likely to eliminate, isolate or restrict efforts to ensure more attention is paid to the history of slavery and the horrible conditions the enslaved endured. The mayor noted the draft report shows the proposed station changes would not

given that both Lumpkin’s Jail and the burial ground would be protected. That’s also the position of Delegate Delores L. McQuinn, chair of Richmond’s Slave Trail Commission, 1b which has developed a trail through the city to mark where slaves once walked and is deeply involved in the city’s efforts to create a museum-style development to highlight Lumpkin’s Jail. 1a However, Phil Wilayto and Ana Edwards agree with Ms. Gray. The couple have led the charge for the memorial park as founders and leaders of the advocacy group Defenders of 1c Freedom, Justice and Equality and the 3 Sacred Ground Historical Reclama4 tion Project. “The mayor has shown a remarkable lack of interest in this history,” 5 said Mr. Wilayto, who is convinced 2 that history will be sacrificed in the name of progress. He also is highly critical of the draft environmental report, noting Aerial view of the Main Street Station area. The red line outlines 1) the area proposed that in it slavery gets short shrift. He for a memorial park, including, to the left, noted that the report’s archaeological Lumpkin’s Jail nestled by Interstate 95, the survey, as well as its list of historiAfrican Burial Ground at the top and the cal resources, does not mention the memorial park at right; 2) Main Street Station; Richmond Slave Trail, Richmond’s 3) proposed new tracks, platform and baggage role as the nation’s second largest service; 4) proposed platform; and 5) proposed center for the slave trade after New parking deck for an expanded station. Orleans or the fact that Richmond’s development was built on slavery. impact two key historic sites that have “It’s appalling,” he said. been the focus of city efforts to memoThe nonprofit National Trust for Historic rialize slavery. Preservation, which supports the memorial One is Lumpkin’s Jail, or the Devil’s park, also is critical of the environmental Half-Acre, a notorious holding cell for report, saying it has failed to take into slaves awaiting auction before the Civil account the impacts an expanded station War and an early site after the war for and increased train traffic would have on a school for newly emancipated slaves the important historical area. that ultimately became Virginia Union The trust recently set aside $25 million University. to invest in preserving neglected AfricanThe other site is the separate African American sites across the nation and named Burial Ground. Lumpkin’s Jail sits west Shockoe Bottom and the history of slavery of the station near Interstate 95 and the as the No. 1 priority. burial ground sits north of Broad Street. Mayor Stoney believes that Richmond Both are outside areas planned for station can have both better train service and a growth. memorial park. His press secretary, James City Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson, Nolan, in an email to the Free Press, stated, whose 6th District includes the train station “It will be our responsibility as a city to and the slavery sites, has been a station ensure that the train project does not conflict advocate and backs the mayor’s position, with the future memorial park.”

Lawsuit alleges RRHA overcharged residents Continued from A1

that RRHA’s actions have taken, according to the suit. Because of her meager income, she pays $50 a month in rent to RRHA for the apartment she and her three children occupy in the Fulton community. But she still can’t afford the apartment because of the utility charges that accompany her monthly rent bill. Since January 2013, Ms. Harris has accumulated $1,800 in unpaid utility charges and late fees, according to the suit. Like the other complainants, Ms. Harris has been hit repeatedly with a $15 late fee for failing to fully pay the combination of rent and utility charges even though the

late fee is illegal, the suit states. RRHA has taken her to court several times seeking her eviction for failing to fully pay the utility surcharge even though she has done everything she can to cut down on power use, the suit states. She keeps the apartment dimly lit with low-wattage light bulbs and unplugs almost every appliance when not in use, the suit states. Still, she faces large monthly bills for excess utility usage, which means RRHA claims she uses more electricity than the allowance RRHA includes at no charge with its rent. Ms. Harris has complained that RRHA helped create the problem by refusing to respond to her requests to fix a crack in

her door and loose window panes that bring in cold in the winter and heat in the summer, boosting her use of power for heating and air conditioning. According to the suit, RRHA can charge tenants for extra power, but has never followed the procedure that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development spells out to impose such a surcharge. The suit seeks repayment of the overcharge and an end to RRHA’s practice of illegally gouging tenants. Along with Ms. Harris, the Justice Center brought the suit on behalf of former tenant Shanta Miles and four other current tenants, Jacqueline Turner, Kathy and Joseph Allen and Cora Hayes, as well as unnamed tenants who were affected.

Neo-Confederates to return for second Richmond rally Dec. 9 Continued from A1

The City of Richmond spent about $570,000 to protect the Lee monument and control the crowd, including $252,328 in overtime pay for Richmond Police officers. With the Richmond protest coming just weeks after a rally by neoConfederates and white supremacists turned violent and deadly in Charlottesville, Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham deployed 475 officers for the Richmond event. Supplementing the city’s police force were an untold number of State Police troopers and officers from the Capitol Police, Virginia Commonwealth University

Police, sheriff’s deputies and officers from Henrico, Chesterfield and other jurisdictions. About $250,000 of the total cost was for equipment, including fencing around the Lee statue and around the Arthur Ashe Jr. Athletic Center on the Boulevard, which was used as a staging area for police. A major question remains on how city officials will handle the Dec. 9 return of the neo-Confederates and their supporters. In a response to a Free Press query, Gene Lepley, director of public affairs for the Richmond Police Department, said in an email, “Right now, we are only saying that the Richmond Police

Department is aware of the event. We will be prepared to maintain public safety.” Mr. Lepley added that the department “may have more to say next week.” Gov. Terry McAuliffe issued an executive order temporarily barring protests at the state-owned Lee monument following the bloody Aug. 12 rally in Charlottesville, in which a counterprotester was struck and killed when a Confederate sympathizer drove his car into a crowd. The Richmond protest and counterprotest was free of violence. However, in addition to carrying Confederate flags, a few Confederate sympathiz-

ers were spotted with weapons. Mr. Crompton carried a semiautomatic rifle slung over his shoulder during the Sept. 16 event. On Nov. 20, Gov. McAuliffe announced new regulations governing permits for rallies and events at the Lee statue. The state Department of General Services now requires a permit for assemblies of 10 or more people, limits the number of people at the monument to 500, restricts firearms during events and limits the duration of any rally. Gov. McAuliffe stated that he wanted regulations that balance First Amendment rights while ensuring the safety of Virginians.

The emergency regulations were developed by a Task Force on Public Safety Preparedness and Response to Civil Unrest that was established under the governor’s executive order. They will be in effect for 18 months as the Department of General Services now goes through the regular process, to include public comment and public hearings, on permanent regulations. The public comment period will begin Monday, Dec. 11, and remain open through Jan. 10. The department also is considering whether changes should be made to Capitol Square regulations in light of the Charlottesville rally and the task force’s work.

Richmond Free Press

November 30-December 2, 2017

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas available with Xfinity On Demand

COMCAST AD

Is your home ready for the holidays? With Xfinity, it can be. When all your guests arrive, will your home be ready? Xfinity is America’s Best Internet Provider, according to Speedtest.net, and delivers speed and reliability for everyone’s devices. And, by simply speaking into the X1 Voice Remote, your friends and family will have quick and easy access to Netflix and YouTube, and everyone can enjoy their favorite shows, movies and videos. So who will have you ready for the holidays? Xfinity will.

SA L E E N D S D ECE M B E R 10 T H Xfinity TV & Internet

a month / 24 months

with 2-year agreement

Equipment, taxes and other charges extra, and subj. to change. See details below.

Ask how to get

Add X1 DVR™ service FREE for 1 year

500

card

when you add Xfinity Mobile

Xfinity X1 now has Netflix in 4K Ultra HD

Go to xfinity.com, call 1-800-XFINITY or visit your local Xfinity Store today.

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. New residential customers only. Limited to Digital Starter TV and Performance 25 Mbps Internet. Early termination fee applies if all Xfinity services (except Xfinity Mobile) are cancelled during the agreement term. Equipment, taxes and fees, including Broadcast TV Fee (up to $8.00/mo.), Regional Sports Fee (up to $6.75/mo.) and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after promo. After applicable promo, or if any service is cancelled or downgraded, regular rates apply. Comcast service charge for X1 DVR service (including HD Technology Fee) is $19.95 more/mo. (subject to change). Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. TV: Limited Basic service subscription required to receive other levels of service. Access to Netflix on Xfinity X1 requires an eligible X1 set-top box with Xfinity TV and Internet service. Netflix and YouTube on X1 uses your Internet service and will count against any Xfinity data plan. Netflix requires streaming membership. Limited 4K programming available. Requires Netflix premium package, 4K capable TV Box and 4K capable television. Streaming content limited to the U.S. Internet: Best Internet service provider claim based on download speeds measured by over 111 million tests taken by consumers at Speedtest.net. Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. Mobile: New Xfinity Internet customers limited to up to two lines pending activation of Internet service. Prepaid card offer ends 12/10/17 and is limited to new residential customers. Must subscribe to Starter TV (or above) and Xfinity post-paid Internet service with term agreement. Limited to new Xfinity Mobile residential customers adding a new mobile line with purchase of mobile device. Porting existing mobile number required. Mobile order required within seven days of installation of Xfinity Internet. Call for restrictions and complete details. © 2017 Comcast. All rights reserved. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (PG) ©2001 Universal City Studios Productions. All Rights Reserved. NPA208980-0021 DIV17-4-AA-$89bau-A5

124310_NPA208980-0021 Holiday NED 1 ad_A5_11x21.indd 1

11/27/17 6:27 PM

Richmond Free Press

Birds in Ginkgo tree in Downtown

Editorial Page

November 30-December 2, 2017

No cakewalk We are impressed by the résumé and remarks of Jason Kamras, the 43-year-old Washington public schools administrator and 2005 National Teacher of the Year who received the unanimous backing of the Richmond School Board to become Richmond’s next public schools superintendent. When he was introduced to the public last week, Mr. Kamras acknowledged the responsibility he soon will undertake with others in educating the 24,000 students in Richmond schools, the majority of whom are children of color who come from families that are economically disadvantaged. Among those challenges, as demographics and reports show: About three out of four students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, 40 percent live below the poverty level, many have a history of childhood trauma and 18 percent have special needs. “I believe we have a particular responsibility to achieve (a quality education) for the children who face the greatest challenges in their lives,” Mr. Kamras said. “After all, public education must be more than just good instruction. It must be about creating a more equitable society.” While Richmond may not be D.C., we know that Mr. Kamras will not have a cakewalk when he takes over at RPS on Feb. 1. The combination of his education — undergraduate and master’s degrees from Princeton and Harvard — and his experience, largely in D.C. public schools, may prepare him to an extent for the issues and challenges awaiting him in Richmond, not the least of which is boosting student achievement — only 18 of the city’s 44 schools are fully accredited — and funding to repair a plethora of aging, crumbling school buildings. Certainly, Mr. Kamras, like any new superintendent, arrives on the wings of hope, with the support of the parent, teacher, advocate, community and business sectors that want him to succeed. The selection panel, whose members came from all these sectors, put forward Mr. Kamras as one of its top three finalists. But its work was done largely in secret, without introduction of the finalists to the wider swath of community stakeholders for comment or vetting, a clear misstep in terms of accountability to the public. The community was wrongly shut out of the final process, never allowed to hear or evaluate the goals or vision put forward by the finalists for RPS chief executive. The entire community is invested in the success of the school system as evidenced by the overwhelming vote of support on the Nov. 7 school modernization referendum. While Mr. Kamras hit all the right notes in his introduction as the new superintendent, we hope that he will continue to walk the walk when it comes to equity for our children and our teachers. We have high expectations of him, as well as of our students and the teachers we entrust to educate them. And as parents, community members and taxpayers who are underwriting his $250,000 annual salary, we expect Mr. Kamras to be accountable to the people who are depending on him to move RPS forward.

Why vote? Here’s why What difference will my vote make? We’ve heard that question plenty of times. Mostly, it’s asked rhetorically, with a shrug. It’s as though no reason, argument or entreaty is convincing enough to get the person to consider casting a ballot. Well, here’s more proof that your vote is important. Consider the Nov. 7 contests for the Virginia House of Delegates, when 100 seats were up for election across the state. In one race in Newport News, the difference in winning and losing came down to 10 votes. 10 votes! Another House race in the Fredericksburg area came down to 82 votes, while a third in Northern Virginia was won by a mere 106 votes. In each of the three races, the Republican candidate won, meaning that unless a recount unexpectedly changes those results, for the next two years the GOP will have a 51-49 majority in the House of Delegates. That roughly translates to no expansion of health care in Virginia, no tougher gun control laws and more efforts to roll back women’s reproductive health rights. A few more votes by conscience-driven people could have changed the balance of power in the House of Delegates and the future of Virginia. So when someone asks, “What difference will my vote make?” always answer, “Plenty!” — no matter whether it’s a national election, a statewide contest or a local race. The district you change may be your own.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

No blind eye The 2016 film “Birth of a Nation” was released in a storm of controversy unrelated to the film itself. Whatever your opinion of the film or its maker, one cannot deny the relevance of the film as a medium of historical instruction and a study of human behavior. Although I was aware of the systemic treatment of slaves, I found it interesting to revisit that system which forced slaves to become the instruments of their own oppression. The Nat Turner character was a compelling, charismatic and persuasive speaker. He was perfect as the slave-yard preacher who, through his words, personality and “approved” biblical message, evoked from other slaves passive compliance to their masters’ will and acceptance of their own inferior humanity. When I was young, I thought that only black slaves and some of their ancestors were conditioned by that system of biblical brainwashing. With the enlightenment of maturity and experience, I realized that while not necessarily victims, many white people, whether slaveholders or not, have willingly become captive to that

same biblically based myth of white male superiority. As with slavery, they vigorously and viciously defend this myth and use biblical interpretations as justification for the situational ethics and intolerance that has become their basis for claiming “rightness” in all matters. Currently, central to this issue is the U.S. Senate race in Alabama and allegations of sexual abuse of female juveniles by

Dr. E. Faye Williams GOP candidate Roy Moore. While most people believe or won’t declare these allegations false, roughly 50 percent of Alabama voters still support Mr. Moore. Some base their support on his Christian values. Others claim partisan loyalty to Republicans and against Democrats. Under conventional norms, no reasoning could justify elevating an alleged pedophile to one of the most prestigious elected positions in the nation. But these are not conventional times. If true to their professed Christian beliefs, those supporting Mr. Moore would condemn him as a pedophile. If true to principled, ethical governance, those supporting Mr. Moore would choose his opponent or coalesce around a more suitable write-in candidate. So we

must ask why? What quality does Mr. Moore possess that commands loyalty in the face of such disrepute? Some say he is being unjustly persecuted or that his contributions to Alabama supersede any of his “minor” perversions. Others claim him victim to a double standard of treatment without considering the criminal nature of the “alleged” offense for which he or any other criminal sex offender should/could be punished. Like my fellow activist and cleric, Dr. William Barber of North Carolina, I believe that Moore supporters embrace a distorted religiosity that sacrifices principled, Christian behavior on the altar of racial superiority. All this for the purpose of perpetuating racial dominance to whatever extent and/or for however long possible. There is a sense of urgency for those using their “Republican Christianity” as justification for their situational ethics, as well as for those who are simply racist without the veil of Christianity. They demonstrate a fear of the impending demographic shift that ultimately will eliminate their numerical superiority. Consciously or subconsciously, they recognize that the white privilege they currently enjoy will dwindle into nothingness and their greatest fear — meritorious competition — will become a reality.

Keeping hope alive

As you may have heard, I have hard news to share. After a battery of tests, my physicians have informed me that I am suffering from Parkinson’s disease, the very disease that bested my father. For the last three years, I have felt some of the effects. I have found it increasingly difficult to perform routine tasks. Getting around became more of challenge. Now I know why. Parkinson’s is an incurable, progressive disorder of the nervous system. It affects movement and often mood. More than 1 million Americans live it, with 60,000 diagnosed each year. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease. Men are more likely to contract it than women; the elderly more at risk than the young. There is no cure for Parkinson’s but there are plenty of ways to slow its progress. For me, the diagnosis is not a stop sign, but a warning light that I must make lifestyle changes and dedicate myself to physical therapy to slow the disease’s progression. This diagnosis is personal

but it is more than that. I will use my voice to help in finding a cure for a disease that afflicts 7 million to 10 million worldwide. I plan to visit pharmaceutical companies and research centers to learn what is being done and what is needed to move forward. I have fought for universal, affordable health care for years.

Jesse L. Jackson Sr. With President Trump’s budget calling for unconscionable cuts in medical research and disease prevention, and with the House Republicans voting to eliminate the tax deduction for families with high medical expenses and continuing to try to roll back health care coverage, millions of families will be injured. Health care in this rich nation should be a right, not a privilege. People suffering from cancer, dementia, Parkinson’s and other afflictions should be able to focus on their medical challenges without having to worry about going bankrupt. My habits must change, but my commitment will not falter. On July 17, 1960, I was arrested, along with seven other college students, for advocating for the right to use a public library in my hometown of Greenville, S.C. That day changed my life forever. From

that experience, I lost my fear of being jailed for a righteous cause. I went on to meet Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and dedicate myself to the fight for peace and justice. Now at 76, I’ve come too far to turn back now. I’d still rather wear out than rust out. I will continue to work on behalf of the “least of these.” I’ll continue to try to instill hope where there is despair, to expand our democracy, to comfort the stranger, to free innocent prisoners across the world. As a civil rights advocate, I faced clubs and hoses, jail and hate. As a presidential candidate, I faced a deluge of assassination threats. I’ve been blessed with a long life while others were taken from us. Each challenge, each threat, each loss only made me redouble my efforts. This diagnosis jarred me, but it won’t knock me down. I want to thank my family and friends who have rallied to my side. I will need your prayers and graceful understanding as I undertake this new challenge. As we continue in the struggle for human rights, remember that God will see us through, even in our midnight moments. These times are troubled. We are tested once more, but together, we will keep hope alive. The writer is founder and president of the national Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

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.

This has been proven to my satisfaction with the recent news report that, because they must now compete with minorities for jobs, white people think they have become victims of discrimination. The current political climate is conducive to their interests. No. 45 recognized and appealed to the fears that shape their concerns. Even he has been given a “pass” to violate established norms and customs of courtesy and decorum for the purpose of slowing the progress of justice and equity. Their mistake is to believe that we will accept an inferior status and continue to turn a blind eye to injustice! The writer is national president of the National Congress of Black Women.

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

Founder Raymond H. Boone President – Publisher Jean P. Boone

jeanboone@richmondfreepress.com

Managing Editor Bonnie V. Winston bonniewinston@richmondfreepress.com

Vice President – New Business Development Raymond H. Boone Jr.

jrboone@richmondfreepress.com

Vice President – News Enhancement Jeremy M. Lazarus

jeremylazarus@richmondfreepress.com

Vice President – Production April A. Coleman

aprilcoleman@richmondfreepress.com

Staff Writers Fred Jeter, Frances Crutchfield Hazel Trice Edney Photographers Sandra Sellars

sandrasellars@richmondfreepress.com

Regina H. Boone

reginaboone@richmondfreepress.com

James Haskins, Rudolph Powell and Clinton A. Strane ______________

Vice President – Administration Tracey L. Oliver traceyoliver@richmondfreepress.com

Advertising Traffic Coordinator Cynthia Downing advertising@richmondfreepress.com classifieds@richmondfreepress.com

Advertising Fax: (804) 643-5436 National Advertising Representative EPMG ______________

Distribution Reed Marshall LLC ______________

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

A Publication of PARADIGM COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

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

Follow the Free Press on @FreePressRVA @RichmondFreePressUSA

Richmond Free Press

November 30-December 2, 2017

Letter to the Editor

#MeToo and the dilemma of a black woman

The #MeToo movement illuminating instances of sexual harassment has caught the wave with many white women. The world is watching and we are all applauding them for their courage. But this got me to thinking: When will we hear from black women? I know we have a story. Sadly, since the first slave ships docked in Jamestown in the early 1600s, black women have been demoralized and our bodies have been fair game for the taking. In the 1980s, I was pleased

to enter the white collar workforce. I noticed a lot of black men gaining executive level positions, winning political office and gaining great renown in other fields. I was proud of them and I was hopeful for the future. But I also noticed they were saying and doing things to black women that were inappropriate on so many levels. Black men were inviting black women to lunch at local hotels, touching their breasts, chatting about their body parts and how they could make them feel better. Some black women gave

in to the moments of sexual harassment and have since become successful, married, retired and moved on. Others have been labeled as angry black women and have not been as successful. Can you imagine a world where black women, or others, are hired because of their skills? Now that would make America great! Why have few black women come forward? Is it because there are so few of us in power that we still celebrate even the lowest of low attaining that all-elusive power? Why do we

pretend that we do not understand the people of Alabama standing behind U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore? Virginians have kept the secrets of some of our most scandalous black men. The city of Richmond has a few scumbags that everyone still applauds and fiercely protects their secrets. On the national level, we, as black women, have failed miserably. We still listen to R. Kelly songs and have not demanded that radio stations stop playing his music. When model Beverly Johnson spoke out against Bill Cosby, we attacked her as being old and trying to gain attention despite her diminishing career. Now, information has come out about

Congressman John Conyers Jr. of Michigan and we have been silent. Is it because even in the 21st century black women still feel powerless? How can we gain our voice? How do we collectively get a seat at the table? Does the #MeToo movement have a different meaning to black women? I will tell you what it means to me, a middle-aged black woman who is a Ph.D. candidate seeking employment and would love for my granddaughter not to endure what I have endured â&#x20AC;&#x201D; #MeToowillbetakingittomygrave. MICHELLE COLLINSROBINSON Richmond

YOU CAN STILL FILE

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Get rid of debts that you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Get A Fresh Startâ&#x20AC;? Keep paying on your house and car as long as you owe what they are worth. Also Chapter 13 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Debt Adjustmentâ&#x20AC;? STOPS FORECLOSURES, GARNISHMENTS AND HARASSING PHONE CALLS

OTHER LEGAL SERVICES PROVIDED: Divorce, Separation, Custody, Support, Home Buy or Sell

Start with as little as $100

Call Rudy McCollum at (804)218-3614 24-7. Talk to an attorney for free

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

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

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

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

I-95/Maury Street Intersection Improvements City of Richmond Design Public Hearing Tuesday, December 12, 2017, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Blackwell Community Center th 300 E. 15 St., Richmond, VA 23224 Find out about the proposed intersection improvements project at Interstate 95 and Maury Street in the City of Richmond. Come see proposed plans to construct a single lane roundabout, which will eliminate two traffic signals and reduce congestion during peak travel. The meeting will be held in an open house format from 5:30 7:30 p.m. to provide the flexibility to allow participants to meet and discuss the proposed project directly with project staff members. Review the proposed project plans and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation at the public h Office located at 2430 Pine Forest Drive in Colonial Heights, 804-524-6000, 1800-367-7623, TTY/TDD 711. Please call ahead to assure the availability of appropriate personnel to answer your questions. Property impact information, relocation assistance policies and tentative construction schedules are available for your review at the above address and will be available at the public hearing. In compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NEPA), Section 106 and 36 CFR Part 800, information concerning the potential effects of the proposed project on properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places is provided in the environmental documentation. Give your written or oral comments at the hearing or submit them by December 22, 2017, to Jason Zhang, PE, project manager, Virginia Department of Transportation, 2430 Pine Forest Drive, Colonial Heights, VA 23834-9002. You may also email your comments to jason.zhang@vdot.virginia.gov. Please

I-95 Maury St. Intersection Improvements

Miss Don'tDon't Miss One Word One Word Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Miss One Word

VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you have questions or concerns about your civil rights in regards to this project or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact the project manager listed above. *In the event of inclement weather on December 12, this meeting will be held December 19 at the same time and location above. State Project: 0095-127-971,P101, R201, C501 Federal Project: NHFP-095-1(358)

Have a Story Idea? Write

Richmond Free Press

news@richmondfreepress.com

â&#x2013;

End the inconvenience of empty newspaper boxes, fighting the weather and hunting down back copies. Also, support the Free Press. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re always working for you.

End the inconvenience volunteer of empty newspaper boxes, fighting subscription the weather and hunting down back copies. For your convenience, the Richmond Free Press offers you the Also, support the Free Press. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re always working forin you. opportunity to receive the Richmond Free Press the mail. Just take a minute and fill out the coupon below:

volunteer subscription subscribe $99.00 for a 12-month subscription (First class mail) $50.00 for a 12-month subscription (Third class mail) Check or money order enclosed. Bill my:

For your convenience, For your convenience, the Richmond Free Press offers you the Cardholder's name (please print) the Richmond Free Press opportunity to offers receive the Richmond Free increditthe mail. Cardholder's signaturePress (required for card purchase) you the opportunity to receive Name ______________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________ the Richmond FreeJust Press take a minute and fill out the coupon below: City ____________________________ State _________ Zip _________ in the mail. Send to: Richmond Free Press, P.O. Box 27709, Richmond, VA 23261 Card number (please record all digits)

Richmond Free Press

on social media. @FreePressRVA

@RichmondFreePressUSA

Expiration date

$99.00 for a 12-month subscription (First class mail) $50.00 for a 12-month subscription (Third class mail) Check or money order enclosed. Bill my: Card number (please record all digits)

Expiration date

Richmond Free Press

November 30-December 2, 2017

Sports

Odds of winning top prize in each game: Holiday Dreams: 1 in 1,020,000; Peppermint Double Match: 1 in 783,360; Casino Cheer: 1 in 795,600; Winter Winnings: 1 in 1,040,400; Merry Multiplier: 1 in 795,600; Virginia’s New Year’s Millionaire Raffle: 1 in 125,000. © 2017 Virginia Lottery. valottery.com

playresponsibly Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-888-532-3500 Must be 18 or older to play.

we’re gam

Stories by Fred Jeter

VUU leaning on big men for big success on the basketball court

In keeping with its storied basketball past, big men abound at Virginia Union University. Coach Jay Butler is blessed with multiple low-post options in his third season on the Lombardy Street campus. Three have taken turns sharing accolades thus far, and a promising fourth will be debuting soon. The latest of the Panthers taking bows is 6-foot-8, 240-pound Jordan Thornton, who scored 17 points in VUU’s 87-67 victory over Winston-Salem State University in the Sunday, Nov. 26, ﬁnale of VUU’s Thanksgiving Classic at Barco-Stevens Hall. Flexing his muscles in the paint, the junior transfer from Merrimack College in Massachusetts was 4-for-4 from the ﬂoor and 9-for-16 at the foul line, helping the Panthers improve to a 3-4 record so far this season. Thornton played at Forest Park High in Woodbridge, then spent a prep year at Salisbury School in Connecticut before enrolling at Merrimack College. “My main role is to create a defensive presence,” Thornton said. “Offensively, I like to take it to the rim. Unfortunately they won’t all fall. But then you have a good chance of being fouled.” In VUU’s 58-56 win over St. Augustine’s University on Saturday, Nov. 25, William Jenkins was double-double trouble for

the visitors with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Jenkins is a willowy 6-foot-7, 215-pound sophomore from Baltimore by way of St. Thomas Aquinas College in New York City. VUU’s most experienced big man is 6-foot6, 270-pound senior Devin Moore from District Heights, Md., by way of Hagerstown Community College in Maryland. Moore wears No. 44 on the court, but looks Jordan Thornton Wiliam Jenkins Devin Moore Andre Walker better suited for a football lineman number. In fact, Moore had numerous gridiron scholarship offers before Through his old AAU connections, Coach Johnson met Walker deciding on hoops. years back on the high school travel circuit. A year ago, Moore was the top backup for VUU’s 6-foot-9 Sometimes the heights of basketball players are exaggerated, John Mitchell, an All-CIAA defensive pick. but not in Walker’s case. He clearly ducks in passing through Coach Butler’s fourth low-post candidate is also the tallest the 6-foot-9 locker room door at Barco-Stevens Hall. and yet unseen player – 6-foot-10, 230-pound Andre Walker, a VUU’s uncommon success with tall men can be traced to the senior transfer from Hofstra University in New York. The Gaith- 1960s and Coach Tom Harris, who developed two NBA draftees ersburg, Md., native becomes eligible to play later in December in Bruce Spraggins and “Jumpin’ Jackie Jackson.” following fall semester exams. Coach Harris also recruited Curvan Lewis, an NBA pick in 1977. “Andre’s only got one season here, so he’s dying to play,” Through plenty of arduous recruiting — and perhaps a smidsaid VUU assistant Coach Robert Johnson. “We feel he has a gen of luck — VUU has enjoyed Division I caliber big men in pro skill set.” terms of height and skill on the Division II level. The best-known Panthers’ post men are Charles Oakley, Terry Davis and Ben Wallace, all of whom went on to sparkling NBA careers. But don’t forget centers Larry Holmes (1980) and Derrick Johnson (1992), who spurred VUU to NCAA crowns. More recently, Wayne Wallace, Chandar Bingham, Omar Briggs and Mitchell have played dominant roles under the backboards. This season’s squad may not have one player to win All-America, or even All-CIAA honors. But VUU is hoping the cumulative efa 7-4 season this year and a tie for second fect of a relay team of big men will push the Panthers to a second place in the MEAC. It marked the Bison’s straight CIAA Northern Division title and an NCAA bid. ﬁrst winning season since 2012. Coach Broadway’s Aggies improved Former champs collide to an 11-0 season by defeating North Carolina Central University on Nov. 18 in Coach Broadway Thursday, Dec. 7: Virginia Union University plays Cheyney its regular season ﬁnale. North Carolina University of Pennsylvania. Tipoff: 7 p.m. at Barco-Stevens Hall on the VUU campus. A&T will play either Alcorn State University or Grambling Cheyney won the NCAA Division II title in 1978 under Coach State University on Saturday, Dec. 16, in the Celebration John Chaney, who later coached at Temple University. Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Located 37 miles southwest of Philadelphia, Cheyney While the Robinson Award is named for a coach of an competes in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. HBCU, only one HBCU coach has ever received the award — CIAA member VUU was the NCAA Division II National Champion Prairie View A&M’s University’s Henry Frazier in 2009. in 1980, 1992 and 2005 under Coach Dave Robbins.

London, Broadway finalists for Robinson Award Coaches Michael London of Howard University and Rod Broadway of the MEAC football champions North Carolina A&T State University are ﬁnalists for the Eddie Robinson Award. Established in 1987, the Robinson Coach London Award is named for the former Grambling State University coach and is presented annually to the top coach in the Football Championship Series (FCS) division. The winner will be honored on Jan. 6, prior to the FCS Championship game in Frisco, Texas. Coach London, a former head football coach at the University of Richmond and the University of Virginia, guided Howard to

VCU Rams return from Maui Invitational to face a ‘Bermuda Triangle’ of opponents Virginia Commonwealth University is one of only eight schools to have reached the NCAA basketball tournament at least seven consecutive seasons. If the Rams — now 3-3 following the Maui Invitational basketball tournament — are to extend their postseason dancing to eight years, they’re in need of some résumé polishing wins ASAP. Coach Mike Rhoades’ squad is about to enter what might be billed the “Bermuda Triangle” of opponents. The dangers ahead: Saturday, Dec. 2 – VCU plays Old Dominion University at home, 7 p.m., MASN television. The Monarchs are 5-2 entering this week. Tuesday, Dec. 5 – University of Texas at VCU, 7 p.m., ESPN2. The Longhorns are starting this week 4-1, with the lone loss Basketball royalty in overtime to Besides Virginia No. 1 Duke Commonwealth University, the only teams that have University. been to at least seven Saturday, straight NCAA tournaments Dec. 9 – VCU are North Carolina, Duke, at Seton Hall Wisconsin, Cincinnati, University, 3 Gonzaga, Michigan State p.m., FOX. and Kansas. The Pirates are 5-1, with key wins over Indiana and Vanderbilt universities. Catching up: At the Maui Invitational, the Rams defeated the University of California, Berkeley, 83-69, but fell to Marquette University 94-83 and the University of Michigan 68-60. VCU’s other loss was at home on Nov. 17 to the University of Virginia. The Rams played Cal and Michigan with a handicap. Missing was marksman Issac Mann, who was out with an ankle injury. X-rays were negative, but the University of Maine transfer spent most of his time in the 50th state trading his Hawaiian lei for a foot boot. Shining lights in the Paciﬁc were 6-foot-5

Courtesy of Maui Invitational

Virginia Commonwealth University guard Malik Crowfield hands off the ball during the Rams’ 83-69 victory on Nov. 21 over the University of California, Berkeley during the Maui Invitational.

sophomore Di’Riante Jenkins, who exploded for 27 points and 11 rebounds against California, and Malik Crowfield, with 17 points (five 3-pointers) against Marquette. Returning to the mainland, Jenkins — the most heavily recruited player on the VCU roster, is first among the Rams in scoring (13 points per game), steals (10) and minutes per game (29.2). The outcomes of the next three games could be critical come March regarding NCAA atlarge selections. ODU: The Monarchs represent the Rams’ longest-standing nemesis. VCU leads the series 49-43, but that’s only since 1968. The schools began playing each other in 1949, when VCU was called RPI and ODU was the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary.

ODU features the high-rising Stith brothers, Brandan and B.J., and 6-foot-10 Trey Porter, a former State Group 5 Player of the Year from Potomac High School in Prince William County. Texas: This game marks the awaited return of former VCU Coach Shaka Smart, who posted a 163-56 record at VCU from 2009 to 2015 before leaving unexpectedly for the Lone Star State. The Rams have been unduly harsh on their former coaches returning to the Siegel Center. VCU routed Coach Jeff Capel’s Oklahoma Sooners and Coach Anthony Grant’s Alabama Crimson Tide in similar homecomings. Coach Smart won’t be coming alone. The Longhorns boast one of the nation’s premier freshmen in 6-foot-11 Mohamed Bamba. The Harlem native has a standing reach of 9-foot-6, a wingspan of 7-foot-9 and ﬁgures to play just one college season before opting for the NBA. Seton Hall: This will be the only time before January that the Rams will face a team on the road. The Big East Conference Pirates feature 6-foot-10 Angel Delgado from the Dominican Republic. VCU will play Seton Hall in the Never Forget Tribute Classic honoring the late North Carolina State University Coach Jim Valvano at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. All other nonconference games are at the Siegel Center or on neutral courts. The degree of difﬁculty for the Rams lessens later in December. After navigating the “Bermuda Triangle,” the Rams return to Broad Street against Bucknell University on Dec. 16, Winthrop University on Dec. 19, Virginia Military Institute on Dec. 22 and Fordham University on Dec. 30 — all games in which VCU will be the clear favorite. Scheduling is a dicey proposition. One-sided home wins ease the blood pressure of the players, coaches and fans. But to accumulate power points leading to an NCAA selection, it’s wise to steer into choppy water and take some chances on getting shipwrecked.

Richmond Roughriders in new league The Richmond Roughriders have joined a new league — hopefully offering stronger competition — for the 2018 arena football season. Starting next spring, the Roughriders will compete in the American Arena League, or AAL, a 12-team conference stretching from Vermont to Florida. The AAL is a merger of the now defunct Arena Pro Football, or APF, that Richmond dominated a year ago, and the Can-Am Indoor League. In its maiden season in operation, Richmond swept through the APF like ﬁre in a wind, posting an undefeated record (8-0) with mostly lopsided victories. The Roughriders will open AAL play on March 17 against the High Country Grizzlies in Boone, N.C. The home opener at the Richmond Coliseum will be March 31 against the Carolina Energy from Charlotte, N.C. Teams play nine games prior to the playoffs. LaRonn “Zook” Zimmerman will return as the Roughriders’ head coach.

American Arena League Full members for 2018 Atlanta Havoc; Cape Fear Heroes (Cape Fear, N.C.,); Carolina Energy (Charlotte, N.C.); Florida Tarpons (Lakeland, Fla.); Georgia Doom (Macon, Ga.); Glen Falls Gladiators (Glen Falls, N.Y.); High Country Gr izzlies (Boone, N.C.); Richmond Roughriders; Rochester Kings (Rochester, N.Y.); Triangle Torch (Raleigh, N.C.); Upstate Dragons (Anderson, S.C.); and Vermont Bucks (Burlington, Vt.).

November 30-December 2, 2017 B1

Section

Richmond Free Press

SALON FIXTURES FOR SALE

Happenings

Personality: Kathryn Wall Spotlight on board chair of Children’s Home Society of Va. Kathryn Wall has always loved children. After meeting Nadine Marsh-Carter, CEO of the Children’s Home Society of Virginia, and being overwhelmed by some of the stories about youngsters that were shared, Ms. Wall was inspired to get involved. She is chair of the nonprofit Richmond/organization’s board of directors, a volunteer position she loves. “Those stories resonated with me and my love of children, and I wanted to advocate for adopted children,” Ms. Wall says. “Their mission compelled me to be involved.” CHS was founded in 1900 to find permanent families for homeless orphans. Today, the agency is working with new generations of children with no place to call home. To date, CHS has placed more than 13,500 children in adoptive homes. The agency helps families through the process and continues to support children and families after the adoptions are final. Permanence is part of the CHS mission, Ms. Wall explains. When a child is unconditionally anchored and supported by an adoptive family providing a lifelong, safe, stable and genuine relationship honoring the child’s traditions, heritage and connections, a child becomes more stable, with high self-esteem, she says. “If you think about permanence, think about your own relationship with your family. How important it is to have that connection?” she asks. “If adoptive kids don’t have that connection, then they are more likely to be incarcerated, become homeless and/or have a greater incidence of teen pregnancy.” Since the agency was established, the adoption landscape has shifted, Ms. Wall says. Many of the children are not infants, the typical view that comes to mind with adoption. Many are pre-teens with behavioral problems, or they have been in multiple foster homes, or have been victims of abuse, she says. “Prospective adoptive families require more understanding of the issues and require ongoing parenting support,” she says. Children’s Home Society provides training, she notes. “Part of that is to try to understand these kids’ real problems and understand that they are going to be testing their adoptive parents because they have lived in fear for so long.” So how do adoptive parents face such challenges when a child does not return their affection or the child has behavioral or trust issues? “CHS provides training and resources, family support, respite care through post adoptive services for adoptive parents so they know they have a lifeline to help them and not give up on the child,” Ms. Wall says. Ongoing family workshops with social workers also provide parents with support and suggestions on how to deal with specific situations. Children’s Home Society also has joined with the Better Housing Coalition for The Possibilities Project to help young adults ages 18 through mid-20s who have aged out of the foster care system. The program provides housing, life skills and counseling to help young adults learn to live successfully on their own. “We help them obtain employment, pair them with a roommate who teaches them how to manage a budget, prepare meals, how to get to school,” Ms. Wall says. While the private agency receives some government funding, it depends on private donations from individuals, corporations and foundations to carry out its work, Ms. Wall says. Its inaugural “Eve of the Eve Gala,” a fundraiser 7:30 p.m. Dec. 30, at Casa del Barco, 320 S. 12th St., is designed also to attract younger volunteers — and possibly new adoptive families—by exposing them to

Want to go? What: Inaugural “Eve of the Eve Gala,” a fundraiser to support programs of the Children’s Home Society of Virginia.

Haywood’s Hair Images located at 312 West Grace Street, Richmond has salon fixtures and equipment for sale. You may view and purchase equipment on Mondays, by appointment.

Please call (804) 241-6120 or (804) 306-2533

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

www.wallErjEwElry.com

When: 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30. Where: Casa del Barco, 320 S. 12th St. Details: Tickets are $85. Mexican fare will be served with an open bar. Information and tickets: Go to www.chsva.org or call (804) 353-0191.

CHS’ mission and activities. “What foster children want in life is a permanent family,” Ms. Wall says. “They ask, ‘How do I find my permanent family?’ They want to be wanted.” Meet adoption advocate and this week’s Personality, Kathryn Wall: Occupation: Executive vice president of human resources for Mary Washington Healthcare in Fredericksburg. Date and place of birth: May 20 in Washington. Current residence: Fredericksburg. Alma maters: Bachelor’s in art history, University of Virginia; master’s in education, George Washington University; and completed a fellows program in change managemadent, Johns Hopkins University. No. 1 volunteer position: Chair of the board of directors, Children’s Home Society of Virginia. CHS’ mission: To build strong, permanent families and lifelong relationships for Virginia’s atrisk children and youths. How CHS accomplishes its mission: Children’s Home Society provides a continuum of programs and services built around permanency. These services include birth parent counseling; infant adoption; adoption out of the foster care system, particularly for teenagers; post adoption services, including respite care and, through a unique partnership with the Better Housing Coalition, The Possibilities Project, which is designed to provide housing and full wrap-around services for youths who have aged out of the foster care system. CHS is also proud to be one of only three Virginia recruiters for Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, a signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, a national nonprofit finding forever families for children in foster care. Agency’s No. 1 challenge: Our main challenge is getting teenagers adopted into permanent homes. There is limited funding available from the state Department of Social Services, so it is crucial to make and exceed our private fundraising goals so that we can continue to support these vulnerable children and youth. CHS’ annual budget: About $1.8 million. How and why I find time for this volunteer responsibility: I believe in the mission of CHS. With more than 700 children waiting for permanent families here in Virginia, it is essential that we help. It is the right thing to do for our communities. Without support, many of the kids who age out of foster care face incredible odds and I want to ensure that all of Virginia’s kids have a bright future. I also am in awe of the CHS team. They are unsung heroes who give unselfishly to help create families. Goals for your tenure as board chair: To support the agency in the completion of the strategic plan that focuses on four areas — growing programs and service, ensuring that we are able to attract and retain top talent, meeting our financial goals and being seen as an expert

A community-wide event focusing on public education saturday, december 2, 2017 on poverty law issues at 10 a.m.

for addressing the needs Spend more time improving my is being hosted by photography skills. of at-risk children. Wesley MeMorial United Methodist ChUrCh Strategy for achieving Something I love to do that and Virginia PoVerty laW Center it: By using evidence- most people would never This forum will provide resources and legal tools based, trauma-informed imagine: I am an open book so to educate you on your legal rights. methods, we provide most of my friends know that I There is also an opportunity to speak to an attorney the stability many of love to travel and that dogs are individually about any legal issues you may have. these young people have one of my joys. never had and the hope A quote that I am inspired by: Event held at: Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church to fulfill their dreams “I thought that I was given all 1720 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Richmond, Virginia 23223 through safe housing, intensive things to enjoy life, but I was (804) 644-5830 case management, counseling, given life to enjoy all things.” mentoring and life skills train- How I unwind: My dog is the ing. We help our young people best way to unwind. C.L. Belle’s thrive by developing a plan for The person who influenced the future and then helping me the most: I have wonderful them live it. parents who worked hard and 3101 W. Broad Street Number of children served share with me the value of hard by CHS: Since 1900, more work, dedication and generosity. (804) 358-3406 than 13,500 children have been My dad has the best life lessons, adopted through CHS. In FY including my favorite, “Get the 2016, we served more than 785 peanut butter out of your ears.” children and families. Translation — make sure you Age of children: Infants to are listening! age 25. Book that influenced me the Cars starting at Reasons children are in foster most: “Christy” by Catherine care: Kids enter foster care for Marshall. SmallMediumLarge a variety of reasons. They are in What I’m reading now: I an unsafe home where abuse or just finished “The Other Alneglect occurs, their parents are cott” by Elise Hooper. It is a not able to parent, increasingly fictionalized story of Louisa a day as a result of opioid abuse, or May Alcott’s sister, May, who they have lost their parents. was an artist. Why adopt: Kids in foster care My next goal: I am doing a FREE Pickup in Richmond Area are there through no fault of photography workshop this NO CREDIT their own. What they need is a summer and I really want to permanent, loving family that improve my skills and then go CARD NEEDED will help them develop into to the Galapagos Islands. www.ezcarrentalsrva.com trusting, successful adults. By adopting, you can truly change lives, including your own. Advice for families considering adoption: Get lots of support and learn all you can. At CHS, we provide significant training to prospective adoptive families and continuous support throughout the adoption process. This includes working with families once an adoptive placement is made and after the adoption is finalized to ensure the new family will thrive. Myths about adopting teens Presented by thePresented RichmondbyFree Press & Free Press & in foster care: That it costs a the Richmond Presented by the Richmond Free Press & lot of money to adopt. While America’s Biopharmaceutical Companies Presented by the Richmond Free Press & Press Presented by the Richmond Free & America’s Biopharmaceutical Companies there are placement fees usually America’s Biopharmaceutical Companies America’s Biopharmaceutical Companies Presented by the Richmond Free Press & Presented by the Richmond Free Press & associated with infant adoption, America’s Biopharmaceutical Companies America’s Biopharmaceutical Companies there are no placement fees to America’s Biopharmaceutical Companies The Richmond FreeThe Press and America’s Biopharmaceutical Companies cordially invite Richmond Free Press and America’s Biopharmaceutical Compan adopt a teen. In addition, the The Richmond Free Press and America’s Biopharmaceutical Companies cordi you to attend a public policy forum highlighting innovation in the biotechnology sector Richmond America’s Biopharmaceutical Companies cordially invite adoption taxThe credit can offset Free Press andyou toaPress attend aAmerica’s public policy forum highlighting innovation in the biot The Richmond Free Press and America’s Biopharmaceutical Companies cordially invite The Richmond Free and Biopharmaceutical Companies cordially invite you to attend public policy forum highlighting innovation in the biotechnolog what minimal costs thereand areawhat it means for the health and innovation well-being of the African-American community in you to attend public policy forum highlighting in the biotechnology sector and what it means for the health and well-being of the African-Americ you to attend a public policy forum highlighting innovation in the biotechnology sector Compan The Richmond Free Pressand and America’s Biopharmaceutical you to attend awhat public policy forum highlighting innovation in the African-American biotechnology sector for home studies or training. and it means for the health well-being of the comm Central Virginia. and fees what for the health and well-being of the African-American community in inin the biot and what it means forattend the health andwell-being well-being of African-American community Central Virginia. We don’t want to itand bemeans a what you to aand public policy forum highlighting innovation it means for the health ofthethe African-American community in Central Virginia. Central Virginia. Central Virginia. barrier to adoption because and what it means for the health and well-being of the African-Americ Central Virginia. these young people are no less Central Virginia. aevent panelwill discussion including State Senator Rosalyn Dance andRo deserving than our own kidsThe to event will feature The feature a panel discussion including State Senator The event will feature a panel discussion including State Senator RosalynSenator Dance and The event will feature a panel discussion including State Rosalyn Da be part of a loving, permanent Bert Bruce, Vice President, Global Marketing, Pfizer Rare Disease, and The event will a panel discussion including State Senator Rosalyn Dance Bert Bruce, Vice President, Global Marketing, Pfizer Rareand Dise Bert Bruce, Vice President, Global Marketing, Pfizer Rare Disease, and and Thefeature event will feature aBruce, panel discussion including State Senator Rosalyn Dance family. Bert Vice President, Global Marketing, Pfizer Rare Disease, and Dionne Henderson, Community Impact Director, American Heart Association. Vice President, Global Marketing, Pfizer Rare Disease, and Dionne Henderson, Community Impact Director, American Heart Association. Dionne Henderson, Community Impact Director, American Heart Difference between aBert fosterBruce,Bert The event will feature aMarketing, panel discussion including State Senator Ro Bruce, Vice President, Global Pfizer Rare Disease, and Dionne Henderson, Community Impact Director, American Heart Associa Panel will be moderated by Jean Boone, Publisher, Richmond Free Panel will be moderated by Jean Boone, Publisher, Richmond Free Press. Press. Dionne Henderson, Community Impact Director, American Heart Association. parent and foster-to-adopt Panel will be moderated by Jean Boone, Publisher, Richmond Bert Bruce, Vice President, Global Marketing, Pfizer Rare Dise Dionne Henderson, Community Impact Director, American Heart Association. Panel will beBoone, moderated by Jean Boone, Publisher, Richmond Free PresF parent: A foster parentPanel goes into will be moderated by Jean Publisher, Richmond Free Press. Dionne Henderson, Community Impact Director, Panel will be moderated by Jean Boone, Publisher, Richmond FreeAmerican Press. Heart the fostering relationship with Thursday, Decemberby7,Jean 2017 the understanding that the placePanel will be moderated Boone, Publisher, Richmond F ment will be temporary until 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. the child can return home. With 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. foster-to-adopt, the family goes 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. into the placement knowing 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. Hotel John Marshall 4:00 5:30 p.m. that the child’s placement may 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. 101 N. Fifth Street become permanent. Richmond, VA 23219 Relationship children have 101 N. Fifth Street with biological family once 101 N. Fifth Street 101 N. Fifth Street placed with adoptive famiRichmond, VA 23219 101 N. Fifth Street Fifth Street This101 is anN. invitation-only event. Richmond, VA 23219 lies: It varies depending on the Richmond, VA 23219 Richmond, VA 23219 circumstances of the adoption. 101 N. Fifth Street Richmond, VA 23219 Our priority is always what RSVP to dammons@mwcllc.com by Friday, December 1, 2017 Richmond, VA 23219 is in the child’s best interest. RSVP required. This is an invitation-only event. This is an invitation-only In some cases, the child will This is an invitation-only event. event. This is anThis invitation-only event. continue to have a relationship is an invitation-only event. RSVP to dammons@mwcllc.com by Friday, December 1, 2017December 1, with the biological family. In RSVP to dammons@mwcllc.com byDecember Friday, This is an invitation-only event. RSVP to dammons@mwcllc.com by Friday, 1, 2017 others, particularly where there RSVP to dammons@mwcllc.com by Friday, December 1, 2017 RSVP to dammons@mwcllc.com by Friday, December 1, 2017 has been significant abuse or RSVP to dammons@mwcllc.com by Friday, December 1, neglect, such a relationship might not be in the best interest of the child. How I start the day: One of my favorite sayings is “Greet the new year with joy.” I try to practice this every day — “Greet the new day with joy.” I have lots to be thankful for and try to not take anything for granted. A perfect day for me is: Spending time with my family and friends and my golden retriever, Milly, maybe at the beach. If I had more time, I would:

E Z Car Rental FALL SPECIAL

Curing What’s Killing Us:Killing Us: Curing What’s Curing What’s Killing Us: Curing What’s KillingKilling Us: Us: Curing What’s Fighting Chronic Disease In Fighting Chronic Disease In Fighting Chronic Disease In Us: Curing What’s Killing Fighting Chronic Disease In Fighting Chronic Disease In

Richmond’s African-American CommunityComm Curing What’s Killing Us: Richmond’s African-American Richmond’s African-American Community Fighting Chronic Disease In Richmond’s African-American Community Richmond’s African-American Community Fighting Chronic Disease In Richmond’s African-American Comm Richmond’s African-American Community

Thursday, December 7, December 2017 Thursday, 7, 2017 Thursday, December 7, 2017 Thursday, December 7, 2017 Thursday, December 7, 2017 Thursday, December 7, 2017 Hotel John Marshall John Marshall Hotel Hotel John Marshall Hotel John Marshall Hotel John Marshall Hotel John Marshall

Richmond Free Press

B2 November 30-December 2, 2017

Happenings Downtown to light up Friday with 33rd Annual Grand Illumination By Ronald E. Carrington

Christmas bells will ring, carolers will sing and Santa will arrive on his sleigh during holiday events this week in Downtown. Hundreds of people of all ages are expected at the 33rd Annual Grand Illumination at the James Center, a free event that has become a holiday party around the lighting of Downtown buildings. Festivities begin at 5:50 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, on the steps of One James Center, 10th and Cary streets, where Melissa Chase and Jack Lauterback of 103.7 Play radio will become the Snow Queen and Jack Frost. They and Santa will lead the crowd in the countdown to the 6 p.m. illumination of Richmond’s skyline and the James Center’s tree and reindeer. Two blocks of family entertainment and music will be featured until 7 p.m. Among the performers featured will be Good Shot Judy, Silly Bus, James River Brass, SPARC (School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community), Flute Forte, the American Youth Harp Ensemble, The VCU Trombone Choir & Friends and characters from the cast of “The Nutcracker.” The Virginia Piedmont & Central HO Model Railroaders will have an exhibition inside the James Center. Also in the lobby of 3 James Center will be a collection sleigh for gifts for area children. Greater Richmond SCAN, Stop Child Abuse Now, will

be collecting toys for 200 children. People are asked to bring unwrapped gifts for children up to age 17 from Grand Illumination through Friday, Dec. 8. Holiday revelers can circle Shockoe Slip and Shockoe Bottom on a horse-drawn, decorated 12-passenger wagon by James River Carriages from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2. The free rides, sponsored by Venture Richmond, will start and end at the fountain at 13th and Cary streets. Horse and carriage rides also will be available for $10 per person on Fridays through Sundays beginning Dec. 8 and ending Friday, Dec. 22. Those 20-minute rides will leave from 10th and Cary streets, and will be available 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays, 5 to 9 p.m. Saturdays and 5 to 8 p.m. Sundays. Children 4 and under sitting in a lap are free. Ride reservations: (804) 350-7752.

Grand Illumination events, including music, activities, performers, an art exhibition and toy train display by the River City 3 Railers, also will take place at Main Street Station, 1500 E. Main St., and its newly renovated Train Shed 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1. Performers include saxophonist James “Saxsmo” Gates, RVA Tuba Christmas and the Doctors of Jazz. The Merry Elves Aerialists also will perform, and horse drawn carriages by Hundley Carriages will be there.

A gallery, hosted by Crossroads Art Center, and a winter market, hosted by Southern Grade, will be featured at the train station Friday, Dec. 1, and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. Entertainment also will be featured throughout the day Saturday, including The Noteables from the Richmond Men’s Choir and St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church Choir. Details: (804) 523-3329. Holiday merrymakers can step back in time with a free Victorian Christmas and illumination event at the Edgar Allan Poe Museum and garden 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1. Costumed interpreters will demonstrate what Christmas was like during the poet’s time and guests can make Victorian Christmas crafts while enjoying hot cocoa, apple cider, coffee or mulled wine at the Poe Museum, 1914 E.

Soul Santa arrives Saturday at Black History Museum Soul Santa will spend two Saturdays at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia in Jackson Ward. From noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 9, Soul Santa will listen to children’s holiday wishes and pose for holiday pictures with youngsters. Along with Soul Santa’s visit, the holiday event will

include a historical scavenger hunt, book giveaways and seasonal arts and crafts. The event is free and open to children of all ages. The museum also will have a holiday shop for youngsters to shop for gifts for family and friends. The museum is at 122 W. Leigh St. Details: www.blackhistorymuseum.org or (804) 780-9093.

Main St. Details: www.poemuseum. org or (804) 648-5523. Handel’s “Messiah” will be presented by the Richmond Symphony at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at the Carpenter Theatre Dominion Arts Center, 600 E. Grace St. The Richmond Symphony Chorus will join instrumentalists for the holiday classic. And at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2, the Richmond Symphony Pops 2 will present “Let It Snow!” a holiday concert at the Carpenter Theatre featuring the sounds of the season by the Richmond Symphony and the Richmond Symphony Chorus, with guest vocalist Susan Greenbaum. Tickets are required for both events. Details and tickets: www.richmondsymphony.com or (800) 514-3849. Thousands of spectators are expected to line Broad Street for the 34th Annual Dominion Energy Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 2. The parade, which is free, begins at 10 a.m., with floats, marching bands and Santa starting at the Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St., and moving east on Broad Street to 7th Street. This year’s parade grand marshals are Margot Lee Shetterly, author of “Hidden Figures,” and Dr. Christine Darden, a retired NASA mathematician, data analyst and aeronautical engineer, who was one of the women featured in the book. The book was turned into a popular movie by the same name. For details on all of the events in Downtown, go to www.venturerichmond.com or call (804) 788-6466.

Wedding bells for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Reuters

a divorcée, met in July 2016 after they were introduced through a mutual friend, with both knowing little about the other. “I had never watched ‘Suits,’ I had never heard of Meghan before and I was beautifully surprised when I walked into that room and saw her. I was like I‘m going to really up my game here,” Prince Harry said. After just two dates, the couple decided to go on holiday together to Botswana, but it was only months later that the prince, the younger son of Charles and his first wife Princess Diana, publicly confirmed their relationship in a rebuke to the Toby Melville/Reuters media over its Britain’s Prince Harry poses with his alleged intrufiancée, U.S. actress Meghan Markle, at sion into Ms. the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace Markle’s priin London following Monday’s formal vate life. announcement of their engagement. “I did not relationship had blossomed have any understanding of “incredibly quickly” after meet- just what it would be like,” she ing on a blind date. said. “Both of us were totally Asked when he knew Ms. surprised by the reaction,” Markle was “the one,” he replied: added Prince Harry, who said “The very first time we met.” they had a frank conversation Prince Harry, 33, Queen about what she was letting Elizabeth’s grandson and fifth herself in for. in line to the British throne, and In his office’s warning to the Ms. Markle, 36, got engaged in media, Prince Harry referred to London this month and will wed the sexism and racism directed in May at Windsor Palace. at Ms. Markle, whose father is Ms. Markle will become a white and her mother, Africandual citizen, adding British citi- American. zenship to her U.S. citizenship, “We are incredibly happy according to officials. for Meghan and Harry. Our “The fact that I fell in love daughter has always been a with Meghan so incredibly kind and loving person,” Ms. quickly was confirmation to me Markle’s parents, Thomas that all the stars were aligned, Markle and Doria Ragland, everything was just perfect. said in a statement. This beautiful woman just “To see her union with Harry, tripped and fell into my life, I who shares the same qualities, fell into her life,” Prince Harry is a source of great joy for us as said during the couple’s first parents. We wish them a lifetime broadcast interview. of happiness and are very excited The queen, who had to give for their future together.” her consent for the union, and It was not until September her husband Prince Philip were that the couple made their first delighted, Buckingham Palace public appearance together at said, while Prince Harry also the Invictus Games in Toronto, received the blessing of Ms. a sports event for wounded Markle’s parents. veterans. “We’re thrilled. I hope they The couple posed for photowill be very happy indeed,” graphs earlier Monday on the Prince Charles, the father of grounds of Kensington Palace the newly betrothed and heir in central London, where the to the British throne, said. couple will live in a cottage. Prince Harry and Ms. Markle, Ms. Markle showed off a dazLONDON It looks like a fairy tale ending for Meghan Markle, the American actress best known for her role in the television legal drama “Suits.” Ms. Markle and Britain’s Prince Harry announced on Monday they are getting married next year, saying their

VUU winter concert Nov. 30

The Virginia Union University Choir and the VUU Community Orchestra will present its free winter concert, “Christmas at Virginia Union University 2017, The Miracle on Lombardy Street III,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, in Coburn Hall on the campus, 1500 N. Lombardy St. Dr. Willis L. Barnett, chairman of the university’s Fine Arts Department and director of choral activities, will conduct.

zling three-stone ring designed by Prince Harry. At its center is a diamond from Botswana, surrounded by two diamonds taken from the personal collection of his late mother, Princess Diana. Prince Harry said she would have been “thick as thieves” with Ms. Markle. “It’s so important to me to know that she’s a part of this with us,” Ms. Markle said. The wedding is likely to attract huge attention across the world, as did the marriage of Prince Harry’s elder brother, Prince William, to Kate Middleton in 2011. “We are very excited for Harry and Meghan,” Prince William and Kate said in a statement. “It has been wonderful getting to know Meghan and to

see how happy she and Harry are together.” Like Prince William’s wife, Ms. Markle will not become a princess in her own right after marrying Prince Harry. However, like his brother, Prince Harry is likely to be made a duke when he marries, meaning Ms. Markle would become a duchess. Ms. Markle was born in Los Angeles in 1981. Her father was a TV lighting director for soaps and sitcoms and her mother a clinical therapist. She made her first TV appearance in a 2002 episode of the soap opera “General Hospital” and has appeared in a number of TV shows and films, such as “Horrible Bosses.” But she achieved her greatest fame for her starring

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Holiday sharing People of all ages pitched in to serve others last week at area Thanksgiving celebrations. Top left, Tianna Fields, 5, reaches with a gloved hand to put a roll on a dinner plate for one of the senior residents of the former Essex Village apartment complex in Henrico County. The dinner, held the day before Thanksgiving, was sponsored by Coaches Against Violence Everywhere, or C.A.V.E., and drew singer Tamar Braxton, who also helped. Top right, Ms. Braxton, who was in Richmond to perform, offers holiday greetings to Mary Williams and other seniors in the complex, now called Maggie Lena Walker Apartments. Right, volunteers Malik Childs, left, Sidney Evans, Davon Courtney and Shonda Harris-Muhammed prepare to serve meals at the Giving Heart Community Thanksgiving Feast at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Thousands of people enjoyed the food and fellowship at the annual event.

part as Rachel Zane in the TV series “Suits.” In 2011, Ms. Markle married film producer Trevor Engelson, but they divorced two years later. She had her own lifestyle blog, thetig.com, which she recently shut down. Like her future husband, she has become a humanitarian campaigner. Prince Harry’s easygoing manner with the public has made him one of the most popular members of the Windsors. That has put him at the forefront of a rebranding of the monarchy as modern and relevant, a far cry from the perception of a hopelessly outof-touch institution following Princess Diana’s death. To coincide with the 20th

anniversary of her death this year, Prince Harry opened up about his own trauma at losing his mother at a young age. Ms. Markle criticized President Trump in a TV interview before last year’s election, calling him misogynistic. Britain’s royals traditionally avoid making any political interventions and Prince Harry said he had confidence that his wife-to-be would be able to handle the pressures her role would bring. “I know the fact that she’ll be unbelievably good at the job part as well is obviously a huge relief to me because she’ll be able to deal with everything else that comes with it,” he said. “We’re a fantastic team. We know we are.”

Richmond Free Press

November 30-December 2, 2017 B3

Faith News/Directory

Judge approves RCC sale to UNCI By Jeremy M. Lazarus

As anticipated, the Richmond-based United Nations Church International has been approved to purchase the 5-acre Richmond Christian Center property in South Side. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Keith L. Phillips approved last week the $2.9 million sale of RCC holdings in and around the 200 block of Cowardin Avenue. Judge Phillips acted in response to a request from court-

appointed trustee Bruce H. Matson. The independent UNCI, led by Bishop Orrin K. Pullings Sr. and his wife, Dr. Medina S. Pullings, has put up $200,000 and must provide the remaining $2.7 million by Dec. 15 to complete the sale and pay off RCC’s creditors, according to Mr. Matson. Under the plan approved by the court, RCC’s congregation is to merge into UNCI, which reports having affiliated churches operating under its banner in Fredericksburg, New York, Charlotte, N.C., Atlanta and Uganda.

Priest aids in Mugabe relinquishing power Free Press wire report

CHISHAWASHA, Zimbabwe Zimbabwe’s former President Robert Mugabe knew it was “the end of the road” days before he quit, and appeared relieved when he signed his resignation letter after 37 years in power, said a Catholic priest who mediated talks leading to his removal from office. The Rev. Fidelis Mukonori, who has known Mr. Mugabe for decades, said in an interview with The Associated Press on Sunday that Mr. Mugabe, under immense pressure in his final days as president, wanted a gradual and “smooth” transition of power to Emmerson Mnangagwa, the vice president he recently had fired and who is now Zimbabwe’s new leader. Mr. Mugabe had to resort to “Plan B” — an immediate resignation — after Mr. Mnangagwa did not return from exile in South Africa at Mr. Mugabe’s request, according to Rev. Mukonori. The interview at the Chishawasha mission church east of Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital, revealed some of the behind-the-scenes maneuvering at the frantic end of Mr. Mugabe’s rule, which began with promise after the end of white minority rule in 1980 and unraveled under pressure from virtually all sectors of a society worn down by economic decline, government dysfunction and restrictions on basic freedoms. Events moved quickly after the military deployed troops in Harare on Nov. 14. The 93-yearold leader resigned a week later, and President Mnangagwa was inaugurated last Friday in a joyous ceremony attended by tens of thousands of people yearning for change. While Mr. Mugabe realized several days before his resignation that he couldn’t stay on as president, he clung to the idea that he could remain in his post at least until a ruling party congress next month to ensure a “smooth handover,” Rev. Mukonori said. In a televised address on Nov. 19, Mr. Mugabe shocked many Zimbabweans who had expected him to announce his resignation by instead saying that he would preside over that congress, even though the ruling ZANU-PF party had fired him as party leader just hours before. “I sympathize with the people in the street. They didn’t know what was happening,” Rev. Mukonori said. “The man had already realized that this is the end of the road.” Mr. Mugabe was unable to control the terms of his exit after a lifetime of exercising the deft political skills and outright ruthlessness that kept him in power for so long. He had lost his grip on the ruling party, where factional feuding reached a boiling point with the dismissal of Mr. Mnangagwa and the open ambitions of Mr. Mugabe’s 52-year-old wife, Grace, to take over from her husband in a dynastic suc-

  

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



 Church School Worship Service

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

 ile Su

1 p.m.

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

cession that many “ ‘they think I’m now events in Zimbabwe but doesn’t Zimbabweans found resigning in order to believe it is “all” her fault. abhorrent. stop the meeting, as A smiling Mrs. Mugabe is The military said if I have something pictured with her arm around her it intervened to target to hide.’ ” husband’s shoulder in a photo “criminals” around When Mr. Mugabe with two former Namibian Mr. Mugabe, and finally signed his res- presidents who were in Harare Rev. Mukonori foignation letter, he had for the new president’s inaugucused on talks with an expression of re- ration on Friday. The former Mr. Mugabe generals aimed at lief, as though to say, president, though invited by Mr. resolving the political crisis, “ ‘It’s done,’ ” the priest said. Mnangagwa, did not attend the shuttling between the presiMrs. Mugabe had a periph- swearing-in, according to Rev. dent’s private residence, the eral role in the talks leading Mukonori. presidential office at State to her husband’s resignation, Zimbabwean ruling party House and military barracks. only participating “when it was officials have assured Mr. Mr. Mnangagwa, who has necessary for her to come, when Mugabe that he won’t be close ties to the military and had she was called,” Rev. Mukonori prosecuted and that “his famfled Zimbabwe, was the “one said. On one occasion, she ily is safe,” according to a figure missing” in the talks, Rev. told an inquiring Mr. Mugabe senior party official, Lovemore Mukonori said. Hours before that she was not involved in a Matuke. Rev. Mukonori didn’t Mr. Mugabe’s Nov. 19 speech, statement critical of the military discuss the details of any the priest said, Mr. Mugabe that has landed two leaders of guarantees. spoke to Mr. Mnangagwa for the ruling party’s youth league The priest chuckled when 10 minutes by telephone and in jail. asked whether Mr. Mugabe implored his former deputy to The mediator said Mrs. will stay in Zimbabwe. return, saying: “ ‘Emmerson, Mugabe is “aware” of her role “Where would he go?” he come back now, now, now. Let’s in triggering the momentous said. “He would die here.”  deal with this issue.’ ” Mr. Mugabe “had to change Broad Rock Baptist Church his mind because Emmerson 5106 Walmsley Blvd., Richmond, VA 23224 did not turn up,” said Rev. 804-276-2740 • 804-276-6535 (fax) Mukonori, who worked with www.BRBCONLINE.org several other mediators in the Early Morning Worship ~ 8 a.m. government. Sunday School ~ 9:30 a.m. The next day, Mr. MnanMorning Worship ~ 11 a.m. gagwa said publicly that he 4th Sunday Uniﬁed Worship Service ~ 9:30 a.m. could not return to Zimbabwe Bible Study: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. because he feared for his life Sermons Available at BRBCONLINE.org and urged Mr. Mugabe to resign immediately. On Tuesday, “MAKE IT HAPPEN” Zimbabwe’s parliament began Pastor Kevin Cook impeachment proceedings against Mr. Mugabe, who called Jacob Mudenda, the parliamentary speaker, to say Theme for 2016-2020: Mobilizing For Ministry he wanted to resign. Refreshing The Old and Emerging The New The president worried, acWe Embrace Diversity — Love For All! cording to Rev. Mukonori, that A 21st Century Church

The sale to UNCI also will prevent disruption to 18 businesses and faith groups that rent space on the RCC campus. The sale would cap RCC’s four-year bankruptcy saga that has included the ouster of the founding pastor, Stephen A. Parson Sr. Mr. Parson objected to the sale to UNCI, but could not stop it.

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

11:00 AM Mid-day Meditation

Ebenezer Baptist Church 1858

“The People’s Church” Presents

The Music Ministry In Concert John W. McLean, Jr. | Director of Music

Sixth Baptist Church With Ministry For Everyone

Come worship with us!

Riverview

Sunday, December 3, 2017

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

Message #23: Rethinking Your Purpose

10:45 AM ~ Worship Service

Message by Pastor

Baptist Church

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

Rethinking Series

Save The Date Sunday, December 17, 2017 Church 94th Anniversary 10:45 AM

, Pastor

Twitter sixthbaptistrva

400 South Addison Street, Richmond, Va. 23220

Facebook sixthbaptistrva

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

(near Byrd Park)

Sunday, December 10, 2017 5:00 p.m. Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus  Rev. Dr. James E. Leary, Interim Pastor 216 W. Leigh St. • Richmond, Va. 23220 Tel: 804-643-3366 • Fax: 804-643-3367 Email: ebcoffice1@yahoo.com • web: www.richmondebenezer.com

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church

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

22nd

Founders’ and Church Anniversary Bishop G. O. Glenn D. Min., Pastor Mother Marcietia S. Glenn First Lady

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

Wednesday Services Noonday Bible Study 12noon-1:00 p.m. Attendence: 70 Sanctuary - All Are Welcome! Wednesday Evening Bible Study 7 p.m. Prayer Attendence: 94

Saturday 8:30 a.m. Intercessory Prayer

You can now view Sunday Morning Service “AS IT HAPPENS” online! Also, for your convenience, we now offer “full online giving.” Visit www.ndec.net.

Friday, March 2, 2018 7:30 PM

Sunday, March 4, 2018 9:00 AM Tune in on Sunday Morning to WTVR - Channel 6 - 8:30 a.m. THE NEW DELIVERANCE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (NDCA)

ENROLL NOW!!! Accepting applications for children 2 yrs. old to 4th Grade Our NDCA curriculum also consists of a Before and After program. Now Enrolling for our Nursery Ages 6 weeks - 2yrs. old. For more information Please call (804) 276-4433 Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

Richmond Free Press

B4 November 30-December 2, 2017

Obituaries/Faith Directory

Della Reese, star of TV show ‘Touched by an Angel,’ dies at 86 Free Press wire report

Ms. Reese

LOS ANGELES Actress and singer Della Reese, best known for her role as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama “Touched by an Angel,” has died at her California home. The 86-year old Ms. Reese “passed away peacefully … surrounded by love” on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, her husband, Franklin Lett, and her family said in a statement. The statement was posted on the family’s behalf by Ms. Reese’s co-star Roma Downey on her Instagram page. “Through her life and work, she touched and inspired the lives of millions of people,” the statement added. No cause of death was given, but Ms. Reese suffered from diabetes, which was diagnosed about 17 years ago. Detroit-born Ms. Reese was trained as a gospel singer. As a youngster, she joined the junior choir at Olivet Baptist Church and became a star soloist there and singing at other churches, civic events and on the radio. When Mahalia Jackson, who was known as the “Queen of Gospel Music,” came to Detroit, she turned to 13-year-old Ms. Reese when she had to replace a member of her troupe. Ms. Jackson was so impressed by the teen’s voice that she took Ms. Reese with her on a summer tour. Ms. Reese toured with Ms. Jackson for five summers.

Warren ‘Pete’ Moore, original vocalist, songwriter with The Miracles, dies at 79 singer. The song became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard chart in 1976. Two years later, The Miracles dissolved, with Mr. Moore later starting a production company in Las Vegas. His company was known for nurturing the career of hip-hop artist B. Taylor. In a statement after Mr. Moore’s death, Mr. Gordy described Mr. Moore as a “quiet spirit with a wonderful bass voice behind Smokey Robinson’s soft, distinctive lead vocals.” Mr. Robinson paid tribute to Mr. Moore, writing on Twitter, “Pete Moore was my brother since I was 11 years old. I’m really going to miss him.” In 2012, Mr. Moore, along with the other members of The Miracles, were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame via special committee, overturning a decision made in 1987 to only induct Mr. Robinson. In 2009, the band was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In addition to his wife, Mr. Moore is survived by twin daughters, Monique and Monette Moore, and a sister, Winifred Moore.

Free Press wire report

Warren “Pete” Moore, a vocalist and songwriter with Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, died Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in Las Vegas on his 79th birthday. His wife, Tina Moore, said the cause was complications from diabetes. The Detroit native was a childhood friend of Mr. Robinson. As teenagers, they co-founded a vocal group called the Five Chimes that won a contest on “Saturday Dance Party,” a television show, that sparked the creation of The Miracles. They were managed by Berry Gordy and became an integral early success for Motown records. Mr. Moore co-wrote many of The Miracles’ hits, among them three Top 20 hits that were released in 1965 — “Ooo Baby Baby,” co-written with Mr. Robinson; “The Tracks of My Tears,” with Mr. Robinson and the group’s guitarist, Marv Tarplin; and “My Girl Has Gone,” with Mr. Robinson, Mr. Tarplin and Ronnie White of The Miracles. The band had 26 Top 40 hits, including “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” and

Mr. Moore

“Shop Around.” In 1970, their song, “The Tears of a Clown,” reached No. 1 in the United States and the United Kingdom. He also collaborated on songs that became hits for other Motown artists, including Marvin Gaye’s “Ain’t that Peculiar” and “I’ll Be Doggone.” Mr. Moore remained with The Miracles through Mr. Robinson’s leaving in 1972 to pursue a solo career. Mr. Moore co-wrote “Love Machine, Part 1” with Billy Griffin, who replaced Mr. Robinson as lead

Ms. Reese found fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s with pop and jazz hits like “Don’t You Know” and “In the Still of the Night.” In 1987, she was nominated for a Grammy Award for best female soloist in the gospel music category. She had a long career headlining at major nightclubs, including the Copacabana in New York and the Cocoanut Grove in Hollywood. By 1969, she had her own talk show, “Della,” the first to be hosted by an African-American woman. She then landed roles in shows like “It Takes Two” and “Crazy Like a Fox.” Ms. Reese also appeared on television shows, including “Sanford and Son,” “Chico and the Man” and “Picket Fences,” and had occasional roles in movies, including “Harlem Nights” in 1989. Her biggest part, however, was her role as the sarcastic supervisor angel Tess on the CBS television series “Touched by an Angel,” which ran for nine years until 2003. Ms. Reese also sang the title song, “Walk With You.” In the late 1980s, Ms. Reese started a church in her Los Angeles living room. The church, called Understanding Principles for Better Living, known as UP, later moved to its own facilities and Ms. Reese became known as the Rev. Dr. Della Reese Lett. Her marriages to Vermont Taliaferro and Leroy Gray ended in divorce, while a marriage to Duke Ellington’s son, Mercer Ellington, who served as her musical director, was annulled. She married concert producer Franklin Lett in 1983, and the couple had three children. No funeral details were available.

‘Cosby Show’ actor dies at 91 Free Press wire report

LOS ANGELES Earle Hyman, a veteran actor of stage and screen who was widely known for playing the father of Bill Cosby’s character on “The Cosby Show,” has died. Jordan Strohl, a representative for The Actors Fund, said Mr. Hyman died Mr. Hyman Friday, Nov. 17, 2017, at the Lillian Booth Actors Home in Englewood, N.J. He was 91. A North Carolina native, Mr. Hyman made his Broadway debut as a teenager in 1943. He would go on to become a charter member of the American Shakespeare Theater. In 1980, Mr. Hyman received a Tony nomination for “The Lady From Dubuque.” Mr. Hyman is best known, however, for “The Cosby Show” where he played Russell Huxtable, the father to Mr. Cosby’s character Cliff Huxtable, even though Mr. Hyman was only 11 years older than Mr. Cosby. He earned a guest performer Emmy nomination for the role in 1986.

Pioneering jazz singer Jon Hendricks succumbs at 96 Free Press wire report

a solo career in London, worked as a TOLEDO, Ohio jazz critic in San Francisco and released Jon Hendricks, the pioneering jazz several solo albums. singer and lyricist who, with the trio Mr. Hendricks won a Grammy in 1986 Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, popularfor best male jazz vocal performance of ized the “vocalese” singing style in which 1985 for his work with Bobby McFerrin words were added to instrumental songs, on “Another Night in Tunisia,” a cut on has died. He was 96. Manhattan Transfer’s album “Vocalese.” His daughter, Aria Hendricks, said Mr. Hendricks wrote all the lyrics for the he died Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2017, at a album, to music by Ray Charles, Quincy New York hospital. Jones and others. It was nominated for Mr. Hendricks found fame in the 1950s a near-record 12 Grammys and won and 1960s teaming with Dave Lambert three. and Annie Ross. Their interracial trio In 1997, he was one of three featured became one of the most celebrated jazz singers to perform Wynton Marsalis’ vocal groups ever, and among the lat“Blood on the Fields” on a CD and on ter day stars they influenced were Joni tour in the United States and Europe. That Mitchell and Manhattan Transfer. same year, the three-hour work, which tells The trio’s first album, “Sing a Song of the history of black people in America, Basie,” won acclaim for its use of vocalese, won the Pulitzer Prize for music. in which voices mimic the instrumental Growing up in Toledo, Ohio, Mr. Mr. Hendricks parts. Mr. Hendricks wrote the lyrics to Hendricks got his start in amateur shows existing Basie songs, and the three recorded their own voices and, at age 14, sang in Toledo nightclubs for two years with in layers instead of using backup singers. another future jazz great from his hometown, pianist Art Tatum, After the group broke up in 1962, Mr. Hendricks pursued who gave him music lessons after school.

Serving Richmond since 1887 3200 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23223• (804) 226-1176

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



VBS 2017

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

All ARe Welcome

St. Peter Baptist Church

He was on his way to becoming a lawyer in 1950, singing in small clubs at night when his wife asked if Mr. Hendricks could sing with be-bop pioneer and saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker at a concert in town. Mr. Parker was impressed, telling him, “You ain’t no lawyer. You’re a jazz singer. You got to come to New York.” Mr. Hendricks did, two years later. Mr. Hendricks won awards worldwide. The World War II veteran was given France’s highest honor, the French Legion of Honor in 2004, at a performance in Normandy to commemorate the 60th anniversary of D-Day. “The Church With A Welcome”

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

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2017 8:30 a.m. ....Sunday School 10:00 a.m. ...Morning Worship and Holy Communion

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

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

2017 Theme: The Year of Elevation (First Peter 5:6)



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

THURSDAYS 1:30 p.m. Bible Study

Sundays

8:00 a.m. Early Morning Worship 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship

Tuesdays

Noon Day Bible Study

Wednesdays

6:30 p.m. Prayer and Praise 7:00 p.m. Bible Study

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.

Sunday, December 3rd 11:00 a.m.

Thursdays:

Mid-Day Bible Study 12 Noon Prayer & Praise 6:30 P.M. Bible Study 7 P.M. (Children/Youth/Adults)

World AIDS Day Awareness & 1st Sunday of Advent

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

Part-time Music Worship Coordinator and Music Worship Leader

Riverview Baptist Church is seeking a Music Worship Coordinator who will direct the Male and Gospel Choirs and a Music Worship Leader for the Youth/Teen Choir. Musicians must be able to sight read, read music and have strong performance competencies on the piano, organ and keyboard. Applicants should possess excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills. Salary is commensurate with experience. The application is available at www.riverviewbaptistch.org. Return application with resume to Riverview Baptist Church, ATTN: Personnel Ministry, 2604 Idlewood Avenue, Richmond, VA 23220. Salary commensurate with experience (TBD) Closing Date: Until Filled

Richmond Free Press

November 30-December 2, 2017 B5

Legal Notices City of Richmond, Virginia PUBLIC NotICe Proposed City Charter Amendments Pursuant to section 15.2-202 of the Code of Virginia, notice is hereby given to all interested persons that the City Council of the City of Richmond will hold a public hearing on Monday, December 11, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following resolution: Resolution No. 2017-R090 To request the Richmond delegation to the General Assembly of Virginia to introduce and support the enactment of legislation to amend various provisions of the Charter of the City of Richmond. Patrons – Ms. Gray and Mr. Agelasto Approved as to form and legality by the City Attorney BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND: That, in accordance with section 15.2-202 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, the Richmond delegation to the General Assembly of Virginia is hereby requested to introduce and support the enactment of legislation to amend the Charter of the City of Richmond as set forth in the document entitled “Requests of the City of Richmond for City Charter Amendments during the 2018 Session of the General Assembly of Virginia,” a copy of which is attached to and made a part of this resolution.

foR

City

Requests of the City of RiChmond ChaRteR amendments duRing the 2018 session of the geneRal assembly of ViRginia

Amended Sections: Sec. 4.16. Powers of investigation. (a) The council, or any committee of members of the council when authorized by the council, shall have power to make such investigations relating to the municipal affairs of the city as it may deem necessary, and shall have power to investigate any or all departments, boards, commissions, offices and agencies of the city government and any officer or employee of the city, concerning the performance of their duties and functions and use of property of the city. (b) The mayor, the chief administrative officer, the heads of all departments, all boards and commissions whose members are appointed by the council, [and] the city auditor, and the inspector general shall have power to make such investigations in connection with the performance of their duties and functions as they may deem necessary, and shall have power to investigate any officer or employee appointed by them or pursuant to their authority concerning the performance of duty and use of property of the city. (c) The council, or any committee of members of the council when authorized by the council, the mayor, chief administrative officer, the heads of departments, and boards and commissions whose members are appointed by the council, [and] the city auditor, and the inspector general, in an investigation held by any of them, may order the attendance of any person as a witness and the production by any person of all relevant books and papers. Any person, having been ordered to attend, or to produce such books and papers, who refuses or fails to obey such order, or who having attended, refuses or fails to answer any question relevant or pertinent to the matter under investigation shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $100 or imprisonment in jail not exceeding 30 days, either or both. Every such person shall have the right of appeal to the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond, Division I. The investigating authority shall cause every person who violates the provisions of this section to be summoned before the general district court criminal division for trial. Witnesses shall be sworn by the person presiding at such investigation, and they shall be liable to prosecution or suit for damages for perjury for any false testimony given at such investigation. Explanation: The changes to section 4.16 provide the inspector general office proposed in the new section 4.19 below with investigatory powers equivalent to the City Auditor’s investigatory powers to enable the inspector general to perform the inspector general’s assigned functions. Sec. 4.18. City auditor. There shall be a city auditor who shall be appointed by the council for an indefinite term. [He/she] The city auditor shall have been certified as a certified public accountant by the Virginia State Board of Accountancy or by the examining board of any other state which extends to and is extended reciprocity by the Commonwealth of Virginia, and shall be qualified by training and experience for the duties of [his/her office] the city auditor. The city auditor shall have the power to appoint such accountants and other assistants for the performance of the duties of the city auditor’s office as the council may provide for. It shall be the duty of the city auditor to examine and audit all accounts, books, records and financial transactions of the city, and of any department, board, commission, office or agency thereof, including all trust funds, special funds, and other funds. In performing [his/her] the city auditor’s duties, [he/she] the city auditor shall have access at any and all times to all books, records and accounts of each department and agency subject to examination and audit by [him/her] the city auditor. Explanation: The changes to section 4.18 (i) clarify that the City Auditor may employ accountants and assistants and (ii) distinguish the City Auditor’s duties involving accounting- and finance-oriented audits from the fraud, waste and abuse auditor responsibilities assigned to the inspector general office proposed in the new section 4.19 below. New Section: Sec. 4.19. Inspector General. There shall be appointed by the council for an indefinite term an inspector general who shall be qualified by training and experience for the duties of the office. The inspector general shall have the power to appoint such assistants for the performance of the duties of the inspector general’s office as the council may provide for. It shall be the duty of the inspector general to conduct such investigations as may be authorized by section 15.2-2511.2 of the Code of Virginia. Explanation: This change creates a new Councilappointed office of inspector general to perform the duties of a fraud, waste and abuse auditor under section 15.2-2511.2 of the Code of Virginia. Currently, the City Auditor performs these functions pursuant to Chapter 2, Article III, Division 7 of the Code of the City of Richmond. This change is intended to separate these investigations from the more accounting- and finance-oriented audits assigned to the City Auditor by the changes to section 4.18 proposed above. Interested persons are requested to be present, and an opportunity to be heard will be afforded them. Copies of the full text of this resolution are available on the City’s Website at www.Richmondgov.com; at the Main City Library located at 101 East Franklin Street; and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Candice D. Reid Interim City Clerk

To advertise

in the

Richmond Free Press call 644-0496

City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL Public Notice Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, December 4, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. in the Fifth Floor Conference Room of City Hall and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, December 11, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: Ordinance No. 2017-225 To close, to public use and travel, two portions of right-of-way known as East Main Street, consisting of 4,859± square feet and 18,935± square feet, respectively, located between its intersection with Gillies Creek and its intersection with Nicholson Street, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2017-226 To close, to public use and travel, a portion of right-of-way known as Water Street between its intersection with Gillies Creek and its intersection with East Main Street and Nicholson Street, consisting of 24,946± square feet, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2017-228 To amend Ord. No. 2016-016, adopted Feb. 22, 2016, as previously amended by Ord. No. 2016-316, adopted Jan. 9, 2017, which authorized the special use of the properties known as 105 East Duval Street, 701 North 1st Street, and 708, 708 A, 710, 712, 714, 718, 722, 724, 728, 730, 732, 736 and 744 North 2nd Street for up to 194 multifamily dwelling units, commercial uses, and accessory off-street parking, to authorize up to 154 multifamily dwelling units, additional permitted uses, and a reduction in the height and mass of the proposed building, upon certain terms and conditions. The Pulse Corridor Plan designates the property for Neighborhood Mixed Use land use. These areas are cohesive districts that provide a mix of uses, but with a larger amount of residential uses than other mixed use districts. No residential density is specified for this designation. The reduced density of the proposed development would be approximately 61 units per acre. Ordinance No. 2017-229 To amend Ord. No. 96-3771, adopted May 13, 1996, as previously amended by Ord. No. 2007-315-282, adopted Dec. 10, 2007, which authorized the special use of the properties known as 3300 to 3332 Cutshaw Avenue, for the purpose of the installation of three additional freestanding accessory satellite dish antennas, to permit a modification to the dimension requirements pertaining to omnidirectional and whip antennas, upon certain terms and conditions. The City of Richmond’s Pulse Corridor Plan designates the property for transitional land use. Such areas provide a gradual transition between intense commercial areas and primarily single-family residential areas. Ordinance No. 2017-230 To amend and reordain Ord. No. 72-151-158, adopted Jul. 24, 1972, as previously amended by Ord. No. 87-50-51, adopted Mar. 23, 1987, and Ord. No. 91-376-92223, adopted Jun. 23, 1992, which authorized the special use of the property known as 410414 Libbie Avenue for the purpose of modifications to the signage and parking requirements, upon certain terms and conditions. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan recommends Mixed Use land use for the property. The Master Plan defines the primary uses for this category as combinations of office, retail, personal service, general commercial and service uses and, in some cases, multi‑family residential and dwelling units above ground floor commercial. Generally, such areas consist of a mix of several types of uses, designed and arranged to be compatible with one another.

Continued from previous column

Divorce

ties of 8 to 20 units per acre. Includes residential support uses such as schools, places of worship, neighborhood parks and recreation facilities, and limited public and semi-public uses. The proposed density of the development would be approximately 55 units per acre.

To amend and reordain Ord. No. 2007-251-209, adopted Sept. 24, 2007, as previously amended by Ord. No. 2008-117-93, adopted May 27, 2008, and Ord. No. 2013-117-113, adopted Jun. 24, 2013, concerning the establishment of a residential permit parking district in the Carver Neighborhood, for the purpose of adding certain streets and portions of streets to the Carver Residential Permit Parking District.

North - East) project.

and to amend the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Capital Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Public Works’ new North Huguenot Road Resurfacing project by $210,000.00 for the purpose of resurfacing North Huguenot Road between its intersection with Waxford Road and its intersection with the City’s boundary with Chesterfield County to the south.

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HENRICO EVELYN RIVERA HURT, Plaintiff v. DALE L. HURT, Defendant. Civil Law No.: CL17-3566 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is for the petitioner to obtain a divorce from the defendant. It is ORDERED that the defendant, Dale L. Hurt, whose last known address was 2925 Battery Avenue, Henrico, Virginia 23228, and whose whereabouts are now unknown, appear here on or before the 16th day of January, 2018 at 9 a.m. to protect his interests. A Copy Teste: HEIDI S. BARSHINGER, Clerk I ask for this: Susan Gerber, Counsel for Plaintiff 206 DeSota Drive Richmond, Virginia 23229 (804) 741-3438 Fax: (804) 754-7298 VSB #30901

Ordinance No. 2017-232 To authorize the special use of the property known as 2318 Grove Avenue for the purpose of a day nursery for up to 30 children, upon certain terms and conditions. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan recommends Single‑Family (medium density) land use for the subject property. This category includes single‑family detached dwellings at densities up to eight to twenty units per acre and residential support uses such as schools, places of worship, neighborhood parks and recreation facilities, and limited public and semi‑public uses. Ordinance No. 2017-233 To authorize the special use of the property known as 508 St. James Street for the purpose of permitting a multifamily dwelling containing up to four dwelling units, upon certain terms and conditions. The City of Richmond’s current Downtown Master Plan designates a future land use category for the subject property as Downtown General Urban Area which is characterized by medium-sized buildings and mixed‑use blocks. No residential density is specified for this designation. The density of the proposed development would be approximately 22 units per acre. 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; the Main City Library located at 101 East Franklin Street; and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Candice D. Reid Interim 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, December 11, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinance: Ordinance No. 2017-227 To amend and reordain Ord. No. 75-309-302, adopted Dec. 15, 1975, as most recently amended by Ord. No. 2015-23-40, adopted Feb 23, 2015, pertaining to the “Stony Point Community Unit Plan,” for the purpose of amending the development standards, as they pertain to Map Sections A and D of the Southern Portion of the Plan, to allow for additional signage. The subject property is located at 9006 W Huguenot Rd, 9000 W Huguenot Rd, 3002 Stony Point Rd, 3000 Stony Point Rd and is a component of the approved Stony Point Community Unit Plan. The underlying zoning of the subject property is R-2 (Single-Family Residential) district. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates the subject property for Community Commercial land uses which include office, retail, personal service and other commercial and service uses. 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. Candice D. Reid Interim City Clerk City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC NOTICE

Ordinance No. 2017-231 To authorize the special use of the property known as 2128 West Cary Street for the purpose of permitting a multifamily dwelling containing up to three dwelling units and uses permitted in the UB Urban Business District, upon certain terms and conditions. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates the subject property for Single-Family Medium-Density land use. Primary uses are single family and two family dwellings, both detached and attached, at densi-

Ordinance No. 2016-264 As Amended

Continued on next column

Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, December 11, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances:

Ordinance No. 2017-177 As Amended To amend and reordain Ord. No. 2016-232, adopted Oct. 10, 2016, which closed, to public use and travel, a portion of an alley and a turnaround bounded by Brookland Parkway, Brook Road, Sherwood Avenue, I-95/I-64, and Robin Hood Road, consisting of 6,557± square feet, upon certain terms and conditions, and authorized the Chief Administrative Officer to accept a dedication of property, consisting of 443± square feet, for a new turnaround for right-of-way purposes in the block bounded by Brookland Parkway, Brook Road, Sherwood Avenue, I-95/I-64, and Robin Hood Road, to modify the ordinance’s indemnification provisions in recognition that the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Authority is a state institution. Ordinance No. 2017-205 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept grant funds in the amount of $2,600.00 from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 20172018 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Richmond Police Department by $2,600.00 for the purpose of supporting traffic safety enforcement initiatives. Ordinance No. 2017-206 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $5,767.00 from the Richmond City Health District, and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Social Services for the purpose of providing for the Department’s Youth Empowerment Initiative. Ordinance No. 2017-207 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $10,000.00 from the Hartford and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Special Fund Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services by $10,000.00 for the purpose of supporting the Fire Safety Education Program for fifth graders. Ordinance No. 2017-208 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $91,136.00 from the County of Chesterfield; and to amend the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 General Fund Budget by increasing anticipated revenues in the form of utility payments in lieu of taxes from the Water Utility by $328,864.00 and the amount appropriated to the Parks Administration program by $420,000.00 for the purpose of acquiring the property known as 8778 Rear West Huguenot Road for the public purpose of the expansion of Lewis G. Larus Park. Ordinance No. 2017-209 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to execute a First Amendment to Amended Water Contract between the City of Richmond and the County of Chesterfield for the purpose of providing for the sale of additional water to the County of Chesterfield and for the construction, operation, and maintenance of new water capacity facilities by the County of Chesterfield on a portion of Lewis G. Larus Park located at 8850 West Huguenot Road in the city of Richmond. Ordinance No. 2017-210 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Standard Project Administration Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Transportation to provide funding for the Downtown Traffic Signal Retiming project.

Ordinance No. 2017-212 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Standard Project Administration Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Transportation to provide funding for the resurfacing of the westbound lane of North Huguenot Road between its intersection with Waxford Road and its intersection with the City’s boundary with Chesterfield County to the south. Ordinance No. 2017-213 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Standard Project Administration Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Transportation to provide funding for the resurfacing of the eastbound lane of West Laburnum Avenue between its intersection with Brook Road and its intersection with Saunders Avenue. Ordinance No. 2017-214 To authorize the issuance of general obligation public improvement bonds of the City of Richmond in the maximum principal amount of $4,900,000 to finance the cost of school projects and general capital improvement projects of the City for the following purposes and uses: construction, reconstruction, improvements and equipment for public schools; construction, reconstruction, improvement and equipment for various infrastructure needs, including traffic control facilities, streets, sidewalks and other public ways, bridges, storm sewers, drains and culverts, and refuse disposal facilities; participation in redevelopment, conservation and community development programs, including the construction, reconstruction, improvement and equipment for targeted public facilities included in these programs; construction, reconstruction, improvements and equipment for public institutional, operational, cultural, educational and entertainment buildings and facilities, including but not limited to the theaters, parks, playgrounds, cemeteries, libraries and museums; acquisition of real property therefor as appropriate; borrowing Section 108 Loan Program funds from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the business of capitalizing a business loan as part of the City’s Department of Economic and Community Development’s Section 108 Loan Program; and the making of appropriations to the City’s Economic Development Authority (“EDA”) to be used by the EDA to finance capital expenditures or to make loans or grants to finance capital expenditures for the purposes of promoting economic development; to authorize the Director of Finance, with the approval of the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City, to sell such bonds for such capital improvement projects, to provide for the form, details and payment of such bonds; to authorize the issuance of notes of the City in anticipation of the issuance of such bonds; and to authorize the issuance of taxable bonds, for the same purposes and uses, in the same maximum principal amount and payable over the same period as such general obligation public improvement bonds. Ordinance No. 2017-215 To amend ch. 12 of the City Code by adding therein a new art. V (§§ 12-251—12-265) for the purpose of establishing policies concerning fund balances. Ordinance No. 2017-216 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept funds in the amount of $20,000.00 from GEICO Secure Insurance Company; and to appropriate the amount of $20,000.00 to the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Capital Budget by increasing the estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Major Building Renovations project in the City Facility Maintenance and Improvements category by $20,000.00 for the purpose of repairing the retaining wall and signage of a City-owned building located at 2932 Hawthorne Avenue.

Ordinance No. 2017-211 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Standard Project Administration Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Transportation to provide funding for the Richmond Signal System (West -

Ordinance No. 2017-217 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the amount of $210,000.00 from the Virginia Department of Transportation; to amend the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Capital Budget by establishing a new project in the Transportation category called the North Huguenot Road Resurfacing project;

Continued on next column

Ordinance No. 2017-218 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept grant funds in the amount of $500,000.00 from the Virginia Department of Health and to appropriate the increase to the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Capital Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the Department of Public Utilities’ Water Utility by $500,000.00 for the purpose of funding full lead service line replacements in the city of Richmond. Ordinance No. 2017-219 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the total amount of $616,000.00 from the Virginia Department of Transportation; to amend the Fiscal Year 20172018 Capital Budget by establishing a new project in the Transportation category called the West Laburnum Avenue Resurfacing project; and to appropriate the amount of $616,000.00 to the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Capital Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the new Department of Public Works’ West Laburnum Avenue Resurfacing project by $616,000.00 for the purpose of resurfacing West Laburnum Avenue between Brook Road and Saunders Avenue. Ordinance No. 2017-220 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept funds in the total amount of $800,000.00 from the Virginia Department of Transportation; to amend the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Capital Budget by establishing a new project in the Transportation category called the Downtown Traffic Signal Retiming project; and to appropriate the amount of $800,000.00 to the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Capital Budget by increasing estimated revenues and the amount appropriated to the new Department of Public Works’ Downtown Traffic Signal Retiming project by $800,000.00 for the purpose of retiming signalized intersections located within certain areas of downtown Richmond.

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER TONY WADE, Plaintiff v. NENITA WADE, Defendant. Case No.: CL17002968-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 3rd day of January, 2018 at 9:00 AM 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

Ordinance No. 2017-224 To declare surplus and direct the conveyance of a portion of the City-owned real estate known as 3101 Wharf Street, consisting of 6,009± square feet, for nominal consideration to the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond.

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER NICOLE LUSTER, Plaintiff v. TIRRELL FULLER, Defendant. Case No.: CL17002967-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 3rd day of January, 2018 at 9:00 AM 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 CITY OF PETERSBURG CHERRY A. WILKINS-JONES, Plaintiff. v. JOHN DEAN JONES, Defendant. Case No.CL 17-504-00 AMENDED ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is for the Plaintiff, Cherry A. Wilkins-Jones, by counsel, to obtain a divorce from John Dean Jones. It appearing by affidavit that the Defendant’s last known address is no longer valid and the Defendant’s present whereabouts are unknown, the Plaintiff knows that Defendant does not reside at his residence last known to her; that Plaintiff has not known Defendant’s whereabouts for over a year; that Plaintiffs counsel attempted to locate Defendant via a paid public records search software, which did not yield results for this Defendant. It is therefore ORDERED that the Defendant appear before this Court on or before January 18, 2018 and protect his interests herein. I ASK FOR THIS: Irene C. Delcamp, Esquire (VSB # 71559) BARNES & DIEHL, P.C. Boulders VI – Suite A 7401 Beaufont Springs Drive Richmond, VA 23225 (804) 796-1000 (telephone) (804) 796-1730 (facsimile) idelcamp@barnesfamilylaw.com Counsel for Plaintiff

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. Candice D. Reid Interim City Clerk

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER MICHAEL TURNER, Plaintiff v. LORI TURNER Defendant. Case No.: CL17002516-00 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

Ordinance No. 2017-221 To declare a public necessity for and to authorize the acquisition of the real property known as 8778 Rear West Huguenot Road for the purpose of the expansion of Lewis G. Larus Park. Ordinance No. 2017-222 To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the acquisition of certain fee simple and easement interests in 3101 East Main Street for the purposes of providing vehicular access to 3101 Wharf Street, of the maintenance of the vehicular bridge crossing Gillies Creek and as otherwise needed to construct and maintain improvements to and across Gillies Creek, and of utilities, roadway maintenance, and the maintenance of a bus rapid transit station. Ordinance No. 2017-223 To declare that a public necessity exists and to authorize the acquisition of certain fee simple and easement interests in 3101 East Main Street for the purposes of providing vehicular access to 3101 Wharf Street, of the maintenance of the vehicular bridge crossing Gillies Creek and as otherwise needed to construct and maintain improvements to and across Gillies Creek, and of utilities, roadway maintenance, and the maintenance of a bus rapid transit station.

Continued on next page

Richmond Free Press

B6 November 30-December 2, 2017

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities Continued from previous page

Continued from previous column

and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 3rd day of January, 2018at 9:00 AM 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

in re ELMER E PAIZ RAMOS File No. JJ095086-01-00 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON The object of this suit is to: Grant sole legal and physical custody of Elmer E. Paiz-Ramos pursuant to Virginia Code Section 16.1241A. It is ORDERED that the defendant Elmer Paiz Lov appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before 01/30/2018, at 9:30 AM

and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that MIRANDA SQUIRE, MARQUILLA SQUIRE, ARAMENTA WILLIAMS aka ARAMINTA V. WILLIAMS, REGINA SQUIRE, CELESTE WILLIAMS, WILLETTE SQUIRE, VENNER DORIS WILLIAMS aka VENNER DORIS CLAIBORNE, GARRICK WILLIAMS, SHANNON WILLIAMS, JEVON CARDWELL, THOMAS CARDWELL, PLATINUM FINANCIAL SERVICES C O R P. ASSIGNEE OF VISION MANAGEMENT SERVICES, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 25, 2018 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

been filed that said owner, JOSEPH WALKER, who has subsequently died according to recitals contained in a deed recorded in the Clerk’s Office, Circuit Court, City of Richmond, Virginia, as Instrument No. 07-26975, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that said owner, NORMAN L. TIMBERLAKE, who is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, has not filed a response to this action; that said owner, DEBORAH ANN MCCRAY, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his/her last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that JOSEPH WALKER, who has subsequently died according to recitals contained in a deed recorded in the Clerk’s Office, Circuit Court, City of Richmond, Virginia, as Instrument No. 07-26975, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, NORMAN L. TIMBERLAKE, DEBORAH ANN MCCRAY, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 25, 2018 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that BEVERLY H. KING aka BEVERLY ELAINE KING, who upon information and belief is deceased per a list of heirs filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Probate Number 05-745(1) on August 8, 2005, prior owner of record of said property, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that said owner, KARL A. KING, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that said owners, ARTHUR R. KING, III, LARRY M. KING, and WAYNE KING, who have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known address, have not been personally located and have not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that ARTHUR R. KING, JR, who upon information and belief is deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, BEVERLY H. KING aka BEVERLY ELAINE KING, who upon information and belief is deceased per a list of heirs filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Probate Number 05-745(1) on August 8, 2005, KARL A. KING, ARTHUR R. KING, III, LARRY M. KING, WAYNE KING, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 25, 2018 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

or successors in title, SUPERIOR STEEL STUDS, INC. PROFIT SHARING PLAN, beneficiary in a certificate of assignment of a deed of trust on the property filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Deed Book 154, Page 1128 on January 22, 1988, RAYMOND FROBOSILO, TRUSTEE for Superior Steel Studs, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan in a deed of appointment of substitute trustee filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Deed Book 278, page 896 on September 4, 1991, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 25, 2018 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER YVETTE BLUNT, Plaintiff v. ALPHONZE BLUNT, III, Defendant. Case No.: CL17002692-00 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 18th day of December, 2017 at 9:00 AM 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 FLOR GARCIA, Plaintiff v. REYNALDO RAMIREZ FLORES, JR., Defendant. Case No.: CL17002813-00 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 18th day of December, 2017 at 9:00 AM 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 Jose Ariel hernandez cardoza File No. JJ095026-01-00 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON The object of this suit is to: Obtain custody of minor and factual determination. It is ORDERED that the defendant Jose De La Cruz Hernandez appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before 03/08/2018, at 10:20 AM

PROPERTY VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. JUNIUS ROSS, et al., Defendants. Case No.: CL17-5285 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 300 East Brookland Park Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N000-0978/012, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Junius Ross and Thelma C. Ross. An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, JUNIUS ROSS, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, and THELMA C. ROSS, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that HOME IMPROVEMENT SOLUTIONS, L.L.C. dba SUNROOM SOLUTIONS, A Cancelled Virginia Limited Liability Company, which may be a creditor with an interest in said property, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that JUNIUS ROSS, upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, THELMA C. ROSS, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, HOME IMPROVEMENT SOLUTIONS, L.L.C. dba SUNROOM SOLUTIONS, A Cancelled Virginia Limited Liability Company, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 25, 2018 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of the City of Richmond Commonwealth of Virginia,

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. MIRANDA SQUIRE, et al., Defendants. Case No.: CL17-4076 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2001 Ingram Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S000-0762/011, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Miranda Squire, Marquilla Squire, Willette Squire, Garrick Williams, Bartholomew Squire, Aramenta Williams aka Araminta V. Williams, Regina Squire, Celeste Williams, Shannon Williams, Venner Doris Williams, Jevon Cardwell and Thomas Cardwell. An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, MIRANDA SQUIRE, MARQUILLA SQUIRE, ARAMENTA WILLIAMS aka ARAMINTA V. WILLIAMS, REGINA SQUIRE and CELESTE WILLIAMS, who have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known address, have not been personally located and have not filed a response to this action; that said owners, WILLETTE SQUIRE and VENNER DORIS WILLIAMS aka VENNER DORIS CLAIBORNE, are not residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and have not filed a response to this action; that said owner, GARRICK WILLIAMS, is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and has not filed a response to this action; that said owners, SHANNON WILLIAMS, JEVON CARDWELL and THOMAS CARDWELL, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that PLATINUM FINANCIAL SERVICES C O R P. A S S I G N E E O F VISION MANAGEMENT SERVICES, which may be a creditor with an interest in said property, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title

Continued on next column

virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of the City of Richmond Commonwealth of Virginia, in re ANA R hernandez cardoza File No. JJ095027-01-00 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON The object of this suit is to: Obtain custody of minor and factual determination. It is ORDERED that the defendant Jose De La Cruz Hernandez appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before 03/08/2018, at 10:20 AM virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of Chesterfield Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Jalice V Vega Alicia E. Ramos v. Juan J. Vega Case No. JJ092355-01-00,-02-00 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON The object of this suit is to: Determine custody and visitation of Jalice V. Vega (DOB: 8270/09), whose mother is Alicia E. Ramos, and whose father is Juan J. Vega, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 16.1-241A3. Father’s last known address is 714 St. Johns Wood Drive, N. Chesterfield, VA 23225 It is ordered that the defendant Juan J. Vega appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before January 26, 2018 at 10:00 AM

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. MIRANDA SQUIRE, et al., Defendants. Case No.: CL17-4077 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2003 Ingram Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S000-0762/012, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Miranda Squire, Marquilla Squire, Willette Squire, Garrick Williams, Bartholomew Squire, Aramenta Williams aka Araminta V. Williams, Regina Squire, Celeste Williams, Shannon Williams, Venner Doris Williams, Jevon Cardwell and Thomas Cardwell. An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, MIRANDA SQUIRE, MARQUILLA SQUIRE, ARAMENTA WILLIAMS aka ARAMINTA V. WILLIAMS, REGINA SQUIRE and CELESTE WILLIAMS, who have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known address, have not been personally located and have not filed a response to this action; that said owners, WILLETTE SQUIRE and GARRICK WILLIAMS, are not residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and have not filed a response to this action; that said owner VENNER DORIS WILLIAMS aka VENNER DORIS CLAIBORNE, is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and has not filed a response to this action; that said owners, SHANNON WILLIAMS, JEVON CARDWELL and THOMAS CARDWELL, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that PLATINUM FINANCIAL SERVICES C O R P. A S S I G N E E O F VISION MANAGEMENT SERVICES, which may be a creditor with an interest in said property, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that MIRANDA SQUIRE, MARQUILLA SQUIRE, ARAMENTA WILLIAMS aka ARAMINTA V. WILLIAMS, REGINA SQUIRE, CELESTE WILLIAMS, WILLETTE SQUIRE, GARRICK WILLIAMS, VENNER DORIS WILLIAMS aka VENNER DORIS CLAIBORNE, SHANNON WILLIAMS, JEVON CARDWELL, THOMAS CARDWELL, PLATINUM FINANCIAL SERVICES C O R P. ASSIGNEE OF VISION MANAGEMENT SERVICES, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 25, 2018 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. JAMES S. ANDERSON, et al., Defendants. Case No.: CL17-4996 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2615 Q Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E000-0475/008, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, James S. Anderson and Virginia Anderson. An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, JAMES S. ANDERSON, upon information and belief deceased, per a deed filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Deed Book 551C page 53 on October 6, 1953, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title and VIRGINIA ANDERSON, upon information and belief deceased, per a deed filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Deed Book 551C page 53 on October 6, 1953, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action, and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that JAMES S. ANDERSON, upon information and belief deceased, per a deed filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Deed Book 551C page 53 on October 6, 1953, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, VIRGINIA ANDERSON, upon information and belief deceased, per a deed filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Deed Book 551C page 53 on October 6, 1953, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before DECEMBER 17, 2017 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. JOSEPH WALKER, et al., Defendants. Case No.: CL17-3981 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2023 Boston Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0000348/021, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Joseph Walker, Norman L. Timberlake and Deborah Ann McCray. An Affidavit having

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. ARTHUR R. KING, JR., et al. Defendants. Case No.: CL17-4255 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1807 T Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E000-0612/003, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Karl A. King, Arthur R. King, III, Larry M. King and Wayne King. An Affidavit having been filed that said ARTHUR R. KING, JR, who upon information and belief is deceased, prior owner of record of said property, or his

Continued on next column

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. FERNANDO JENKINS, et al, Defendants. Case No.: CL17-3984 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2310 Burton Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0000427/022, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Fernando Jenkins and Annie Mae Jenkins. An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, FERNANDO JENKINS, who upon information and belief died on July 14, 1998, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, and ANNIE MAE JENKINS, who upon information and belief died on October 1, 1997, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that SUPERIOR STEEL STUDS, INC. PROFIT SHARING PLAN, beneficiary in a certificate of assignment of a deed of trust on the property filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Deed Book 154, Page 1128 on January 22, 1988, has not filed a response to this action; that RAYMOND FROBOSILO, TRUSTEE for Superior Steel Studs, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan in a deed of appointment of substitute trustee filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Deed Book 278, page 896 on September 4, 1991, who is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that FERNANDO JENKINS, who upon information and belief died on July 14, 1998, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, ANNIE MAE JENKINS, who upon information and belief died on October 1, 1997, or her heirs, devisees, assignees Continued on next column

Part-Time Working Supervisor LPN to work 5 nights a week 3 to 4 hours and cover shifts if necessary. 1PRN position for PCA or Direct Care 1 Full-Time position for PCA or Direct Care Please bring copy of current TB test when applying All references will be checked. Previous applicants need not apply Good Pay – Good days off Call for appointment (804) 222-5133 Music Ministry Opportunity Music Coordinator/Principle Musician Mount Olive Baptist Church-South Richmond is seeking a Music Coordinator /Principle Musician for the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays. Will work directly with the Pastor and be responsible for the administrative leadership and the overall development of the Music Ministry. Compensation: Negotiable and Competitive. Please send a Cover Letter, Resume & References via email to: mobcsecretary2@ comcast.net. Deadline for applying is Sunday, December 9 2017.

ESTATE VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND IN RE: Estate of Velma Louise Parker Jackson, Deceased SHOW CAUSE AGAINST DISTRIBUTION It appearing that a report of the accounts of Dr. Richard A. Jackson, Administrator of the Estate of Velma Louise Parker Jackson, deceased, of the debts and demands against her Estate has been filed in the office of the Clerk of the Court of the City of Richmond, and that six (6) months have elapsed since the qualification of the Administrator. On the motion Administrator, by counsel, it is hereby ORDERED that the creditors of and all other interested in the Estate of Velma Louise Parker Jackson do show cause, if any they can, on the 18th day of December, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. before this Court at its courtroom in Richmond, Virginia, against the payment and delivery of the Estate of Velma Louise Parker Jackson, deceased, to legatees without requiring refunding bonds. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Brian Thornton Wesley, Esq. Thornton Wesley, PLLC P.O. Box 27963 Richmond, Virginia 23261 bwesley@thorntonwesley.com 804-874-3008 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND IN RE: Estate of Julia Melton Thornton, Deceased SHOW CAUSE AGAINST DISTRIBUTION It appearing that a report of the accounts of Brian T. Wesley, Administrator of the Estate of Julia Melton Thornton, deceased, of the debts and demands against her Estate has been filed in the office of the Clerk of the Court of the City of Richmond, and that six (6) months have elapsed since the qualification of the Administrator. On the motion Administrator, by counsel, it is hereby ORDERED that the creditors of and all other interested in the Estate of Julia Melton Thornton do show cause, if any they can, on the 18th day of December, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. before this Court at its courtroom in Richmond, Virginia, against the payment and delivery of the Estate of Julia Melton Thornton, deceased, to legatees without requiring refunding bonds. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Brian Thornton Wesley, Esq. Thornton Wesley, PLLC P.O. Box 27963 Richmond, Virginia 23261 bwesley@thorntonwesley.com 804-874-3008

Thank you for your interest in applying for opportunities with The City of Richmond. To see what opportunities are available, please refer to our website at www.richmondgov.com. EOE M/F/D/V

LIGHTHOUSE LEARNING CENTER

The primary purpose of this position, PROGRAM DIRECTOR, is to plan, organize, develop and direct overall operations of Lighthouse Learning Center in accordance with City Church’s guidelines, regulations, established policies and procedures, as directed by the Senior Pastor, to ensure ongoing programs of teaching activities are designed to meet and maximize the wellbeing of each child. Successful candidates must possess a minimum of two years of college. A degree is preferred, but is not required. A proven track record of being a director or assistance director at a licensed learning or daycare center is required. Must be highly organized, goal driven, self-motivated and willing to lead with the team to build lasting and quality relationships with parents and children. Must have experience in building and staffing an effective learning center program in a faith based environment. Advanced communication skills and proven ability to manage in a fast-paced learning program is a must. The position is full time with salary commensurate with the education and experience of the applicant. There is a benefits package and incentives available based on performance. A signing bonus will be available for the right candidate. Please email your resume to kim.martin@rvacity.org or submit to Elder Kim Martin, City Church, 4700 Oakleys Lane, Richmond, Virginia 23231. No phone calls please.

RepoRteR/MMJ NBC12, Richmond’s No. 1 TV news station seeks reporter with proven track record investigating and reporting stories. Live remote reporting experience is critical. Two years minimum professional experience preferred. Strong social media skills required. Apply on line and attach resume and links to your work at: http://careers-raycommedia. icims.com. Drug Screen and MVR check required. EOE M/F/D/V.

Digital account assistant WWBT-NBC12 in Richmond, Virginia seeks a Digital Account Assistant with a background in digital advertising and/or digital services. Idea candidate should be highly analytical, computer savvy and have the ability to multiple task using a variety of reporting tools to assist our sales team. Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite required with good Power Point skills. Position reports to Digital Sales Manager and will support both digital only sellers and Broadcast Account Executives in the execution of their digital advertising campaigns. Drug screen and MVR check required. Apply online at https://careersraycommedia.icims.com . EOE-M/F/D/V

Senior ColleCtionS offiCer We’re looking for amazing people! Come join VHDA as a Senior Collections officer. This important role will utilize appropriate collection and counseling techniques as applicable and in compliance with the Insurer/Guarantor to ensure that benchmarks and strategic goals are met in regards to maintaining and lowering delinquency rates. VHDA is one of the nation’s premier housing finance organizations. Our mission is to help Virginians attain quality, affordable housing, which we accomplish through our public-private partnerships. Applications and resumes are accepted online only at: http://www.vhda.com/ careers This position will close at midnight on December 12, 2017. Hiring Range: $ 48,146 - $ 62,589

TransiT sysTem

BUS CLEANER Part - Time

Starting Wage: $11.07 per hour Closes: December 1, 2017 GRTC seeks qualified candidates at least 21 years of age with a high school education to perform general cleaning duties, to include the interior and exterior of our buses. The position is part-time, 29 hours per week: Monday – Thursday 8:00AM to 2:30PM, Friday 8:00AM to 1:30PM. Candidates must pass a background check and pre-employment drug test. Those interested in the position may apply online at www.ridegrtc.com. GRTC is an equal opportunity employer with a drug-free work environment.

ExEcutivE ProducEr WWBT-TV, Raycom’s NBC affiliate in Richmond Virginia, has an immediate opening for an Executive Producer. The successful candidate must be a newsroom leader with strong news judgement and excel in a breaking news environment. Responsibilities include managing content on all of our platforms and working closely with other news managers on developing and implementing strategic goals while managing daily coverage. The Executive Producer must be a solid story teller with strong people skills and the ability to provide coaching for the news staff and function as fill in producer when needed. Must have a proven track record with an eye for detail with a big emphasis on production values. Apply on line at https://careersraycommedia.icims.com Drug Screen required. EOE M/F/D/V.