November 22 25, 2017 issue by Richmond Free Press

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VOL. 26 NO. 47

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November 22-25, 2017

City welcomes new schools chief Jason Kamras from D.C. to become next Richmond superintendent By Jeremy M. Lazarus

They campaigned on a platform of change for a school system that continues to rank high in dropouts and suspensions and low in student academic achievement. Now the largely novice Richmond School Board hopes it has begun to deliver with its choice of a novice superintendent to lead Richmond Public Schools. With a 9-0 vote Monday, the board selected 43-year-old Jason Kamras, a key player in Washington, D.C.’s efforts to deal with similar school issues, as Richmond’s next schools superintendent.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Jason Kamras, the newly selected Richmond Public Schools superintendent, receives a congratulatory hug Monday night from Richmond School Board Chairwoman Dawn Page. Mr. Kamras, who won National Teacher of the Year honors in 2005, is to start Feb. 1.

The board hopes that Mr. Kamras’ experience as a celebrated teacher and administrator — he was the 2005 National Teacher of the Year — will pay dividends for Richmond students in his first foray as a superintendent. He will be paid a record $250,000 to start, with a contract good through June 30, 2021. He assumes his duties on Feb. 1. Mr. Kamras’ selection capped a secretive process driven by a 26-member selection committee. In contrast to four years ago when his predecessor, Dr. Dana T. Bedden, was chosen, the current School Board declined to

Collecting comfort items for children separated from parents By Ronald E. Carrington

hold a public meeting to showcase the three finalists and receive public input on the choices before the final vote. School Board Chairwoman Dawn Page is enthusiastic about Mr. Kamras leading the city’s public school system of 24,000 students, the majority of whom are African-American. In her introduction after the vote, she called Mr. Kamras the ideal candidate based on his “nationally acclaimed work to attract, retain and develop outstanding teachers and principals, his innovative efforts to improve instruction for all students in D.C. and his laser-like focus on equity.” In his first remarks to a crowd of well-wishers, Mr. Kamras, who earned his undergraduate degree at Princeton and master’s at Harvard, vowed to make “excellence” the hallmark of his administration. He wants to mold RPS into a school system everyone would admire, a place where all of the children are “ loved and nurtured, have their unique identities affirmed and celebrated, are engaged in rich and rigorous learning every single day and secure the academic, emotional and social skills they will need to achieve their greatest aspirations.”

Most people wouldn’t think something as simple as a teddy bear would make an emotional impact, but Cynthia Downing, creator of The Comfort Movement, has a different opinion. When Ms. Downing’s mother was hospitalized in Brooklyn, N.Y., where Ms. Downing grew up, she bought a stuffed animal from the hospital gift shop to comfort her mom when no family was there. “When my Mom passed away, that stuffed animal became a comfort to me,” Ms. Downing recalled. Two weeks after her mother’s burial, the Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press stuffed animal brought her solace when her Cynthia Downing is surrounded by some of the stuffed animals she has collected for The Comfort Please turn to A4

Movement project she started to help Richmond area youngsters whose parents are incarcerated.

Guns and churches: Local pastors caught between welcoming strangers, congregants’ fears By Saraya Wintersmith

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Historic Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, S.C., is still recovering from the June 2015 mass shooting at a Bible study in which the church’s senior pastor and eight members of the church were killed. Three other victims survived.

Pastor Preston R. Gainer is deeply perturbed. As violence dominates local and national headlines, he now is considering whether to arm himself and members of his East End church’s safety team as part of St. James United Holy Church’s security precautions. “With the things going on in society now, it has been quite troubling,” Pastor Gainer said following a church security forum last weekend sponsored by the Richmond Police Department. Pastor Gainer admits he grew discouraged watching a recent television news report in the wake of the mass shooting in a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, that ended with 26 people dead and 20 others wounded at the hands of a gunman with a history of domestic abuse. He said he was struck by the words of a woman who vowed to avoid church and, instead, study her Bible at home. He, like many pastors, is grappling with the tough task of how to keep church open and welcoming, but also safe from those looking to inflict harm. He said he wants to alleviate his congregations’ fears “and also alleviate the opportunity for someone to walk in” and catch worshipers off guard. “I’m concerned about my parishioners and I have to be concerned about the people I don’t know — the strangers. Are they coming to worship, or are they coming in to do us harm?”

African-American churches have long been targets for violence, several pastors pointed out. They recalled the deadly June 2015 shooting at historic Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, S.C., in which a white supremacist opened fire after sitting through a weeknight Bible study, killing the pastor and eight members of the church. They also pointed to the September 1963 bombing of a church in Birmingham, Ala., by Ku Klux Klan members, killing four little girls during Sunday services. It’s a scary situation, Pastor Gainer said, but “it’s the climate that we live in today.” Heavy on the minds of more than 200 faith leaders and congregants attending last Saturday’s police forum was formulating plans for, or shoring up responses to, potential attacks and emergencies at places of worship. Under Virginia law, anyone who carries a weapon into a place Please turn to A4

Gold tapped to launch new grocery in Church Hill By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Steve and Kathie Markel refused to be deterred when they could not find anyone interested in opening a supermarket in the $30 million Church Hill North retail-commercial-apartment complex they are developing at 25th Street, Fairmount Avenue and Nine Mile Road. So the couple is starting their own full-service grocery in an area that big and small grocery chains left years ago. The Markels also have

found the person they is projected to create believe can make the 60 to 70 jobs for this store a success — employment-starved Norman D. “Norm” section of Church Gold, chief operatHill when it opens ing officer of Feednext fall, possibly More, the umbrella before Thanksgiving nonprofit that runs 2018. the Central Virginia Now 62, Mr. Gold Mr. Gold Food Bank, Meals said he agreed to take on Wheels and other hunger on the challenge of creating an relief programs. independent grocery “because I Mr. Gold’s selection was an- have a passion for helping the nounced Nov. 16. He is expected community.” to begin work in January on Please turn to A4 developing the new store that

James Haskins/Richmond Free Press

Big bird Romiah Short, 6, gets a strong grip on a frozen turkey that was the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner boxes distributed last week to area families at the Arthur Ashe Jr. Athletic Center on the Boulevard. Please see more photos from area holiday programs to help people, Page B2.

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HU exits MEAC for Big South Conference By Fred Jeter

There’s an upside and a downside to Hampton University’s surprise decision to leave the MEAC for the Big South Conference. The upside: Less travel and time lost from class by Hampton athletes. The downside: Severing decades-old rivalries with other HBCUs. Hampton University President Wi l l i a m Dr. Harvey R. Harvey announced on Nov. 16 that the Pirates were ending a 22-year relationship with the MidEastern Athletic Conference, or MEAC, to join the Big South in July 2018. “Institutions in the Big South are located in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, which means our student athletes will spend less time traveling and more time in classes,” Dr. Harvey stated in announcing the change. “This keeps the proper focus on athletes, which is our chief reason for being. The smaller geographic footprint will also reduce travel expenses. Another important consideration is the large number of alumni located in the Big South region.” The Pirates will be eligible for Big South championships in all sports starting in the fall of 2018, although HU does not sponsor a lacrosse team. With the change, HU becomes the second HBCU aligning itself with a NCAA Division I majority-white Please turn to A4

A2 November 22-25, 2017

Richmond Free Press

Local News

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

place old equipment. KaBoom!, a national nonprofit, Volunteers work in unison, left, to install new playground equipment at Abner Clay Park, off Leigh joined with Communities in Schools of Richmond, the Street and Brook Road in Jackson Ward. Right, Jordan Historic Jackson Ward Association, Richmond Public Tillman was among the willing workers who partici- Slices of life and scenes Schools, the city’s recreation department and community in Richmond volunteers on the rebuilding project. City Hall has set pated in the effort to create a better place for children to play. City Councilwoman Kim B. Gray of the 2nd District credited aside several hundred thousand dollars to make improvements to the an anonymous donor’s $200,000 gift with making it possible to re- park, but has yet to commit any of the funds.

Cityscape

Thanksgiving holiday schedule In observance of Thanksgiving Day, Thursday Nov. 23, please note the following: Public schools Closed Wednesday, Nov. 22, Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24. GRTC Buses will operate on a Sunday/holiday schedule on Thursday, Nov. 23. U.S. Postal Service No delivery on Thursday, Nov. 23. Department of Motor Vehicles customer service centers Closed Thursday, Nov 23; reopen Monday, Nov. 27. Government Federal offices closed Thursday, Nov. 23. State offices close at noon Wednesday, Nov. 22; reopen Monday, Nov. 27. City and county offices close at noon Wednesday, Nov. 22; reopen Monday, Nov. 27. Richmond Public Library closes at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22. City and county courts and public libraries closed Thursday, Nov. 23 and Friday, Nov. 24. ABC stores Closed Thursday, Nov. 23. Free Press offices Closed Thursday, Nov. 23. Banks Closed Thursday, Nov. 23. Malls, major retailers, movie theaters Varies. Inquire at specific locations.

Bourne to push schools referendum in Gen. Assembly By Jerermy M. Lazarus

A Richmond Democrat has volunteered to promote legislation to approve city voters’ call for Mayor Levar M. Stoney to craft a fully funded school modernization plan. Delegate Jeff M. Bourne, who represents the 71st District in the Virginia House of Delegates, said last week he will either submit a bill or will push in the House a bill Richmond Sen. Glen Sturtevant said he plans to introduce. “When 85 percent of voters express their support for a measure, then as their representative, I think it is my responsibility to accomplish their wishes,” Delegate Bourne said Friday in a phone interview. A citizens’ initiative that bypassed the mayor and Richmond City Council, the referendum that was approved during the Nov. 7 election has put the Richmond delegation on the hot seat now that it is headed to the General Assembly for final approval. So far, Delegate Bourne, who just won his Delegate Bourne first full term this year, is the only Democrat in the Richmond delegation to the legislature to announce his backing for the initiative. A former chairman of the Richmond School Board, Delegate Bourne said, “I did not take a position publicly on the referendum before the vote. But having been on the School Board, to me the condition of our facilities is an issue where we need to use every tool we can. And this referendum seems to be just one more tool to use.” The referendum calls for a change in the City Charter that, if approved by the General Assembly and signed by the governor, would require Richmond’s mayor to consult with the School Board and City Council and then introduce to council a fully funded plan to renovate or replace the city’s outdated school buildings without raising taxes, or tell city residents why he cannot. The passage of the referendum took place as the School Board began moving to deliver its latest version of a schools improvement plan to City Hall in early December. Mayor Levar M. Stoney, who quietly opposed the referendum, has sought to create an educational compact between the Mayor’s Office, City Council and the School Board to review a School Board plan, endorse a final version and consider ways to finance the cost that could top $500 million over several years.

Rematch underway for leadership of letter carriers local union By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Once again, a battle is underway for control of one of the oldest unions in the state, the Old Dominion Branch, Local 496, of the National Association of Letter Carriers. President Thelma J. Hunt, the first woman to hold the top office in the local’s 123-year-old history, is facing a rematch with Michael Milner, a retired letter carrier and former shop steward whom she defeated in her first run for office two years ago. Mr. Milner challenged the first vote, the results of which showed Ms. Hunt the victor. Mr. Milner’s challenge claimed violations of the union’s bylaws and rules. The U.S. Department of Labor upheld the challenge and stepped in to hold a second election 18 months ago. Ms. Hunt won the new election and took over the full-time post that pays about $65,000 a year. The current election, being run by a committee appointed by Ms. Hunt, is not going smoothly this time either. Mr.

Milner noted Monday that ballots have yet to be printed and mailed, which will push back the vote and the count. Eligible members “have 21 days to return ballots after Ms. Hunt they are mailed,” Mr. Milner said. “Right now, we don’t know when the ballots will go out. It could be January before this is over.” Following nominations in early November, the election was to have been completed in about 30 days. Ms. Hunt hopes that the 709 voting members in the local — 519 active U.S. Postal Service carriers and 190 retirees — will once again rebuff Mr. Milner’s challenge and retain her as the leader. Mr. Milner heads a slate of challengers for the local’s elective offices. He believes he has a better chance of winning based on his achievements before he retired last year. While still a shop steward, he led

the effort to expose managers and supervisors who allegedly changed carrier time cards to reduce overtime pay. His effort, first reported in the Free Press, led to the removal or retirement Mr. Milner of senior Richmond USPS officials and to a class action suit involving more than 500 carriers seeking to recover overtime pay that they claimed was wrongly withheld. Settlement talks are believed to be underway in the suit. Mr. Milner also argues that the local under Ms. Hunt’s leadership is doing too little to protect carriers from hazardous conditions and equipment shortages or to defend carriers from losing their jobs after they are injured. Meanwhile, Ms. Hunt is defending her record of serving and working on behalf of carriers whom the local represents. The local, based at 2416 Chamberlayne Ave., was founded in 1894, four years after the national union was organized.

Highland Park grocery store closed By Jeremy M. Lazarus

S&K Supermarket, one of the last grocery stores in North Side, remains closed in Highland Park, with a planned renovation on hold. The owner, Chong Kim, could not be reached for comment about his plans for the store at 1404 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Richmond Commissioner of Buildings Douglas H. Murrow told the Free Press on Monday that a company called HJB Construction applied for a building permit Aug. 24 for the site. However, he stated that the permit was blocked after a city review found that HJB “did not have a City of Richmond business license to conduct work in the city.”

Mr. Murrow said notice was given to HJB on Sept. 6. Since then, “the contractor has not responded to our inquiries, nor obtained a city business license,” he said. The shutdown of the store has left limited options for residents of Highland Park and Barton Heights. There are also no full-service grocery stores in the Battery Park and Ginter Park neighborhoods. Currently, the only remaining grocery in that area is Northside Foodland, 2919 North Ave., although several convenience stores carry fresh meat and vegetables. The Family Dollar and Dollar General stores on North Avenue also carry some food items, including milk and bread. Most residents now must drive to a full-service supermarket located outside

the community, such as the Kroger at Lombardy and Leigh streets, the Food Lion at Azalea and Chamberlayne avenues or the Walmart Neighborhood Market on Brook Road between Wilmer and Azalea avenues. The Food Lion and Walmart are located in Henrico County. In a recent discussion, Mark Olinger, Richmond director of planning and development review, said a city study indicated that Highland Park’s population is still below the level that would attract a national supermarket chain. However, local and regional chains, except for discounters like Dollar General and Family Dollar, also have shown little interest in developing a store in an area that city and federal officials label as a “food desert.”

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

New city Public Utilities center

Mayor Levar M. Stoney cuts the ribbon to open a new $9.4 million center for the city Department of Public Utilities that includes modern labs and offices. Location: 1801 Commerce Road in South Side. At least 90 employees will work at the facility, including 14 technicians who monitor and test the city’s drinking water and wastewater to ensure the city is meeting federal regulations. The building also will house workers involved with stormwater and wastewater

management. DPU purchased the building four years ago for $750,000. The department said the new center will improve efficiency by consolidating in one building employees who were scattered at four sites. Celebrating with the mayor are, from left, Rosemary Green, interim director of Public Utilities; Jennifer Hatchett, director of the new facility; and Robert Steidel, the city’s deputy chief administrative officer for operations.

Richmond Free Press

November 22-25, 2017

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Richmond Free Press

A4 November 22-25, 2017

News

City welcomes new schools superintendent Continued from A1

Mr. Kamras said he would strive to achieve that kind of school system in Richmond to ensure students “have the skill, passion and self-confidence to pursue their dreams.” He said he also believes that public education has to be more than “good instruction.” It also must be about “creating a more equitable society,” he said, that removes the biases and barriers that block the achievement of students of color, children with special needs and those for whom English is not a native language. He did not mention Richmond’s rundown facilities. He comes from the Washington system that has invested $4 billion to upgrade public schools since 2007 and plans to invest another $1.2 billion by 2022. Mr. Kamras has spent his entire 21-year career with the D.C. Public Schools, including nearly 11 years as a teacher at a struggling middle school where his innovative method of merging photography and art with math instruction earned him top national recognition in 2005.

Two years later, he was plucked from the teaching ranks by now former D.C. School Chancellor Michelle Rhee to lead her efforts to upgrade instruction. He also served as chief of instructional practice and chief of human capital before taking his current job as transitional chief of the Office of Equity in recent months. He is expected to bring some or all of the D.C. playbook to push reform and boost student success in Richmond, a process that has won national recognition, but done little to close the huge achievement gap between white and African-American students — a gap the Washington Post reported is the largest among major school districts in the nation. He led the effort to create a datadriven evaluation system of instructional staff that enabled Dr. Rhee to replace hundreds of teachers and principals with people rated as higher performing. After Dr. Rhee left in 2010, he went on to lead the 48,000-student system’s instructional program and then was put in charge of opening an equity office

to better serve African-American and disabled students. His pay of $250,000 a year would be his base salary, but he could earn up to $25,000 more if Richmond schools meet certain performance benchmarks. Mr. Kamras also is to receive $20,000 to cover moving expenses and $20,000 in deferred pay in a retirement fund. Mayor Levar M. Stoney is among those praising his selection. The mayor called him a “reform-minded, creative and innovative educator with a demonstrated commitment to public schools who is not afraid to roll up his sleeves and take on big challenges. “I congratulate the board on its choice, welcome Jason to our city and look forward to working with him to make things happen for our kids,” Mayor Stoney said in a statement. The chairman of the Richmond Branch NAACP, which has filed a federal civil rights complaint against RPS for high suspension rates of African-American and disabled students, also supports the choice. James E. “J.J.” Minor III, who served on the selection committee, said

that Mr. Kamras “is someone who will move Richmond forward and help our schools achieve accreditation.” Bernice Travers, president of the Richmond Crusade for Voters, who also served on the committee, also is positive, but skeptical. She said she is impressed by Mr. Kamras’ words, but has heard similar promises from the parade of Richmond superintendents who have come and gone in recent years “without having produced any change in the quality of the system.” Ms. Travers also is concerned that the School Board did not allow the three finalists to meet with the community ahead of the vote. That’s also a problem for Paul Goldman, chair of the Put Schools First Coalition that has led the effort for school modernization. He said the failure to hold a community meeting to meet the finalists means the public “was cut out.” The School Board and the selection committee held several meetings to get community input on what kind of superintendent people wanted, but there were no public sessions to get

comments once candidates began submitting résumés. Sixty-five people competed for the job, School Board members said. Ms. Page brushed off the criticism. She said the secrecy allowed Richmond to “expand its candidate pool” and ensured applications from current superintendents and others who did not want their employers to know they were applying. Mr. Kamras promised to undertake a listening tour as he prepares to take over from interim Superintendent Thomas E. “Tommy” Kranz, the RPS chief operating officer who has run the system since Dr. Bedden left in June. He said his views are shaped by his role as a school leader and a parent. He and his wife, Miwa, would be enrolling their sons, ages 6 and 8, in city schools. Mr. Kamras said along with RPS families, he also wants to hear from and partner with Richmond’s faith, nonprofit and business communities. “I believe the work of public education must be done with families and the community,” he said. “It really does take a village. I really want schools to be welcoming.”

Guns and churches: Local pastors find themselves caught between welcoming strangers, congregants’ fears Continued from A1

of worship “without good and sufficient reason” can be charged with a Class 4 misdemeanor. While one presenter advised that churches have discretion to determine whether to allow guns on their property, faith leaders were encouraged to seek legal advice when formulating gun policies. Special Agent Austin C. White of the Virginia State Police walked the audience through

a congregation safety presentation. He showed a series of slides with pictures of a man with a camera, a dark figure in a hat and trench coat, and a bundle of dynamite attached to an alarm clock and asked whether they seemed suspicious. He then encouraged communication with local law enforcement agencies and erring on the side of caution when spotting something suspicious. “I would much rather get 100 calls that mean absolutely nothing than miss the one where somebody could get hurt,” he said, alluding to a

Gold tapped to launch new grocery in Church Hill Continued from A1

He said while the 27,000-square-foot store is under construction, he plans to spend time “getting to know people in the community” and networking with community organizations. He will need such support in competing with four other groceries that are located within three miles, ranging from the Farm Fresh store in Shockoe Bottom to the Food Lion and Community Market on Mechanicsville Turnpike and the recently opened Walmart located further east on Nine Mile Road in Henrico County. Mr. Gold acknowledges that a big share of his store’s business is likely to come from people who buy with food stamps. But he noted the area is rapidly changing, with hundreds of new homes and apartments opening or under construction. He said he hopes to attract a good share of residents who now drive elsewhere to shop. “Our goal is to have a good mix of clientele,” he said. “We want this to be a community-focused market that offers superb customer service and convenient access to fresh food,” making it attractive to everyone. He brings plenty of experience to his new post. For the past six years, the FeedMore executive has overseen the Meals on Wheels, Kids Café, Weekend Back Packs and Mobile Pantry programs, as well as the Community Kitchen and Distribution Center. He came to Richmond in 2013 after serving as chief operating officer of a food bank alliance in Phoenix, and spending 24 years managing

grocery stores in California and Arizona. The grocery is to be a centerpiece of a new, mixed-used complex that is to include a health education and wellness center that Virginia Commonwealth University and its health system are to operate to complement such existing resources as Bon Secours’ Sarah Garland Jones Center and Richmond Community Hospital and the Capital Area Health Network’s Vernon J. Harris Medical and Dental Center. The project also is to feature 54 apartments and a culinary institute for training restaurant chefs, cooks and staff that J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College will own and operate. The building with the culinary institute also is to include a penthouse restaurant and office space. Both VCU and Reynolds Community College are using the project to make their first direct forays into Church Hill. Seventh District Councilwoman Cynthia I. Newbille, who helped obtain a $500,000 city grant to support the project, is “elated this development is coming together to address food access along with health, education and economic challenges.” “This entire project is about building a healthy community,” said Mr. Markel, vice chairman of Richmond-based Markel Corp., a Fortune 500 insurance, reinsurance and investment company. “It’s not just a grocery store, or a wellness center or a school individually,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to bring many great community partners together to create opportunities, resources and healthy options for the residents.”

bomb scare over a $1 novelty alarm clock shaped like dynamite that caused a stir earlier this year in Henrico County. “That’s what you pay us for. That’s what you expect from us. That’s what we hope to be able to give to you.” Agent White provided the audience several response options when spotting suspicious behavior — observing, engaging in friendly conversation, recording with a device, confronting the individual, notifying authorities on site and calling the police. He also encouraged the church leaders to carefully consider whether to publicly post their rules on firearms. Dr. Herbert L. Ponder, pastor of Mount Tabor Baptist Church in Richmond’s East End, said he has informally discussed creating an official gun policy with his church. In an ideal world, they don’t want guns on the premises. “We don’t really want to go there,” he said. “We serve a big God,” he said, but “it’s always important for us to be watchful and prayerful.” While his church is working to formalize the safety team, a shooting scenario is one more item “on the plate of things we shouldn’t have to think about,” he said, but it’s a reality of the times. Elder Calvin L. Harris, pastor of Reconciliation Church of God in Christ in South Side,

Hampton University exits MEAC for Big South Conference Continued from A1

conference. Tennessee State University has been a member of the Ohio Valley Conference since 1986. All other Division I HBCUs are members of either MEAC or the Southwestern Athletic Conference, or SWAC. HU hopes to continue to play some MEAC opponents, especially Norfolk State University. But for the most part, the Pirates’ schedules will look very different. The Big South competes on the NCAA Division I level in all sports except for football, in which it plays on the FCS

Collecting comfort items for children Continued from A1

brother was murdered. That was in 1989. Now, Ms. Downing is using stuffed animals to aid children undergoing the trauma of separation from a parent because of incarceration. Through The Comfort Movement, she is collecting all sizes and shapes of furry creatures that youngsters can keep. Working through the nonprofit Assisting Families of Inmates at 2nd Presbyterian Church in Downtown, she hopes the stuffed animals will be tangible expressions of caring that will bring comfort and encouragement to elementary-age children. “I thought about children being unhappy having separation anxiety, depression” after visiting a parent who is incarcerated. “Then I thought about what the teddy bears could do for them,” Ms. Downing said. “It’s all about doing something good and comforting a child and their parents during the holiday, as well as the rest of the year.” Ms. Downing is an advertising traffic coordinator with the Richmond Free Press. She was propelled to start The Comfort Movement project after participating in a self-expression leadership program in Northern Virginia. Members were charged with designing projects to give expression

to something that held personal meaning for them. That’s when the seed of collecting teddy bears for children started to grow. It began to blossom after Ms. Downing read a newsletter about Assisting Families of Inmates and later found out about its Milk and Cookies program that supports Richmond area elementary schoolchildren of incarcerated parents. The program helps children with coping skills to deal with having a parent removed from their lives for an extended period. “Trained personnel meet with elementary children once a week throughout the school year to talk about what it’s like to have an incarcerated parent,” said Angie Strickland, AFOI’s director of programs and development. “For these children, it is difficult. They miss having their whole family with them every day. “Society tends to focus on the offender and the crime … but not the fallout,” she continued. The children often are the forgotten or silent victims, according to research. They are victims of circumstances that are beyond their control. Ms. Strickland said AFOI welcomes Ms. Downing’s efforts to provide youngsters in the program with stuffed animals. Ms. Downing also is collecting

attended the event with members of his church in hopes of finding safety response resources for his developing safety team. Pastor Harris said his church is small, and currently has an implied “no guns in the sanctuary” policy. “We’re not really for guns in the church,” he said, noting his Army background. “The thing about guns is, if you have people who don’t know how to use them, they can do more damage than a person who’s initiating a threat.” He said 20 or 30 years ago, he didn’t think active shooter training was necessary for a church, but he’s planning to begin with his congregation soon. Officer Kimberly Cheatham-McClarin, who has been organizing the department’s Places of Worship Safety and Awareness Forum for the last six years, said she never imagined she would be seeking speakers to discuss things like active shooter safety or how to remove a disruptive or violent person from a worship service. “Even if it has not happened in our city,” she said, “I’ve learned that it’s very important to be prepared — to recognize what suspicious activity looks like, how to report a suspicious person and have some plan of action in case you encounter that person.”

underclothes for the children because it is a necessity that no one notices, she said, and many children go without. Her goal: To collect 200 stuffed animals and 200 sets of underclothes, including T-shirts and underwear for children ages 5 through 12, before Christmas. “It’s all about giving back,” Ms. Downing said, recalling warm memories of her mother, who she said was generous almost to a fault. “My Mom would take in homeless people, abandoned children or runaways and feed them and give them clothes,” Ms. Downing said. “If my brothers and I were out in the neighborhood and saw homeless people, we would bring them home and feed them. That’s what we were taught, and that’s what we have done all our lives.” The Comfort Movement continues that spirit of helping others, she said. “Giving is a wonderful feeling,” Ms. Downing said. “Love is important in everyone’s lives. And it’s all love to sit in the middle of the floor with overstuffed teddy bears and happy children.” Interested in donating a stuffed animal or underclothes? Contact Ms. Downing at (804) 638-9506; at the Free Press, (804) 644-0496, or via email at thecomfortmovement@gmail.com.

level, which is the same level as MEAC. Big South basketball and football teams have had slightly higher power ratings than MEAC in recent years. Geographically, MEAC schools stretch from Delaware State University in the north to Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman universities in Florida. HU’s roots in HBCU athletics are very deep. The Pirates were charter members in 1912 of the CIAA, the nation’s first historically black athletic conference. Hampton University remained under the CIAA umbrella until 1995, when the Pirates switched to MEAC. MEAC was founded in 1970, primarily as a spinoff of CIAA schools with NCAA Division I aspirations. The Pirates began playing current MEAC members North Carolina A&T and Howard universities in 1909; Morgan State University in 1922; North Carolina Central University in 1924; Florida A&M University in 1937; and South Carolina State University in 1938. The rivalry with Norfolk State University began in 1963 and is among the most spirited in all HBCU play. The Pirates now, in effect, are telling their old friends thanks for the memories. HU’s departure is a big loss for MEAC. It ranks among the conference’s most prestigious academic institutions and features some of the conference’s larger, more modern facilities. MEAC also moved its basketball tournament to the Norfolk Scope two years ago, in part because of proximity to Hampton University’s loyal fan base. HU led MEAC in basketball attendance last season with a pergame average of 3,164 fans.

MEAC vacancy? With Hampton U n i v e r s i t y ’s p l a n n e d departure from MEAC in July, the conference is down to 11 members. An even number is always best for athletic scheduling. Would Virginia State University consider leaving the CIAA in the NCAA Division II to join the Division I MEAC? Here’s what VSU Athletic Director Peggy Davis told the Free Press: “Our goal at Virginia State is to be the best in NCAA Division II, both academically and athletically, while providing a positive experience for our student body.” VSU has been a CIAA member since 1920.

At a campus news conference, Pirates Athletic Director Eugene Marshall Jr. said of the move, “We’ll always be an HBCU; that’s not going to change. We’re not going to stop competing against our fellow MEAC members. “But as we look to the bigger picture, of trying to build the best midsized program in the country, you have to take two steps. We’re not leaving; we’re just expanding our reach.” While there are no guarantees, Mr. Marshall suggested the Big South might offer more long-range revenue opportunities. “I believe the move will enhance our profile and visibility around the nation,” he said. “And that will enhance our revenue.” Mr. Marshall noted that every attempt will be made to keep afloat the HU versus NSU “Battle of the Bay” football game.

Richmond Free Press

November 22-25, 2017

News

Rev. Jesse Jackson diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease Free Press wire, staff reports

myself to physical therapy in hopes of CHICAGO slowing the disease’s progression.” The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. disclosed Rev. Jackson, who declined to be publicly on Friday that he has been seeking interviewed, also released a letter from outpatient care for two years for Parkinson’s Northwestern Medicine confirming disease and plans to “dedicate” himself his diagnosis and care. to physical therapy to slow the progress He vowed to use his voice to help of the disease. find a cure for the disease. In a statement to supporters “Rev. Jackson has been issued by the Chicago-based a fighter,” said Gary FlowRainbow PUSH Coalition that ers, a Richmond radio talk Rev. Jackson founded in 1971, show host and former the 76-year-old civil rights icon national field director and said family and friends noticed a vice president of programs change in him about three years for the Rainbow PUSH Kathy Thompson/Richmond Police Department ago and he could no longer igCoalition. “I am confident nore symptoms of the chronic he will continue his fight neurological disorder that causes for social justice and the Richmond Police Maj. Sybil El-Amin Jones is pinned Mr. Flowers movement difficulties. recognition that we, as a by her father, Bilal El-Amin, during the city police department’s promotion ceremony Nov. 16 at the “Recognition of the effects of this dis- nation, must pay attention to the left Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press training academy. Seventeen officers were promoted ease on me has been painful, and I have out and the locked out.” The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. during a during the ceremony, with Maj. El-Amin attaining the been slow to grasp the gravity of it,” he About 60,000 people in the United July 30 visit to Richmond to announce highest rank. She is the second African-American wrote. “For me, a Parkinson’s diagnosis States are diagnosed with Parkinson’s his “Healing and Rebuilding” bus tour female major in the department’s history. is not a stop sign but rather a signal that I annually, according to the Parkinson’s across Virginia to energize voters for the must make lifestyle changes and dedicate Foundation. One of the most notable November gubernatorial election. to be stricken was the late boxing great Muhammad Ali. The disease can start Jackson took it upon himself to carry on with tremors, with symptoms generally the mantle” to comfort the afflicted and worsening over time. The exact cause is to afflict the comfortable, Mr. Flowers Free Press wire, staff reports Oracene Price, who carried Baby changed into a white, floor-length, unknown. Treatments include medication, said. Alexis, the happy couple’s daughter, feathery and beaded Versace dress, surgery and physical therapy. Twice a candidate for the Democratic Glitter and glamour were served who was born on Sept. 1. followed by a short white Versace The disease itself is not fatal, but presidential nomination in the 1980s, he up at the fairy tale-inspired nuptials The bride’s dress, a stunning dress with flouncy skirt and spar- people can die from complications. Rev. has remained a strong voice in numerlast week of tennis star Serena Wil- strapless white ball gown and cape, kling tennis shoes for dancing at Jackson said Parkinson’s “bested” his ous anti-discrimination efforts, including liams and her new husband, Reddit was created by Sarah Burton for the after-dinner party. father, Noah Lewis Robinson Sr., who advocating for affordable housing. He is co-founder Alexis Ohanian. Alexander McQueen, the designer Celebrity guests included died in 1997 at age 88 after suffering a often seen at protests nationwide and has The couple tied the knot on who also made Kate Middleton’s Béyoncé, Kelly Rowland, Ciara, heart attack. continued regular forums at the Rainbow Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Contem- wedding dress. The dress sparkled Eva Longoria and Kim Kardashian It was unclear how Rev. Jackson’s treat- PUSH Coalition’s headquarters. porary Arts Center in New Orleans, with a reported $3.5 million in West. He said in his letter to supporters that ment would affect his leadership of the with Vogue magazine having exclu- jewels. The couple was spotted three Rainbow PUSH Coalition. He has remained he is working on a memoir. sive rights to cover the star-studded, Mr. Ohanian wore a made-to- days after the wedding, dressed active in his advocacy and travels, including “I will continue to try to instill hope French ball-themed event. measure Armani tuxedo with a down in gray sweats, T-shirt and leading a recent “Healing and Rebuilding” in the hopeless, expand our democracy The 36-year-old bride made her midnight blue velvet jacket and jeans and ballcaps, getting into a bus tour of Virginia to turn out the vote to the disenfranchised and free innocent grand entrance in the “Beauty and shirt accessorized with Gucci cuff private jet for their honeymoon for the Nov. 7 gubernatorial election and prisoners around the world,” he wrote. “I the Beast” styled décor, complete links. He changed into a traditional with Mr. Ohanian handling Alexis to protect health care. He also traveled steadfastly affirm that I would rather wear with a gold arch of flowers at jacket with shawl collar for the in the baby carrier. to Puerto Rico last month for a hurricane out than rust out.” the end of the aisle, long tables reception. The tennis star has won 23 relief mission and hosted a symposium in The Rev. Al Sharpton, head of the covered in lamé fabric and lots The loving couple recited Grand Slam singles titles, a record Washington last week. National Action Network, said he spent of surprises. vows they wrote themselves and for the professional era. She hasn’t A protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a few days last week with Rev. Jackson Her bridesmaids, all dressed in exchanged rings, with Mr. Oha- competed since winning the Aus- Rev. Jackson was instrumental in guiding in New York. white, already had walked down nian slipping on Serena’s finger a tralian Open last January — while the modern Civil Rights Movement on a Rev. Jackson “has changed the nation and the aisle, among them her older wedding band next to a diamond pregnant — but has said she intends wide variety of issues, including voting served in ways in which he never got credit,” sister and tennis doubles partner, engagement ring, 14 carats in all. to return to the tennis tour for that rights and education. Rev. Sharpton said in a statement. “We pray Venus Williams, and their mother, For the reception dinner, Serena same event next January. “After Dr. King’s assassination, Rev. for him just as he fought for us.”

Major accomplishment

Serena ties the knot!

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Editorial Page

November 22-25, 2017

Thanksgiving message

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Thanksgiving: A bipartisan celebration

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Volunteer Noah Crockett serves meals at the 2010 Giving Heart Community Thanksgiving Feast at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

May our hearts be filled with gratitude, our spirits guided by kindness and our hands always ready to share in thanks for the blessings we have received.

Happy Thanksgiving!

“This history (of Thanksgiving) teaches us that the American instinct has never been to seek isolation in opposite corners; it is to find strength in our common creed and forge unity from our great diversity. On that very first thanksgiving celebration, these same ideals brought together people of different backgrounds and beliefs, and every year since, with enduring confidence in the power of faith, love, gratitude, and optimism, this force of unity has sustained us as a people. It has guided us through times of great challenge and change and allowed us to see ourselves in those who come to our shores in search of a safer, better future for themselves and their families.” — President Obama, 2016 While Thanksgiving is clearly a celebration of gratitude for a bountiful harvest, its origin and history in the United States tell an unexpected tale of unity that is particularly relevant in these divisive times. While the early history of the United States is rife with atrocities committed against Native Americans, the “first Thanksgiving” — a three-day feast in 1621 in what is now Plymouth, Mass. — was a peaceful moment of fellowship

between the English settlers and the Wampanoag among whom they lived. In one of two existing accounts of that feast, Edward Winslow wrote of the “many of the Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest of their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted.” Another English settler who arrived shortly after that ﬁrst feast, William Hilton,

Marc H. Morial described in a letter to his cousin “the Indians round about us” as “peaceable and friendly.” Over the next century and a half, Thanksgiving was celebrated at different times by the separate colonies. The Continental Congress issued the ﬁrst National Proclamation of Thanksgiving in 1777: “It is therefore recommended to the legislative or executive Powers of these United States to set apart Thursday, the eighteenth Day of December next, for Solemn Thanksgiving and Praise …” Over the year, various days of Thanksgiving would be proclaimed by Congress and presidents, as well as governors, but an annual, recurring, nationwide holiday would not be proclaimed until 1863, in the middle of the Civil War. President Abraham Lincoln was prompted by the writings of

magazine editor Sarah Josepha Hale, who wrote to him on Sept. 28, 1863: “You may have observed that, for some years past, there has been an increasing interest felt in our land to have the Thanksgiving held on the same day, in all the States; it now needs National recognition and authoritive fixation, only, to become permanently, an American custom and institution.” President Lincoln’s proclamation was more than a declaration of a holiday. It was also a heartfelt plea for an end to the war and a reunification of the nation. He invited his fellow citizens not only to set apart the last Tuesday of November “as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens,” but also to “fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.” In an effort to lengthen the Christmas shopping season and stimulate the economy in the midst of the Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt briefly changed the date of the holiday to the next-to-last Thursday. But the move was considered an affront to President Lincoln’s memory and triggered partisan outrage. Nov. 30, 1939, was considered “Republican Thanksgiving”

Good news for a change By now, you know I look forward to the opportunity of sharing my opinions with readers. I pray that the columns offer helpful, thought-provoking and uplifting ideas. For several months, we have had mostly dreadful events about which to write. The worst have been about 45’s dangerous, embarrassing and unworthy antics. Well, I have decided to give my readers a break. This week, I will share some noteworthy, positive deeds and actions. I recently read that Google gave $1 million to increase the presence of African-American males in technology. According to the writer, Samara Lynn, “Students are ﬁve times more likely to take an interest in computer science if they often see people who look like them in that ﬁeld ...” Ms. Lynn reported that Google’s foundation made the monetary award to the Hidden Genius Project, an Oakland, Calif.,-based organization that does just that. Google is to be commended! More companies should take a lesson from Google’s enlightened example. Good deeds are not exclusive to wealthy corporations. Students at Spelman and Morehouse colleges went on a hunger strike to call attention to the problem of

hunger on college campuses. It may not be obvious to many, but the expense of college often causes less-afﬂuent students to sacriﬁce meals in order to pay fees. A dozen students decided something could be done and used their hunger strike to

Dr. E. Faye Williams influence meal providers to allow students to donate their unused, prepaid meals to needy classmates. Although the Spelman-Morehouse project mirrors Swipe Out Hunger, a program at the University of California, it’s an important and thoughtful initiative. Mary-Pat Hector, a Spelman student states, “By introducing a Swipe Out Hunger program at Spelman and Morehouse, we would directly impact student hunger and homelessness while in college.” Another good news story emerged through the fog of bad news that has plagued us. This good news, good luck story ﬁnds a black Florida businessman the recipient of a $52 million grant from the Florida Lottery Commission. Yes, this brother hit the lottery for $52 million in 2010. Instead of blowing his winnings, Miguel Pilgram started his own real estate company and invested his winnings into rebuilding the black business district in Fort Lauderdale. Mr. Pilgram’s dedication to the revitalization of the black community in Fort Lauderdale

begins a renewal of using our own dollars to strengthen our communities. This is the type of initiative we have the power to replicate individually and/or collectively. It’s the type of initiative that affirms our power to create self-sufficient communities. As I search for praiseworthy achievement in our communities, I am reminded of former President Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative. Now, New York City has stepped into the lead with the “Men Teach” initiative. The goal of “Men Teach” is to recruit male teachers of color into public education so that young black men and other young men of color will have real-life role models who reflect the tangible opportunities available to them. Nine hundred of the targeted 1,000 teachers already have been recruited. I applaud this effort because research shows that having a black teacher significantly reduces the likelihood that students of color, especially males, will drop out of high school. Just to mention a few more good news stories: I see that students are enrolling in HBCUs in increasing numbers. It also is refreshing that, in the aftermath of alt-right activity in Charlottesville, black voter turnout was instrumental in Democratic victories throughout Virginia. The real good news is that, increasingly, our people are waking up and staying woke! The writer is national president of the National Congress of Black Women.

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.

and Nov. 23 as “Democratic Thanksgiving” or “Franksgiving.” The experiment appeared to fail, with no measurable boost to the 1939 and 1940 Christmas shopping seasons. On Dec. 26, 1941, Congress passed a law making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday of November, where it has remained — a bipartisan celebration — ever since. It’s instructive that we ﬁnd the pivotal moments in the development of modern Thanksgiving in the United States at the time of the Civil War and the Great Depression. We are once again facing a crisis of division. As we give thanks for the blessings that have been visited upon us, let us also remember to pray for healing and a reuniﬁcation of our nation. The writer is president and CEO of the National Urban League.

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Richmond Free Press

November 22-25, 2017

Letters to the Editor

‘Zero tolerance for sexual harassment’ Editor’s note: This letter was sent last week by the Virginia Speaker of the House designee to the Capitol Square community. We have all been dismayed by the disturbing instances of sexual harassment that have surfaced in recent weeks. In light of reports of a similar pervasive and systemic problem in and around state legislatures throughout the country, I want to reiterate clearly and unequivocally that the Virginia House of Delegates has zero tolerance for sexual harassment or abuse of any kind. We are privileged to have many colleagues, staff, lobbyists, support personnel, interns and citizen advocates who work on Capitol Square every day to improve our Commonwealth. We all have a responsibility to maintain a working atmosphere that mutually respects the input of everyone. Any and all behavior that demoralizes, belittles or disrespects any colleague is wrong and will not be tolerated. The Virginia Department of Human Resources and the House of Delegates have robust policies on prohibited behavior. These policies are available on the House’s internal intranet. Further, they can be found in the state employee handbook. This information is shared and accessible online at www.dhrm.virginia. gov/hrpolicies. Similarly, there are appropriate avenues by which a person

can report instances of harassment. Questions or concerns should be directed to the Clerk of the House or the House’s Human Resources Director. However, we must go a step further than promulgating written policy. Collectively, we, as legislators, parents, community leaders and colleagues, must be an example for the Commonwealth by maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all Virginians. We cannot ignore the fact that women are disproportionately victims of sexual harassment and abuse. We all recognize that women are an equal and integral part of our legislative dialogue, and I feel confident we all would like to see more women in

DELEGATE KIRK COX Chesterfield County

Schools referendum: ‘It’s not perfect’ Re editorial “Real results,” Free Press Nov. 16-18 edition: Your baffling editorial disparaging the massive Election Day support — 99 percent in the African-American community and 84.8 percent across the city

‘Tiger Tom’ and ‘Bette’ Mitchell ‘now smiling and holding hands in heaven’ Re obituary for “Elizabeth ‘Bette’ Mitchell, widow of ‘Tiger Tom’ Mitchell,” Free Press Nov. 16-18 edition: Elizabeth “Bette” Mitchell, the widow of “Tiger Tom,” has now gone on to join him. They were married for more than 50 years. They really cared for one another. This was true devotion at its finest, even after all this time. The couple are now smiling and holding hands in heaven. Thanks Free Press for doing an article on this beautiful couple. I must admit I knew some things about them, but you gave us a wealth of information on this couple. Those

government and the public policy arena. We can empower women and encourage their continued involvement by ensuring our workplace is respectful and actively rejects any unwanted behavior, guaranteeing that everyone who steps foot on Capitol Square will be treated with the dignity and respect he or she deserves. Our responsibility to that goal is mutual, and requires a collective effort. I am proud to serve with all of you and know that Virginia can and will continue to be an example to the nation.

who read the story on this couple were very enlightened about their life. They seemed to be very supportive of one another, even in their later years. This type of dedication should be an inspiration to us all. For this couple, the race on this earth is now over and they both did a superlative job. Thanks for the memories. Those whose lives you touched will remember for a lifetime. It’s now time to seek your rewards in heaven. ERNEST PARKER JR. Richmond

— for the school modernization charter change referendum claimed the following about the proposal: “We believe it (has) a fatal flaw allowed by organizers of the petition drive. Even if the measure is approved by the state legislature, nothing requires Richmond’s mayor or City Council to pony up to improve the horrible school buildings and conditions in which Richmond youngsters are supposed to learn.” So what about this alleged flaw? Apparently the editorial writer attended a secret law school teaching an unknown legal doctrine: I could have writ-

ten a law forcing city officials to raise taxes or issue city debt should the entity authorized by said law to declare “horrible” buildings and conditions exist demand the money to fix it and ASAP. Inquiry: Did the professor also explain how to get the two-third vote in the General Assembly needed to pass such a charter change? Or show where such a law might be found anywhere? Perhaps you skipped class that day. Admittedly the mayor, City Council, Democratic Party and business leaders likewise claim my proposal has flaws. It’s not perfect. But have they proposed, in required legisla-

tive form, even one improvement — much less one that can pass? No. In 2003, I figured out how to write the law that got Richmonders the right to vote to elect the mayor even after Tim Kaine had given up in frustration. Now we are closer than ever to getting all Richmond Public Schools students modern school facilities, a goal since the 1955 Brown II case. Let’s not blow it. PAUL GOLDMAN Richmond The writer organized the petition drive for the Nov. 7 Richmond schools referendum.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF AN APPLICATION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY D/B/A DOMINION ENERGY VIRGINIA FOR REVISION OF RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE: RIDER US-2, SCOTT, WHITEHOUSE, AND WOODLAND SOLAR POWER STATIONS CASE NO. PUR-2017-00127 •Dominion Energy Virginia (“Dominion”) has applied to update its Rider US-2 by which it recovers the costs of three solar power stations. •Dominion requests $14,653,000 for its 2017 Rider US-2. According to Dominion, this amount would increase a typical residential customer’s bill using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month by $0.08. •A Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will hear the case on February 27, 2018. •Further information about this case is available on the SCC website at: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case. On October 3, 2017, Virginia Electric and Power Company d/b/a Dominion Energy Virginia (“Dominion” or “Company”), pursuant to § 56-585.1 A 6 of the Code of Virginia, filed with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) an annual update with respect to the Company’s rate adjustment clause, Rider US-2 (“Application”). Through its Application, the Company seeks to recover costs associated with (i) the Scott Solar Facility, a 17 megawatt (“MW”) (nominal alternating current (“AC”)) facility located in Powhatan County; (ii) Whitehouse Solar Facility, a 20 MW AC facility located in Louisa County; and (iii) Woodland Solar Facility, a 19 MW AC facility located in Isle of Wight County (collectively, “2016 Solar Projects” or “Projects”). In Case No. PUE-2015-00104, the Commission approved construction of the 2016 Solar Projects. In conjunction therewith, the Commission also approved a rate adjustment clause, designated Rider US-2, which allowed Dominion to recover costs associated with the development of the Projects, including projected construction work in progress and any associated allowance for funds used during construction. Dominion states that the 2016 Solar Projects were completed and became operational as scheduled during December 2016. Dominion states that the total forecasted cost of the Solar Projects has increased and is now approximately $131.5 million (excluding financing costs), which is approximately 1.5% over the original budget of $129.5 million. In this proceeding, Dominion has asked the Commission to approve Rider US-2 for the rate year beginning September 1, 2018, and ending August 31, 2019 (“2018 Rate Year”). The Company is requesting a total revenue requirement of $14,653,000 for the 2018 Rate Year. The Company proposes to use rates of return on common equity (“ROE”) of 9.6% and 10.5% for purposes of calculating the Rider US-2 revenue requirement. If the proposed Rider US-2 for the 2018 Rate Year is approved, the impact on customer bills would depend on the customer’s rate schedule and usage. Interested persons are encouraged to review the Application and supporting documents for the details of these and other proposals. TAKE NOTICE that the Commission may apportion revenues among customer classes and/or design rates in a manner differing from that shown in the Application and supporting documents and thus may adopt rates that differ from those appearing in the Company’s Application and supporting documents. The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing that, among other things, scheduled a public hearing on February 27, 2018, at 10 a.m., in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, to receive testimony from members of the public and evidence related to the Application from the Company, any respondents, and the Commission’s Staff. Any person desiring to testify as a public witness at this hearing should appear fifteen (15) minutes prior to the starting time of the hearing and contact the Commission’s Bailiff. The public version of the Company’s Application, as well as the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, are available for public inspection during regular business hours at each of the Company’s business offices in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Copies also may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company, Lisa S. Booth, Esquire, Dominion Energy Services, Inc., 120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. If acceptable to the requesting party, the Company may provide the documents by electronic means. Copies of the public version of the Application and other documents filed in this case also are available for interested persons to review in the Commission’s Document Control Center located on the first floor of the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies from the Commission’s website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case.

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On or before February 20, 2018, any interested person wishing to comment on the Company’s Application shall file written comments on the Application with Joel H. Peck, Clerk, State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. Any interested person desiring to file comments electronically may do so on or before February 20, 2018, by following the instructions on the Commission’s website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case. Compact disks or any other form of electronic storage medium may not be filed with the comments. All such comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2017-00127. On or before December 29, 2017, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation. If not filed electronically, an original and fifteen (15) copies of the notice of participation shall be submitted to the Clerk of the Commission at the address above. A copy of the notice of participation as a respondent also must be sent to counsel for the Company at the address set forth above. Pursuant to Rule 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”), any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2017-00127. For additional information about participation as a respondent, any person or entity should obtain a copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing. On or before January 16, 2018, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission, and serve on the Commission’s Staff, the Company, and all other respondents, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case, and each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. If not filed electronically, an original and fifteen (15) copies of such testimony and exhibits shall be submitted to the Clerk of the Commission at the address above. Respondents also shall comply with the Commission’s Rules of Practice, including: 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service; 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format; and 5 VAC 5 20 240, Prepared testimony and exhibits. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR 2017-00127. The Commission’s Rules of Practice may be viewed at http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case. A printed copy of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and an official copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing in this proceeding may be obtained from the Clerk of the Commission at the address above.

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Richmond Free Press

November 22-25, 2017

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Stories by Fred Jeter

Rick Mahorn to be inducted into Va. Sports Hall of Fame Rick Mahorn

Former Hampton University basketball standout Rick Mahorn has been selected for the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. Induction ceremonies will be April 7 at the Sandler Center for Performing Arts in Virginia Beach.

The 6-foot-10 Mahorn, a native of Connecticut, starred for Hampton University under Coach Hank Ford from 1976 to 1980. He scored more than 2,000 career points and was CIAA Player of the Year as a senior.

He was drafted by the Washington Bullets in the second round of the 1980 draft and played in the NBA for 19 years, including for the Detroit Pistons, the New Jersey Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers. In 1989, he was a key component as the Detroit Pistons, nicknamed the “Bad Boys,” won the NBA title. The bruising inside performer averaged 6.9 points and 6.2 rebounds during his NBA career spanning 1,117 games. Mahorn later coached in the WNBA and currently is a Detroit Pistons radio announcer.

VSU Trojans’ dream season ends with loss in playoffs

Virginia State University’s magic carpet ride of a football season has coasted to a close. So let the warm memories begin. Decades from now, when the current Trojans are bouncing grandchildren on their knees, they

may not remember the exact score of their 35-9 loss last Saturday in the NCAA Division II regional playoff game against the University of West Georgia. But how could they ever forget the season

that included: • Posting a 9-0 regular season record, with 14 straight victories over two seasons. • Notching spirited wins over rivals Norfolk State and Virginia Union universities, and defeating defending CIAA Division champs Bowie State and Winston-Salem State universities. • Winning the CIAA Northern Division, then topping that by trouncing Fayetteville State University to claim the 2017 CIAA crown. • And claiming only the second NCAA football bid in school history. Many years from now, perhaps with ﬂecks of gray in their hair, the Trojans may not recall that West Georgia got the best of them in yardage (418 yards to 277) and ﬁrst downs (22 to 17). But why dwell on negatives when there will be so many superlatives to recall at a future team or class reunion? Like … • Coach Reggie Barlow, VSU’s fourth football coach in six years, earning CIAA Coach of the Year honors. • Trenton “Boom” Cannon being named CIAA Offensive Player of the Year. • Frank Ball clearing wide paths on the offensive line. • Brandon Lynch, the ultimate warrior, making so many tackles the statistician ran out of sharp pencils to keep track of them. • Zachary Parker, in his lone season as a Trojan, snagging 34 passes for nearly a 20-

yard average. • Quarterback Cordelral Cook emerging among the top option quarterbacks in all of Division II football. In years to come, these Trojans, when reaching for their bifocals, may forget their offense went silent (just three field goals) in the NCAA regional playoff game. What they are more apt to recall is how the explosive Cannon established school singleseason and career records for most rushing yardage — 1,638 yards and 4,030 yards, respectively. Or that he tallied a whopping 44 touchdowns afoot in his three seasons since transferring from Shepherd University in West Virginia. Or, perhaps most of all, how Cannon turned into Superman and leaped over a Virginia Union University defender at the goal line on the final play of the first half in the game against the Panthers. On the way to the locker room, teammates were pinching him just to see if he was human. You don’t forget that. But Cannon would be the first to say he couldn’t have done it without the play calling from the sidelines, or Cook sharing the rushing load, or the blocking in front of him or the defense that kept giving the Trojans the ball. It all added up to arguably the best overall team performance VSU has ever enjoyed dating to the late ’90s — the 1890s, that is. Sadly, seasons end. Memories never do.

Chesterfield student signs with Penn State James Haskins/Richmond Free Press

Virginia State University’s Trenton Cannon tries to hang onto the ball against a University of West Georgia player during last Saturday’s NCAA Division II regional playoff game at Rogers Stadium in Ettrick.

Rasir Bolton, a Chesterﬁeld County resident who has played locally for Millwood School and Team Loaded AAU, has signed with Penn State University on a full basketball scholarship. He will enroll at the Big 10 Conference school prior to the 2018-19 season. The 6-foot-3 guard, nicknamed “RaBoogie,” will play as a postgraduate this season at Massanutten Military Academy in Woodstock.

Rasir Bolton

VCU has rare loss at home — to U.Va. Two things Virginia Commonwealth University basketball thrives on are quality transfers and home games at the always rowdy, jam-packed Siegel Center. The Rams are loaded with both in Coach Mike Rhoades’ maiden season. Khris Lane and Issac Vann are the latest examples of experienced transfers from NCAA Division I programs. Lane is a 6-foot-7, 245-pound power forward who transferred to VCU from Longwood University. Through three games, Lane averaged 13.3 points and 5.7 rebounds. Vann is a 6-foot-6, 210-pound wing who transferred from the University of Maine. In Vann’s ﬁrst three games as a Ram, he has averaged 14.3 points and six rebounds. Vann had a team high 19 points in VCU’s 76-67 loss last Friday to the University of Virginia at the Siegel Center. Both Lane, a graduate transfer, and Vann, a red-shirt sophomore, were leading scorers at their former schools.

An advantage in transferring to VCU is playing at the Siegel Center, where the Rams have enjoyed 102 straight sellouts. The home loss to U.Va. was an Khris Lane anomaly. With just five turnovers, the Cavaliers smoothly navigated VCU’s trademark barracuda-style defense and, offensively, coolly drilled 10 3-pointers. Other VCU non-conference “guests” aren’t nearly so fortunate. Since its 2011 Final Four run, VCU is 87-11 on its home boards at the Siegel Center, with two of those losses to U.Va. Clearly, VCU administrators know a good thing when they spot it and intend to keep stirring a winning formula. Of the Rams’ ﬁrst 14 games this season, they will play only one true road game — at Seton Hall University on Jan. 9. The game is part of the Never

Forget Tribute Classic honoring the late Jim Valvano, former coach at North Carolina State University, with a double-header format. Issac Vann Based on its continued success, VCU is in an enviable position of scheduling home games and not having to reciprocate by playing that same school on their campus. This is done by offering ﬁnancial guarantees — sometimes called “buy games.” That doesn’t mean the Rams won’t travel, but they do so under their terms. The Rams played three top-tier opponents earlier this week in the Maui Invitational on a neutral ﬂoor. Once Atlantic-10 Conference play commences, the Rams’ schedule is balanced between home and away contests. Transfers have a rich history at VCU.

VCU Rams’ home court Tuesday, Nov. 28 Virginia Commonwealth University t a ke s o n A p p a l a c h i a n S t a t e University at the Siegel Center. Tipoff: 7 p.m. Televised on MASN. Home sweet home Virginia Commonwealth University’s record at the Siegel Center since 2011. Year Win-Loss record 2017-18 2-1 2016-17 15-1 2015-16 15-2 2014-15 12-4 2013-14 15-0 2012-13 15-2 2011-12 13-1 Total 87-11

In the program’s infancy in the late 1960s and early 1970s, four AfricanAmerican transfer players helped lift VCU basketball from little more than gloriﬁed intramurals to Division I status. Those transfer players included

two Richmonders, Charles Wilkins who transferred from Fayetteville State University and Don Ross, who transferred from Cleveland State. The others were Charles Chambliss, a transfer from Loyola University Chicago, and Charles Booker from Glassboro State College. More recently, Jamie Skeen, a transfer from Wake Forest University, spurred the Rams’ Final Four run in 2011, and Korey Billbury, a transfer from Oral Roberts University, was a leading light on the Rams’2016 squad. Ahmed Hamdy-Mohamed, a transfer from Lee College in Texas, was a key player the past two years. Two things don’t ﬁgure to change at VCU. The Rams will continue scheduling as many home games as they can, and the porch light will be left on for gifted late arrivals. Waiting in the wings now is Marcus Evans, the leading scorer last year at Rice University. Evans becomes eligible to play in 2018-19 after sitting out this season under NCAA transfer rules.

November 22-25, 2017 B1

Richmond Free Press

Section

Happenings

Personality: Hassan Fountain Sr.

Spotlight on founder of Fountain for Youth Foundation Hassan Fountain Sr. has a vision of placing children’s libraries in every subsidized housing community across Virginia, especially in Richmond, to increase literacy and help youths see a brighter future. That vision was the seed for Mr. Fountain creating Fountain for Youth Foundation, a literacy advocacy organization whose mission is to raise awareness, build character and literacy for children living in low-income communities by giving them books and establishing libraries in their neighborhoods. “There are not a lot of people working on literacy in low-income areas,” the 41-year-old says. “Many of these children don’t have the opportunity to get to a public library because of transportation problems, safety in their communities and many other factors.” So Fountain for Youth is working to fill the void. To date, Mr. Fountain says, the foundation has placed 32,000 books in eight community libraries — seven in the Richmond area and one in Halifax County, where he spent his teenage years. All are in located in low-income communities, among them Gilpin Court at the Friends Association building, community centers in Blackwell and Mosby Court public housing communities; the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond Fairfield Court unit, and Country Green Apartments in South Boston in Halifax County. Another library, sponsored by an area McDonald’s, is situated in Henrico County’s Essex Village complex, which was sold recently and renamed the Maggie Lena Walker Apartments, he notes. Each was started with about 3,500 books, he says. The collections grow periodically with the help of his wife, family, friends and sponsors. His wife, Emerald, and others, he explains, help collect thousands of book on different categories and topics — African-American and American history, sports, science, math and other subjects. Several sponsors also have come on board, he says, including his company, Coca-Cola

Bottling Co. Consolidated, where he works as a machine operator. Coca-Cola, Kool Smiles, McDonald’s and others have been open to fund the book and reading areas that include beanbag chairs and other fun accessories for children. Many are happy that someone is trying to help area children. “Reading opens up a child’s imagination,” Mr. Fountain says. “No matter where you live, no matter what you are going through, pick up a book and it can take you anywhere — Mars, Arizona or California. “Books will open up your mind and let you know that you can get out of your bubble. You don’t have to be a product of your environment.” The Fountain for Youth Foundation plans to open 18 more libraries in 2018 in different parts of the state, he says, including Petersburg, Portsmouth, Danville and Roanoke. Mr. Fountain’s interest in books, reading and education started at a young age. His mother, Vivian Graves, is a longtime schoolteacher. He said her job didn’t pay much years ago, and his life growing up was similar to that of the children his libraries serve. “I grew up in public housing in South Side from elementary to middle school in the 1980s when the neighborhood was really drug infested and where murders were going on,” he says. “We moved to Halifax where my mother grew up and presently teaches kindergarten through second grade. That’s where I graduated high school. That was a 360-degree change in culture and living.” His mother, he says, “did everything she could to keep us safe and educated. No matter where we lived, she made sure we had books in our apartment. She made sure we had books to read

every day. My family never threw away books.” Through reading, his mother instilled in him and his siblings that they could discover places and opportunities in the world outside of their immediate environment. “All of my mother ’s sisters were educators. My mother’s uncle was the president of Fayetteville State College. I had influential people in my family, whether educators or entrepreneurs,” Mr. Fountain says. “I am one of them, no matter my job title.” His older sister, Pia Fountain, teaches special education at Armstrong High School in Richmond. “I want the people to get involved — to help the foundation restore our future,” he says. This is our passion for all children.” Meet literacy advocate, foundation founder and this week’s Personality, Hassan Fountain Sr.

When I created Fountain for Youth Foundation: November 2016.

Occupation: Machine operator for Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated.

Perfect day for me is: Getting and giving away 2,000 books.

Duties: To make sure machine works effectively. Community involvement: Founder and CEO of Fountain for Youth Foundation. Date and place of birth: June 27 in Halifax County. Current residence: Richmond’s Ginter Park area. Education: Bryant & Stratton College, business management. Family: Wife, Emerald; and children, Parash, 23, fraternal twins, Hassan Jr. and Tashan, 21, Ymonee, 19, Harmony, 4, Melody, 2, and Jamal,1.

Reason for founding: I grew up in South Side in a low-income area and ran for Richmond City Council in the 3rd District and knocked on many doors. A lot of kids in the 3rd District didn’t have reading materials. I wanted to put books out in the community. Foremost mission: To spread and uplift literacy throughout the state. Why I am excited about this organization: I see it bringing people together. How many books have been distributed throughout the community: Approximately 32,000 since January. How many community libraries have been created: Eight community libraries have been created. Seven are in the Richmond area, with the latest one created two weeks ago in Mosby Court, and one library in Halifax County. Why reading is important: Reading is fundamental. How to become a volunteer: Contact us at (804) 687-6802. How I start the day: I get up around 7:30 a.m. and usually make my wife some coffee.

If I had more time, I would: Find some investors to build a school. Favorite book genre: Westerns. Best thing my parents ever taught me: My mother, Vivian Graves, who is a schoolteacher, taught me to never give up and always follow your dreams. Author who influenced me the most: Les Brown. What I’m reading now: A lot of children’s books and some history books. The one thing that I’ve learned in life: Never judge a book by its cover. My next goal: To create a vocational school.

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Richmond Free Press

B2 November 22-25, 2017

Happenings

College student feels new confidence with guide dog By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Courtesy of Guiding Eyes for the Blind

La’Teia Randolph poses with her new partner, Della, a guide dog from New York-based Guiding Eyes for the Blind.

La’Teia Randolph is extra thankful this year. The blind Richmonder now has a guide dog to help her get around — Della, a 2-year-old female Labrador retriever. “It’s so awesome. I no longer have to run into walls or hope someone is around to help if I get stuck,” said Ms. Randolph, 27, a J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College student who lives in a Downtown apartment. Ms. Randolph is benefiting from Guiding Eyes for the Blind, a New York-based nonproﬁt that has provided 7,000 blind people with dogs since 1954 at no charge. She spent three weeks at the organization’s training center in Westchester County, N.Y., working with Della. She was among a class of eight people who were paired with dogs. “It was intense,” Ms. Randolph said. “We spent two days getting acquainted, and we worked from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily on training.”

Before ﬂying home Nov. 12 with Della, Ms. Randolph said she and Della did a lot of walking in White Plains, the Westchester County seat. “She still reacts to other dogs,” Ms. Randolph said. “She is young and still learning. She only had four months of training before I got her. She knows the basics, but she can get distracted. I’m teaching her so she doesn’t lunge at other dogs. And when she gets distracted, I tell her to stay on focus.” The good news, she said, is that Della “does not bark. But she does love to sniff. She keeps her nose to the ﬂoor. It’s pretty funny.” The Williamsburg native lost her sight on her 22nd birthday. Headed to the beach, her life changed when her car was rear-ended on June 15, 2012. She dropped out of college and spent three years recovering from her loss of vision. Tired of moping, Ms. Randolph began rebounding in 2015 when she enrolled in the rehabilitation center operated by

the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired on Azalea Avenue in Henrico County. She learned how to navigate with a cane, how to read Braille and how to handle everyday chores, including cooking. She said she was surrounded by caring people encouraging her to become self-sufﬁcient. Her next goal, she said, is to earn a degree in psychology and one day have a private practice focused on helping people recover from trauma and life-changing events like she went through. Now that Della is in her life, she said, she’s more conﬁdent about achieving her goal. She was inspired to apply to Guiding Eyes after meeting another woman who had a guide dog. “She got around so quickly and quietly, I was envious,” Ms. Randolph said. “I can do what I have to with a cane. But now that I have Della, I can do what I want to do. I no longer feel limited.”

Thanksgiving blessings

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Families across the region received Thanksgiving blessings of food before the holiday from a variety of community programs and nonprofit organizations. At right, 3rd District Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott serves food last Saturday to families in Newport News as part of the Feeding 5,000 Thanksgiving Harvest and Community Celebration sponsored by the Southeast Community Day Planning Committee, in partnership with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and several other organizations. Below right, more than 2,000 Richmond area families received turkeys, boxes of stuffing and canned goods at the Thanksgiving Harvest sponsored Nov. 16 by St. Paul’s Baptist Church and two dozen area churches, sororities, professional and nonprofit organizations at the Arthur Ashe Jr. Athletic Center on the Boulevard. Left, Richmond Police Officer Charles Battle delivers a Thanksgiving basket on Monday to Percelle Smith’s family in Hillside Court. The program is a joint effort by the city police and Citizens Against Crime, a program founded by the late Alicia Rasin, to help families who have lost a loved one to homicide. The Thanksgiving baskets went to several families of homicide victims, as well as families in need.

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James Haskins/Richmond Free Press

New Barbie in hijab modeled after U.S. Olympic fencer The Barbie doll has come a long way since her introduction in 1959. The latest version of Mattel’s popular doll is wearing a hijab and fencing outﬁt. The doll is made in the likeness of Ibtihaj Muhammad, the U.S. Olympic fencer who made history at last year’s Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro as the ﬁrst American athlete to compete wearing the traditional Islamic headscarf. The 31-year-old New Jersey native and Duke University graduate won a bronze medal in the team saber event. She won the gold medal in 2014 at the world fencing championships in Russia. “I‘m proud to know that little girls everywhere can now play with a Barbie who chooses to wear hijab! This is a childhood dream come true,” the Olympian posted on Twitter Nov. 13, after appearing on the red carpet at the 2017 Glamour Women of the Year Awards in New York holding the doll made in her likeness. The hijab, one of the most

visible signs of Islamic culture, is becoming increasingly popular with Western businesses, from hijab-wearing models in top fashion magazines to Apple’s recently launched “emoji” character in a hijab. The hijab-wearing doll is part of Barbie’s “Shero” line that recognizes women “who break boundaries to inspire the next generation of girls.” The doll will go on sale in 2018, the company said. “Ibtihaj is an inspiration to countless girls who never saw themselves represented,” Barbie’s marketing vice president Sejal Shah Miller said in a statement. “By honoring her story, we hope this doll reminds them that they can be and do anything.” Many Muslim women cover SALON FIXTURES FOR SALE 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.

their heads in public with the hijab as a sign of modesty, although some critics see it as a sign of female oppression. Other dolls in the collection include African-American ballerina Misty Copeland and Ava DuVernay, director of “Selma,” a highly acclaimed film about the Civil Rights Movement. In November, Danish toymaker Lego released figurines of five women scientists, engineers and astronauts, including Katherine G. Johnson of Newport News, who worked for U.S. space agency NASA, to inspire more girls to pursue careers in science.

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Richmond Free Press

November 22-25, 2017 B3

Faith News/Directory

Museum of the Bible, funded by conservatives, avoids contentious issues WASHINGTON Eight years ago, Hobby Lobby president Steve Green found a new way to express his Christian faith. His family’s $4 billion arts and craft chain was already known for closing stores on Sundays, waging a U.S. Supreme Court ﬁght over birth control and donating tens of millions of dollars to religious groups. Now, Mr. Green would begin collecting biblical artifacts that he hoped could become the starting point for a museum. L a s t F r i d a y, t h a t v i sion was realized when the 430,000-square-foot Museum of the Bible opened three blocks from the U.S. Capitol in what marks the most prominent public display of the family’s deep religious commitment. The $500 million museum includes pieces from the family’s collection from the Dead Sea Scrolls, towering bronze gates inscribed with text from the Gutenberg Bible and a soundscape of the 10 plagues, enhanced by smog and a glowing red light to symbolize the Nile turned to blood. It is an ambitious attempt to appeal simultaneously to people of deep faith and no faith, and to stand out amid the impressive constellation of museums in Washington. The Bible exhibits are so extensive, administrators say it would take days to see everything. Mr. Green said the institution he largely funded is meant to educate, not evangelize, though critics are dubious. Museum

administrators have taken pains to hire a broad group of scholars as advisers. Lawrence Schiffman, a New York University Jewish studies professor and Dead Sea Scrolls expert, called the museum a “monument” to interfaith cooperation. Exhibits are planned from the Vatican Museum and the Israel Antiquities Authority. “There’s just a basic need for people to read the book,” said Mr. Green, sitting in a hotelstyle suite inside the museum where visiting dignitaries can stay. “This book has had an impact on our world and we just think people ought to know it and hopefully they’ll be inspired to engage with it after they come here.” The last major splash the Greens made in Washington was over their religious objections to birth control. In 2014, Hobby Lobby persuaded the U.S. Supreme Court to exempt for-profit companies like theirs from the contraception coverage requirement in President Obama’s Affordable Care Act. That culture war victory has in part colored reactions to the museum even before it opened. The Oklahoma company also had to pay a $3 million fine and return artifacts after federal prosecutors said the company got caught up in an antiquities smuggling scheme. Mr. Green said the company had been naive in doing business with the dealers. Items at the center of the fines were never destined for the museum, administrators say. Of the 1,100 items the museum owns, 300 come from the Greens’ personal

Adelle M. Banks/Religion News Service

The new Museum of the Bible in Washington features a 40foot brass entryway called the Gutenberg Gates, displaying the first 80 lines of the Book of Genesis in Latin as printed in the original Gutenberg Bible in 1454 or 1455.

collection. But skepticism surrounding the intent of the project has focused more on the Greens’ record of putting their fortune and inﬂuence behind spreading their particular religious beliefs. The museum will be the centerpiece of several of the family’s efforts, including sponsoring research on the Bible and promoting a Bible curriculum they hope will be used in U.S. public schools. An

Farrakhan calls on Trump to repent By Adelle M. Banks Religion News Service

WASHINGTON Minister Louis Farrakhan called on President Trump to repent for what the Nation of Islam leader called America’s mistreatment of black people over the centuries. “America is a great nation, but America needs to reﬂect on her sins,” Minister Farrakhan told hundreds of supporters gathered Nov. 16 at the Watergate Hotel in Washington for an event billed as “a major message” to the Trump administration. For more than two hours, Minister Farrakhan covered a range of topics from politics to religion, citing Christian and Muslim scriptures. He combined condemnation of presidents past and present — although he was more supportive of former President Obama — with declarations of his continuing devotion to Elijah Muhammad, his predecessor as leader of the Nation of Islam. “I am here from my teacher, not out of hate, but out of hope that maybe what I say to this 45th president of the United States of America might have

an effect to get him off the course that he is on,” Minister Farrakhan said. He suggested President Trump forego plans to confront North Korea. “You will never get North Korea to give up what she has as a trump card. That’s over, Mr. Trump,” he said. “Can you live with North Korea with nuclear weapons? I think you’re going to have to, even though you have war plans already to knock out North Korea.” The 84-year-old leader, his speech accented by images of former U.S. presidents and a poster of a 2010 Nation of Islam book, “The Secret Relationship Between Blacks and Jews,” dove into all sorts of controversies — from slavery to the unhealthy water in Flint, Mich., to current reports of sexual harassment by national leaders and celebrities. The Nation of Islam’s inﬂuence has waned since its heyday in the 1950s and 1960s when the movement claimed to have half a million adherents. AfricanAmericans were drawn to its message of self-sufﬁciency and piety that combined a mistrust of the white establishment and a call for black separatism.

As for recent sexual harassment scandals, Minister Farrakhan maintained all members of Congress might be guilty. And he quoted Allah’s words that are rendered in at least one English translation of the Quran as: “Did I not ﬁnd you groping and show you the way?” Minister Farrakhan said it wasn’t “nice” for President Trump to call protesting football players names for kneeling at games and said black people are under attack in other ways. “You’re under assault, black brothers and sisters,” he said. “Why is the sperm count in black men falling? Because of the food you eat and the water you drink. The lead in the water in Flint is not an accident.” Minister Farrakhan said he planned to contact President Trump via mail and added, drawing laughter from the crowd, “I don’t go to White Houses.” His speech came two years after he spoke at the “Justice or Else” rally in 2015 to mark the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March.

initial attempt in an Oklahoma school district was withdrawn following complaints the lessons weren’t neutral. “The museum is a massive advertisement for the curriculum,” said Mark Chancey, a religious studies professor at Southern Methodist University who has critically analyzed content of the Bible lesson plans. A new book written by Mr. Green and his wife, Jackie, about how they developed the museum seems to send mixed signals about their goals.

Thanksgiving Dinner Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017 Noon – 3 p.m.

Christian Education Week th th

Union Baptist ChUrCh 1813 EvErEtt strEEt riChmond, va 23224 (804) 231-5884 rEv. roBErt C. davis, pastor

“MAKE IT HAPPEN” 1:30 p.m. Bible Study

Thirty-first Street Baptist Church

Antioch Baptist Church SERVICES

SUNDAY WORSHIP HOUR – 10:00 A.M. CHILDREN’S CHURCH & BUS MINISTRY AVAILABLE SUNDAY SCHOOL (FOR ALL AGES) – 9:00 A.M. TUESDAY MID-DAY BIBLE STUDY – 12 NOON WEDNESDAY MID-WEEK PRAYER & BIBLE STUDY – 7:00 P.M. A MISSION BASED CHURCH FAMILY EXCITING MINISTRIES FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, YOUNG ADULTS & SENIOR ADULTS BIBLE REVELATION TEACHING DIVERSE MUSIC MINISTRY LOVING, CARING ENVIRONMENT

ance with Re ev

everence

ing Dr. Morris Henderson, Senior Pastor bin ❖

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

DR. JAMES L. SAILES PASTOR

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church

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

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

Pastor Kevin Cook

ThurSdayS

1384 New Market Road, Richmond, Virginia 23231 | 804-222-8835

All ARe Welcome

Wed., November 29, 2017 Christian Education Forum 6:00p.m. - 7:00p.m. Bible Study 7:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.

643-3825 • www.sharonbaptistchurchrichmond.org Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor

500 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222

“Redeeming God’s People for Gods Purpose”

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

“Baptism” after morning worship

Sharon Baptist Church

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

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

Christian Education Sunday November 26,2017 9:30 a.m. – Promotion Sunday Speaker: Ms. Shirley Pegram 11:00 a.m. – Morning Worship Preacher: Rev. Ronald Cooper, Associate Minister

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

“The Church With A Welcome”

8:30 a.m. ....Sunday School 10:00 a.m. ...Morning Worship

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

November 26 - 30

Early Morning Worship ~ 8 a.m. Sunday School ~ 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship ~ 11 a.m. 4th Sunday Uniﬁed Worship Service ~ 9:30 a.m. Bible Study: Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. Sermons Available at BRBCONLINE.org

WedneSdayS

tion that this is just a history museum.” Mr. Green’s response to such arguments: Visit the museum and decide for yourself. Located near the National Mall, the building has been designed to inspire a sense of wonder. The Gutenberg Gates flank the entrance. A 140-foot LED display runs the length of the entrance hall ceiling, bathing the lobby in a changing array of color. The floors are a mix of shimmering marble from Denmark and Tunisia, complemented by columns of Jerusalem stone. From two high stories, a glass atrium curves from ceiling to floor, echoing the shape of a scroll and providing a clear view of the Capitol dome and the Washington Monument. A section dedicated to the Bible’s modern-day influence includes a replica of the Liberty Bell, inscribed with a verse from Leviticus, and exhibits touching on slavery, abolition and the Civil Rights Movement. A motion simulator, called “Washington Revelations,” creates the sensation of flying over the nation’s capital to see Bible inscriptions and references in buildings and monuments throughout the city. The ceremony opening the museum aimed to underscore a message of inclusivity, and featured among the dignitaries a rabbi and two Roman Catholic cardinals bearing a message from Pope Francis. “I think people will come in here and will be surprised at how much this book has impacted their life in ways that they probably don’t even know,” Mr. Green said.

Broad Rock Baptist Church

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

SundayS

In “This Dangerous Book, How the Bible Has Shaped Our World and Why It Still Matters Today,” the Greens write of the museum, “We’re not creating a place to proselytize.” They also write, “We believe there are multiple applications for Scripture, but only one interpretation,” and “time and time again, evidence has shown the Bible to be accurate.” Still, the museum avoids debates over interpreting the Bible, and over contentious issues such as evolution and marriage. Separately, critics have seized on a changing mission statement of the museum from its earliest days, when founders said they aimed to prove the authority of the Bible, to a new, more neutral goal of inviting people to learn more about the Bible. Museum president Cary Summers described the change as a natural progression as the project moved ahead. But John Fea, a historian at Messiah College in Pennsylvania, points to the family’s goal of helping people “engage with” the Bible as a telling indication about what the Greens hope to achieve. He said the “Bible engagement” concept was popularized by the American Bible Society in the 1990s amid concern that people who owned copies of the Scriptures weren’t necessarily reading them. Mr. Fea said advocates for this strategy ultimately hope the Bible will inspire a desire to learn more and maybe accept Christ. “There’s a public face to this Bible engagement rhetoric and then there’s a private aspect of what it really means,” Mr. Fea said. “It debunks the whole no-

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Associated Press

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

MONDAY-FRIDAY Nutrition Center and Clothes Closet 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. 823 North 31st Street Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 226-0150 Office www.31sbc.org

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.

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Hebrew 12:14 (KJV) Tune in on sunday morning to wTvr - channel 6 - 8:30 a.m. Thursday & Friday radio Broadcast wrEJ 1540 am radio - 8:15 a.m.- 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 22-25, 2017

Obituaries/Faith News/Directory

Alvoston ‘Al’ Taylor, retired city educator, dies at 75 By Ronald E. Carrington

Mr. Taylor was an avid history enthusiast. In addition to teaching history in Richmond Public Alvoston L. “Al” Taylor Jr. was a dedicated Schools, he would portray abolitionist, writer and teacher and principal who cared about his students orator Frederick Douglas, wearing his signature during 35 years of service. Afro. He lectured in African-American history When some of his students at Thompson Middle at the University of Virginia, and for more than School didn’t have clothes or toiletries because their 30 years he was a member of the Maggie Walker parents couldn’t afford it or they didn’t have someone Historical Foundation. in their lives that could help in that way, “My father “My Dad liked to teach (history) and talk about bought clothes and toiletries to help the students it,” Ms. Bower said. “He studied about it and out,” said his daughter, Alveeta T. Bower. always wanted me to know where I came from. He was never one to talk or boast about what He said our history was so rich … because of all he did, she recalled. we have to go through as African-Americans. We “What my Dad did made me want to be of service survived and that was important.” Mr. Taylor to people. He instilled in me the value of giving A graduate of Armstrong High School, Mr. Taylor back to your community and being of service to others.” earned an undergraduate degree in history and government from The 75-year-old retired educator, history lover and 33rd degree Virginia Union University and a master’s in educational adminisMason died Monday, Nov. 13, 2017. He was remembered by tration and supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University. family and friends during a funeral Saturday, Nov. 18, at Fifth Baptist Church in Richmond’s West End. Masonic last rites were held Friday, Nov. 17, at Gravel Hill Baptist Church, along with a memorial service by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, of which he was a member of the Phi Phi chapter.

Philip Griffin,18, dies; son of Dr. and Mrs. Barry Griffin Philip Madison Griffin, son of Dr. and Mrs. Barry I. Griffin, has died. Philip succumbed Friday, Nov. 17, 2017, to complications from kidney disease. He was 18 and a June graduate of the Richmond Career Education and Employment Academy. His family described him as “a bright shining light of love and joy as he warmed everyone’s heart with his big smile and his generous hugs.” He participated in Mr. Griffin Jacob’s Chance Buddy Ball for children, teens and young adults with special needs. His life will be celebrated 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, at Fifth Baptist Church, 1415 W. Cary St., with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Survivors include his parents, Dr. Griffin, a well-known periodontist, and Ingrid W. “Indy” Brunson-Griffin, a social worker for Richmond Public Schools; his brother, Barry Griffin Jr.; and his sister, Alliyah Griffin. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Noah’s Children, c/o Bon Secours Richmond Health Care Foundation, 5008 Monument Ave., 2nd Floor, Richmond, Va. 23230.

Evergreen Restoration Foundation continues work, seeks volunteers

Real estate broker Marvin Harris has spent the past 18 months motivating volunteers to restore a 15-acre section of the historic, but long-neglected Evergreen Cemetery where Richmond businesswoman Maggie L. Walker and crusading newspaper editor John Mitchell Jr. are buried. Mr. Harris initially took on the cemetery improvement as a member of the Maggie L. Walker High School Class of 1967, which held its 50th reunion during the summer. Now fully hooked on the restoration effort, Mr. Harris has created the nonproﬁt Evergreen Restoration Foundation to continue improvement work at the 126-year-old private Mr. Harris cemetery located just north of the city’s Oakwood Cemetery off Nine Mile Road on the border with Henrico County. Mr. Harris said the new owner of the burial ground, The Enrichmond Foundation, the city’s charity arm, is allowing the Restoration Foundation to adopt the section where Mrs. Walker, Mr. Mitchell and hundreds of other well-known and ordinary Richmonders are buried. “We’re going to need the same commitment and help to maintain and fully restore this 15-acre area to its original state,” Mr. Harris said. That includes people willing to help with the work and those willing to donate to the Restoration Foundation to purchase tools and hire professional landscapers, he said.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Evergreen Cemetery

Since the Walker alumni got involved, “we have had at least 400 volunteers take part,” Mr. Harris said. On Nov. 4, 91 people, mostly from Hunton & Williams law ﬁrm, turned out to reclaim graves and remove the weeds “that continue to attack,” he said. “But my observation,” he continued, “is that it will take much more manpower and dollars to correct the neglect inﬂicted upon this cemetery.” He said the Restoration Foundation’s

VBS 2017

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

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

Worship Opportunities

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

A 21st Century Church With Ministry For Everyone

Sunday, November 26, 2017 10:45 AM ~ Worship Service

Message by Pastor Rethinking Series

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

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

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

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

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”

Morning Worship Church School Morning Worship

(near Byrd Park)

Church School Morning Worship

11:00 AM Mid-day Meditation

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

(Children/Youth/Adults)

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

Mount Olive Baptist Church 2017 Theme: The Year of Elevation (First Peter 5:6)

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

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

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

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

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 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

Funeral Service, Inc.

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Monthly Obituary Column • October 2017

Brian V. Wilson Owner

Thank you to the following bereaved families for allowing us to serve you during the month of October 2017. You are still in our prayers and thoughts. View full obituaries online at www.wilsonafs.com LaVerne L. Woodie Thaddeus Clay “TC” Smith, Jr. Jennifer J Wagner James L. Harrison Margaret V. Evans Vincent L. Allen Kevin Darnell Hancock David Michael Lewis Khalil A. Jabbaar Shirley E. Brown

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

Join us as we celebrate Youth Emphasis and let the “Youth Take Over.” The “Youth Take Over” will display our youth leadership and “Speak Out!” skills while serving as worship participants during service.

Wilson & Associates’ Joseph Lamont Phillips George Brown, Jr. Niesha Wilkins Lorenzo Watkins Marion R. Claiborne Gerald Amandla Marion B. Hill Laverne G. Robinson Blanche L. Dennis-Davis Zollie Mosley

Thursdays:

Sunday, November 26th 11:00 a.m.

Rev. Darryl G. Thompson, Pastor

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

Sundays:

Unity Sundays (2nd Sundays):

Message #20: Rethinking Your Purpose Various Scriptures

Baptist Church

goal is to raise $30,000 during the next two months to pay for removing trees and brush that are currently dormant. The Restoration Foundation’s efforts are focused on about 25 percent of the 60-acre cemetery. John Sydnor, executive director of Enrichmond, said restoring Evergreen “as a safe, scenic and public place” will require the efforts of groups like the Restoration Foundation, churches, individuals and others. For example, he noted that Dominion Energy recently contributed $100,000 to support Evergreen’s restoration. Originally opened in 1891 to be the African-American version of Hollywood Cemetery, Evergreen Cemetery contains about 5,000 graves. Families were not required to pay into a perpetual care fund to pay for upkeep at the cemetery, which has become overgrown. Evergreen is the oldest and largest of a complex of four African-American cemeteries, including private East End Cemetery that has been abandoned for decades, and two that the city owns that were operated during segregation but are no longer tended, Oakwood Colored and the Colored Paupers cemeteries. The Enrichmond Foundation, with the ﬁnancial support of the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, bought Evergreen in May from UK Corp., a company owned by Isaiah Entzminger of Richmond. Mr. Entzminger’s company also owns Woodland Cemetery, located about a mile away, where tennis star Arthur Ashe, a Richmond native and humanitarian, is buried. For information about the Evergreen Restoration Foundation, contact Mr. Harris at (804) 240-1418 or go to www. evergreencemeteryfund.com.

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Sixth Baptist Church

Riverview

He also did coursework at U.Va. and Virginia Tech. He worked for more than 35 years in Richmond Public Schools, serving as a history teacher, curriculum specialist, assistant principal and later as principal of Open High School and Richmond Community High School. Mr. Taylor also mentored young people through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Richmond. He also was active in the Masons as a member of Hobson Lodge No. 23 F&AM. He served as the lodge’s worshipful master and secretary. For eight years, he served as worshipful grand assistant secretary of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia. Mr. Taylor also was a member of Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society and Phi Delta Kappa, a professional organization for educators. In addition to his daughter, Mr. Taylor is survived by his wife, Brenda F. Taylor; a sister, Phyllis T. Shelton; one granddaughter and other relatives and friends.

Joseph Louis Haynes, Jr. Freddie Levon Lassiter Melvin Corbin Louise E. Johnson John Brown Delores Young James “Bubba” Jones Russell A. Harris William Paul Gregg Robert Earl Talley, Sr.

5008 Nine Mile Road, Richmond, VA 23223 • 804-222-1720, Fax 804-222-1745 Remembering those we love ... Remembering those we serve.

Ebenezer Baptist Church 1858

“The People’s Church”

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

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

Dr. Wallace J. Cook, Pastor Emeritus  Rev. Dr. James E. Leary, Interim Pastor

Zion Baptist Church 2006 Decatur Street Richmond, VA 23224 zbcoffice@verizon.net

Dr. Robert L. Pettis, Sr., Pastor Sunday Service 10 a.m. Church School 8:45 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study 7p.m. Transportation Services (804) 859-1985 “Reclaiming the Lost by Proclaiming the Gospel”

Richmond Free Press

November 22-25, 2017 B5

Legal Notices City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL Public Notice Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, 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. 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 densiContinued on next column

Continued from previous column

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.

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

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

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

Divorce 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 Continued on next column

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 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

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 VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER SHALIMER SMITH, Plaintiff v. WELDON SMITH, Defendant. Case No.: CL17002174-00 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 6th 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

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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 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 JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt Of the City of Richmond Commonwealth of Virginia, 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

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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

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

and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that GLENN L. PARKER, who upon information and belief is deceased, per a deed filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 09-7350 on April 10, 2009, or his 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. 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. 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 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 OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. EMANUEL M. HEWLETT, et al., Defendants. Case No.: CL17-5167 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 9 Overbrook Road, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0000539/005, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, action Emanuel M. Hewlett, Annie Hewlett, John P. Hewlett, Dorothy B. Hewlett, Joseph R. Goins and Leatrice Goins. An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, EMANUEL M. HEWLETT (died intestate on September 7, 1977), ANNIE HEWLETT (died intestate on February 20, 1966), JOHN P. HEWLETT (died intestate on November 27, 2003), DOROTHY B. HEWLETT (died intestate on September 2, 2000), JOSEPH R. GOINS (died intestate on April 19, 1988), LEATRICE GOINS (died intestate on October 1, 1971), or their heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, 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 EMANUEL M. HEWLETT (died intestate on September 7, 1977), ANNIE HEWLETT (died intestate on February 20, 1966), JOHN P. HEWLETT (died intestate on November 27, 2003), DOROTHY B. HEWLETT (died intestate on September 2, 2000), JOSEPH R. GOINS (died intestate on April 19, 1988), LEATRICE GOINS (died intestate on October 1, 1971), or their heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, 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:

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER PATRICIA JOHNSON, Plaintiff v. JEFFREY YARBOUGH, Defendant. Case No.: CL17002755-00 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

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 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,

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 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

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. GLENN L. PARKER, et al., Defendants. Case No.: CL17-4997 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1701 Magnolia Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0000663/020, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Glen L. Parker. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, GLENN L. PARKER, who upon information and belief is deceased, per a deed filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 09-7350 on April 10, 2009, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, 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

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. NANNIE M. WALDEN, et al., Defendants. Case No.: CL17-3408 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1008 North 35th Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0000964/020, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Williston Walden, Alfred A. Walden, Sarah Janet Morris, Michael Walden, Michael L. Parker, Rhonda Walden aka Rhonda W. Woodley. An Affidavit having been filed that NANNIE M. WALDEN, who died on November 13, 2002, prior owner of record, and her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that LORENZO WALDEN, DECEASED, who may have an ownership interest in said property, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that said owner, SARAH JANET MORRIS, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to her last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; that MICHAEL WALDEN, who may have an ownership interest in said property, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that said owner, MICHAEL L. PARKER, who is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, has not filed a response to this action; that RHONDA WALDEN aka RHONDA W. WOODLEY, who is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, has not been located and has not

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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 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

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER KIM COLEMAN, Plaintiff v. EUGENE COLEMAN, Defendant. Case No.: CL17002726-00 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 in CC#1 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

PROPERTY

Richmond Free Press

B6 November 22-25, 2017

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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 N A N N I E M . WA L D E N , who died on November 13, 2002, prior owner of record, and her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in interest, LORENZO WALDEN, DECEASED, SARAH JANET MORRIS, M I C H A E L WA L D E N , MICHAEL L. PARKER, RHONDA WALDEN aka RHONDA W. WOODLEY, 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

ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 607 North 37th Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0001415/008, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Mary A. Brooks. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, MARY A. BROOKS, 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 MARY A. BROOKS 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

Tax Map Number E0000832/005, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Annie L. Adams. An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, JAMES ADAMS, upon information and belief deceased, per a deed filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Deed Book 591D page 500 on 20 March 1959, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, and ANNA L. ADAMS upon information and belief deceased, per a deed filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Deed Book 591D page 500 on 20 March 1959, 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 ADAMS, upon information and belief deceased, per a deed filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Deed Book 591D page 500 on 20 March 1959, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, ANNA L. ADAMS, upon information and belief deceased, per a deed filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Deed Book 591D page 500 on 20 March 1959, 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

that C H E V E S E V E LY N DAVIS, who according to information and belief died on August 18, 2004, 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. ROSA E. THORNTON, et al., Defendants. Case No.: CL17-3696 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2208 3rd Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0000559/003, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Rosa E. Thornton, Gloria Hicks-White, Roberta Carter and Robert L. Thornton, Jr., An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, R O S A E . T H O R N TO N , GLORIA HICKS-WHITE, and ROBERT L. THORNTON, JR., 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 R O S A E . T H O R N TO N , GLORIA HICKS-WHITE, ROBERT L. THORNTON, JR., 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. HAROLD HAYES BROWN, et al., Defendants. Case No.: CL17-5034 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1400 Melton Avenue Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0001102/027, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, HAROLD HAYES BROWN. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, HAROLD HAYES BROWN, 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 HAROLD HAYES BROWN, 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. MARY A. BROOKS, et al., Defendants. Case No.: CL17-5142

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. JAMES ADAMS, et al., Defendants. Case No.: CL17-4998 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1909 Chelsea Street, Richmond, Virginia,

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. CHEVES EVELYN DAVIS, et al., Defendants. Case No.: CL17-4079 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2809 Hanes Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0000780/018, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Cheves Evelyn Davis. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner CHEVES E V E LY N D AV I S , w h o according to information and belief died on August 18, 2004, 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

Continued on next column

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Archival Hardware Storage Upgrade

RFP #LVA-ARCSTOR-20171116

Sealed proposals for Archival Hardware Storage Upgrade will be received by The Library of Virginia, 800 East Broad Street, ATTN: Procurement Office, Richmond, VA 23219. The deadline for submitting proposals is 11:00 am on November 27, 2017. Copies of the RFP can be obtained from the eVA website at www.eva.virginia.gov, or requested from The Library of Virginia’s Procurement Office by fax at (804) 692-3585. The Library of Virginia reserves the right to reject any or all offers or waive formalities in the proposal process.

REQUEST FOR LETTERS OF INTEREST and Statements of Qualifications The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, invites highly qualified firms to submit Letters of Interest and Statements of Qualifications along with background information on Form HECO-16 (obtain adapted version from http://www.fm.virginia.edu/depts/fpc/index.html) for construction services related to the:

Softball Stadium at Lambeth Field RFP # 17-103 The University seeks to retain a Construction Manager to join our team during the design phase to provide constructability review, scheduling scenarios, cost estimating, value management, design assists, early bid package assistance and to provide full construction services for the University in accordance with the provisions of the University of Virginia Higher Education Capital Outlay Manual. The project consists of the construction of a new softball stadium at Lambeth Field. The University has determined that Competitive Sealed Bidding is not practicable or fiscally advantageous; therefore, the contract will be awarded as a Construction Management at Risk with Design Phase Services as the project delivery method. Questions may be directed to George Cullen at gec2n@virginia.edu, by fax at (434) 982-5108. The Rector and Visitors of The University of Virginia By: George Cullen, Contract Administrator for Construction

Virginia Union UniVersity is accepting appLications For FULL-tiMe poLice oFFicers responsibilities: The successful applicant will be responsible for conducting patrols (vehicle and foot), responding to alarm calls, enforcing all federal, state and local laws, enforcing traffic rules and regulations, making arrests, testifying in court, providing security during special events and conducting dignitary protection. In addition, officers will serve as members of a community policing team that employs problem-solving strategies for addressing crime and safety problems; performing patrol duties including but not limited to responding to calls for service or crimes, investigating violations of law or University rules, preparing written reports, enforcing parking and traffic rules, engaging in crowd and traffic control, patrolling and inspecting buildings and facilities for safety or law enforcement concerns, and coordinating with higher authority on special traffic, law enforcement or safety concerns; entering reports into a computer; performing extensive computer work; performing other related duties as assigned. preferred Qualifications: • • • • • • • •

Virginia DCJS certified police officer Minimum of three years police experience No felony or domestic violence convictions Excellent driving record Some college credit hours Knowledge of Title IX Knowledge of The Clery Act Crisis Intervention training (CTI)

compensation: $39,500 - $42,000 per year with benefits (commensurate with experience) application process: The selected applicant must submit to a background investigation and physical examination. VUU is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action institution committed to cultural, racial and ethnic communities and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Review of candidate materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applications should include a resume with three references including contact information and a cover letter and should be emailed to Resumes@vuu. edu. Please call (804) 257-5841 with any questions.

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

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

Timmons Group is seeking GIS Applications Developer to perform conceptual & physical data modeling for GIS apps & to maintain existing apps & services. REQS: B.S. in Geoinformatics & 2 yrs exp as Software Engineer or Software Developer w/ 2 yrs’ concurrent exp performing GIS software installation & administration; designing & developing GIS Web/Desktop apps; performing conceptual & physical data modeling for GIS apps; & w/ Esri products, incl ArcGIS Desktop, ArcObjects, ArcGIS Server, ArcGIS Javascript API, & ArcGIS Web AppBuilder; PostGIS; & OpenLayers. LOC: Richmond, VA. Please send cvr ltr, CV, salary reqs & refs to S. Fossum, HR Generalist, 1001 Boulders Pkwy, Ste 300 Richmond, VA 23225

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.

@FreePressRVA

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL AID

@RichmondFreePressUSA

(Position #FA154)

immediately aVailable Downtown Richmond first floor office suite Call Now

5th and Franklin StreetS 422 east Franklin Street richmond, Virginia 23219

The Library of Virginia

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

(804) 683-4232

(J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Richmond, VA) The Assistant Director of Financial Aid supports the Director of Financial Aid in the administration of a comprehensive program of student financial assistance for all campuses of the college and in the planning and direction of the office management and implementation of office objectives and decisions. The Assistant Director assists in managing the daily operations of the office, and supervises financial aid technicians throughout the award process. The position leads the verification process, oversees the document imaging process, and assists in authorizing and disbursing financial aid funds. Master’s degree from an accredited institution is required. TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Full-time, twelvemonth administrative faculty-ranked appointment. Salary commensurate with the education and experience of the applicant. Salary range: $62,270– $126,288. Approximate hiring salary: $64,000. Application reviews will begin JANUARY 26, 2018. Additional information is available at the College’s website: www.reynolds.edu. AA/EOE/ADA/Veterans/ AmeriCorps/Peace Corps/ Other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.

ENGLISH INSTRUCTORS (#FO056, #FO081) (J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Richmond, VA) Master’s degree in English or Composition/ Rhetoric; or Master’s degree in any field but must include eighteen (18) graduate semester hours in English or Composition/Rhetoric. The selected candidate must be able to successfully pass the college’s pre-employment security screening. TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Full-time, ninemonth teaching faculty-ranked appointment. Salary range: $43,776–$108,508. Approximate maximum hiring salary: $50,000. Salary commensurate with the education and experience of the applicant. Additional information is available at the College’s website: www.reynolds.edu. Review of applications will begin JANUARY 19, 2018. AA/EOE/ADA/Veterans/ AmeriCorps/Peace Corps/ Other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.

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