Rfp dec 21 23, 2017 issue by Richmond Free Press

Cherished holiday memories

Meet VUU’s new football coach A8

VOL. 26 NO. 51

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

www.richmondfreepress.com

December 21-23, 2017

The gift of family By Ronald E. Carrington

Emanuel “Manny” Browder has a different Christmas song to sing, as joy has been brought into his world. The 11-year-old has the gift of a “forever family,” an adoptive family of two parents and a little sister, and now stability and love. It is his second Christmas with his new family and his happiness is nearly tangible and pretty contagious. “Awesome” is his favorite word, which he uses to describe himself — “Mr. Awesome” — the coming holiday, his new life and his permanent family that adopted him at age 9. “They think I’m awesome,” he says of his parents, Karen and Latisha Browder, and his 6-year-old sister, Sequoia, who rounds out the brood. “They love me, and they want to take care of me. That’s pretty much all,” he said, smiling at his family during an interview last week at UMFS, the former United Methodist Family Services in Richmond that provides foster care and residential services to youngsters.

To Manny, family is more important than presents under a tree. He had been in foster care for two years before being placed for a trial weekend with the Browders, who were looking to adopt a child. “We wanted another child, and Sequoia wanted an older sibling,” Karen Browder recalls. “It’s really a better way to do it than looking into foster care. We found UMFS and went through their process.” UMFS asked a ton of questions, the Browders said, because they want to make sure they are matching youngsters with good families. “They asked us what type of children did we think would fit into our home, what types of personalities did we think would fit,” Ms. Browder said. While the couple initially thought they wanted to adopt a girl to grow up with Sequoia, their only child, they fell in love with Manny, who UMFS officials thought would be a good fit.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs to buy NFL team? Free Press staff, wire report

“They love me, and they want to take care of me. That’s pretty much all.”

Please turn to A4

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Ronald E. Carrington/Richmond Free Press

Emanuel “Manny” Browder, 11, is looking forward to his second Christmas with his adopted family. They are parents, Latisha, standing, and Karen Browder and sister, Sequoia, 6.

Could the “emperor of hiphop” be preparing to inject some color into the whites-only ranks of NFL football team owners? That appears to be the deal. Sean “Diddy” Combs, ranked as the biggest impresario of contemporary rhythm and blues and pop music, has his eyes on that prize. On Sunday, he issued signals on social media that he is planning to jump into the expected bidding war for the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. And he suggested that he would hire Colin Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who started a national wave and was blackballed after taking a knee during the pregame Please turn to A4

Virginia elections commissioner responds to voter suppression claims By Jeremy M. Lazarus

the individual is moved from active to inactive status. The commissioner of the Virginia An inactive voter remains on the state’s Department of Elections agrees there is rolls through two federal elections and is plenty of reason to criticize Crosscheck, an purged only if he or she did not show any interstate data system that allows participat- voter activity during that period. ing states to ensure that voters do “We follow the National not have duplicate registrations Voter Registration Act and the to vote in other states. Code of Virginia,” Mr. Cortés But in response to a comsaid. mentary published in the Free He said Virginia participates Press Dec. 14-16 edition callin Crosscheck because the state ing on Gov. Terry McAuliffe does not have to pay a fee to to dump Crosscheck, Edgardo match its data and because at Cortés defended Virginia’s efleast 27 states use the system to forts to use the data carefully Mr. Cortés match data. He said those states and cautiously. check at least 110 million records “Last year, we received about 330,000 a year to help avoid duplication. Ava Reaves records through Crosscheck indicating However, Crosscheck is just one tool. duplicate registrations,” he said. “But He said Virginia and its local voter only about 10 percent turned out to be registrars, who are key figures in ensuring Quintus Ferguson IV, 18 months, gazes with wide-eyed wonder as he poses with Soul Santa at the valid after going through the confirmaBlack History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia. The museum in Jackson Ward has sponsored tion process.” Please turn to A4 the legendary Soul Santa’s trips from the North Pole for more than a decade. The authors of the commentary, Richmond radio talk show host Gary Flowers, who serves on the National Commission for Voter Justice, and freelance journalist Greg Palast, cited a Rolling Stone magazine report indicating that 41,637 voters were removed from voter rolls in 2013 based on faulty Crosscheck data. Mr. Cortés, who became commissioner in 2014, said the criticism ignores the checks that have been put in place since By Jeremy M. Lazarus years have rushed to defend that a congressman made then to ensure that voters who are identihis reputation. an inappropriate comment fied via Crosscheck as having a duplicate She sought to drop a Ms. Everson, a 32-yearbut never touched her. registration actually have left Virginia. bombshell. old non-practicing lawyer In a recent TV interview, While some states treat Crosscheck Instead, Marsheri Reese who self-published a book she spoke about being propodata like gospel, Virginia does not, Mr. Everson appears to have on sexual harassment in sitioned, but said nothing Cortés said. completely fizzled with 2015, claimed during a about being touched. “The data from Crosscheck requires her claim that veteran Virnews conference that Rep. In a press conference last significant handling to determine what ginia Congressman Robert Scott propositioned her for week with attorney Jack data is usable and what data is not us- C. “Bobby” Scott, D-3rd, sex and touched her inapBurkman, the GOP lobbyist, able,” he said in a Free Press interview sexually harassed her when propriately as she worked she claimed that she was this week. she worked in his office more in his office through a Conpropositioned and touched “Crosscheck data is prone to false than four years ago. gressional Black Caucus inappropriately. positives since the initial matching is only Since Ms. Everson levFoundation fellowship. As importantly, the conconducted using first name, last name and eled the charge last Friday She said that she quickly gressman’s calendar for May date of birth,” he said. in the company of a Re“fled” his office to get 20, 2013, the date Ms. EverHe said voters who are affected are not publican attorney and lobaway, but ended up being son alleges that he proposiRep. Scott Ms. Everson automatically purged from Virginia’s rolls byist known for embracing fired from a later fellowtioned her, shows Rep. Scott as the two authors suggested. conspiracy theories, doubt has been raised about ship position with a congressional committee and spent much of the day away in Newport News He said once a person is flagged as her credibility. blackballed for refusing the advances. and then returned to Washington to manage two potentially registered in another state, his Meanwhile, Rep. Scott has denied the allegaBut since 2015, Ms. Everson has told at least bills on the floor of the House of Representatives department mails the person a letter seek- tions. And women who have known or worked three different versions of events. In her book, ing confirmation. If there is no response, with the Newport News congressman through the she did not identify Rep. Scott, stating simply Please turn to A4

Christmas wishes

Questions, doubt about credibility of Rep. Robert C. Scott’s accuser

Richmond Free Press

A2 December 21-23, 2017

Local News Left, Amanda Gamble, 2, pretends to sell leaves to her year-old brother, Apollo, while their parents, at right, Monica and Barry Gamble, try out a ring swing on the new “Tot Lot” last Friday at the city’s newest

Cityscape Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

playground for children. Location: 2001 3rd Ave. in North Side’s Highland Park. The city Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities developed the playground.

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Holiday schedule for government, local businesses In observance of Christmas Day, Monday Dec. 25, please note the following: Public schools Closed Monday, Dec. 18, through Monday, Jan. 1. Classes will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 2, for most schools. Government Federal offices will be closed M o n d a y, D e c . 2 5 , a n d Tuesday, Dec. 26. State offices will be closed M o n d a y, D e c . 2 5 , a n d Tuesday, Dec. 26. City and county offices and courts will be closed M o n d a y, D e c . 2 5 , a n d Tuesday, Dec. 26. Libraries Richmond Public Library branches will be closed on Saturday, Dec. 23, and reopen on Wednesday, Dec. 27. Henrico and Chesterfield public libraries will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25, and Tuesday, Dec. 26. Garbage and recycling collection No trash or recycling collection on Monday, Dec. 25; collection schedule

delayed by one day the remainder of the week. U.S. Postal Service No regular mail delivery on Monday, Dec. 25. Department of Motor Vehicles customer service centers DMV offices will be closed on Saturday, Dec. 23, and reopen on Wednesday, Dec. 27. Banks and financial institutions Closed Monday, Dec. 25. GRTC Buses will operate on a Sunday schedule on Monday, Dec 25. ABC stores Closing at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24, and closed on Monday, Dec. 25. Richmond Free Press offices Closed Monday, Dec. 25. Malls, major retailers, movie theaters Varies. Inquire at specific locations.

Political control of House will come down to lucky draw By Jeremy M. Lazarus

A drawing from a hat will decide control of the Virginia House of Delegates. That random draw will determine the winner of the 94th House District in Newport News — and with it whether Republicans retain a 51-49 majority in the 100-member chamber or whether the chamber becomes evenly split 50-50 between Republicans and Democrats, requiring a power-sharing arrangement. The drawing became necessary after a three-judge panel determined Wednesday that the election Nov. 7 between incumbent Republican Delegate David E. Yancey and Democratic challenger Shelly A. Simonds resulted in a tie. Following a recount on Tuesday, Ms. Simonds appeared to have captured the seat by one vote over Delegate Yancey, who has served three terms in the House of DelMs. Simonds egates. However, the one-vote lead for the Newport News School Board member and former teacher evaporated Wednesday when the judges found that a ballot cast for Delegate Yancey should not have been discarded and would be added to his vote tally. The judges’ finding: Both candidates received 11,608 votes, leaving the race to be settled with a rarely used procedure to settle a race — the drawing of lots. When it will happen has yet to be decided. However, state law requires the three-member state Board of Elections to take on the chore. Board Chairman James Alcorn indicated when the date is set, the board likely would use the same procedure as in selecting the order of the names on the ballot. The board puts the names in a hat, and then allows a neutral party to pick.

In this case, both names will go into the hat, and the first name drawn will be the winner, Mr. Alcorn said Wednesday. A victory for Ms. Simonds would represent a step toward an expansion of Medicaid for low-income adults, a priority for Gov. Terry McAuliffe and his successor, Dr. Ralph S. Northam, who will take office next month. With a 51-49 majority, Republicans could maintain their four-year blockade to the expansion of the health insurance program. An evenly split House could make that more difficult. Still, the Republican margin, assuming a win, would be a far cry from the 2017 session, when Republicans held 66 seats in the 100-member chamber and could advance or kill any bill they wanted. The only saving grace for Democrats was the fact a Democratic governor held the veto pen and they had enough votes to uphold his vetoes. During the Nov. 7 election, Democrats picked up 15 more seats in the House that are now held by Delegate Yancey Republicans. The winners will take their seats in early January when the legislature convenes. The GOP still holds a 21-19 majority in the Senate, so there is no certainty that expansion could pass the full legislature. However, a 50-50 split would appear to provide more room for a deal to be hashed out between the GOP and Dr. Northam. Two other recounts are to take place this week — in the 68th House District in Richmond that Democrat Dawn Adams won by more than 300 votes, and in the 28th House District in Stafford County that Republican Bob Thomas won by more than 100 votes. Both winners are expected to maintain their majorities once the recounts are completed. However, the result in the 28th House District might not be final. Several voters who were among 147 people given the wrong ballots are asking a federal court to hold a new election.

Mayor to use fellowship resources to help preserve Richmond’s slavery history By Jeremy M. Lazarus

Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney is pledging to use a national fellowship he was awarded to help make Richmond a major destination for learning about America’s slavery past. Despite some continuing skepticism, the mayor issued the pledge Dec. 13 in an apparent response to concerns that his support for expansion of Main Street Station as a passenger train center could ruin efforts to preserve Richmond’s historic ties to slavery, including its role as the nation’s second largest slave market before the Civil War. Mayor Stoney believes both can coexist. He stated that he supports going beyond previous plans to create a slavery museum and interactive site in Shockoe Bottom. He believes his selection as a 2018 David Rose Fellow through a program of the National League of Cities and the Urban Land Institute will benefit such efforts. Mayor Stoney was one of four mayors awarded a fellowship. He stated that the fellowship program would connect him with a team of urban planers who would provide guidance and technical support for preserving, protecting and commemorating “the sacred grounds contained within Shockoe Bottom, in particular, the Shockoe Valley footprint.” The sacred ground, he stated, includes the African Burial Ground, located north of Broad Street and west of 15th street, and the site of the former Lumpkin’s Jail, also called the Devil’s Half-Acre, that was among the city’s largest slave jails before the Civil War. It is located a block west of the train station. It also would include other sites in that area that were connected with the slave trade. For more than a year, City Hall has been working with the community on plans for a museum-style site at the Lumpkin’s Jail location, which was excavated in 2006. Consultants are expected to issue recommendations next year. Mayor Stoney stated that, as a result of his fellowship, a team of urban planners and Rose fellowship faculty advisers will come to Richmond in February to review the city’s current proposals, conduct interviews and make additional recommendations on ways to create “a cultural and international destination (regarding slavery) that would not only educate, but also promote contemplation, dialogue, reconciliation and, ultimately, healing.” He stated his goal is to “develop an area plan that would enable us to better protect and honor the untold and painful his-

One of the sites of Richmond’s historic ties to slavery.

tory” of the enslaved who played a key role in the development of the city and state. He also wants the plan to better connect Lumpkin’s Jail and the 18th century African Burial Ground with other city investments, such as the Richmond Slave Trail, Main Street Station’s newly created event space and the transformation now underway of the 17th Street Farmers’ Market into a European-style plaza. Free and enslaved people were interred at theAfrican Burial Ground, including Gabriel, leader of an unsuccessful slave rebellion. Mayor Stoney said the Rose team would help Richmond develop a plan that would ensure that these assets and others could exist “in concert” and not conflict with the city’s plans “to protect and honor our history.” “As the mayor of a city that was the former capital of the Confederacy, I feel not only a civic but a personal responsibility to ensure Richmond realizes its potential to become a place where we tell the complete and heartbreaking story of the people in bondage who helped build this city, and our nation, with their sweat, blood and very lives.” His words, though, did not win over skeptics such as Ana Edwards and Phil Wylato of the Defenders for Freedom, Justice and Equality; Lynetta Thompson, former president of the Richmond Branch NAACP; and the Rev. Rodney Hunter, president of Richmond Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and pastor of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church. They have been been pushing for creation of a slavery memorial park that would include the Lumpkin’s Jail site, the burial ground and other city proprety east of the train station and are anxious for the mayor to embrace that plan. Still, in a response to the mayor, the four expressed concern

that the mayor has yet to actually present preservation plans or give more than lip service to the concept of the park. They also expressed alarm that neither the mayor nor Richmond City Council has taken steps to propose or approve protective zoning for the African Burial Ground. They said city officials, instead, have “stalled on processing the application for old and historic designation for that land and Lumpkin’s Jail.” They see Mayor Stoney’s announcement as another delay in securing that protection. They also expressed concern that he is contradicting his support for a state plan to expand Main Street Station as a center for high-speed rail that would include parking decks on land bordering the CSX railroad tracks intended to be part of the Shockoe Bottom Memorial Park. “All this raises a question: What is Mayor Stoney’s vision? Is it to properly memorialize one of the most important sites in black history?” they asked. “Or is it to accommodate the wealthy and politically influential Downtown developers — especially the major Shockoe Bottom developers — who have long coveted this sacred ground for personal profit?” The four stated they remain committed to working with Mayor Stoney and other city officials, but only if it leads to reclaiming an irreplaceable site. “We reaffirm that we will not rest until Shockoe Bottom is reclaimed and properly memorialized in a way that accurately and fearlessly tells the story of the suffering, resistance and immense profit-making that took place there,” they stated. “And that process and memorialization must primarily economically benefit the city’s black community, something that the city’s efforts up to now do not address.”

Richmond Free Press

December 21-23, 2017

More than 1,200 African Americans are on Virginia’s transplant list. 91% of them are waiting for a new kidney. Every 14 minutes, someone in the U.S. signs up for a kidney transplant. If you’re in need of one, get on the transplant list as soon as possible. As an alternative, a living kidney donation can also get you back to good health sooner. In either case, your chance of living a longer, healthier life is much better with a transplant than on dialysis. Hume-Lee Transplant Center at VCU Health can answer your questions about kidney disease and determine if you’re a candidate for transplantation.

547

Since 2016, African Americans in Virginia have had 547 life-saving organ transplants.

54% of the transplant list patients wait longer than two years for a new kidney. Don’t wait to get on the list!

2X Kidneys from living donors can last twice as long as those from deceased donors and recipients can skip the waiting list entirely.

82%

1:3 4

Transplant recipients have up to an 82% better chance at a longer life than dialysis patients.

1out of every 3 people on the national transplant list is African American.

If you’re in need of a new kidney, stay as healthy and active as you can. Keep away from habits that might complicate any transplant, like smoking.

To schedule an appointment, call 804-828-4104. vcuhealth.org/transplant © 2017 VCU Health. All rights reserved. Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Kidney Foundation, Cleveland Clinic, American Journal of Transplantation, United Network for Organ Sharing.

Richmond Free Press

A4 December 21-23, 2017

News

The gift of a ‘forever family’ Continued from A1

“He was super polite. He had personality,” Ms. Browder said. “He was not aware that we were considering him being a permanent placement in our home. He just thought he was there for respite for the weekend, to kind of hang out with our family. “And he was fantastic with Sequoia. The two of them were holding hands. He was carrying her around. They were buddies. They were buddies from the minute they met.” The fifth-grader at Seven Pines Elementary School in Henrico

County enjoys sports, competes in the 200-yard medley for the Chickahominy Twisters swim team at the Chickahominy Family YMCA in Sandston and is an expert builder with Legos. He also enjoys watching Mom Latisha practice the drums with her band. “They love me and my sister very much,” Manny says. “They want to do special stuff for us. Like tonight, my mother is going to take us somewhere special, but she won’t tell me.” Ms. Browder has high praise for Manny and how he takes on his family responsibilities and cares for others.

“He does things for other people, even when someone doesn’t tell him to do it,” she said. “My family has taught me a lot,” Manny explains. “They teach me how to be a young man. Mom Latisha is trying to teach me how to be like her brother, Rock.” Sarah Hess, a UMFS social worker who works with the family, believes the pairing has been awesome. “Manny knows that he’s incredibly blessed and tremendously loved,” Ms. Hess said. “I think, for him, Christmas is being surrounded by his family as he continues to get to know them.”

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs to buy NFL team? Continued from A1

playing of the national anthem in protest for police killing and abuse of people of color. Current owner Jerry Richardson, who is under fire from other NFL owners after being outed for engaging in sexual harassment and spewing racial slurs, announced he will put his family’s 48 percent share of the team up for sale after the season ends. The Richardson share is valued at $1.2 billion, according to several reports. The remaining 52 percent is owned by 14 individuals and groups that each own smaller slices. Questions swirl about whether Mr. Combs can pull off such a purchase. The songwriting performer and producer, who has propelled his Bad Boy Entertainment to the top of the hip-hop

Mr. Combs

Mr. Kaepernick

Mr. Curry

world, already has reached out to a handful of business leaders, venture capitalists and sports icons in seeking to create the treasure chest needed, according to numerous media report. With an estimated personal net worth of $820 million and

Commissioner responds to voter suppression claims Continued from A1

the state’s database of registered voters is accurate and reliable, rely more heavily on two other electronic databases — the National Change of Address list maintained by the U.S. Postal Service and the Electronic Registration Information Center created by the Pew Charitable Trust. The National Change of Address list, or NCoA, is the main source that election officials depend on, Mr. Cortés said. The U.S. Postal Service provides the list to state election agencies. The NCoA list is based on information people who are moving provide to the postal service to ensure they get their mail at their new address. A report from Mr. Cortés’ department shows that, in 2014, 265,990 people who were registered to vote in Virginia were mailed address confirmation notices based on information from the NCoA. Of that, 72 percent, or 192,451 people, were moved from active to inactive status for

failing to respond or update their address information. That’s more than four times the number of Virginia voters impacted by Crosscheck in 2013. Virginia also matches its data with at least 10 other states and the District of Columbia through the Electronic Registration Information Center, or ERIC. Mr. Cortés agrees with Mr. Flowers and Mr. Palast that ERIC “provides much more sophisticated data,” but he also noted that most of the states participating in ERIC do not participate in Crosscheck. He said the state and local registrars also use other resources to maintain the registration list. For example, Virginia State Police provides a list of people convicted of felonies that bar them from voting to state officials and local voter registrars so their names can be removed from the voter registration list. State vital records and Social Security

Administration information on deaths also is matched with voter registration records, Mr. Cortés noted, so the names of people who have died can be removed. Mr. Cortés said he is working currently with the state Department of Motor Vehicles to ensure his department receives the list of people who have surrendered Virginia driver’s licenses because they have obtained a new license in another state. The department also secures government information on immigrants to ensure that non-citizens who submit a voter registration card are removed from the state’s rolls. Courts also provide information to the department about people adjudicated as mentally incapacitated. Mr. Cortés supports the use of electronic records to provide an efficient method of maintaining voter records. He chairs the ERIC board and the U.S. Election Assistance Commission Standards Board, which assists the independent, bipartisan commission with carrying out its mandates under federal law.

Questions, doubt about credibility of Rep. Robert C. Scott’s accuser Continued from A1

and attend a heritage event. Despite Ms. Everson’s claim, she did not present any evidence that they were alone together on that day, nor did independent evidence turn up suggesting they were. The Free Press also has obtained information that belies Ms. Everson’s claim that she was fired from the House Financial Services Committee for failing to accept Rep. Scott’s advances. Instead, the information strongly suggests that she was let go because of poor performance. The latest in a parade of elected officials, public figures, movie stars and others to be hit with an accusation of sexual misconduct, Rep. Scott quickly branded Ms. Everson’s story as false. “I have never sexually harassed anyone in my 25 years of service in the U.S. Congress, or in my 40 years of public service, or at any other time,” stated the 70-year-old dean of the Virginia delegation to Congress in a statement released after Ms. Everson’s news conference. “Sexual harassment and assault are serious issues deserving of critical attention and review,” Rep. Scott continued. “No one should be subjected to sexual harassment or be treated unfairly. I have fought to promote and ensure that in my political and professional life, and I live by it personally.” Rep. Scott, a Harvard University and Boston College Law School graduate, served in the Virginia House of Delegates and state Senate for 15 years before his election in 1992 as the first AfricanAmerican to represent Virginia in Congress since 1890. In Facebook posts and in comments to the Free Press and other media outlets, scores of people have expressed certainty that Ms. Everson is more a fabricator than a truth teller. Typical was the outrage of Beverly Davis, an educator who has worked with Rep. Scott for 38 years through the Richmond chapter of the nonprofit Continental Societies Inc., which hosts an annual gala

to raise money for scholarships and other programs. She said she was “shocked” when she heard about the accusation. “There is no way, no how that this is true,” Ms. Davis said. “There has never been a hint of anything like that. And it’s not just me. I know 200 women who have had regular contact with him for one reason or another, and no one has ever had a bad word to say about him. It’s just horrible that anyone would make such a charge against a good man. I am just sick about it. What is the world coming to?” Ms. Everson came to Rep. Scott’s office in September 2012 after receiving a fellowship from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, which offers the program with the aim of helping young African-Americans gain experience on Capitol Hill by working in congressional offices and with committee staffs. The goal of the program is to boost the number of African-Americans working as staffers on Capitol Hill. Interested in issues involving agriculture and energy, Ms. Everson was accepted to work in Rep. Scott’s office for 10 months and then was to find a position with a congressional committee for an additional 10 months. The 2006 graduate of Michigan State University who had earned her law degree from DePaul University College of Law had come from Chicago, where she previously had a private legal practice and also had worked for the city’s investigative Inspector General’s Office. At the time she headed to Washington, she dropped a $50,000 lawsuit she was pursuing in which she claimed she was fired from Chicago Inspector General’s Office after rejecting the sexual advances of a female supervisor. In Rep. Scott’s office, Ms. Everson researched legislative matters, and makes no claim that anything untoward happened September 2012 and early May 2013. According to emails the Free Press obtained between Ms. Everson and other mostly female staff in Rep. Scott’s office, she never raised any concern about the

atmosphere in the office or the congressman’s behavior toward her. Instead, between April 2013 and June 7, 2013, when she left, the email messages largely focus on her efforts to join a congressional committee for the second half of her fellowship. The emails also undercut her claim that she “fled” the office because something had happened to her. For example, she organized a “So Long, Reese” party for the office on June 6, 2013, as she prepared to leave, a few weeks before the 10-month deadline. On June 11, she wrote an email to a contact at the CBC Foundation expressing concern that she left Rep. Scott’s office too soon. She states that she left because she was optimistic about receiving an offer to work with the Senate Agriculture Committee, only to find that the offer did not materialize. “I hope I have not burned a bridge with (Rep. Scott’s office) by not giving them a full two weeks notice,” she stated in the email. She wound up getting a position with the House Financial Services Committee, whose ranking Democratic member is Congresswoman Maxine Waters of Los Angeles, another CBC member. In August 2013, two months after going to work for the committee, Ms. Everson sent a warm email to Rep. Scott’s office offering thanks for the opportunity to work there and for the experience she gained. While CBC Foundation officials declined to provide any comment on Ms. Everson or her work on Capitol Hill, information provided to the Free Press indicates that Ms. Everson struggled in the job and was let go from the committee and the CBC Foundation fellowship in December 2013. Ten months later in October 2014, the Free Press has learned, Ms. Everson began claiming that her departure from the CBC Foundation fellowship was linked to alleged sexual harassment. At that point, she claimed that her harassment involved only “unwelcome” sexual comments.

a hard-earned reputation as a shrewd businessman, Mr. Combs reportedly is creating an ownership group that would more closely mirror the racial makeup of the NFL players, 70 percent of whom are African-American. Among those in the group Mr. Combs is assembling: Mr. Kaepernick and popular NBA star Stephan Curry of the Golden State Warriors. Mr. Kaepernick is said to be linking Mr. Combs to potential investors, including current and former NFL players, agents and wealthy individuals. The competition for a big piece of an NFL team is expected to be fierce, as NFL teams rarely come on the market. But don’t be surprised if Mr. Combs emerges as the winner, based on his personal philosophy: “A lot of times people see your dreams as crazy... Don’t ever be afraid to dream.”

Charlottesville police chief retires in wake of damaging report Free Press staff, wire report

The first African-American police chief of Charlottesville abruptly retired Monday, about two weeks after a scathing independent review criticized his “slow-footed response” to violence at a white nationalist rally this summer. In a brief statement, the city did not give a reason for Chief Al Thomas’ departure, which was effective immediately. “Nothing in my career has brought me more pride than serving as the police chief for the city of Charlottesville,” Chief Thomas, 50, said in a statement. “I will be forever grateful for having had the opportunity to protect and serve a community I love so dearly.” Earlier this month, a former federal prosecutor hired by the city released a report that was sharply critical of Chief Thomas and other law enforcement officials. The report from former U.S. Attorney Tim Heaphy said Chief Thomas’ response was “disappointingly passive” as the violence began to escalate on Aug. 12, the day of the “Unite the Right” rally that drew hundreds of white nationalists from across the county. Heather Heyer, a 32-year-old paralegal, was killed that day when an alt-right sympathizer plowed his car into a crowd of people who were peacefully protesting. On Wednesday, Charlottesville officials dedicated a street in her honor on the Downtown mall. Earlier in the week, charges against James Alex Fields Jr., the 20-year-old Ohio man accused of driving the car that struck Ms. Heyer and injured 19 others, were upgraded to first-degree murder. The Virginia State Conference NAACP expressed concern about the Heaphy report earlier this week in statement, saying it was “particularly worrisome” that the report failed to mention “racism and racist attitudes” surrounding the events at the time and through the years that gave rise to the violence. “Of specific concern are the University of Virginia’s and other alt-right/KKK tiki torch marches in May, July, August and October,” stated the Rev. Kevin L. Chandler, president of the state NAACP. “How could very prominent leaders at the University of Virginia, city, county and state officials all not see, or seemingly turn a blind eye, to these incidents that happened repeatedly?” Rev. Chandler called on state NAACP members, pastors and church congregations across the state and other activists “to coalesce in unity, working to ensure we provide better lives for succeeding generations.” According to the report, as brawls broke out between rally attendees and counterprotesters, Chief Thomas said, “Let them fight, it will make it easier to declare an unlawful assembly.” Chief Thomas did not recall making that statement, which was cited in accounts by two other police employees, though he confirmed he waited to “see how things played out” before declaring an unlawful assembly, the report said. “Chief Thomas’ slow-footed response to violence put the safety of all at risk and created indelible images of this chaotic event,” the report said. The report also said Chief Thomas initially tried to limit Mr. Heaphy’s team’s access to certain information by directing subordinates not to answer certain questions and made officers fearful of retaliation for speaking with investigators. And it said Chief Thomas had deleted text messages relevant to the investigation and used a personal email account to conduct some police business, then denied having done so in response to an open records request. Kevin Martingayle, an attorney for Chief Thomas, has said the chief disputes that he deleted text messages, as well as other parts of the report. Mr. Martingayle said Monday night that Chief Thomas was not accepting interview requests. He declined to offer further comment on his behalf, except for saying that while Chief Thomas was retiring “for now,” he has not ruled out other law enforcement opportunities in the future. A veteran of the Air Force, Chief Thomas was appointed to lead the Charlottesville department in April 2016. Before joining the Charlottesville Police Department, he had served as the police chief in Lexington since 2010. Prior to that, he spent 20 years with the Lynchburg Police Department. Chief Thomas had not publicly discussed plans to step down or retire. He spoke earlier this month at a press conference, saying he was committed to implementing the recommendations in Mr. Heaphy’s report. “This community needs leadership now more than ever before. It’s not a time for finger-pointing — it’s a time to come together,” he said. Some residents had called for Chief Thomas to resign or be fired. Others said he was unfairly bearing the brunt of the criticism. “There’s certainly more than enough blame to be passed around throughout this whole fiasco of the summer,” activist Don Gathers said at a recent Charlottesville City Council meeting.

Richmond Free Press

December 21-23, 2017

News

Tavis Smiley’s shows suspended after sexual misconduct allegations Free Press staff, wire report

Tavis Smiley’s Richmond stage presentation, “Death of a King: A Live Theatrical Experience,” and his nightly PBS talk show have been suspended after an independent investigation launched by PBS uncovered “multiple, credible allegations” of misconduct by Mr. Smiley. Mr. Smiley has denied the allegations and vowed to fight back after PBS officials announced Dec. 13 that it was suspending distribution of his program that is produced by Mr. Smiley’s company and has aired on PBS since 2004. According to Variety, a national entertainment industry news magazine, the investigation conducted by an outside law firm found that Mr. Smiley had engaged in sexual relationships with multiple subordinates, creating an “abusive and threatening environment.” The allegations have halted Mr. Smiley’s plans for a 40-city tour next year of his stage presentation about the final year of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination. The show was scheduled to come to Richmond on March 22. Jam Theatricals/Broadway in Richmond,

purchased the show from Mills Entertainment, to present in Richmond. Last Friday, Mills Entertainment released a statement noting, “In light of the recent allegations concerning Tavis Smiley, Mills Entertainment will not be moving forward with ‘The Death of a King’ project at this time. We deeply believe in the message of this production and the importance in commemorating Dr. King in this crucial moment. However, we take seriously the allegations and will be suspending our relationship with Tavis Smiley and T.S. Productions.” Walmart, one of the sponsors of the stage production and Mr. Smiley’s television program, and Hay House, a self-help publisher that distributes the Smiley Books imprint, announced they also have suspended their relationships with the talk show host. Mr. Smiley planned to release his new book, “Leading by Listening: Connecting Through Conversation to Transform Your Relationships and Your Business,” but all Smiley projects are now “on hold” pending an internal review, the book distributor announced. Mr. Smiley denied the allegations, using social media last week to claim PBS “overreacted” and calling it “a rush to judgment.”

“I have the utmost respect for all women,” he said in a statement on Facebook and Twitter, “and I certainly celebrate the courage of those women who have come forth of late to share their own truth. But let me also assure you that I have never groped, inappropriately exposed myself or coerced any colleague ever in my 30-year career,” he said. He claimed one relationship the network uncovered was consensual. “If having a consensual relationship with a colleague years ago is the stuff that leads to this kind of public humiliation and personal destruction, heaven help us,” he said. “This has gone too far. And, I, for one, intend to ﬁght back.” In an appearance Monday on “Good Morning America,” he said PBS was making “a huge mistake.” He also faulted PBS for not sharing the identities of his accusers. The company shot back Monday, stating that Mr. Smiley, “needs to get his story straight.” “Witnesses who have bravely come forward to speak with the independent investigators retained by PBS report a fear of retribution for speaking out. PBS stands by its decision to respect the anonymity of those who are afraid to come forward publicly. Additional allegations

Mr. Smiley

are continuing to come to light since last week’s announcement,” the network spokesperson said. The decision to suspend Mr. Smiley’s program comes just weeks after PBS cut ties with anchor and talk show host Charlie Rose, citing his “extremely disturbing and intolerable behavior” toward women connected with the show.

Stumping for schools James E. “J.J.” Minor III, president of the Richmond Branch NAACP, leads a rally in front of George Mason Elementary School on Church Hill showing support for the Richmond School Board’s $224.7 million plan to build five new schools and renovate two others during the next seven years. Rally participants called on Mayor Levar M. Stoney and the Richmond City Council to fund the plan “for the children.” He said, “The community at large understands the importance and urgency in supporting this much-needed improvement and redevelopment” of school buildings. “If we don’t stand up for our students now, this facilities plan will join the other plans since 2002 collecting dust on the shelves.” He noted that 86 percent of Richmond’s voters backed school modernization in a November referendum. James Haskins/Richmond Free Press

Kay Coles James to lead Heritage Foundation By Ronald E. Carrington

Richmond native Kay Coles James, a longtime mover and shaker in state and national Republican circles, has been named to lead the Heritage Foundation, an influential conservative think tank based in Washington. Mrs. James, 68, becomes the first African-American and the first woman to lead the organization in its 44-year history. Her unanimous election as the foundation’s sixth president was announced Tuesday by Thomas A. Saunders, chairman of the board of trustees, which Mrs. James has served on since 2005. Until recently, Mrs. James was spearheading the search committee to find a replacement for the foundation’s

former president, Jim DeMint, founded for African-American a former U.S. senator from young adults that is based in South Carolina and leader in Richmond and at the historic the Tea Party movement who Robert R. Moton House in was removed from Gloucester County. the post in May. She said she will Mrs. James, a remain chairman of low-key but effecthe institute’s board, tive executive who with the day-to-day served on President operations handled Trump’s transition by the team she has team and in the GOP assembled. administrations of She said her husformer President band, Charles James George W. Bush and Sr., will continue to Ms. James former Virginia Gov. work with her on George Allen, is seen as bring- projects at both the Heritage ing a steadying force to the Foundation and the Gloucester think tank that has inﬂuenced Institute. conservative policy since the In a telephone interview 1970s. She will start Jan. 1. from Washington on Tuesday She said her new role will with the Free Press, conducted not hamper her efforts on behalf between a bevy of television of the Gloucester Institute, a appearances and an evening leadership training program she reception, Mrs. James said one

of her concerns is the tenor of the national debate between people with conservative and liberal ideas. She said the rancor has reached such a level that “a lot of people are just tuning out, and the problems America faces as a country are so deep that calmer voices need to rise to the top.” “We need to get rid of conservative and liberal labels and talk about solutionists — people who are willing to solve problems,” she continued. “We are going to see some people come through the front door of the Heritage Foundation that have never been in this building before.” She believes the role she can play is one of “bringing a variety of voices together to solve some of the most difﬁcult

problems facing our country today.” Among her goals, she said, is to expand the base of the conservative movement and to convince more millennials, African-Americans and people of color and Muslims that the foundation’s conservative ideas will improve their lives. “I am excited about bringing together people who have not traditionally talked to one another,” she said. “It is important to deliver the foundation’s polling, research, data and analysis to diverse audiences that may have never heard of the Heritage Foundation before.” Her passion for problem solving has included seeking future leaders to move

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America forward, a reason why she started the Gloucester Institute. “I care passionately about that Moton property, history and the young people we serve,” Mrs. James noted. “Quite frankly, I think the Heritage Foundation appointment will give me a larger platform to let a broader group of people know who we are and what a treasure we have in Virginia, and hopefully it will help with fundraising.”

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Bringing in the loaves Dr. Alonza L. Lawrence, right, pastor of Moore Street Missionary Baptist Church, and church member James Moses await a box filled with bread to make its way down a conveyor belt and into the church’s old social center on Monday morning. The two were helping to stock the food pantry at the Leigh Street church in the Carver neighborhood. The food delivery was from FeedMore, the hunger alleviation organization that serves Central Virginia. The church distributes free bags of groceries to all who stop by from 3 to 4 p.m. every Monday, except the next two — Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

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Richmond Free Press

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Editorial Page

December 21-23, 2017

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Thanks are OK, but hook a sistah up

U.S. Sen.-elect Doug Jones, a Democrat from Alabama, did not have to win his battle against accused sexual molester and Republican candidate Roy Moore in the epic battle in Alabama on Dec. 12. He won because young people, some white women (most white women voted for Mr. Moore) and an amazing effort from AfricanAmericans put him over the top. Some white folks crossed party lines for the ﬁrst time, voting for Mr. Jones because Mr. Moore repulsed them. Some analysts have especially noted that white moms were more likely than other white women to vote for Mr. Jones. But black folks showed up and showed out — a larger percentage of African-American voters participated in this election than in the 2012 election of President Obama. And 98 percent of AfricanAmerican women voted for Mr. Jones, along with 94 percent of black men. Among white voters, 27 percent of white men voted for Mr. Jones, along with 35 percent of white women. In cyberspace, people on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are thanking black women

for their support of Mr. Jones. A friend told me that a woman she had not seen in a decade called her to thank black women for saving the U.S. Senate from the likes of Mr. Moore. Everyone likes to be thanked, but black women deserve more than thanks. We deserve the

Julianne Malveaux “hookup” — the connection, organizational, institutional and ﬁnancial support for our efforts. Black women’s organizations in Alabama should get immediate contributions from the Democratic Party. Indeed, some of the sisters who led the effort to get the vote out, like Democratic Congresswoman Terri Sewell of Alabama, need to be consulted on how to effectively support black women in Alabama. The Democratic Party ought to cultivate black women leaders in Alabama so that they are poised to run for other ofﬁces. And because Mr. Jones will have a short term and will be up for re-election in 2020, black women need to be deputized to immediately begin working on his re-election campaign. The focus should not be just on black women in Alabama, but black women nationally. The white women around

the country who cheered on black women now need to open their doors and embrace the Sojourner Truth observation that “Ain’t I A Woman.” Don’t these women think they can learn a thing or two from the amazing way black women organize, mobilize and step up? White women are often in the unique position to hook black women up — in politics and in the workplace — but they don’t offer the hookup as often as they should because it is challenging for them to step outside their comfort zone and embrace diversity. But when folk step out of their comfort zone, look at the results. Thanks to black women, among others, Mr. Jones is the winner of a Senate contest. I’m cognizant of the fact that black women weren’t the sole reason for his victory. It is especially exciting to see young people reject Mr. Moore. Millennials are far less partisan than their elders. You can’t say they cross party lines because many of them have no party afﬁliation. But like black women, throngs of young people in Alabama went to the polls to elect Mr. Jones. Their participation makes a strong case for generational inclusion when political strategies are being developed. It is great to express gratitude, but it is even better to put

May the blessings of the season encircle you with Trump’s race-based peace and joy. view of monuments  Happy holidays from the Free Press family to your family Not long after the violence over Robert E. Lee’s statue in Charlottesville, President Trump went to great lengths to declare the beauty and importance of Confederate monuments strewn across the former slave-holding states. “Sad to see the history and culture of our great country being ripped apart with the removal of our beautiful statues and monuments,” he tweeted. “… The beauty that is being taken out of our cities, towns and parks will be greatly missed and never able to be comparably replaced!” At that time, we thought that the crocodile tears this bigot shed over the removal of memorials honoring traitors to the United States revealed just how despicable he is. But now, this bottomless bag of disgusting embarrassment to our nation has revealed depths reaching a new low.

In the blink of an eye, President Trump used the presidential pen to decimate two national parks that are not only of great importance to Native Americans but hold great value for the nation as a whole. Bears Ears National Monument was reduced in size by 84 percent and Grand

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Staircase-Escalante National Monument was reduced by 50 percent. Both monuments are in Utah. It is not difﬁcult to explain President Trump’s desire to save Confederate monuments while showing indifference to national monuments that are extremely important to Native Americans. President Trump is a white supremacist. The statues to rebel traitors were constructed by white supremacists to honor villains who fought to preserve slavery, while the two national parks that have been attacked by President Trump were created to preserve the natural beauty of lands sacred

to the original inhabitants of this country. The current occupant of the White House has no qualms about erasing the histories and cultures of people of color. There are those who argue in President Trump’s defense that destroying these two national monuments is best for the economic health of this country. But the reality is that economic considerations never stand in the way of creating and promoting false narratives to support white supremacy. History and culture are only required to give way to the economy when that history or that culture belongs to people of color. It is no mystery why President Trump can erase Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments so easily while decrying the removal of Confederate monuments. This is something that he believes is necessary “to make America white again” — something this president is determined to do. The writer is a former Marine Corps combat pilot and human rights activist who practices law in Virginia.

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.

your money where your mouth is. Those white folks who are thanking black women might also send a contribution to Higher Heights (www.higherheightsforamerica.org), a black women’s PAC named after Dr. Dorothy Irene Height. Or, folks can send contributions to the Black Women’s Roundtable (https://ncbcp.org/programs/ bwr/policy), which is part of the National Coalition for Black Civic Participation. Black women have always had to assert our place in the mainstream, and we too often have been ignored by our natural allies. And yet we still come through in a crunch. The writer is an author and economist.

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Richmond Free Press

December 21-23, 2017

Letters to the Editor

Kudos to The Comfort Movement ‘The civil rights struggle has not survived on fear nor superficiality’ Re “Collecting comfort items for children separated from parents,” Free Press Nov. 22-25 edition: I saw the article posted recently about The Comfort Movement project led by the Free Press’ Cynthia Downing, who is collecting stuffed animals and donations to give to families who have a loved one who is incarcerated through the Assisting Families of Inmates program. The story and project touched me because my dad had been incarcerated since I was 5 before passing away in prison last year. After my dad went to prison when I was a kid, I started having nightmares and feeling unsafe. My mom gave me stuffed animals to take with me to bed at night so that I would not feel

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alone. I took them with me everywhere because they brought me so much comfort. Because their grief and experiences are rarely recognized and supported, children of incarcerated parents often feel they are alone in their traumatic experience of having a parent or parents incarcerated. It is so encouraging to see that you are not only raising awareness to their needs, but providing them with such sources of comfort. Thank you for supporting The Comfort Movement project and the needs of families who will be separated from their loved ones this holiday season and year-round. They deserve our ongoing support and recognition. MELISSA TANIS New York City

Businesses, nonprofits and Jesus

A business has to make a profit to stay in business. The nonprofit idea was a way to induce people to give money to avoid taxes. If you are a nonprofit concern, you are a tax dodger. A Jewish rabbi named Jesus taught people not to be tax dodgers. MORTON C. MILES JR. Williamsburg

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Re Letter to the editor, “Absence from Mississippi museum dedication hurt us,” Free Press Dec. 14-16 edition: It is an unimaginable claim that Rep. John Lewis’ absence from the dedication of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum on Dec. 9 hurt the African-American community. For Rep. Lewis to have stood on such hallowed ground with President Trump at the dedication would have been a travesty of historic proportions. In his brief tenure, the president has not missed an opportunity to demean, diminish and degrade African-American leaders in virtually every sector — military widows, football players, congressional leaders, Charlottesville protesters and even Rep. Lewis, a Civil Rights Movement icon himself — long before he walked through that museum door. From his birther idiocy to his relentless endeavor to erase every achievement of President Obama, to his cabinet picks, to his refusal to meet with the Congressional Black Caucus and undermining HBCUs, any call to acknowledge his presence on such a momentous occasion tarnishes that sacred history! Rep. Lewis’ presence would have had no impact on what the president ineloquently spewed at the dedication. Mississippi’s Republican Gov. Phil Bryant tweeted, “The world will be watching. Let us come together as one Mississippi,” clearly revealing that his agenda with the president was a photo op. Much more work on civil rights must be done in Mississippi and America before Gov. Bryant can honestly offer a photo of “one Mississippi.” Truth must be blazoned, not waxed over. Civil rights is not a game to be won or lost. It is the unrelenting quest for a quality of citizenship that is our birthright. The civil rights struggle has not survived on fear nor superﬁciality, but the courage to oppose power at any level and overcome the evils it embraces. Rep. Lewis’ absence in that moment is no cause of any ballot box impotence. One word settles that debate: Alabama. It’s laughable to imagine this event as “an opportune time to ask” the president about civil rights since he has refused to engage in such conversations in the Oval Ofﬁce, at press conferences or celebrating his signatures, etc. How then could you imagine he would engage in such topics in the “pass-through” Mississippi Museum moment? Contrary to your opinion, there are no politicians more real than Rep. John Lewis from whose life your word “complacency” is as foreign and distant as Mars is from Earth! PAIGE LANIER CHARGOIS Richmond

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VUU alum, former player Alvin Parker to coach Panthers Alvin Parker didn’t need much in the way of a formal introduction Monday as Virginia Union University’s new football coach. Almost everyone in the packed conference room in the L. Douglas Wilder Library and Learning Resource Center on the Lombardy Street campus already knew him. The approving contingent included his mother, his son and a lengthy lineup of old friends and teammates, many with VUU ties. “It’s been a long journey,” Coach Parker told his audience. “But God led me back to Virginia Union — the destination I’ve always wanted.” Coach Parker, 40, succeeds Coach Mark James, who was ﬁred after posting a 26-15 record in four seasons. A native of Washington, Coach Parker is a former standout player and coach at VUU, both under former Coach Willard Bailey, who was among the crowd at Monday’s formal announcement. Coach Parker respectfully referred to his former mentor as “the legend.” A wide receiver, Coach Parker was the Panthers’ offensive MVP in 1996 and 1998 and still holds the Gold Bowl record for the longest touchdown catch — 79 yards. He served as an assistant under Coach Bailey for ﬁve seasons and helped VUU to CIAA Eastern Division championships in 2000, 2001 and 2003. VUU Athletic Director Joe Taylor said Coach Parker was chosen from a list of 122 applicants. “Coach Parker won championships here as a player. He won championships here as a coach. And he went on to win championships at Elizabeth City,” said Taylor. “He’s used to winning.” From VUU, Coach Parker went on coach 14 years as offensive coordinator at Elizabeth City State University under another VUU alumnus, Waverly Tillar. During that time, the Vikings won CIAA divisional titles in 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012 and played

in the Pioneer Bowl in 2009 and 2012. In 2013, Elizabeth City State averaged more than 30 points and 400 yards per game. Coach Parker spent the past two seasons as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator at St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, N.C. The Falcons were 5-5 overall this past autumn, but went 4-1 in the CIAA Southern Division, which was one of the team’s best ﬁnishes ever. In transitioning from longtime assistant to head coach, Coach Parker said, “Assistants mostly make suggestions. Head coaches make decisions. But I’ve always been in a position of lead-

ership wherever I’ve been.” CoachParkerofferedhissupporters a preview of the 2018 season. “Offensively, we’ll be exciting. On defense, we’ll be fast and furious. And our special teams will be just that — special.” Among those applauding his decision to return to Hovey Field was his mother, Beverly Parker. “She’s never missed one of my games as a player or coach,” Coach Parker told the crowd. “She’s always told me to aim for an ‘A.’ But today, she said she’d settle for a ‘B’ on my speech — be short, be sweet and be seated.” Also attending the announcement was Coach Parker’s

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

New Panthers football Coach Alvin Parker greets supporters at a news conference Monday announcing his appointment at Virginia Union University.

7-year-old son, Alan, who wore a suit featuring VUU’s colors, steel and maroon. Regarding his own football talents, Alan said he played for Pop Warner Wake Forest Titans and scored seven touchdowns this past season. Someone asked Coach Parker about his son’s touchdowns. “It’s true,” Coach Parker said with

William ‘Dill’ Dillon, former VUU football standout, dies at 59 Virginia Union University has lost one of its all-time athletic heroes. William Jerome “Dill” Dillon, 59, died Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, at his home in Henrico County following a lengthy illness. Mr. Dillon was a three-time Associated Press Little All-American safety for VUU under former Coach Willard Bailey and helped usher the Panthers into the national football spotlight. A native of Detroit, Mr. Dillon played for VUU from 1979 to 1982. Those were glory seasons for the Panthers. VUU went 38-81 during that period, while winning CIAA football titles in 1979, 1981 and 1982 and qualifying for its first four NCAA Division II playoffs. Previously, historically black colleges and universities essentially had been omitted from the NCAA postseason landscape. Mr. Dillon played in one of the most unforgettable games — albeit a loss — in VUU annals on Nov. 27, 1982, in the bitter cold of Fargo, N.D. Facing North Dakota State University in the first round of the NCAA playoffs, the Panthers appeared to have secured victory on an apparent interception and touchdown return by Dwayne Drew in the final minutes. However, the play was nullified by a mysterious “inadvertent whistle” and the host

team went on to claim a 21-20 victory. Mr. Dillon was brilliant as a ball-hawking safety, recording 30 career interceptions and twice being named CIAA Defensive Player of the Year. He was selected to the AP’s Little All-American team as a sophomore, junior and senior. In 2008, he was inducted into the VUU Athletic Hall of Fame. While Mr. Dillon was not drafted, he had a long tryout with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks. Later, Mr. Dillon emerged among the area’s elite softball sluggers with a variety of powerhouse teams. He continued to excel on the diamond until last year, when he became ill. He also was a respected high school basketball ofﬁcial who was assigned many of the important, late-season tournament games. A visitation will be held noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26, at March Funeral Home, 2110 E. Laburnum Ave., with family hour from 6 to 8 p.m. His funeral will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, at Saint Paul’s Baptist Church, 4247 Creighton Road. Mr. Dillon is survived by his wife, Stephanie; a daughter, Takita White; and three sons, William Jerome Vines, Christopher Dillon and Brodie Dillon.

Hampton picks Prunty to lead Pirates Hampton University will be moving into a new conference, the Big South, with a new football coach, Robert Prunty. “I’m up for the challenge,” Coach Prunty said during a introductory news conference Dec. 9 at the HU Student Center. “I didn’t come here to lose, make no mistake about that,” he said. “You’ve got a winner now.” Coach Prunty was introduced by HU Athletic Director Eugene Marshall and university President William R. Harvey. The Chatham native succeeds Connell Maynor, who resigned last month following a four-year stint in which the Pirates were 20-25 overall and 17-15 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, or MEAC. These are changing times at HU. The Pirates will enter the Big South Conference this summer, following lengthy associations with MEAC (1996 to present) and the CIAA (1912 to 1995). Because of previous scheduling commitments, HU may not play a full Big South football schedule until 2019. Although lacking head coaching experi-

ence, Coach Prunty arrives with a powerful reputation as a recruiter from his previous assistant coach posts. He was twice named Big 12 Recruiter of the Year at Texas Tech UniverCoach Prunty sity and twice named American Athletic Conference Recruiter of the Year at the University of Cincinnati, both under head Coach Tommy Tuberville. Last season, Coach Prunty served as an assistant at East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C. Prior to entering the college ranks, Coach Prunty was head coach at Gretna High School and Hargrave Military Academy, both in his hometown. Coach Prunty will need no road map to navigate Hampton Roads. He was a linebacker at HU in 1983 and 1984 before transferring — leaving with Coach Ed Wyche — to Alabama A&M University in Huntsville. Contrasting its hiring of Coach Maynor

in 2014, HU has taken a different approach in landing Coach Prunty. Coach Maynor posted a brilliant 45-6 record at NCAA Division II Winston-Salem State University before arriving at HU. Division II is a step below HU’s Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) alignment. Coach Prunty arrives from a university one step up on the NCAA pecking order, the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). HU is hopeful Coach Prunty’s recruiting talents will help the Pirates recapture past glory. The program hasn’t won a MEAC title or been to the NCAA playoffs since 2006, when Joe Taylor, now the athletic director at Virginia Union University, was the Pirates’ coach. Coach Prunty’s ﬁrst goals include reestablishing HU as a desirable ﬁt for the talent-rich Peninsula and Hampton Roads. HU had only 16 players from the 757 area code this past year, about half that of nearby Norfolk State University. “No question, we will be relentless in recruiting the 757,” Coach Prunty told his audience.

a smile. “I can show you on film.” Young Alan may be a future Panther. For now, his dad is intent on taking over a program that was

6-4 this past season, but without an overall CIAA crown since 2001, during Coach Parker’s previous stint at VUU.

Kermit Blount to be inducted into CIAA Hall of Fame

Native Richmonder Kermit Blount has been selected for induction into the John B. McLendon Jr. CIAA Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will be 9 a.m. March 2, at the Charlotte Convention Center, coinciding with the 2018 CIAA Basketball Tournament. Blount was a standout quarterback at Armstrong High School under former Coach Angier “Horse” Lawrence before going on to stardom as a player and later as a coach at Winston-Salem State University. As a dashing, multiple-threat quarterback, Blount guided Winston-Salem State to 1977 and 1978 CIAA titles and was named to the Kermit Blount 1978 Little All-American team. In 12 years as coach at his alma mater, Blount led the Rams to CIAA championships in 1999 and 2000, and to a Pioneer Bowl victory in 1999. Blount currently is head coach at Johnson C. Smith University in North Carolina. Others in the CIAA Hall of Fame Class of 2018: • Ben Coates, Livingstone College, football • Raymond McDougal, Fayetteville State University, golf coach • Dr. Dorothy Cowser-Yancy, Johnson C. Smith University, administration • The 1967 NCAA Division II basketball champion WinstonSalem State Rams, including Earl Monroe.

N.C. A&T wins Celebration Bowl

On a football scale of 1 to 12, North Carolina A&T State University is a 12. The Aggies finished the season 12-0 with a 21-14 victory over Grambling State University of Louisiana last Saturday in the third annual Celebration Bowl at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. A crowd of 25,873 witnessed the victory, along with a national television audience on ABC. The game features winners from the MEAC (North Carolina A&T) and SWAC (Grambling) conferences, while also deciding the Black College Football National Championship. The conferences were awarded $1 million each by bowl organizers, which is to be divided among its member schools. North Carolina A&T, located in Greensboro, also won the Celebration Bowl in 2015, defeating Alcorn State University. Grambling was the 2016 winner over North Carolina Central University. Aggies’ tailback Marquell Cartwright rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown and caught three passes for another 54 yards, while earning MVP honors. North Carolina A&T quarterback Lamar Raynard scored the decisive touchdown on a 1-yard run with 22 seconds left. Grambling quarterback DeVante Kincade passed for 225 yards and rushed for another 93. Coach Broadway North Carolina A&T Coach Rod Broadway now has won five Black College titles at three different schools. Coach Broadway claimed national titles in 2005 and 2006 at North Carolina Central and in 2008 at Grambling. He has added two at North Carolina A&T. Coach Broadway, now 40-8 overall at North Carolina A&T, is up for contract renewal after this season. This marks first time a MEAC team has ever gone undefeated in a season. The conference was founded in 1971. MEAC and SWAC affiliates are aligned with the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) of the NCAA. They have chosen to play in the Celebration Bowl over FCS playoffs because of a guaranteed payout and TV exposure. The celebration continued after the game’s final whistle. Also televised on ESPN3 was the postgame Battle of the Bands, dubbed the “Fifth Quarter.” North Carolina A&T won that, too.

Richmond Free Press

Section B

December 21-23, 2017 B1

Cherished holiday memories The holidays are a time of joy, of sharing the love of family, the blessings of giving, remembering those who have touched our lives and honoring the reason for the season. Five area residents shared their cherished holiday memories with the Free Press. We hope their reflections evoke sharable memories of your own.

‘Pass me the pickle, please’ Agnes W. Nicholson, retired Richmond Public Schools secretary: There were so many cherished memories arising from seven siblings, it’s easy to recall many of them. However, our mother always preserved watermelon pickle in the summer so we could have it as a favorite for our Christmas dinner. It was stored and kept in the pantry. Well, one year, she found the pickle jar only had a little juice and no pickles. My sister, Olga, my brother, Robert, and I had sampled, and sampled and sampled it and, you can guess the rest. We did not have to own up to have eaten the pickles because our facial expressions displayed our guilt. You know we paid the price dearly plus received a lecture. And each subsequent Christmas, the constant joke around the table was, “Pass me the pickle, please.” “Please, pass me the pickle.” “I would like some more of those pickles.” In spite of all of that, it still rates as one of our favorite Christmas memories because, as we continued our family gatherings, it was still lovingly humorous.

A mansion of warmth

Christmas love and loss

First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe, wife of Gov. Terry McAuliffe: Our family has had the incredible honor and opportunity to create new and truly meaningful holiday traditions during the four years that we have lived at the Governor’s Mansion. In June 2014, we attended our first deployment ceremony for members of the Virginia National Guard when 60 members of the Virginia Beach-based 529 Combat Sustainment Support Battalion said goodbye to their families at Seatack Elementary School in Virginia Beach. It was a poignant ceremony with celebratory notes of the military band and speeches honoring the service of our Guard and their families, but also with the sad tears of family members saying goodbye to loved ones. That day, Terry and I vowed that we would invite those family members who would be missing a parent, child or spouse to the mansion to share our first Christmas. It touched our hearts that so many of those family members came and let us celebrate and honor them later that year. Each year thereafter, with more and more deployments, we added to the number of receptions so that we could invite more families. As parents of a Marine, we know these families miss their loved ones and worry about their safety every day they are away. For us, welcoming National Guard families to our home is a way to reflect and cherish the time we have with our families and friends and to honor the many men and women in uniform who serve and protect us every day throughout the year. It has been a delight for us to see these families enjoy the Governor’s Mansion, taking in the mansion’s history and decorations while grown-ups sample a little Virginia craft beer and children decorate cookies and play with our dogs. A special thank you to all Virginians who wear the uniform to serve and protect us and their families, and a warm and wonderful holiday to all!

Glennroy Bailey Sr., director of Glennroy & Company jazz quartet: My family and I try to make the best of every moment every day, especially during the holiday season. This is especially important to us because two days before Christmas, on Dec. 23, 2008, our son, Glennroy Jr., suffered a massive heart attack and passed away, leaving us all devastated. It is only because of the grace of God, our family, church family and close friends that we were able carry on through this tragedy. Like many families, we share a meal, exchange gifts and spend time together every Christmas. As a musician, the holidays are busy with performances and various events, helping others share the joys of the season. In the end, I’m always thankful to return home to my family. To me, Christmas means love of family and celebration of the birth of baby Jesus. One of my most precious memories may not be that cheerful, but it is from the heart. It is connected to my son’s funeral. For as long as I can remember, in a time of family loss, I’ve been expected to play for the funeral. But when it came to my son’s service, my nephew, David Bailey, a very talented musician, stepped up and said, “I got this one Uncle Glenn.” He proceeded to play “The Lord’s Prayer” on the alto sax. I will never forget that moment for as long as I live. Although our Christmas holidays always will be a little bittersweet, there are many things to be thankful for. And it’s those moments with family that we must continue to cherish, together with the precious memories my family and I have of the wonderful times we had with our son.

Continuing traditions Dietra Y. Trent, state secretary of education: Christmas in the Trent household was always very special. Each year, our traditions began with my siblings and me traipsing into the woods in search of the perfect tree. Growing up on a farm, we always had a fresh tree and part of our joy was competing to find the best one. Once we got it home, my sisters and I would decorate it, topping it off with our very own star of Bethlehem. On Christmas Eve, the whole family was together — my mom and grandmother in the kitchen baking and prepping for Christmas dinner, my aunts locked in their bedroom engaged in their usual last-minute gift wrapping, and me and my siblings watching all of the Christmas classics: “Miracle on 34th Street,” “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and “A Christmas Carol,” to name a few. Christmas morning was very exciting. My siblings and I woke up super early and ran downstairs to the tree and just sat, and sat and sat. As a kid, it seemed like we sat for hours. But we dared not touch one thing until all of the grown-ups joined us. When the whole family was together, my grandfather would read the story of Jesus’ birth from the Bible. He

would then pray, generally thanking God for the gift of Christmas and all of the blessings that came with Him. The prayer was followed by the family singing Christmas carols accompanied by my grandmother on the piano. It was very important to my parents and grandparents that we valued and honored the true meaning of Christmas. Then, and only then, were we allowed to open our gifts. As I look back over the years, my most cherished memories of Christmas were the moments when we created so many timehonored traditions — traditions such as family traveling across the miles, Christmas devotions before anything else and Christmas dinner, which was the only the meal during the year that was served on my grandmother’s china. Even though my grandparents and father are no longer alive, we have continued those traditions over the years. We haven’t changed much except we now purchase fresh trees and, on occasion, we’ve made the little ones write Jesus a letter as His gift. They are not too fond of it now, but I’m convinced they will cherish these letters for the rest of their lives. From the Trent household to the Greater Richmond community, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a blessed and prosperous New Year!

‘A blessing … to bless others’ Young Prince Charles, entertainer and hip-hop artist: My absolute favorite time of the year is Christmas. I’m 16 years old — I started my music career at the tender age of 6 — and I enjoy seeing people happy. I love to give back, as well as help others in their time of need. When I’m not on tour, I look forward to being home for the holidays. I love spending time with my family. I love to see my Mom decorate the house and I love helping my Dad make gingerbread houses. One of my favorite memories of Christmas is going out last Christmas Eve with the Ricky Johnson & Friends Foundation’s “Christmas for Kids” Parade. I

served as a junior grand marshal. The event served residents in public housing communities in Richmond, Petersburg, Hopewell and Norfolk. We rode through the communities blowing the horn waking up the kids. Just the looks on their faces warmed my heart. The excitement in their eyes was so touching. During the parade, I had the opportunity to get out of my vehicle to hand out toys, hugs and take pictures, all at the same time. We didn’t finish handing out the toys on Christmas Eve, which meant we had to go back out on Christmas morning. I felt like I was one of Santa’s helpers. It’s a blessing to be able to bless others.

27th Annual Capital City Kwanzaa Festival set for Dec. 30 Professor Griff, a member of the award-winning hip-hop group Public Enemy, will be the main speaker at the 2017 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival on Saturday, Dec. 30. This is the 27th year of the festival that is produced by the Elegba Folklore Society in observance of the seven-day holiday created by Dr. Maulana Karenga based on traditional African harvest festivals. This year’s festival will be held from 2 to 9 p.m. at the Dewey Gottwald Center on the campus of the Science Museum of Virginia, 1005 DMV Drive. Professor Griff will speak at 4:15 p.m. on the festival’s theme, “Divinely Purposed.” The celebrated musician, spoken word artist and lecturer recorded nine albums with Public Enemy and was known as the group’s Minister of Information. He formed his own group, the Last Asiatic Disciples, after his departure from Public Enemy

and also headed the group, Security of the First World. He later rejoined Public Enemy, whose story was told in the 2015 movie, “Straight Outta Compton.” The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. The festival will open with a pouring of libations to the ancestors and a candle lighting ceremony, followed by a procesProfessor Griff sion of dancers, drummers and singers in the West African tradition. The Nia Sessions, a variety of workshops and discussions, will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Among the highlights are Richard C. Yates, a Reiki master, and others from the Joyce M. Branch Healing Place, who will talk about alternative approaches to health maintenance; Felicia Beckett of

the Resilience Women’s Circle who will talk about women recalibrating their self-worth; Professor Neal Holmes talking about current events; and financial strategist Pierre Greene discussing money matters. Unicia Buster, a visual artist and educator, will lead Watoto Kwanzaa activities, including art making and cultural lessons. Other performers slated for the festival are Ban Caribe, Wildfire and the Mike Hoggard Quartet. An African market, with food, books, art, clothing, jewelry and other items, will be open throughout the festival. Tickets are $6 in advance, $7 at the door; students ages 12 to 18 and seniors age 65 and older are $5 in advance and $6 at the door. Admission is free for children under age 12. Tickets may be purchased at the Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, 101 E. Broad St., or online at www.efsinc.org. Details: www.efsinc.org or (804) 644-3900.

B2 December 21-23, 2017

Richmond Free Press

Happenings

Personality: Rabbi Gary Creditor Spotlight on the Va. Interfaith Center for Public Policy’s Richmond Chapter leader The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy is the unique place where people of different faiths and backgrounds come together to work on issues of social justice. “Through the faith communities coming together at the Interfaith Center, we are able to focus on parts of our community, the wide community, that are disadvantaged,” says Rabbi Gary Creditor, the leader of the center’s Richmond chapter. Many of the organization’s efforts are aimed at advocacy for legislative initiatives and educating people across the state to become involved to influence their elected representatives and public policy. VICPP also partners with like-minded organizations and fosters new relationships with others to focus on critical issues. “We find areas of inequality and injustices in parts of our community that can unite us,” Rabbi Creditor explains. “So we develop that issue and lobby the General Assembly to change or create better and just laws.” Educating the public also brings together people of different faiths “with a uniting vision for a better humanity,” he says. “Social and eco-

nomic equality can be achieved through that education, coupled with legislation.” O n e o f V I C P P ’s t o p priorities: To expand Medicaid in Virginia, the health care program that helps lowincome individuals and families. About 400,000 people would be helped by such an expansion, state officials have estimated. While efforts to expand the program have been thwarted for several years in the Republican-controlled General Assembly, Rabbi Creditor believes progress may be possible in the 2018 Assembly session. “I am optimistic about our community. We can always point to the things that are wrong or negative. But I see more people coming together across lines,” he says. The 69-year-old rabbi who grew up outside of Newark, N.J., has served at six temples from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to Maryland and Virginia, coming to Temple Beth-El in Richmond in 1993. He has participated on countless boards and community agencies in an effort to build a better world. After the mass shooting at Virginia Tech in 2007, he was asked by then Gov. Tim Kaine

advocate Rabbi Gary Creditor: No. 1 volunteer position: Richmond Chapter leader of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy. Occupation: Rabbi, retired. Rabbi emeritus of Temple Beth-El in Richmond. Date and place of birth: Nov. 10 in Brooklyn, N.Y. Current residence: City of Richmond.

to participate in a memorial program for the slain students and faculty. After 21 years of service at Temple Beth-El, he retired in 2014, but continues to teach Talmud and Torah study classes. “Unfortunately, we can’t fix everything,” Rabbi Creditor says. “We can’t do everything for everybody. We have a long way to go, but we are working together to better our world.” Meet this week’s Personality and social justice

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Alma maters: bachelor’s degree, Columbia University; B.H.L., M.A., Rabbinic Ordination and doctorate, Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. Family: Wife, Ruby EisenbergCreditor, a hospice social worker; son, Rabbi Menachem Creditor, a congregational Rabbi; and daughters, Rabbi Lt. Yonina Creditor, a U.S. Navy chaplain, and Tzeira Ostrovsky, operations manager of Independence Hall Museum in Tel Aviv, Israel. Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy’s mission: To advocate for economic and social justice in Virginia’s policies and practices through education, prayer and action. VICPP’s No. 1 challenge: Working in an ever-changing political environment to persuade legislators to embrace our vision of social justice. How and why I find time for

this volunteer responsibility: Because VICPP is unique in that it brings together representatives of all the faiths wherein their different faiths unite them in pursuing issues of social justice for all people in the commonwealth. Because of its importance, I worked my schedule before retirement as best as possible to contribute. In retirement, I have more time available. I originally met the center as a representative of the Richmond Rabbinic Association to the board and maintained my connection ever since. Status of racial, religious and cultural relationships in Richmond: Richmond is an increasingly diverse city and there are many organizations working to connect everyone. We are a work in progress. The VICPP is an increasingly diverse organization as well. There are good religious relationships between Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities. The City of Richmond government is moving in the right direction. The biggest issue spanning all sectors of the population is education and its facilities so that the students will be prepared to be productive citizens and capable of f illin g jo b s in th e n ew e c o n o m y, w h i c h i s t h e main address to alleviating poverty and diminishing crime. Integration of the city will lead to integration of the schools. While the issue of the monuments has been a flashpoint because different parts of our population react

differently, moving them still will not address the central issues of education, jobs, living wage, health care and crime, which are all one continuum and interconnected. How I start the day: I thank God for life each day, the opportunity to make a difference and to love my family. A perfect day for me is: Spending it with my wife, no matter what we are doing, and with our children and their families whenever they visit us or we visit them. Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: I am working on family genealogy. A quote that I am inspired by: Love thy neighbor as thyself. How I unwind: Listening to country music or reading Sherlock Holmes. The person who influenced me the most: The first rabbi of my home congregation in Belleville, N.J. What I’m reading now: I’m working on several books concerning the Talmud, which I teach at Temple Beth-El. If I’ve learned one thing in life, it is: To have a long and wide vision. It gives a greater perspective of people, events and dynamics, coupled with patience. My next goal: To see progress in the 2018 General Assembly on issues of social justice.

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Richmond Free Press

December 21-23, 2017 B3

Happenings

Tribute unveiled to women’s advocate, international AKA president By Leah Hobbs

While the nation debates the preservation or removal of Confederate monuments, the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority are erecting monuments to honor the selfless contributions of their sisters. The late Janet Jones Ballard of Richmond, the 22nd international president of the 109-year-old organization, was honored with a historical marker unveiled during a ceremony last Saturday on the campus of Virginia Union University. “Today’s ceremony is a deserving honor for a woman that exemplifies what Alpha Kappa Alpha embodies,” said Dr. Marye J. Jeffries, a former Mid-Atlantic regional director of the sorority. Dr. Jeffries read a poem written by one of the sorority members: “And God said I’ll make me a woman — a woman of substance, a woman of pride, a woman who is able to put petty things aside./A woman of integrity, a woman of love, a woman who is worthy of the treasures above./A woman who is genuine; a leader in every way. God said I’ll make me a woman. I’ll call her AKA,” she read. “Yes, Janet Jones Ballard … well deserves this historical marker that recognizes the service, accomplishments and achievements she rendered to all mankind,” Dr. Jeffries said. As a child growing up in New York and later Charles City County, Mrs. Ballard was told by family members that she was just as good as anyone else, according to her cousin, Monica James. That gave her the drive to strive for greatness and to fight for equality, she said. She graduated from Armstrong

High School in Richmond, and earned an undergraduate degree from VUU, where she was initiated into the sorority’s Alpha Eta Chapter in 1947. After working as a teacher and child welfare case worker in New York City, she returned to Richmond and served as executive director of the Richmond Urban League in the early 1960s. She later served as director of alumni affairs at her alma mater and at Virginia State University. She devoted her time and talents to the advocacy and advancement of women through her work with nonprofit organizations, including the Girl Scouts, the United Negro College Fund and the YWCA, where she was a national leader of trainers in 17 states. Her love was the AKA Sorority. “Janet had black girl magic before it became a thing,” Mrs. James said. “She motivated us with her commitment to serving others. We were graced with her teachings and demonstrations of leadership, as well as her devotion to education. She expected nothing less than our best, whatever our hearts desired. She was our inspiration to do the work. As a family, we are truly

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority unveil a marker last Saturday honoring the late Janet Jones Ballard, left, a Virginia Union University alumna and former administrator, by Coburn Hall on the Lombardy Street campus. Below, sorority members celebrate Mrs. Ballard with a song during the formal ceremony.

proud, honored and fortunate.” Serving as the AKA international president from 1986 to 1990, Mrs. Ballard moved the sorority’s programs into the international arena with her program theme, “Service with a Global Perspective: Reaching Out to Touch Mankind.” She expanded the sorority’s African Village Development Project, sensitizing members to the problems of hunger, the plight of refugees, the impact of natural disasters and other social and

political conditions that exist on the African continent. The initiative resulted in the adoption of 250 villages by AKA chapters and the contribution of more than $100,000 to the project. Mrs. Ballard also emphasized Alpha Kappa Alpha’s commitment to the African-American community, spearheading a $4 million campaign to support historically black colleges and universities. Her proposal to eliminate hazing in AKA began a national discussion, leading to the

replacement of pledging with the membership intake process. In a letter read at the ceremony, Gov. Terry McAuliffe praised Mrs. Ballard’s contributions to the people of Virginia. Richmond City Council President Chris Hilbert announced that Mayor Levar M. Stoney and the City of Richmond will proclaim Mrs. Ballard’s birthday, June 9, as Janet Jones Ballard Day. Mrs. Ballard died Dec. 28, 1996, at age 66. Dr. Patricia A. Gould-Champ, founder and pastor of Faith Community Baptist Church in Richmond and a faculty member at VUU’s Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, added a special blessing once the marker was unveiled outside of Coburn Hall. “May (the marker) inspire all of the faculty and students and those who visit these hallowed grounds,” she said. “May it serve to encourage all of us to live our best lives, to give our greatest gifts and to follow the legacy of Janet Jones Ballard in providing service to all mankind.”

Richmond Free Press

B4 December 21-23, 2017

Faith Directory

The Baptist Ministers Conference of Richmond & Vicinity Dr. Cheryl Ivy Green, Conference President Celebrates

cipa Emalnamatiotnion

Proc

2018

Riverview

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

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

Day

 

Monday, JANUARY 1



11:30 A.M. FIFTH BAPTIST CHURCH

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

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1415 West Cary Street Richmond, VA 23220

Speaker: Dr. Roslyn M. Brock Chairman Emeritus of the National N.A.A.C.P. Board of Directors Asking all in attendance to support the community service project for 2018. Bring packs of diapers sizes 4 & 5 for the Capital Diaper Bank in Richmond, Virginia.

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 

WE ARE OPEN!!!

Barky’s

Christmas Eve Unity Worship & Communion Service

2017 Theme:

10:00 AM

(First Peter 5:6)

December 31, 2017

New Year’s Eve Unity Worship Service

10:00 PM

SERVICES

Rev. Dr. Paul A. Coles, Pastor

MERRY CHRISTMAS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 8:30 a.m. ....Sunday School 10:00 a.m. ...Morning Worship

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

THURSDAYS 1:30 p.m. Bible Study

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

Worship Opportunities Sundays:

Morning Worship Church School Morning Worship

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

Unity Sundays (2nd Sundays): Church School Morning Worship

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

10:00 AM

New Year’s Eve Watch Night Elevated Praise

“Redeeming God’s People for Gods Purpose”

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

500 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23222 www.sharonbaptistchurchrichmond.org (804) 643-3825

VBS 2017

Usher Badges • Clergy Shirts • Collars December 2017 • Communion Supplies • Much24, More!

The Year of Elevation

Sharon Baptist Church

18 East Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 643-1987 Hours M-F 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Honoring God ... and serving people THANKS TO YOU for … over 64 years and looking for 64 more years; with Usher Badges, Clergy Shirts & Collars Communion Supplies, etc.

Antioch Baptist Church

“The Church With A Welcome”

Thursdays:

Bible Study is now on winter break and will reconvene on January 11th.

Youth Emphasis Unity Sunday Sunday, December 24, 2017 10:00 a.m.

4th Sunday of Advent & Christmas Eve The “Youth Take Over” will display our youth leadership and “Speak Out!” skills while serving as worship participants during service. 2040 Mountain Road • Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 Office 804-262-0230 • Fax 804-262-4651 • www.stpeterbaptist.net

Mount Olive Baptist Church 8775 Mount Olive Avenue, Glen Allen, Virginia 23060

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

New Deliverance Evangelistic Church

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

Watch Night Service

(804) 262-9614 Phone • (804) 262-2397 Fax • www.mobcva.org

Rev. Darryl G. Thompson, Pastor

Good Shepherd Baptist Church

NEW YEAR’S EVE

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

Sunday, December 31, 2017

Dr. Sylvester T. Smith, Pastor “There’s A Place for You” Bishop G. O. Glenn D. Min., Pastor Mother Marcietia S. Glenn First Lady

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

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

11:00 AM Mid-day Meditation

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

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

Saturday

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



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

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.

All ARe Welcome

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

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

“MAKE IT HAPPEN” Pastor Kevin Cook

Sixth Baptist Church

Ebenezer Baptist Church 1858

Theme for 2016-2020: Mobilizing For Ministry Refreshing The Old and Emerging The New A 21st Century Church With Ministry For Everyone

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

4th Sunday Advent Sunday, December 24, 2017 10:45 AM ~ Worship Service

Christmas Sermon By Pastor

When Your Dream Becomes A Nightmare Matthew 1:18-25

Monday, December 25, 2017 Christmas Morning Service 10:00 AM ~ 11:00 AM Rev. Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs, Pastor

Twitter sixthbaptistrva

400 South Addison Street, Richmond, Va. 23220

Facebook sixthbaptistrva

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

(near Byrd Park)

DR. JAMES L. SAILES PASTOR

“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

9:00 PM

Doors open at 8:00 PM Tune in on Sunday Morning to WTVR - Channel 6 - 8:30 a.m. THE NEW DELIVERANCE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (NDCA)

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

Richmond Free Press

December 21-23, 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 Wednesday, January 3, 2018 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, January 8, 2018 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. 2017-242 To amend Ord. No. 2000-410-2001-10, adopted Jan. 8, 2001, as previously amended by Ord. No. 2001-220231, adopted Jul. 23, 2001, which approved the “Shops at Stratford Hills Community Unit Plan,” for the purpose of increasing the area subject to the community unity plan by 3.4 acres to 67.9± acres and modifying the development standards, under certain terms and conditions. The property consists of 6935, 6935 A, 6941, 6941 Adj, 6931 A, 6931, 6945, 6933, 6965, 7017, and 7101 Forest Hill Avenue and 2606, 2604, 2604 Rear, and 2602 Gravel Hill Road. The property is zoned R‑2 Single‑Family residential and B‑2 Community Business. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates the subject property for General Commercial Land Use, which includes a broad range of office, retail, general commercial, wholesale, and service uses, typically located along major transportation corridors and serving large portions of the City. Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at www.Richmondgov. com and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Candice D. Reid Interim City Clerk City of Richmond, Virginia CITY COUNCIL Public Notice Notice is hereby given that the City of Richmond Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 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, January 8, 2018 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. 2017-244 To close, to public use and travel, a portion of West Marshall Street located between the west line of Hermitage Road and the eastern boundary of the property known as 2220 West Broad Street, consisting of 41,468± square feet, upon certain terms and conditions, and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept a dedication of a public access easement, consisting of 60,074± square feet, over certain parcels adjacent to the closed portion of West Marshall Street, in connection with vehicular and pedestrian access to a proposed mixed-use development in the area. Ordinance No. 2017-245 To close, to public use and travel, an alley bounded by McDonough Street, West 12th Street, Perry Street, and West 13th Street, consisting of 1,219± square feet, upon certain terms and conditions. Ordinance No. 2017-246 To authorize the special use of the property known as 225 Plazaview Road for the purpose of a twofamily detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates the subject property for Single Family (Low density) land use. Primary uses for this category are single family detached dwellings at densities up to seven units per acre. The proposed development would have a density of approximately ten units per acre. Ordinance No. 2017-247 To authorize the special use of the property known as 909 North 27th Street for the purpose of a twofamily detached dwelling, upon certain terms and conditions. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates a future Continued on next column

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land use category for the subject property as Mixed Use Residential. Primary uses for this category include single-, two-, and multifamily dwellings, live/work units and neighborhood serving commercial uses developed in a traditional urban form. No residential density is specified for this land use category. Ordinance No. 2017-248 To amend Ord. No. 85193-244, adopted Oct. 28, 1985, as previously amended by Ord. No. 88-210-196, adopted Sep. 12, 1988, Ord. No. 92367-314, adopted Oct. 12, 1992, and Ord. No. 2011-13-26, adopted Feb. 28, 2011, which authorized the special use of the properties known as 1090 and 1100 German School Road for use as an elderly housing facility, to authorize an increase in the number of units within the elderly housing facility from 121 to 133, upon certain terms and conditions. The City of Richmond’s Master Plan designates the property for Single family Low Density land use. This designation is characterized by dwellings at densities up to seven units per acre and includes residential support uses such as schools, places of worship, neighborhood parks and recreation facilities, and limited public and semi-public 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; 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

Divorce VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE CITY OF Richmond HARRY RAGLAND, Plaintiff v. ANDREA RAGLAND, Defendant. Case No.: CL17-2049-1 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Obtain a divorce a vincullo matrimonii or from the bonds of matrimony. It appearing from a affidavit that diligence has been used without effect, by or on the behalf of the plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city defendant is. It is ORDERED that Andrea Ragland appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before the 6th day of February, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. A Copy Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER CRISTINA HADDOCK, Plaintiff v. CHRISTOPHER HADDOCK, Defendant. Case No.: CL17001341-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months. It is ORDERED that the defendant, who has been served with the Complaint by posted service appear here on or before the 16th 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

CUSTODY Virginia: In the Juvenile and domestic relations district court for Essex County 300 Prince Street Tappahannock, Virginia 22560 In re: Arthur White Jr and Anita White v. Jessica White v. LA’Rick white Case No. JJ006326 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of the abovestyled suit is to obtain a final custody and visitation arrangement for the minor child. It appearing by affidavit filed according to law that the Respondent, La’rick White’s current address is unknown and that his last known address is 2807 Barton Avenue, Apt. 3, Richmond, Virginia 23222, it is therefore ORDERED that the said Respondent, La’rick White, appear before this Court on or before the 2nd day of April, 2018, at 1 pm, at which time I wll appear before this Court to request an Order be entered regarding the custody and visitation of the minor Continued on next column

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child to this suit, counsel fees and court costs, and do what is necessary to protect his interest in this suit.

2010, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, have not been located and have not field a response to this action; that SOLOMON JOHNSON, prior owner in chain-of-title, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that CATHERINE R. JOHNSON AKA CATHERINE FORD JOHNSON, died intestate on April 29, 2001, prior owner in chain-of-title, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, have not been located and have not field a response to this action; that CAROL REYNOLDS, who may have an ownership interest in said property, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that DEBRA WINSTON, who may have an ownership interest in said property, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to her last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; that NORTH STAR CAPITAL ACQUISITIONS, LLC, a terminated Minnesota limited Liability company, which may be a creditor with an interest in said property, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that FRED LEE REYNOLDS, died intestate on September 7, 2010, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, SOLOMON JOHNSON, CATHERINE R. JOHNSON AKA CATHERINE FORD JOHNSON, died intestate on April 29, 2001, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, CAROL RE Y N O L D S , D E B R A WINSTON, NORTH STAR CAPITAL ACQUISITIONS, LLC, a terminated Minnesota limited Liability company, and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 25, 2018 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that REALVESTOR, LLC, an entity which does not exist in the records of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, which may have an ownership interest in said property, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that LEON BAPTISTE, who may have an ownership interest in said property, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that ALBERTA SCOTT fka ALBERTA JONES, who may have an ownership interest in said property, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that 21ST STREET TRUST, RE A LVE S T OR , L L C , REALVESTOR, LLC, an entity which does not exist in the records of the Virginia State Corporation C o m m i s s i o n , L EO N B A P T I S T E , A L B ER TA S CO T T f k a A L B ER TA JONES, 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

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 WILLIE R. JOYNER, JR., upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, EUNICE L. JOYNER aka EUNICE SPENCER JOYNER, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, COREY L. JOYNER, JAMAL D. JOYNER aka JERMAHL DAVIS JOYNER, NATIONAL AUTO SALES, INC., a t e r m i n a t e d Vi r g i n i a corporation, 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

on April 21, 2000, has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that John L. Taylor, III, Registered Agent for TAYLOR’S VISION LLC, WILLIAM P. BENSTEN, Trustee, for a deed of trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 9725493 on November 19, 1997 and an assignment of mortgage at Instrument Number 00-9348 on April 21, 2000, DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY (California) pka BANKERS TRUST COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA NA, which may be the holder of a deed of trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 97-25493 on November 19, 1997 and an assignment of mortgage at Instrument Number 009348 on April 21, 2000, 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

described as 716 Cheatwood Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0180453/021, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Mary Nelson Johnson fka Mary Nelson, An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, MARY NELSON JOHNSON FKA MARY NELSON, 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 NELSON JOHNSON FKA MARY NELSON and Parties Unknown, come forward to appear on or before JANUARY 25, 2018 and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this matter. An Extract, Teste: Edward F. Jewett, Clerk Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

Virginia: In the Juvenile and domestic relations district court for Essex County 300 Prince Street Tappahannock, Virginia 22560 In re: Arthur White Jr and Anita White v. Jessica White v. Brian Fayne Case No. JJ006287 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of the abovestyled suit is to obtain a final custody and visitation arrangement for the minor child. It appearing by affidavit filed according to law that the Respondent, Brian Fayne’s current address is unknown and that his last known address is 4235 Lamplighter Court, N. Chesterfield, VA 23234, it is therefore ORDERED that the said Respondent, Brian Fayne, appear before this Court on or before the 2nd day of April, 2018, at 1 pm, at which time I wll appear before this Court to request an Order be entered regarding the custody and visitation of the minor child to this suit, counsel fees and court costs, and do what is necessary to protect his interest in this suit. VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Alex valentine Case No. J-062646-14-15 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) Alex Valentine, Sr. (Father) and Unknown Father of Alex Valentine, child, DOB 06/27/2002, “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support. It is ORDERED that the defendant Alex Valentine, Sr. (Father) and Unknown Father to appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/her interest on or before 02/07/2018, at 10:00 AM, Courtroom #5 VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re QUON’ASIA CLEVEAH WHITAKER Case No. J-092163-09-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to: Terminate the residual parental rights (“RPR”) of Unknown. (Father), of Quon’asia Cleveah W h i t a k e r, c h i l d , D O B 02/24/2016, “RPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of; visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support. It is ORDERED that the defendant Unknown (Father) appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his/her interest on or before 04/10/2018, at 9:20 AM, Courtroom #2

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. ROBERT H. SMALLENBERG, et al. Defendants. Case No.: CL17-5033 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1415 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E000-0768/027, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Robert H. Smallenberg. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, ROBERT H. SMALLENBERG, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” I T I S OR D ERE D that RO B ER T H. SMALLENBERG 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

PROPERTY

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. MIZAN KHAN, et al. Defendants. Case No.: CL17-4994 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 4005 Jefferson Davis Highway, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S009-0144/003, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Mizan Khan and Sadia R. Khan. An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, MIZAN KHAN and SADIA R. KHAN, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action, that KHORSHED A. CHOWDHURY and MEE N A W A T IE CHOWDHURY, who may be creditors with an interest in said property, 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 MIZAN KHAN, SADIA R. KHAN, KHORSHED A. CHOWDHURY, MEENAWATIE CHOWDHURY, 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. SOLOMON JOHNSON, et al. Defendants. Case No.: CL17-4889 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1708 Monteiro Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number Tax Map Number N000-0334/010, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Fred Lee Reynolds. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, FRED LEE REYNOLDS, died intestate on September 7,

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. 21ST STREET TRUST, REALVESTOR, LLC, et al. Defendants. Case No.: CL17-4567 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1209 North 21st Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0000557/021, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, 21ST STREET TRUST, REALVESTOR, LLC. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, 21ST STREET TRUST, REALVESTOR, LLC, has

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. WILLIE R. JOYNER, JR., et al. Defendants. Case No.: CL17-4890 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1511 Drewry Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0071332/021, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Willie R. Joyner, Jr. and Eunice L. Joyner. An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, WILLIE R. JOYNER, JR., upon information and belief deceased, or his heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, and E U N ICE L . J O Y N ER aka EUNICE SPENCER JOYNER, upon information and belief deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that COREY L. JOYNER and JAMAL D. JOYNER aka JERMAHL DAVIS JOYNER, who may have an ownership interest in said property, who have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known addresses, have not been personally located and have not filed a response to this action; that NATIONAL AUTO SALES, INC., a terminated Virginia corporation, which may be a creditor with an interest in said property, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with

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virgiNia: iN thE JuvENiLE aND DOmEstic rELatiONs District cOurt IN the COunty of Chesterfield Commonwealth of Virginia, in re XANDER JAKOB SHAFFER LiSA BROWN v. ROBERT & SHARON Taylor Case No. JJ086447-07-01, -08,-01 OrDEr Of puBLicatiON The object of this suit is to: Amend custody and visitation, as previously ordered by this court, of Xander Jakob Shaffer (DOB: 3-11-15), whose mother is Chelsie Bottoms, and whose father is Donald Bland, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 16.1-241A3. Mother’s whereabouts are unknown. It is ORDERED that the defendant Chelsie Cheyenne Bottoms appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before January 24, 2018 at 9:00 A.M.

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. ANGELINE TAYLOR, et al. Defendants. Case No.: CL17-5016 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2003 Dinwiddie Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0000346/014, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Mary Williams Life Estate. An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, ANGELINE TAYLOR, MARY LEE EDWARDS, LEROY WILLIAMS, JR., FERLEY WILLIAMS and CHAMPION WILLIAMS, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that said owner, LENA FLIPPEN, 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 LATANYA EDWARDS, who may have an ownership interest in said property, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to her last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that ANGELINE TAYLOR, MARY LEE EDWARDS, LEROY WILLIAMS, JR., FERLEY WILLIAMS, CHAMPION WILLIAMS, LENA FLIPPEN, LATANYA EDWARDS, 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. TAYLOR’S VISION LLC, et al. Defendants. Case No.: CL17-4450 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2810 – 2812 5th Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0000814/004, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, TAYLOR’S VISION LLC. An Affidavit having been filed that John L. Taylor, III, Registered Agent for TAYLOR’S VISION LLC, the last owner of record of said property, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; that WILLIAM P. BENSTEN, Trustee, for a deed of trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 9725493 on November 19, 1997 and an assignment of mortgage at Instrument Number 00-9348 on April 21, 2000, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action; that DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY (California) pka BANKERS TRUST COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA NA, which may be the holder of a deed of trust filed in the records of the Richmond Circuit Court at Instrument Number 97-25493 on November 19, 1997 and an assignment of mortgage at Instrument Number 00-9348 Continued on next column

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. TITUS W. JONES, et al. Defendants. Case No.: CL17-5143 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2100 Halifax Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0000763/010, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Titus W. Jones. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, TITUS W. JONES, who has been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to his last known address, has not been personally located and has not filed a response to this action and that any heirs, devisees, assignees, successors in interest, successors in title and/or any creditors with a current or future interest in said property, have not been identified and/or served despite diligent efforts to do so and are defendants to this suit by the general description of “Parties Unknown.” IT IS ORDERED that TITUS W. JONES 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. RETRO, LLC, et al. Defendants. Case No.: CL17-5258 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 312 North 32nd Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0000731/011, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, RETRO, LLC. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, RETRO, LLC, a terminated Virginia corporation, 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 RETRO, LLC, a terminated Virginia corporation 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. MARY NELSON JOHNSON FKA MARY NELSON, et al. Defendants. Case No.: CL17-4814 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly Continued on next column

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. ALMA JEFFERS WRIGHT, et al. Defendants. Case No.: CL17-5060 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 1913 Chelsea Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number E0000832/007, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Alma Jeffers Wright. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, ALMA JEFFERS WRIGHT, who according to information and belief is deceased, 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 , ALMA JEFFERS WRIGHT, who according to information and belief is deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title 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. IRMA WINES, DECEASED, et al. Defendants. Case No.: CL17-2423 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2214 Ford Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map/GPIN# E000-0756/003, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Irma Wines, Deceased and Ethel Stewart, Deceased. An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, IRMA WINES, DECEASED, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, and ETHEL STEWART, DECEASED, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, have not been located and have not filed a response to this action; that SARAH WEAVER, who may have an ownership interest in said property, has not been located and has not filed a response to this action; that EVELYN REGISTER, who may have an ownership interest in said property, is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and has not filed a response to this action; and hat 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 IRMA WINES, DECEASED, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, ETHEL STEWART, DECEASED, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, SARAH WEAVER, EVELYN REGISTER, 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. Continued on next page

Richmond Free Press

B6 December 21-23, 2017

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities Continued from previous page

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. VIRGINIA M. HICKMAN, et al. Defendants. Case No.: CL17-4638 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2612 3rd Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number N0000716/001, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owners of record, Virginia M. Hickman and Linda H. Porter. An Affidavit having been filed that said owners, VIRGINIA M. HICKMAN and LINDA H. PORTER, who have been served by posting and by mailing a copy of the complaint to their last known addresses, 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 VIRGINIA M. HICKMAN, LINDA H. PORTER, 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

Continued from previous column

Gregory A. Lukanuski, Esq. City of Richmond, Office of the City Attorney 900 E. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 804-646-7940

who upon information and belief is deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, 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

Federal Fair Debt Collections Practices Act, this law firm is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. MITTIE GENEORIA GOFF, et al. Defendants. Case No.: CL17-5576 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 3409 Deerwood Road, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S008-0781/051, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Mittie Geneoria Goff. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, MITTIE GENEORIA GOFF, who upon information and belief is deceased, 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 MITTIE GENEORIA GOFF, who upon information and belief is deceased, or her heirs, devisees, assignees or successors in title, 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

Trustee’s sale

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. KHUTH T. KY, et al. Defendants. Case No.: CL17-5575 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 2852 Hull Street, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map Number S0001222/007, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Khuth T. Ky. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, KHUTH T. KY, 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 KHUTH T. KY 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

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND JOHN MARSHALL COURTS BUILDING CITY OF RICHMOND, Plaintiff, v. BARBARA A. CUSTALOW, et al. Defendants. Case No.: CL17-5151 ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this suit is to subject the property briefly described as 5328 Troy Road, Richmond, Virginia, Tax Map/ GPIN C008-0377/018, to sale in order to collect delinquent real estate taxes assessed thereon in the name of the owner of record, Barbara A. Custalow. An Affidavit having been filed that said owner, BARBARA A. CUSTALOW, who upon information and belief is deceased, 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 BARBARA A. CUSTALOW,

TRUSTEE’S SALE OF 1701 Joplin Avenue Richmond, Virginia 23224 In execution of a deed of trust in the original principal amount of $54,500.00, dated June 21, 2001 and recorded among the land records of the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond, Virginia as instrument number 01016754, the undersigned Trustee, will offer for sale at public auction, at the main entrance of the courthouse for the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond, 400 North Ninth Street, Richmond, Virginia 23210 on January 3, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. The improved real estate lying in the City of Richmond, Virginia and more particularly described as follows: All that certain lot of land with improvements thereon located at 1701 Joplin Street, lying, being and situated in the City of Richmond, Virginia, and being known and designated as Lot 32, on a plat entitled “Resubdivision of Block G, Richmond Summit, and an Adjacent Parcel of Land, Richmond, Virginia,” made by Foster & Miller, Certified Surveyors, dated September 15, 1967, and recorded in the Clerk’s Office, Circuit Court of the City of Richmond, Virginia, Division II, in Plat Book 8, page 53, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description of said lot. A nonrefundable bidder’s deposit of $10,000.00 or 10% of the sales price whichever is less, by cashier’s or certified check required at time of sale, except for the party secured by the Deed of Trust. Risk of loss is on the purchaser from date and time of auction. Balance of purchase price must be paid by cashier’s check within 14 days from sale date. Except for Virginia Grantor tax, all settlement costs and expenses are purchaser’s responsibility. Taxes are prorated to the date of sale. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining possession of the property. If purchaser defaults, deposit may be forfeited and property sold at the risk and cost of the defaulting purchaser who shall be liable for any deficiency in the purchase price and all costs, expense, and attorney’s fees of both sales. If Trustee does not convey title for any reason, purchaser’s sole remedy is return of deposit without interest. This sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan secured by the Deed of Trust including but not limited to determining whether prior to sale a forbearance, repayment, or other agreement was entered into, the loan was reinstated or paid off, or whether the property became subject to an automatic stay under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code prior to sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void and purchaser’s sole remedy shall be return of deposit without interest. Pursuant to the

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FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: James S. Sease, Esq. Sole Acting Substitute Trustee P.O. Box 715 Mathews, Virginia 23109 804-725-4700

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is requesting proposals from firms to provide Occupational Medical and Substance Abuse Testing Services and Management. All proposals must be received by 2:00 PM, January 8, 2018, at the Virginia Department of Transportation; Central Office Mail Center-Loading Dock Entrance; 1401 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. A Mandatory Pre-proposal Conference will be held at 1:00 PM on December 28, 2017. For a copy of the Request for Proposals (RFP # 154430-FH), go to the website: www.eva. virginia.gov V D O T a s s u re s c o m p l i a n c e w i t h T i t l e V I Requirements of non-discrimination in all activities pursuant to this advertisement.

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For questions or additional information email: frederick.haasch@vdot.virginia.gov

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

COORDINATOR Office of Strategic Engagement

School of Education, Virginia Commonwealth University The VCU School of Education seeks applications for the position of Coordinator in the Office of Strategic Engagement, with a start date of February 25, 2018. At VCU, we believe different perspectives and expertise enhance possibilities and solutions. This philosophy drives our recruitment process, so we welcome applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, who will contribute to an already diverse community of faculty, staff, and students. The mission of the Office of Strategic Engagement is to partner with regional stakeholders, particularly school divisions, along with national and international stakeholders to leverage expertise and resources to address identified needs and meet mutually established goals for the advancement of high-quality learning for educational professionals. The Coordinator will work closely with the Executive Director to promote, manage, and execute partnerships with external stakeholders and partners, especially school divisions, in development of mutually beneficial professional development agreements, degree and non-degree program cohorts, and collaborative agreements. Questions may be directed to Dr. Tomika Ferguson, Search Committee Chair, at 804-828-9805 or via email tlferguson2@vcu.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position closing date, January 15, 2018. For a detailed job description, required skills, VCU/SOE information and to apply, please visit: https://www.vcujobs.com/postings/68424. Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, veteran’s status, political affiliation or disability.

Digital Content ProDuCer/MMJ Richmond’s #1 news operation seeks a Digital Content Producer/MMJ to create editorial content for NBC12’s new media operations. Responsibilities include producing station content on all digital platforms, aggregating content and producing original 116044 material unique to digital platforms, updating text, image, video and live content. The ideal candidate will have a college degree and professional digital and social media content experience. Apply on line at https://careers-raycommedia.icims.com. Drug Screen required. EOE M/F/D/V

RICHMOND FREE PRESS Issue Weekly/Thurs issue - Deadline: Mon/Noon Marketing ProduCer Size: 3 col (4.02)Content x 5” NBC12, the #1 news brand in Richmond, VA, Price: $ 580.96 seeks creative storyteller to grow our digital media thiswith publication doesand notlifestyle have online postings presence food, travel content. Ideal candidate will be quick-thinking, creative and multi-talented with the ability to produce multiple pieces weekly; must be a good writer, high energy level, have a great eye for shooting and truly understand social and how to leverage all digital platforms. This producer will be building a brand around the content they produce. Direct knowledge of all aspects of video production to create top-quality multiplatform content. Bachelor’s in Marketing, Advertising, Film/Video or related field preferred. Adobe Premiere, DSLR cinematography, social media, and Wordpress required. On-camera experience preferred. Evenings and weekends may be required. Qualified applicants only apply online at https://careers-raycommedia.icims.com. Include cover letter, resume and demo reel. Drug Screen and MVR check required. EOE M/F/D/V.

COORDINATOR, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (POSITION # FA015) (J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Richmond, VA) The primary mission of the Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA) is to provide quality workforce training solutions to the greater Richmond/Crater area. As part of this mission, the Coordinator, Workforce Development is responsible for pursuing new, and developing existing, contracts, letters of agreement, and memoranda of understanding for the delivery of training and consulting to area employers. The incumbent in the position will market, sell, consult, develop, organize, and supervise the delivery of these contract training programs. This position will also work with business and industry, economic development, and the CCWA leadership team to identify industry sectors, occupations, and training programs that CCWA should develop and promote in order to become the region’s ﬁrst stop for workforce solutions. TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Full-time, twelve-month professional faculty-ranked appointment. Salary range: $62,270$126,288. Approximate maximum hiring salary: $66,650. APPLICATION PROCESS: Review of applications will begin February 9, 2018. Applications will be accepted until the position is ﬁlled. Additional information is available at the College’s website: www.reynolds.edu.

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