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Richmond’s skyline comes to life during the holiday season, with the glow of lights embracing Downtown and the riverfront. The seasonal lighting officially got underway Friday, Dec. 4, with RVA Illuminates. That’s when the lights simultaneously go on after a countdown by city officials and others. Because of the pandemic, the ceremony was held virtually this year and broadcast on ABC 8News and on WRIC’s website. Holiday Lights on the Riverfront, presented by Venture Richmond, followed, with decorative lights going on at Brown’s Island to the Turning Basin on the Canal Walk. Entertainers and hot beverages also are a part of the riverfront celebration, which will continue from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 and Dec. 19. People are asked to wear masks and to practice social distancing. This photograph of the Downtown skyline was taken from Brown’s Island.

Richmond’s skyline comes to life during the holiday season, with the glow of lights embracing Downtown and the riverfront. The seasonal lighting officially got underway …

Published on December 10, 2020

When the pencils, paper and notebooks come out, you know it’s time for school. Fosio Issack, left, and Jennah Elganainy, both 15, volunteer to help distribute backpacks filled with school supplies on a recent Saturday at ICNA Relief’s Back2School program. ICNA Relief is a national domestic relief organization that is part of the Islamic Circle of North America. The backpacks were distributed to children of all faiths and backgrounds in conjunction with Henrico County Public Schools. It was part of a national effort by the organization to equip 45,000 students with the essentials they need to succeed in the classrooms. The volunteer effort took place at the Islamic Center of Henrico/Al Falah on Impala Drive in the county. It was also the organization’s food distribution day. Volunteers packed bags of nutritious goods to be distributed as well.

When the pencils, paper and notebooks come out, you know it’s time for school. Fosio Issack, left, and Jennah Elganainy, both 15, volunteer to help …

Published on August 26, 2021

Radio personality “Miss Community” Clovia Lawrence of Urban One gets a big surprise last Saturday when Gov. Ralph S. Northam, center, and Lt. Gov. Justin E. Fairfax, left, show up during her 17th Annual Toy Drive outside the Walmart store on Sheila Lane in South Side and present her with proclamations honoring her 30 years of community work. The surprise presentation was organized by Christopher J. Woody of the Woody Foundation. Ms. Lawrence started the toy drive in 2004 to assist working families who couldn’t afford gifts for their children during the holiday season. Since then, more than 60,000 donated toys have been given to Richmond area families. Even as she was being honored, Ms. Lawrence was busy encouraging shoppers to purchase and donate toys for youngsters in need.

Radio personality “Miss Community” Clovia Lawrence of Urban One gets a big surprise last Saturday when Gov. Ralph S. Northam, center, and Lt. Gov. Justin …

Published on December 10, 2020

Cityscape // This notice in the 1700 block of Colorado Avenue in the West End signals that construction may soon be finished on GRTC’s new bus rapid-transit system called “Pulse.” GRTC promised to overhaul regular bus routes and bus stops when Pulse starts operations, and the new signs posted around the area indicate GRTC is preparing for the end of construction and the start of service changes. The completion of Pulse would be good news for businesses that have lost customers along the Pulse route because of the construction work and commuters weary of the traffic disruption the $64 million project has created, particularly along Broad Street. In a statement to the Free Press on Monday, GRTC spokeswoman Carrie Rose Pace stated that “construction activities continue for the GRTC Pulse project,” noting that June 30 remains the fixed completion date under the contract with Lane Construction Co. “The project team continues to push to get the work completed as early as possible and will announce a service launch date” when that is known, she stated, adding that Pulse service is projected to begin this summer following testing and approval. Next week, Pulse stations at 10 locations are scheduled to get finishing touches, including installation of cedar ceilings inside stations and pedestrian curb cuts to make it easier for people in wheelchairs to reach the stations.  No additional work is scheduled on stations at four locations for the week beginning Sunday, April 8, according to GRTC. Those stations are located on Broad Street at Willow Lawn Drive, Staples Mill Road, Cleveland Street and the Science Museum of Virginia.

Cityscape // This notice in the 1700 block of Colorado Avenue in the West End signals that construction may soon be finished on GRTC’s new …

Published on April 6, 2018

City becomes dumping ground again // Just weeks after a community cleanup, these alleys in Highland Park have been re-trashed. Unwanted mattresses now fill part of the alley in the 3300 block of Utah Place. A pile of tires has been dumped in the 3200 block of Fifth Avenue. After hearing from angry constituents, Richmond City Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson is blaming the city administration’s indifference. “When we began cleaning alleys, we forcefully warned that unless the city changed its mode of operations in managing bulk trash, dumping and accumulated trash, the cycle would start all over,” the 6th District councilwoman stated in a Dec. 30 email to residents.

City becomes dumping ground again // Just weeks after a community cleanup, these alleys in Highland Park have been re-trashed. Unwanted mattresses now fill part …

Published on January 8, 2016

With 154 apartment units in Jackson Ward in various stages of completion after 16 months of construction, residents in the Richmond Re-development and Housing Authority’s nearby Fay Towers in Gilpin Court are being prepped to move in during the coming weeks. At least 72 units in new $33 million complex bounded by 1st, 2nd, Jackson and Duval streets are earmarked for Fay Towers residents. The remaining 82 units in the complex are to be rented to anyone interested. Replacement of Fay Towers, a 200-unit high rise located at 1202 N. 1st St., began in 2016 when 77 households were moved into a renovated school building in Highland Park. The final phase, redevelopment of the former Baker Elementary School into 51 apartments, is still on hold. The Community Preservation and Development Corp., which is undertaking the Fay Towers replacement in partnership with the RRHA, began advertising for subcontractors for the Baker School project in September, but has not moved forward.

With 154 apartment units in Jackson Ward in various stages of completion after 16 months of construction, residents in the Richmond Re-development and Housing Authority’s …

Published on November 22, 2019

The James River Association broke ground on the James A. Buzzard River Education Center Monday, May 8, at 2825 Dock St. along the James River. Attending the ceremonial groundbreaking was Virginia Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Travis Voyles, left, James River Association President and CEO Bill Street, Mayor Levar M. Stoney and Richmond City Councilwoman Cynthia I. Newbille. The state-of-the-art facility will serve as a catalyst for river education, environmental awareness and community connection, said Mr. Street. However, there was no mention of the James River’s Indigenous name, Powhatan, nor the Native Americans, the Powhatan tribe, who lived below the Fall Line (Richmond) when the Jamestown colonists arrived in 1607. The Powhatan River then was named the James River after King James I of England. Mayor Stoney, in his remarks, did note the James River’s “instrumental role” in Virgina’s history. “We know a number of great stories about how the river brought Abraham Lincoln down here, but also we know the story it played in the slave trade here as well. The good, the bad and the ugly. It’s my hope that every child in this city learns about the river and has a healthy respect for the river and the power of this natural resource that we have right in our backyard.”

The James River Association broke ground on the James A. Buzzard River Education Center Monday, May 8, at 2825 Dock St. along the James River. …

Published on May 11, 2023

Cityscape:Slices of life and scenes in Richmond/This elegant Richmond railroad bridge over the James River has stood the test of time. Woodrow Wilson was still president, the prohibition of liquor begins and the raging pandemic “Spanish flu” was killing millions of people when the Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac and CSX-predecessor Atlantic Coastline railroads built the structure in 1919. Location: Between the Boulevard and Powhite Parkway bridges. Legendary engineer John E. Greiner designed the iconic arched bridge that was among the first rail bridges to be made of poured concrete. Dubbed the “million-dollar bridge,” the double-track bridge allowed trains to move through Richmond more quickly and to cross east-west rail lines that ran along both sides of the river. Considered an engineering marvel, the bridge continues to draw admirers.

Cityscape:Slices of life and scenes in Richmond/This elegant Richmond railroad bridge over the James River has stood the test of time. Woodrow Wilson was still …

Published on September 2, 2021

Colette W. McEachin is sworn in as Richmond’s new commonwealth’s attorney Tuesday morning by Judge Joi Jeter Taylor, chief judge of the Richmond Circuit Court, as Mrs. McEachin’s proud mother, Gladys Wallace, holds the Bible. Mrs. McEachin’s husband, Congressman A. Donald McEachin of Richmond, Richmond Circuit Court Clerk Edward F. Jewett and several of Mrs. McEachin’s deputy commonwealth’s attorneys also attended the ceremony at the John Marshall Courts Building in Downtown. Mrs. McEachin, who has more than 20 years of experience as a city prosecutor, took over the top job after veteran Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael N. Herring left July 1 to become a partner in the McGuireWoods law firm. Mr. Herring, who recommended Mrs. McEachin for the top post, is backing her in the Nov. 5 special election when voters will formally choose his successor.

Colette W. McEachin is sworn in as Richmond’s new commonwealth’s attorney Tuesday morning by Judge Joi Jeter Taylor, chief judge of the Richmond Circuit Court, …

Published on July 4, 2019

A “Now Leasing” sign adorns an entry to the Church Hill North development on North 31st Street off Nine Mile Road in the city’s East End. While no announce- ment has been made, the sign signals that the yearlong construction on the first phase of new apartments is coming to a close. The development was undertaken by The Community Builders of Boston in partner- ship with the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority. The site is the former home of Armstrong High School, which was torn down to make way for the new residences. The first phase was announced on Oct. 30, 2018, when work began to include 60 family units and 45 apartments for seniors at a cost of about $26 million. Work on another 70 units was begun earlier this year, and those units are in various stages of completion. The total development is to include 256 units, including a few single-family homes. The project is the first step in the overhaul of the nearby Creighton Court public housing community. Some Creighton Court residents are to be moved to Church Hill North as planning for renovation or replacement of the 504-unit Creighton Court complex continues.

A “Now Leasing” sign adorns an entry to the Church Hill North development on North 31st Street off Nine Mile Road in the city’s East …

Published on December 20, 2019

Jeff Bourne, chair of the Richmond School Board: I appreciate the opportunity to share with all of the Richmond Free Press readers my foremost wishes for 2017. My first and foremost wish is for continued health and well-being for my wife, Anedra, my daughter, Sydney, and my son, Joseph. I also pray that I become a better husband and father in 2017. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” So it is my hope that, as we move through the year 2017, our city takes bold steps to enrich and improve the lives of our most precious resource — our children. Giving our young people the opportunity, tools and foundation to reach their wildest dreams is vitally important to the future of our city, our region, our Commonwealth and our country. Those are my foremost wishes for 2017 — and every year.

Jeff Bourne, chair of the Richmond School Board: I appreciate the opportunity to share with all of the Richmond Free Press readers my foremost wishes …

Published on December 30, 2016

Deborah Keith of Yorktown: “I’m thankful for my family, my faith and my health and that I got out of bed this morning. I’m also grateful that my son, who was actively doing drugs, has turned the corner on that.”

Deborah Keith of Yorktown: “I’m thankful for my family, my faith and my health and that I got out of bed this morning. I’m also …

Published on November 25, 2015

Brittany Murphy, 31, of Scott’s Addition: “My husband, who changed my life, and my mother, who hopefully is still cancer free.”

Brittany Murphy, 31, of Scott’s Addition: “My husband, who changed my life, and my mother, who hopefully is still cancer free.”

Published on November 24, 2018

The city’s valedictorians, left to right: Annia Fountain of Thomas Jefferson, Lamar Greene of Richmond Community, Isabel Waters of Open High, Devin Evans of George Wythe, Mia Noel of Franklin Military, Andre Charles of Armstrong, Syeda Haider of Thomas Jefferson, Kyhiem Banks of John Marshall and Erykah Adams of Huguenot. Call them the best of the Class 2015 when it comes to grades. Here are the members of the Class of 2015 who recorded the highest GPAs for their high school since they started as ninth-graders in 2011. By high school, they are: Armstrong: Valedictorian Andre Charles, 4.47 GPA; salutatorian Mikquasha Wyatt. Franklin Military: Valedictorian Cadet Lt. Mia Noel, 3.54 GPA; salutatorian Cadet Maj. Jade Lewis. Huguenot: Valedictorian Erykah Adams, 4.39 GPA; salutatorian Rudy Li. Thomas Jefferson: Co-valedictorians Syeda Haider, 4.8 GPA, and Annia Fountain, 4.8 GPA. John Marshall: Valedictorian Kyhiem Banks, 4.3 GPA; salutatorian Randaisha Nikens. Open High: Valedictorian Isabel Waters, 4.49 GPA; salutatorian Gillian Throckmorton. Richmond Community: Valedictorian Lamar Greene, 4.91 GPA; salutatorian Jasmine Cousins. George Wythe: Valedictorian Devin Evans, 4.24 GPA; salutatorian Yusef Jones.

The city’s valedictorians, left to right: Annia Fountain of Thomas Jefferson, Lamar Greene of Richmond Community, Isabel Waters of Open High, Devin Evans of George …

Published on June 5, 2015

Georgianna Alston, 55, of Church Hill: “Being a good grandmother because my grandchildren are the love of my heart. I am grateful that my parents are still here.”

Georgianna Alston, 55, of Church Hill: “Being a good grandmother because my grandchildren are the love of my heart. I am grateful that my parents …

Published on November 24, 2018

Raymond Palmer of Henrico County, attorney: “I’m thankful for my church, Oak Grove Baptist Church in King William County, and my salvation. I’m also grateful for my law practice.”

Raymond Palmer of Henrico County, attorney: “I’m thankful for my church, Oak Grove Baptist Church in King William County, and my salvation. I’m also grateful …

Published on November 25, 2015

The big Stone Brewery beer production center is heading toward completion in the East End. Location: Williamsburg Avenue and Stony Run Road. The California-based company selected Richmond for its East Coast brewery last October. To help get the plant up and running quickly, the city has borrowed $23 million to build the factory, which the company is to repay in monthly installments over 25 years. The company is directly investing $51 million in the equipment, land and other costs. Brewing is expected to begin early next year, possibly in January. Production could top 120,000 barrels a year and could grow to 500,000 barrels a year. Up to 100 people could be employed there. Separately, the city is beginning to make plans for creating an $8 million restaurant and beer garden for Stone Brewery at the now vacant Intermediate Terminal on the riverfront. The company also would repay the city for that investment. As yet, there has been no indication on when construction of that restaurant and entertainment development might begin. Initially, work on that portion of the project was expected to begin at least two years after the brewery opening.

The big Stone Brewery beer production center is heading toward completion in the East End. Location: Williamsburg Avenue and Stony Run Road. The California-based company …

Published on December 5, 2015

“I’m listening,” new Richmond Police Chief Gerald M. Smith says at a City Hall press conference Saturday after Mayor Levar M. Stoney, right, introduced him. “My office, my phone line, my email is open to you, so let’s have a conversation.” The city’s 20th chief began work Wednesday.

“I’m listening,” new Richmond Police Chief Gerald M. Smith says at a City Hall press conference Saturday after Mayor Levar M. Stoney, right, introduced him. …

Published on July 2, 2020

Stu Ross, 43, of Lakeside: “My family. I am on my way to hang out with them for a week.”

Stu Ross, 43, of Lakeside: “My family. I am on my way to hang out with them for a week.”

Published on November 24, 2018

ON HER SIDE- Kandise Lucas, a volunteer advocate for schoolchildren with mental challenges, receives a pledge of state NAACP support Monday from Jack Gravely, interim executive director of the civil rights group. Location: The state NAACP headquarters in Richmond. The state NAACP rallied to assist Ms. Lucas after she was arrested in May for trespassing at a Chesterfield County school from which she was barred. She was handcuffed after she showed up to serve as an advocate for a special needs child at the request of the child’s parents. Ms. Lucas chose not to fight the charge in court Tuesday. She entered an Alford plea in which she maintained her innocence, but agreed the evidence was strong enough to convict her. She was placed on 12 months’ probation, with the prospect the charge could be dismissed if she is not arrested or convicted again.

ON HER SIDE- Kandise Lucas, a volunteer advocate for schoolchildren with mental challenges, receives a pledge of state NAACP support Monday from Jack Gravely, interim …

Published on July 9, 2015