HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 140 Offered January 9, 2008 Prefiled January 8, 2008 Commending Juanita Blick Evans-Fells. ---------- Patron-- Dance ----------

WHEREAS, Juanita Blick Evans-Fells, a longtime educator in the Petersburg City Public Schools, has attained the distinction of becoming the first African-American female news reporter for Channel 8 News in Petersburg; and

WHEREAS, Juanita Blick Evans-Fells received her baccalaureate degree in English from Norfolk State University, two master’s degrees from Virginia State University, and pursued a doctoral degree in Rhetoric and Linguistics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, during her tenure with the Petersburg City Public Schools, she taught English and speech for 15 years and was chairperson of the school division’s English Department for eight years; and

WHEREAS, prior to her career in broadcast communications, she spent the last 17 years teaching English and writing courses at her alma mater, Virginia State University, where she also served as a liaison to bridge the gap between American and foreign professors through the Academy for Faculty Development; and

WHEREAS, in addition to her illustrious educational and historic broadcast careers, Juanita Blick Evans-Fells shares her immense talents, time, and resources with the Petersburg community and the surrounding localities, and has been called upon to serve on numerous local committees, edit local documents, write biographical sketches, conduct workshops, handle all written correspondence for various community groups and organizations, serve as the grand marshal of the annual Petersburg Parade, and deliver the keynote message at significant occasions, including the investiture of United States District Court Judge Roger Gregory; and

WHEREAS, in 1999, her book, Right Closet, Wrong Rack, was the bestseller for local authors, remaining on the bestseller list for six weeks; and

WHEREAS, as a devoted member of Zion Baptist Church in Petersburg, she currently serves as editor of the quarterly newsletter, Zion Herald News, has conducted Bible classes, has taught English in the church’s summer school program, and has served as speaker for ecclesiastical services at her church and at houses of worship throughout the surrounding area; and

WHEREAS, Juanita Blick Evans-Fells continues to serve faithfully the Virginia State University family in various capacities and to support the institution with her presence and gifts, including serving as hostess for university events and as editor for the administrative staff; and

WHEREAS, as faculty emeritus, retirement has not diminished her spirit of service to the Petersburg community or to Virginia State University, and she continues her dedicated service to the Improving the Community Committee, and to all who call upon her for assistance; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Juanita Blick Evans-Fells on her outstanding achievement as the first African-American female television news reporter in her native city, and for her faithful and generous spirit of service to the people of Petersburg and the surrounding localities; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Juanita Blick Evans-Fells as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her outstanding achievements and gratitude for her spirit of public service.

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 141 Offered January 9, 2008 Prefiled January 8, 2008 Commending William H. Kline, Jr. ---------- Patron-- Joannou ----------

WHEREAS, William H. Kline, Jr., was honored as First Citizen of Portsmouth, the city's highest award, at a banquet at the Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel and Waterfront Conference Center on May 7, 2007; and

WHEREAS, a native of Philadelphia, William "Bill" Kline graduated from Saint Joseph's University with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1959; and

WHEREAS, Bill Kline served his country in the United States Navy, and when he completed his military duty in 1963, he decided to stay in Portsmouth and try a career in real estate; he soon did quite well, and in 1964 decided to marry and start a family with his lovely wife, Sue Rowe Kline; and

WHEREAS, in the 1960s, Bill Kline was a dedicated member of the Portsmouth Jaycees, serving as a local officer and then state director, and he was honored by the organization as one of Virginia's Outstanding Young Men in 1971; and

WHEREAS, over the years, Bill Kline established and built a successful real estate business, Kline Realty, located near his residence in the Pinehurst community; and

WHEREAS, committed to continually improving the real estate profession, Bill Kline taught ethics and license law to new real estate agents for 22 years and served a term as president of the Portsmouth-Chesapeake Board of Realtors; and

WHEREAS, Bill Kline has received numerous awards for his outstanding achievements as a realtor, including the Code of Ethics Award from the Portsmouth-Chesapeake Board of Realtors in 1989, a similar honor from the Greater Hampton Roads Realtors Association in 2000, and Realtor of the Year from the Virginia Association of Realtors in 2003; and

WHEREAS, Bill Kline is the vice-chairman of the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority, a board member of Bon Secours Hampton Roads, a member and past president of the Portsmouth Sports Club, and has served as secretary for 10 years of the Portsmouth Sports Club Foundation, which gives scholarships to local student athletes; and

WHEREAS, Bill Kline has given his time and immense talent as a member of the Portsmouth School Board from 1976 to 1982, the City of Portsmouth Parks and Recreation Commission from 1984 to 1990, and the Industrial Development Authority for eight years, serving as its chairman in 2001; and

WHEREAS, always ready to help his fellow citizens in need, Bill Kline was honored as Volunteer of the Year by the Virginia Economic Development Association in 1998; and

WHEREAS, Bill Kline enjoys hunting and fishing with his son Billy Kline and son-in-law David Foster; driving his vintage 1966 Ford Mustang; or just relaxing at the beach or the mountains with Sue and his family, especially with his daughter Suzanne Foster and grandson Hunter; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend and congratulate William H. Kline, Jr., on his most deserved honor as 2007 First Citizen of Portsmouth; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to William H. Kline, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s gratitude for his commitment to his fellow residents and the Portsmouth community.