High-five for the new school year-Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Dana T. Bedden greets third-graders at J.B. Fisher Elementary School on South Side with high-fives on Tuesday, the first day of school. RPS officials reported a mostly smooth back-to-school launch for the nearly 24,000 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grades.

Okra blossom in South Side

Party with politics- Labor Day marks the kickoff of the political season. And for the 39th year, politics was the main dish at Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott’s annual Labor Day picnic at his family home in Newport News. Lt. Gov. Ralph S. Northam, who is planning a run for governor in 2017, addresses the crowd, with Attorney General Mark Herring, Rep. Scott and state Sen. Mamie Locke, chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, nearby.

Party with Politics-The event drew nearly 1,000 people, including more than 50 politicians from around the state. Many already hold elected office and are seeking re-election, while others are running for seats ranging from the Virginia House of Delegates to county sheriff and school board. At left, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, pumps up the crowd, with his wife, state Secretary of Education Anne Holton, looking on.

Party with Politics- Also enjoying the event are Norfolk State University President Eddie N. Moore and event volunteer Cheryl Ivey Green, executive assistant to Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones.

Party with Politics - Rep. Scott’s niece, Marcia Price, worked the crowd. She is running for the 95th District House seat in Newport News. With her are her mother, Valerie Scott Price, and Judith C. Anderson of Richmond, former deputy secretary of the commonwealth.

West End neighborhood reunion-Music, dancing, food and fun reigned Monday at the annual West End Reunion in Byrd Park. Brenda Davies and Phillip Brown dance to the sounds of Tin Man and the Band

West End neighborhood reunion-Daniel Waller handles the grill.

West End neighborhood reunion- Hundreds of people turned out for the event, which also was rocked by Malcolm “DJ Mac” Epps Jr., on the turntable.

Well-heeled, ready for school- Deontay Wilkerson tries on new Converse sneakers Monday at Second Baptist Church on South Side with the help of volunteer Rugby Baker.

Well-heeled, ready for school- Hundreds of youngsters and their families benefited from New Shoes for Back To School, a ministry started by Third Street Bethel AME Church. The project is now shared by 13 area churches to get youngsters ready for the school year with a new pair of shoes. Lines already had formed when the doors opened 8 a.m. on Labor Day.