Miles Jones Elementary students react as a Virginia Army National Guard helicopter lands on school grounds during Red Ribbon Week celebrations on Oct. 29.

The event featured demonstrations from the National Guard, the Richmond Police K-9 Unit, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and Richmond Fire and Emergency Services.

Glorious gourds of the season

Mayor Levar M. Stoney left, issues a proclamation making Oct. 27 Mama J’s Day while the Johnson Family joins him on stage. They are from left, co-owners Velma and Lester Johnson, his wife, Yolanda Johnson, and their daughter Lena.

Hundreds attend the block party celebration on 1st Street between Clay and Marshall to commemorate Mama J’s restaurant’s 15 years in Jackson Ward.

Sandra Tatum displays some of the food served at the block party. The menu featured Soul Food and Southern cuisine.