A test program starting next month by the Richmond Metro Authority will be charging .25 per person to use the bridge. The logic being that more people equal more weight thus a higher toll for a carload than a single driver. Bicyclist and walkers will also be charged this toll. New thermal detecting cameras will be installed to detect the number of bodies in a car and the total will show up on a reader board so that driver’s can see the correct amount they owe or that will be charged directly to their EZ-Pass.

One advocate was a recent visitor to Maymont who stated, “On a sunny day the park gets really, really crowded. This toll idea will be a good way to keep some of those on the other side of the river on the proper side of the river.” Merchants in Shockoe Slip and Shockoe Bottom are not as thrilled because they fear that some of the previous traffic that was using the Nickel Bridge would be diverted south and start using the Mayo Bridge. Representatives of the Merchant’s Association were quoted as saying, “You know we really already have all the business we can handle. More customers just mean more work for us and frankly we are running out of places to put all our money. Thanks but no thanks.” Richmond stated they are considering adding a toll to Mayo Bridge as well.

The program expects to be fully operational by May 1st and will run until March 1st. After March 1st a month long study will analyze the feasibility of expanding the program. The result of the feasibility study will be released April 1st 2010.

I make no secret of my love of a good beer. The fact that we have a local brewery Legend that produces some quality brews makes me happy. Sitting on the deck at Legend now that spring is springing makes me double happy. Today’s issue of Style Weekly has a story gives some background on Legend brewing. Nothing too shocking but if you visit and don’t know the story it’s worth a read.  When I was there last Sunday did see the new six packs and they look good but won’t be hitting stores for another month or so.

Our neighborhoods are blessed with beautiful trees that help our neighborhoods in so many ways. One way to show your appreciation is to go out right now and give one of the trees in your yard a big ole hug. A better alternative and one that won’t get you strange looks from the neighbors would be to head to Byrd Park this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to the Carillon where there will be Celebrate Trees! event for Arbor Day. There will be activities for the kids, workshops for the adults, music, tree climbing exhibition, exhibitors, vendors, bell concert on the Carillon and even free trees so you give a little back.

Full schedule

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Retrace Abraham Lincoln’s steps on his visit to Richmond in April 1865, just a few days after the city’s fall to Union forces. As part of the bicentennial year celebrating Lincoln’s birth, the Valentine Richmond History Center, the National Park Service, the American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar, the Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, and the Library of Virginia present a two-day program that will consider the symbolic nature of the occasion that marked both the near-end of a bloody armed conflict and the promise of freedom for enslaved African Americans.

On Saturday, April 4, at the Library of Virginia, Dr. Lucas Morel, a Lincoln scholar and professor of politics at Washington and Lee University, will discuss the origins and implications of Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Morel’s talk, “Lincoln, God, and Emancipation: A Promise Fulfilled,” starts at 2:00 PM.

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It should come as no surprise, due to current economic conditions, that the city budget is going to take some hits this year. But what’s getting hit? A public forum is going to be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 4, at the Main Library downtown. Get more details and please give us your input on the proposed budget when you click to read more. 

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There was an excellent turnout of 30-40 people at the Stone House for the meeting of the Friends of Forest Hill Park held March 31st. All were there to hear updates on subjects ranging from events at the park, the lake restoration project, the Reedy Creek Coalition and Patrick Henry School of Science and Art. Click the “more” to read all about it.

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One of the side effects of the closure of Toad’s Place is that some local bands have had to adjust their plans. Local south side band Roslyn had a sweet deal at Toad’s but that obviously changed. As always the show must go on and they are adjusting by moving the show to Alley Katz. Roslyn will be sharing the bill with Conshafter, The Battle of Me, Hope Like Fire, Rocker Knife! at this all ages show. Tickets only $10. Get out there and support your local rocker. Things kick off at 6:00 p.m. on Apr 7, 2009.

Chunk is an awesome name.

Chunk is a neutered male (green linetattoo), American Pit Bull Terrier about 10-11 months  old who is up to date on all vaccines. He was lost in Fredricksburg area while on a trial period prior to adoption. Ring Dog Rescue and foster parent were not notified for 2 days so he could be anywhere including making his way back to Richmond. Chunk is good with other dogs and great with people. Will come to you when called and is a very happy healthy boy. If seen or found please contact  Ring Dog Rescue at 804-363-2943 or 804-928-8138 or email: ringdog@ringdogrescue.org. If you cannot hold on to the dog please take him to a local shelter and notify us asap!!!!! Thank you and please circulate to any and all who may see him between here and Fredricksburg.

Ring Dog Rescue is a great organization be sure to check out their website to learn more about the work they are doing to help some misunderstood breeds.

Our local libraries in Forest Hill and Bon Air will be directly affected if the new budget by Mayor Jones is passed and the Main Library will be hit the hardest. We were passed along the following letter and wanted to share it with people in the Hills and Heights community.

Dear Richmond Public Library Supporter:

As you know, Mayor Jones has released his proposed operating budget for the City of Richmond for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2009. The proposed budget includes two significant reductions to Richmond Public Library services, and I want to give you some background on these proposed reductions.

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Someone asked Street Beat the question that has often been on my mind. What’s up with joggers in the road on Forest Hill Avenue?  I can understand it between Powhite and Stratford Hills where there is no side walk but why when there is a sidewalk?  I truly don’t understand the runners who run side by side on the road. Don’t they realize I am in a hurry to get my country ham, egg and cheese sandwich at Paradise?

Q:There is a problem with people jogging in the street on Forest Hill Avenue early in the morning. Why the street? They are sometimes two or three abreast and you have to move over to keep from hitting them.

Recently, during heavy fog, I almost did hit them.

There are sidewalks there — why in the world don’t they use them? — C.H.

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Trail by Pony Pasture

Thanks to Sheri from the Woodland Heights yahoo group for posting this:

For those of you that enjoy using James River Park for hiking, bird watching, biking, kayaking, walking, etc., you may want to consider becoming involved in the Park Watch program this season. It is a great way to help out while enjoying your favorite park activities!

Park Watch volunteers assist in protecting the park by helping visitors, reporting problems, and maintaining safe conditions in the park. If you think you might be interested, please come to an informational meeting this Wednesday, April 8 at 6:30 PM at the Visitor Center (@ Reedy Creek entrance).

Or pass this information along to someone you think would like to get involved.

What a wonderful opportunity for the neighborhoods that border the JR park system to show their support and help make the park more enjoyable for all.

From local CrimeWatch Captain Noah Rogers.

A Westover Hills resident has reported that her house was broken into today sometime between the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The break-in occurred in the 4600 block of Forest Hill Avenue , several houses east of the Bank of America building. Entry to the residence was made through the backdoor. The only items removed from the residence where 2 computers. The residence was not equipped with an alarm system.

Please be aware that residential break-ins commonly occur during daytime hours.

Be aware of suspicious people and vehicles passing through our area during the day. Take special note of people or vehicles traveling through or stopped in our alleys. Alleys can be used to provide cover and concealment for thieves.

If you do see anything or anyone that appears suspicious in nature please call 911 immediately!

If you have any questions or comments please contact me at noahrogers@comcast.net or 310-2648/358-8340.

The actual event is two weeks away (Sunday April 19 * 11am – 4pm * Plant Zero) but the vendors for the Spring Bada-Bing craft show have been announced. I have gone the past 3 years and always come away with a gift or two.  One of my favorites that is returning My Precious Studio.  I think I will have to buy a Tinysaur from Everything Tiny. My fat fingers will make building him an extra challenge.

image from the link above: Kellbot (Tiny Images) buy her stuff

Interested in the canidates for Richmond Sheriff? If so just head over to the Southside Community Service Center on 4100 Hull Street at 6:30 tonight. Incumbent C.T. Woody and challenger Antionette V. Irving will be in attendance.

Did you make it to the South of the James Farmer’s Market last year? This popular Saturday event starts back up may 2 at the picnic shelters at Forest Hill Park and I’m unduly excited. It’s all so good. We like to get there early on a Saturday and grab a latte and some breakfast. If you’re patient, Tex’s smoked hamburgers make a fabulously awesome (although possibly heart-clogging) brunch. Click through to see a partial list of vendors put together by the Market Umbrella.

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GOP gubernatorial nominee Bob McDonnell’s and Greg Scanlon, a 26-year-old Research Director for the Democratic Party of Virginia will soon be sitting down to dinner at Positive Vibe. The reason is not a clandestine sharing of sensitive politico insider information. There will not be envelopes of money exchanged. The reason for this meeting is the result of a bouncing ball.

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This fundraiser for Bon Air Elementary takes place Saturday April 18, 2009 and features the following:

• 5K Run/Walk
• 1 Mile Fun Run
• 100 Yard Dash
• Healthy Living Fair with music, food and fun activities

Main website – Registration -  Course

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I love it when somebody does all the hard work so I don’t have to.  Fan District Hub has complied a list of links that cover the Shockoe Center Development both pro and con, traditional media and bloggers. Check it out here.

Lt. Scott Booth of the Richmond Police has released his March report for Sector 312. The overall picture is a case of good news and bad news. On the good news front our area saw a 55% decrease in violent crime. If we take the 1st Quarter as a whole we see an overall reduction of 29% in violent crime, a 10% reduction in property crime and 12% reduction in overall crime. Now for the bad news; residential burglaries for this month were up 27% and theft from motor vehicle climbed 31%.

Another tidbit from the report. Sector 312 Officer Roger Yutzey was on patrol in the Westover Hills neighborhood when he spotted Jamar Claiborne breaking the front glass of the 48 Hour Convenience Store. The suspect fled and was quickly arrested by responding units. The suspect is thought to be connected with 4 prior break-ins to businesses in the same neighborhood during 2009.

Full Report: community-report-sector-312-march-2009

If I hadn’t failed to charge my camera’s battery before our trip to Maymont this week, you’d see a lovely photo of a moon bounce right here. Maymont continues to offer lots of fun activities through Friday this week including aforementioned moon bounce, petting zoo, hay rides and other assorted fun.

MONDAY-FRIDAY, APRIL 6-10, 2009
Spend spring break week at Maymont! Indoor exhibits including Maymont Mansion and the Nature Center will be open 12-5pm (even on Monday, when they are usually closed), and there will be something fun to do every day! Some programs require advance registration. For information, call 804-358-7166, ext. 310.

One found dog on Craig’s List from a Tuesday post
[UPDATE: this doggie has been joyfully reunited with his family]

Found—older dog—maybe some type of beagle mix—appears to have cataracts and appears to be hard of hearing. New pink harness—so I know she belongs to someone and is missed dearly. She was walking down the middle of Forest Hill Ave near Powhite Parkway. Please contact me if this is your dog or if you know who she belongs to—I know she wants to get back to familiar surroundings.  Reply to: comm-jqwbz-1112276368@craigslist.org

Still Missing

Chunk & Sally. Sally’s family is very desperate to get her back and have been posting nearly daily on Craig’s List and have offered a $2oo reward.

WHNA meeting is tonight,  Thursday, April 9, at 7 p.m., in the library at the Westover Hills United Methodist Church. Any Westover Hills resident is welcome to come!

Chocolates By Kelly, Photo by Page.H

Did you know we have a professional confectioner right here in Westover Hills? Chocolates by Kelly is located in Blanchard’s coffee at 5047 Forest Hill Avenue. Most days you can find Kelly Walker whipping up cordials and truffles that will send you over the moon. This week she’s been busy whipping up delightful chocolate bunnies and chocolate-dipped marshmallow chicks. Her peanut butter cups are insanely yummy.

Kelly also offers candy-making classes so you can learn some classic candy processes and keep the delicious treats you make!

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