Posts by PageH:
News Flash: O’Tooles is Serving LOTS of Beer for Saint Patrick’s Day
March 17th, 2010Stop by O’Toole’s which hosts one of the biggest brawls on St. Pat’s. Richard is the one wearing the straw hat, green soccer jersey and the auburn muttonchops. Stop by, say hi, he’ll be there until 4pm at least.
Is the RPS School Board Willfully Delaying Patrick Henry School?
March 16th, 2010In open enrollment for other schools in the city, if a child is admitted, their sibling is granted admission without having to go through the lottery process. The school board is not allowing siblings to have automatic admission for this first year at Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts.
The founders are resigned to not getting guaranteed spots for their children despite their years of hard work, but the sibling policy puts unnecessary hardship on families who will be the first to attend.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch is reporting that the school board has postponed this issue until March 29, although at last night’s meeting they were asked to consider the policy. The board received the admissions policy March 1 and “didn’t notice” the sibling policy. By postponing discussion until March 29th, the board has forced PH to delay in letting parents know for sure whether they have a spot in the new school or what their ranking on the waiting list is.
[Let the rant begin] It seems to me that the school board has found another issue to stall Patrick Henry by postponing discussion of this policy. Amongst other stalling measures? Not always including PH in its budget. Not coming to a lease agreement for the building so construction can be started for ADA compliance [source]. Chairwoman Kimberly Bridges will publicly say that she supports the school but every action is contrary to that statement. She’ll couch it in words of “concern” but let’s call her out on this passive-aggressive subterfuge. When the school is finally open, this school board will be remembered for its hindrances and shortsightedness when it could have helped and provided another great school to its students.
Patrick Henry Held Lottery for Student Spots
March 12th, 2010Many anxious parents and curious bystanders attended last night’s lottery held at Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts. The school received 255 applications for 150 spots and the lottery was held to establish a ranking for the applications filed. Starting with 5th grade and working down, City Council President Kathy Graziano spun the bingo hopper for 5th-3rd grades, and State Secretary of Education, Gerard Robinson took over those honors for 2nd through kindergarten.
As might be expected, there were many more applications for the lower grades, and there were emotional outcries as some children’s lottery numbers were called. Parents, whether they attended the lottery or not, will receive letters by March 20 letting them now of their spot in the classroom or on a waiting list.
You can see some news footage and reportage here:
Fisher Elementary Looking for Crafters and Sponsors
March 12th, 2010
JB Fisher Elementary PTA is deep into planning for it’s its annual Flamingo Fest. You may remember it as the Flamingo 5K,; they’ve just tweaked the name to more accurately portray all the events of the day. This year the event will be held May 22nd and will include the 5kK race,; a carnival,; silent auction,; and, new for this year, a used book sale and craft show. If you’re interested in donating an item to the auction, participating in the craft show, or sponsoring the 5kK, click through to whole article. Read the rest of this entry “
Patrick Henry Holds Lottery Drawing March 11
March 7th, 2010Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts will be holding it’s first lottery March 11, at 7pm as they received more than 250 applications for roughly 150 spots. The lottery is open to the public. The school also announced the breakdown of grades:
K – 3 classes
1st – 2 classes
2nd – 2 classes
3rd – 1 class
4th/5th combined
For more info about the lottery, click through to read the email sent to applicants. Read the rest of this entry “
City Council Votes to Name Bridge at Forest Hill Park Lake
February 23rd, 2010City Council voted 9-0 last night to name the soon-to-be-built bridge at Forest Hill Park Lake after the Harvey Family who were murdered January 1, 2006. In a separate matter they also approved the use of property at Canoe Run to be used for new fire house. via RTD
More Information About Westover Hills Library Renovation
February 22nd, 2010The Westover Hills Library Advisory Group (WHLAG) recently updated their website to include some more details about their impending renovation. Although it will be closed for a few months, the improvements are sure to be worth it. Looking at photos taken at its opening you can see that many of the fixture,s like the shelves and librarian desk, have never been updated. Here are the deets… Read the rest of this entry “
Forest Hill Park Lake On a Warm February Day
February 22nd, 2010With the temperatures in the high 50s I grabbed the kid and the camera and we headed down to the newly restored lake. Thank you to all those who worked so hard to make it happen. I hadn’t been down since the work had been completed. Gone are the orange fencing and construction vehicles. Benches and picnic areas have been added, and work is being done to put in lights. There were lots of others taking advantage of the beautiful day.
RPS Elementary and Middle Schools Closed
February 10th, 2010Elementary and Middle schools in the City of Richmond will open 2 hours late today closed, so reports everybody. via Let the prayers to the weather god, that the snow will stop soon, start now. latest update from RPS Twitter.
Gas Leak Closed Forest Hill Ave Earlier Today
January 13th, 2010The RTD is reporting that a gas leak has diverted west bound traffic on Forest Hill this morning.
The westbound lanes of Forest Hill Avenue were blocked just west of Chippenham Parkway shortly after 6 a.m. …[and] diverted onto Chippenham Parkway or turned around just west of the parkway.
The leak was found directly in front of the fire station. You may want to choose an alternate route this morning.
Update: Both lanes back up as of 8:30 according to RTD.
Restaurant Review: Croaker’s Spot in Manchester
January 11th, 2010
[photo courtesy of flickr user swhwartzray]
A Saturday night is probably not the best night to try a new restaurant but our party of three decided to give the new Croaker’s Spot in Manchester a try and boy was the joint hopping! We bellied up to the bar for our 30 minute wait and goggled at just how slammed the servers and bartenders were. Every staff member we came into contact with was extremely friendly and they really rallied to help each other but could scarcely keep up with the crowd. We watched glass after glass of home made lemonade and limeade being laboriously hand-squeezed which probably slowed down service considerably but I’d kill to have one of those on a hot day.
And then the glorious plates of food went by. Read the rest of this entry “
J.R. Pope profiled in RTD
December 30th, 2009As head of the Richmond park system, J.R. Pope has been overseeing the revitalization of Forest Hill Park Lake. If you’ve ever gotten a chance to hear the excitement in his voice when he’s talking about our parks, you know that he’s in it for the right reasons. He was profiled in RTD today:
He has a big imagination. He sees the eventual restoration of the historic Pump House as a visitors interpretative center and community venue. He can envision a reflecting pond in front of the Carillon, where one was planned but never built decades ago. He wants to restore two silted ponds in Bryan Park.
Patrick Henry School Accepting Teacher Applications
December 29th, 2009From PHSSA:
The school is looking for dynamic, innovative, qualified teachers who will help fulfill the mission of Virginia’s first charter elementary school. Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts’ mission is to establish and maintain a kindergarten through fifth-grade school based on meaningful parental, educator, and community involvement. See more about the job description and apply here.
They have a pool of candidates for the principal position and are no longer accepting applications for it. They will continue to accept student applications through February 12. Read more and download an application here.
From DPW: On-Street Parking Hindering Snow Removal
December 22nd, 2009In a case of “which came first, the chicken or the egg” comes a press release sent by the City of Richmond:
December 22 – City residents are being asked to find alternate parking when possible to facilitate snow removal in neighborhoods and subdivisions. Snow plows are unable to adequately remove the snow when there is on-street parking. For more information on city services and schedules, please visit us online at www.RichmondGov.com
Update 3:55 p.m. – Some clarification arrived in my inbox (Richard talking now) from David Hathcock on behalf of Dexter White the Director of Public Works:
I want to update you on the current status of the on-going snow and ice removal. Currently all major bridges and thoroughfares are clear or passable. However the issue is no longer snow; instead it is ice, which our snowplows are not designed to remove. As such, DPW personnel and contractors are using motorgraders and front end loaders to break up and remove the ice. We are continuing to spread salt and sand on all secondary roads to provide greater traction for vehicle traffic within neighborhoods.
Our schedule is to remove ice from neighborhoods based on solid waste collection days. Should we completed ice removal in advance of the trash pick-up, we will move into the next area.
I apologize for any inconvenience. We are putting forth every effort making the roads safe for all city residents.
Sincerely,
Dexter C. White
Director, Department of Public Works
South of the James Winter Market Gets Shout Out
December 20th, 2009Local food blog, River City Food and Wine gave a shout out to local coffee roaster, Blanchard’s Coffee and Chocolates by Kelly, which they discovered while visiting the first, and so far only, South of the James Winter Market. Does anyone have confirmation that the market will be open December 26th in its winter home at 5047 Forest Hill Avenue?
Post Office at Hioaks and Jahnke NOT Closing
December 11th, 2009Having braved the holiday crowds at our nearest Post Office, I made a point of asking the clerk when the branch was closing, as it had been previously announced. You’ll be happy to learn, that they have been removed from the list of USPS branch closings! Actually, it appears that there aren’t any Richmond area post offices on the list. Huzzah!
Sweet Little Hound Seeks a Good Home
November 30th, 2009Look into those eyes…
This sweet, shy girl was found in the fan but we just can’t resist helping her out here in the H&H. We’re big fans of those worried little eyebrows and the floppishness of her ears. Are you looking for a little extra love in your household? Read the rest of this entry “
Found: Orange and White Male Cat
November 28th, 2009
FOUND:: Orange & White cat, stumpy tail, very sweet, but I think may have some health problems–he is panting and looking upset. I’ve attached pictures, please email or call if he belongs to you: 314-2988
Found at 45th & Stonewall aves.
Huguenot Band Will Perform At 2009 Chick-fil-A Bowl in Atlanta
November 27th, 2009Congratulations! The award-winning Huguenot High School Marching Falcons Band has been invited to play at the 2009 Chick-fil-A Bowl on Dec. 31 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Read the press release here.
Band members are currently raising funds to help pay for the trip. On November 24 from 5 to 8 p.m., Tropical Smoothie Café will donate 15 percent of its sales to the band. On Dec. 10 from 5 to 8 p.m., the band will hold a special spirit night at the Stratford Hills Chick-fil-A located at 7125 Forest Hill Ave. Chick-fil-A will donate 20 percent of that evening’s receipts to the band.
Patrick Henry Auction
November 25th, 2009
So far Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts‘ auction has raised $4,759. Please help with their fund-raising goals! Check out this BEAUTIFUL hand built victorian style doll house full of furniture! Bidding starts at only $125 perfect for collectors or children 7+. Read the rest of this entry “
Forest Hill/Westover Hills Car Break-ins
November 23rd, 2009From CrimeWatch Captain Noah Rogers:
There have been several reports of car break-ins occurring in the Westover Hills/Forest Hill area over the last couple of nights.
At least 3 of the break-ins have occurred on New Kent Road.
Please remember to lock your vehicle at all times – also refrain from leaving items of value in plain sight.
If someone can look inside your vehicle and see an item such as a GPS device your are at much greater risk to have your vehicle broken into.
New Web Banner and Such
November 12th, 2009After much feet-dragging on my part and a certain amount of badgering on Richard’s part, I finally designed a new web banner for H&H and tweaked a few colors and fonts. If the site looks wonky, try refreshing the page. If it’s still really goofy let us know in the comments.
Patrick Henry School Looking for Items to Auction
November 9th, 2009Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts (PHSSA) is seeking donations of goods & services for our Online Holiday Auction, Nov 18-Dec 9. The auction will feature everything from artwork to gift cards to trips at vacation spots. Please contact us at auction@patrickhenrycharter.org if you have something to contribute. All donations are tax deductible!
Repaving on Boulevard Bridge Reduces Traffic to One Lane
November 3rd, 2009The south side of the “Nickel” bridge is finally being repaved so keep an eye out for a flag man and be prepared to stop and wait. Hopefully this repaving will reduce that “I’m about to lose my life” feeling I’d get every time I headed for the bridge as the bumps and waves sent my car careening.
Mayor Jones Outlines School Building Plan
October 22nd, 2009The Richmond Times Dispatch reported on a plan Mayor Jones presented to the school board that included plans for a new Huguenot High School, which has long been suggested.
Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones unveiled an aggressive plan to build four schools in the city by 2014 and start construction on the first in a little over a year.
Jones identified replacing Huguenot High School as a priority during a meeting last night with the Richmond School Board.
…
Jones’ administration has made $150 million available for school construction during the next five years. In addition to the high school, the city identified two elementary schools and one middle school to be constructed by 2014; construction would start on the first elementary school by December 2010.
This is a subject that pops up regularly without much movement. Stop talking and start doing! I’d also like to her more about bringing the other schools into ADA compliance. I wonder what the status of the schools in our area is?
