Posts by Richard.H:
- To keep all trash picked up in the yard
- Secure and to lock trash cans. Trash containers should have secure lids and should preferably be placed on cinder blocks or some type of raised base
- To remove pet food from the yard, especially cat food. Possums and some wildlife animals are particularly fond of cat food. Read the rest of this entry “
Rape Reported at 400 Block of WH Blvd
March 19th, 2010From RTD;
Police were called to a South Richmond apartment this morning to investigate a reported rape.
A woman told police she had been assaulted about 5 a.m. at an apartment in the 400 block of Westover Hills Boulevard.
The alleged assault was reported about 7 a.m.
Dogfish Tasting at Once Upon a Vine
March 19th, 2010Tonight, Once Upon a Vine is not messing around with their beer tasting. They will have Devin from Dogfish Head tasting Red and White, Black and Blue, Indian Brown, Raison D’etre, 90 min, and Burton Baton. If you haven’t had Dogfish Head before you should stop by. The 90 Minute IPA is a hopkick to the head, Raison D’etre is crazy complicated and I haven’t tried the others. If you are a hophead go to Bottom’s Up Pizza. They just tapped their keg of Bell’s Hopslam but keep that information between you and me.
There will be wine tasting as well with Chuck tasting Villa Sorono Pinot Noir and Grigio, Dragani Montepulciano D’Abruzzo, and La Garia Chardonnay. As usual I know nothing about the wines.
Tax Credit Workshop for Renovations
March 19th, 2010Great event that is being sponsored by Historic Forest Hill Neighborhood that are working diligently to have Forest Hill receive historic designation. If you are considering some renovations on your home you should definitely check out this workshop.
Join us for a Tax Credit Workshop for Renovations – discover whether or not your next project could be eligible for tax credits.
Sponsored by: Historic Designation Committee
Presented by: Nancy Kraus, Historic Preservationist
When: Saturday, April 10th, 10 a.m.-12 a.m.
Where: Forest Hill Presbyterian Church
Please let us know if you plan to attend – [click here to send an email]
Forest Hill Park Lake Regatta May 22nd
March 18th, 2010
The Forest Hill Regatta will be a celebration of our revitalized lake in Forest Hill Park. There will be remarks by local politicians including; City Council President Kathy Graziano, Mayor Dwight C. Jones, and Director of Parks & Recreation J. R. Pope and then the dedication of Harvey Family Memorial Bridge. After that the all activity will be focused on the lake. A variety of races will stun and amaze whether it will be the dog swim, the RC boats or the battle royale of neighborhood associations. The events start at 2 p.m. and wrap up around 4:30 p.m. I am sure that more than a few might bring a picnic and stay a bit longer. As always these great events can’t take place without volunteers and if you would like to help out please email Robley Jones. We will post another announcement or two leading up to the big day.
Full Schedule of Events
If you want to participate in the regatta go here for the entry form.
Long Time Resident Melvin Allen Passed Away
March 18th, 2010This was forwarded to me and I wanted to share with the community.
“Neighborhood Historian”, Melvin Allen had a heart attack and left us. Melvin was an original Forest Hill native, a never-ending source of stories and history of our neighborhood.
ALLEN, Melvin Cecil, 90, of Richmond, died March 16, 2010. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 40 years, Margaurette Allen; and his brother, Wilton Allen. Survivors include two nephews, Dennie Allen and Douglas Blaylock Sr.; and other extended family members. Mr. Allen was a dedicated Christian and longtime member of Woodland Heights Baptist Church. He was a retired draftsman for the City of Richmond. His remains rest at the Huguenot Chapel of Woody Funeral Home, 1020 Huguenot Road, where the family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday. Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Woodland Heights Baptist Church.
Unwanted Animal Visitors
March 18th, 2010Today reminds us that spring is fast approaching. As the temperatures increase so does the activity of critters. A partial list of what you may see besides the usual cat and dog include opossums, raccoons, wild rabbits, birds, squirrels, skunks, foxes, coyotes, snakes, and deer. Below is a list of what Animal Control recommends to help deter unwanted guests. Put any of your own secrets in the comments. I know we are going to break some of this rules since we want to attract birds.
Get Your Scooter Ready For Spring
March 18th, 2010Just saw on Twitter that Scoot Richmond is hosting a free clinic this Saturday from 10 – 12 to get your scooter ready for spring. Now time for a gratuitous scooter picture.
Not sure where I snagged the photo if someone knows drop me a line and I’ll give credit where credit is due.
Census Job Recruitment at WH Library Sat. & Mon.
March 17th, 2010If you need a temporary job and want to make sure RVA is correctly counted for the 2010 Census you have a chance to apply for a job with the US Census. The information the census collects helps to determine how more than $400 billion dollars of federal funding each year is spent so it is important that everyone is counted. More reasons on why the census matters.
Job Details
2010 Census Jobs in Richmond pay $18/hr.
Recruiting ends soon—Sign Up Now!
City of Richmond Residents Only. Temporary positions, flexible scheduling.
Westover Hills Library 1408 Westover Hills Blvd
Saturday, March 20, 1 pm
Monday, March 22, 1 pm and 5 pm
What to Bring? ID: Drivers license and Social Security Card, birth certificate or passport.
Call 804 916-5460 for other sessions and information
Upcoming Community Forums on the City Budget
March 17th, 2010March 24 – Franklin Military Academy – 6 – 8 p.m.
March 25 – Westover Hills Elementary School – 6 – 8 p.m.
March 29 – Richmond Public Library – 6 – 8 p.m. (Main Branch)
Mayor Jones wants you to come and share your priorities for the 2011 budget. This is the Fourth District’s chance to let him know what is important in this district, whether it is RE tax rate, the stormwater utility, leaf collection, street paving, schools or social programs.
Roxie The Dog Is Missing In Forest Hill
March 16th, 2010
From Craigslist;
roxie ran away on sat. march 13, 2010. we have tried the shelters, vets and police and no luck! :( please help bring her home
Reply to: manda_panda8@sprint.blackberry.net
Forest Hill Park Trail Care – March 20th
March 16th, 2010The good folks of Richmond MORE are organizing this one;
When: Saturday, March 20th – 9:00am to 4:00pm (come for whatever portion of the day you can spare. Even one hour is a big help.)
Where:
Meet in the back of Patrick Henry School (parking is available in the PH lot.) Work will be concentrated on the trails on the eastern side of FH Park. NOTE: If you arrive after the 9am, that’s OK, just head into the park behind the school and look for the trail workers.
Bring: Water, work gloves, and sturdy shoes, and a small snack.
For questions or more information, contact Wayne Goodman at goodmanw@verizon.net or at 804-357-7425.
If weather does not cooperate, a cancellation notice will be posted by 8:00am on Saturday in the News section of the Richmond MORE website: www.richmond-more.org.
Friends of Forest Hill Park Meeting 3/23
March 16th, 2010The next regular meeting of the Friends of Forest Hill Park will be held on Tuesday, March 23, at 7 p.m. at the Stone House. Anyone interested in what’s going on in Forest Hill Park is welcome to attend.
Tree Down Blocking WH Blvd & Evelyn Byrd
March 15th, 2010
A tree is down blocking the road on the East side of Westover Hills Blvd on Evelyn Byrd. Pictures sent in by Martin who lives on Evelyn Byrd. Thanks Martin.
Patrick Henry to Speak at School Board Meeting on Sibling Issue
March 15th, 2010From Patrick Henry email;
Dear Families,
Thank you to those of you that attended our lottery event on Thursday. We are diligently working to reconcile the data based on the rank given to students on the lottery night. But, we still have one outstanding issue that needs to be resolved regarding pre-lottery status with siblings. We hope to get feedback from our Local Education Authority, Richmond Public School Board, this week. We will be attending the RPS Board meeting tonight to present our need for quick resolution on this issue.
We know that many of you applied to PHSSA so that all of your children could attend the same school. That has been the intention all along, if one sibling is accepted, that the other siblings receive pre-lottery status. We are going to do everything we can to work with with Richmond Public Schools since families are the foundation of Patrick Henry School. We hope that you understand and stand behind us to find resolution.
We encourage you to join us at the RPS meeting tonight, Monday, March 15th at 6 pm at City Hall during the public information comments period (http://newweb.richmond.k12.va.us/administration/school-board/public-info-period.aspx) to express your support for Patrick Henry. It is important for the RPS School Board to continue to hear that this school was created by the community and will thrive because the community supports it.
Thank you,
Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts Board of Directors
Fire at George Wythe High School
March 15th, 2010RTD;
Fire officials are reporting a fire in a girls’ bathroom at George Wythe High School in South Richmond.
“Some of the staff there have been overcome by smoke,” said Richmond fire Lt. Shawn L. Jones.
The building has been evacuated.
Jones did not have additional information about the incident at the school on Crutchfield Street near Midlothian Turnpike and Westover Hills Boulevard.
Will update if we hear more.
Update: A security officer and a student were hospitalized with non life threatening injuries.
Do You Live in a Hyland House?
March 15th, 2010Reposting from Historic Forest Hill;
Frederick “Bud” Hyland, a protege of Frank Lloyd Wright, designed a number of houses in the Forest Hill neighborhood. We’ve identified 2 of them; if you know of additional Hyland homes in the community, please let us know so we can include that information in our historic district nomination.
Mimi Sadler, an architect and historican who lives In Woodland Heights was kind enough to provide us with this article on Hyland’s work (click to download pdf).
Historic Forest Hill is working to help the Forest Hill Neighborhood get placed in the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register.
Reedy Creek Watershed Protection Audit Part I
March 15th, 2010In the interest of improving the environment and our yard we are working with the folks of the Reedy Creek Coalition to do an audit of our yard. In the simplest of terms this is a two part process. Part I, which is what this post is about consists of trained volunteers taking measurements, asking questions, taking soil samples, and a visual inspection of the property.
What is the Reedy Creek Coalition? That question is best answered by the Coalition from their Pre-Audit Information.pdf or check out our previous posts on the Reedy Creek Coalition.
The Reedy Creek Coalition is committed to restoring the health and beauty of Reedy Creek through education, training, and collaboration with all residents and users of the Reedy Creek Watershed and its natural resources. Healthy watersheds are an integral part of vibrant, healthy communities. We also strongly encourage water conservation and other landscape practices that help restore the natural ecosystems that contribute to a healthy watershed.
Find out more about the first part of our Audit after the break. Read the rest of this entry “
Forest Hill Park Jump
March 14th, 2010
This is Paula's jump. Head to the website to read why and to see many other jumps and add your own.
Jump. Because. is a website that shows people jumping. Why? Just because or as the website says;
We have found that jumping leads to laughter…
It is our hope that with this project, the jumping will be passed on and that others will feel the joy of the jump. We want to share your jumping pictures and hear your jumping stories.
What is a jumping story? It’s your “I jump because…” statement: the inspiration for your jump.
Storm Water Utility Opponents Meet Monday
March 13th, 2010The following was forwarded to me and wanted to share with the community. Southside Richmond has the full text of the letter including their demands, which include an apology form the mayor, city council and “city hall”.
A group of homeowners, business people and church members along Broad Rock Blvd are addressing an unfunded mandate from DEQ, EPA, etc.
A tax called THE STORM WATER UTILITY FEE passed on to Richmonders by city council and the mayor in May of 2009. All involved parties have been invited.
March 15, 6:30 Second Baptist Church. 3300 Broad Rock Blvd. (Old Winn-Dixie).
All concerned are invited to make their voice heard.
A second trip to City Hall on the 22 is planned to present petitions to abolish this grievous burden.
Beer Lessons at Once Upon a Vine
March 12th, 2010Almost forgot to post this but saw a reminder on Anne Soffee’s Facebook page.
Chris from Loveland will be at Once Upon a Vine, showing everyone how to pour some Guinness mixers for St. Patty’s Day. Black and Tan-Smithwicks and Guinness, Half and Half-Harp and Guinness, Snakebite-Guinness and Cider. I heard unconfirmed rumors that they will be giving away some spoons if you buy some Guinness. If you don’t know what I mean by “spoon” and what that has to do with Guinness you need to get to Once Upon a Vine.
Of course there will be wine as well. Don will be there tasting Via Veneto Pinot Grigio, Casatia Monticello Dolcetto D’Asti, Reverdy Cote du Rhone Blanc and Rogue.
Shout out to Anne who will be at Book People at 5 for a Richmond Noir Open House. In case you didn’t know Anne has a story in Richmond Noir and you should check it out. It is on my list.
Shots Heard Near Ashton Square Apartment
March 12th, 2010From an email I received;
Early this morning at 3:45am (3/12/10) I heard three gun shots outside of my apartment near the Ashton Square apartments and called 911 immediately. They sent cops out to investigate. The gun sounded like a small handgun – a revolver perhaps – there was a slight two second pause between the second and third shot. It had that distinct “crack” – not much of an echo. It sounded loud enough to be less than a block away.
I was sound asleep and the first shot woke me up and made my cats jump out of bed. Then I heard the other two. I looked out the window for a little while but I didn’t see or hear anything more after that. No screams – no talking. My window was open the entire night last night – so it sounded even louder.
This has happened before – the last time I heard eight rounds, sounded more like a gun with a clip. The rounds shot were closer together that time – and that was earlier in the fall maybe around midnight and the sound was definitely farther away that time.
In both cases – cops came around to investigate but I’ve not heard of anything that came of it – never ended up on the news.
Do you know if anyone else heard the gun last night?
RTD On Greenways & Southside Rails To Trails
March 12th, 2010RTD takes a look at the efforts to improve our already great system of trails that criss-cross the city. The bit I found extremely interesting and a bit depressing was on the attempt to turn some abandoned rails into a trail that will connect with Forest Hill Park.
The 3.5-mile path would run from Cofer Road near Jeff Davis Highway to an area behind George Wythe High School. There it would connect with the proposed Reedy Creek Greenway, which would follow the creek north through Forest Hill Park and down to the James River Park trails.
“It’s a healthy thing for kids to get out on these trails,” Conner said. “You don’t have to sit in front of the TV all day long and eat. From a health standpoint, we owe it to our kids.”
But the challenges are real and many. The first is funding. Burrell said the city was turned down for a $100,000 state grant that would have gone toward the Reedy Creek Greenway. And Conner said the city and CSX have yet to work out a price for the old rail line, a number that is almost certain to be over $1 million. That’s a large chunk of change in these strapped times.
Another challenge is convincing private landowners to allow greenways to cross their property. One of the keys to that is the creation of a recreational trail easement – something currently being discussed among city leaders – that would protect landowners from any liability if a trail user was to get hurt while on private property.
Previous post that includes and map.
Changes To City Animal Control Meeting Resistance
March 12th, 2010Two blogs are speaking up about proposed changes to reassign Richmond Animal Care and Control from the Department of General Services to be under Public Works. The local SPCA has some compelling arguments on why the Richmond Animal Care and Control should be placed under the Richmond Police Department.
I believe it is crucially important that RAC&C be reassigned to the Police Department. Rationale for my opinion, and that of the Richmond SPCA, includes:
• RAC&C serves an important public safety function, and citizens rely on it to respond promptly and effectively to emergency calls.
• The division is responsible for investigating and aiding in the prosecution of animal-related crimes, most notably dog fighting and animal abuse and neglect.
• As a public safety agency, its resources and staffing levels must be protected from debilitating reductions floated or mandated during difficult budget years.
• Public Works has no similarity to or understanding of the functions of animal control.
• The prevailing assignment of animal control divisions in the state and across the country is Police due in large part to the many synergies that naturally exist among public safety agencies.
• Reassignment to Police would impart a valuable level of credibility and respect to the crucial functions of RAC&C.
Also check out the Southside Richmond Blog who is a bit more direct.
If you weren’t aware, dog fighting rings in the Southside have been abated in the past. Can an agency that has no legal authority to authorize an arrest or direct connection to the police really manage this problem any better than it has snow and leaf removal? Perhaps the result would be something like this: “Pardon us, would you kindly stop gambling, killing dogs, and housing violent animals or we’ll have to write a civil citation.”
Contact the Mayor
Contact City Council Members
Possible Lost Cat Spotted
March 11th, 2010This was emailed to me this evening;
All winter a wooly white cat with a black-tipped tail has wandered in the general area of the 1500 blocks of Cedar Lane and West 45th St. It doesn’t appear to have a home, seems well-fed, is skittish around people, doesn’t seem to have a collar, and has had several near-miss encounters with neighborhood dogs and several larger cats. So far, I’ve not been able to determine whether it has an owner. In any event, I’m concerned about its well-being and wonder whether anyone owns it or knows who does.
South Of The James Farmer’s Market Update
March 11th, 2010Okay, it’s 51 days until the opening of the South of the James Market, so it’s time to work on our shopping list. Victory Farms expects to have Kale, salad greens, beets and carrots, and whatever else a warm spring might give us. Cavanna’s pasta a will be ready with their usual line of pastas and sauces, and Phal’s egg rolls will be ready. At Amy’s Garden, look for salad greens, kales and chards, Japanese turnips and French radishes, heirloom and hard to find vegetable bedding plants, and of course, cut flowers.
From time to time until the market opens, we will be sending updates on what to expect at the market. The Market Umbrella has received more than 90 applications from vendors, many more than the market can accommodate, but it’s a clear sign that growers and crafters, buyers and lookers, know where to go on Saturday morning.
Thanks to David Hathcock for the update. Also remember you can get your market fix on Friday’s with the Farm to Family bus on the corner of Westover Hills and Forest Hill and on Saturdays at the Winter Farmer’s Market in the Blanchard’s Coffee parking lot.
