The Richmond Times Dispatch is reporting that the James River Park system will be receiving more money to help hire seasonal workers.

Given some of the recent events, this is welcome news. Still, citizens should recognize opportunites to volunteer.

This Tuesday evening there are two meetings of note (actually, I am sure there are more than that, but two are what my brain is currently handling).

One is a national health care policy symposium held on the VCU academic campus. Unlike some earlier meetings on health care, this one will actually include more view points than just ‘the public option’ one that the Obama administration is pushing. Its being held by a group called United Virginia.
Please click here for more information.

The second one is for the City’s Fifth ‘Central’ District, hosted by City Councilperson Marty Jewell. It is from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Southside Comunity Services Center (4100 Hull Street). On the agenda are presentation on the new stormwater utility, crime report, traffic calming issues, and more.

Last night, before going over to the Pleasants Park movie, I checked out the last Friday Cheers concert of the season on Brown’s Island. Here’s Toubab Krewe picking a groove-

This morning I joined some other community bloggers on a tour of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. I have mentioned before the Grace Arents- Ginter connection. Anyway, as the pictures below attest, it was pretty fun. Please keep the Lewis Ginter in mind for future excursions- they have an urban farming forum coming up on August 4th. Thanks to Jonah for the tour!

This first picture is of Jonah leading tour. It is in front of a “demonstration garden” for a much larger planting that is designed to produce 10,000 pounds of veggies for the Richmond Food Bank. (It’s easy to volunteer to help with this effort!)

Food blogger ('Carmalized Opinions')/activist Jason Guard and his kid Jasper in the butterfly exhibit.

I didn't think this kid was going to eat the butterfly, but better safe than sorry.

It was stuck in the mud. Looks like a number ‘4′ key. Might belong to the Federal Reserve, given all the funny money they have been printing lately.

Oregon Hill pickup soccer freaks. Small field. The Blue Wall of Death. Downtown Expressway. What more do you want?

Community Movie Night
Friday, June 26 at 8:45 P.M.
Pleasants Park
Inkheart
Refreshments served: Hotdogs, chips, and beverage

Oregon Hill resident Silver Persinger continues to cover AND challenge City Council. This time he takes on a topic dear to other Oregon Hill residents- water rates!

I spoke in opposition to ordinances 2009-113 and 2009-114 which exempt 836 residential water customers [ most who live in the "affluent first district," Mr. Tyler's district ] from higher water rates for having water meters larger than 5/8 inch.

DPU conducted a survey of over 200 of the 836 households and found that they all had appropriate sized meters for the type and number of water fixtures used by the customer. 93% of the 836 households [ 777 ] would have had to pay less than $20 a month additionally on their monthly water bill.

Police report:

Aggravated Assault, 6/22/09, 9:25 pm, Belle Island, A male reported he was assaulted by three unkown males.

The Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association (OHNA) meets tonight, as it does almost every fourth Tuesday of the month, at the William Byrd Community House (WBCH) at 7 pm. Lt. Baltz of the Fourth District police has indicated that she will try to attend. I have invited Mr. Bolling, director of the WBCH, to come and share WBCH plans. We will also discuss National Night Out and other upcoming events.