Monthly Archives: March 2016

In Monroe Park Saturday

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VCU holds its 2016 Intercultural Festival. With the tagline “Uniquely United”, the ICF happens April 2nd from 1-6pm in Monroe Park.

Join us for live entertainment, cultural activities, and food from around the world!

Also in Monroe Park, at 2pm, the group ASWAN is holding a third community forum on the south edge of the park.

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For more information, a recap of forum #2, printable flyers, and more, check out ASWAN’s website:
http://www.aswan-rva.org/2016/03/31/weekend-of-32-community-forum-art-making-meeting/

Urban Wildlife Camera Project

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From Science in the Park webpage:

In the spring of 2014, we set out to catalog the biodiversity, or the number of different species, found within the James River Park System. Healthy and diverse habitats support healthy and diverse groups of plants and animals, but the animals in our park can be elusive and often go unseen. To catch them on video, we set out special “game cameras” that record a video when triggered remotely by motion or temperature. Scientists use these cameras to track and monitor wildlife or to record how a species behaves, and our animal friends did not disappoint! For almost a year, we recorded hundreds, if not thousands, of videos that reveal the animals that call our park home — some common and others that may surprise you …!

If you enjoy these photos and videos, you may want to join the Urban Wildlife_JRPS FaceBook page to stay updated with the latest…

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Trash/Recycling Pickup Tomorrow

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This Wednesday is a red Wednesday, which means trash and recycling pickup.

Ideally, rolling recycling containers are stored and deployed in the back alleys along with trash cans. Please make sure you pick up containers after pickup tomorrow night.

If you have not done so already, don’t forget to sign up for your Recycling Perks.

In order to take your recycling to the next level, read this: 10 ways to improve your recycling.

In recycling news, a Colorado University-Boulder research team has found a way to recycle carbon-fiber composites by simply soaking the composite in an organic solution at room temperature.
Read more: http://www.environmentalleader.com/2016/02/19/strong-lightweight-and-recyclable-has-this-startup-discovered-the-holy-grail-of-carbon-fiber-composites/#ixzz44KwU7xDV

City Offers CERT Training In April

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From City press release:

The City’s Office of Emergency Management is hosting an April Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Recruit Training session. The free 20-hour CERT session is scheduled for April 9, April 16, and April 23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. All training sessions will be held at the Richmond Fire and Emergency Service Headquarters, 201 East Franklin Street. Participants must attend all three days of training to receive certification.

In the aftermath of a disaster when people feel compelled to help their community and neighbors, the skills that the CERT program teaches become invaluable. The City’s Office of Emergency Management maintains a robust CERT program, which has many active members that assist during non-emergency events. The 20 hour CERT training program educates participants about disaster preparedness and hazards that may impact their area. The program trains individuals in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Participants train alongside members of their community who will be part of their CERT Team, as well as with participants from other communities. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT sessions are taught by the Office of Emergency Management, Richmond Fire Department and the Richmond Police Department.

To register for the April CERT training session, call (804) 646-2504 or visit www.RichmondGov.com/fire/EM_Cert.aspx. The registration form may be downloaded at http://www.richmondgov.com/fire/documents/CERT2016RegistrationForm.pdf.

A fall 2016 CERT training session is scheduled for Aug. 13, Aug. 20, and Aug. 27.

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VCU-Community Meeting on the Gladding Residence Center Capital Project On April 5th

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From VCU Division of Community Engagement:

Tuesday, April 5
West Grace Street Student Housing – South
835 W. Grace St., Room 1004a
5:30 – 6:30 PM

VCU invites its neighbors to a meeting on April 5 to discuss VCU’s current capital project, Gladding Residence Center, located at 711 W. Main St. This project is part of VCU’s Housing Master Plan and is a public-private partnership between VCU and American Campus Communities. An article on the project appeared in the RTD on February 29.

This will be VCU’s fifth meeting with community members since May 2015. Project designs have evolved, thanks in large part to the community’s feedback. Thank you for your continued participation.

If you plan to attend, kindly RSVP at http://goo.gl/forms/4R8WiUcPVE

Homeless Concerned About Monroe Park Closure

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Television station WRIC has a news story on how homeless advocates are still trying to find temporary solutions for the announced, upcoming closure of Monroe Park for renovations.

Excerpt:

Without the safety of Monroe Park, things become even more difficult for the city’s homeless.

“It’s a place where people find community, so we’re trying to move (food & clothing) services to another location,” Izen said.

Some are pushing for Abner Clay Park to become a temporary gathering space, although the proposal has been met with opposition from some who live, work and worship nearby.

“Whatever we do, we need to make sure we still have those services including tree canopy and bathrooms,” said Izen.

There will be a public forum on Saturday, March 26 at Monroe Park to get the relocation plan moving forward. The meeting will start at 2pm.