Happy Birthday and Congratulations, WRIR!

And, congratulations to former Oregon Hill resident and WRIR founder Chris Maxwell, as well as other founders, many who are still part of the Oregon Hill community.

WRIR, 97.3 FM, Richmond’s alternative community radio station, celebrated five years of being on the air last night at the Renaissance Center on Broad Street as part of First Friday festivities. Of course the winter storm dampened much of the rest of First Friday, but WRIR leadership bravely went ahead and held their party and were rewarded by a crowd that enjoyed one of the few Richmond events not canceled last night.

Here is local band Amazing Ghost rocking the ballroom:
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Henderson Appointed To School Board

It was announced last month that Oregon Hill resident Maurice Henderson was planning to run for the 5th District seat of the Richmond City School Board. Now, this month, Henderson was appointed to the Board to fill out the rest of departing Board representative’s term. Henderson has told supporters that he still plans to stand for election to the seat this November.

OHNA meeting recap

A lot happened at this past week’s Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association meeting.

A representative from Patrick Henry Charter School Initiative made a short presentation and answered questions.

VCU announced the opening of the controversial student recreational center at the corner of W. Cary and S. Cherry Streets. It was also announced that Oregon Hill residents who wished to buy monthly prorated membership to the new Student Recreational Center on W. Cary Street would pay a rate roughly equal to that of VCU alumni ($281.67 per year). VCU suggested that a monthly list of interested residents be kept by OHNA. (The attendance list from this past meeting was dutifully sent to VCU Community Development.) All eligible residents who purchase a membership will be required to got to the VCUCard office (located at 701 West Broad Street) to purchase a VCU Recreational Sports ID. All VCU Recreational Sports rules, policies, and guidelines apply.

Scott Burger, citing new responsibilities outside the neighborhood, voluntarily stepped down as President. Jennifer Hancock volunteered to serve as OHNA’s interim President for a few months until new leadership can be elected. She did note that she is already volunteering as the President of the Oregon Hill Home Improvement Council‘s Board of Directors. One possibility that was mentioned was for OHNA to change its bylaws to rule by an elected board.

Some other issues that were discussed included a new greenway grant by City, the light from the new Mead WestVaco building(I understand that company officials may have had the light turned down a bit since the meeting), and a proposed tree removal on Pine Street.