Author Archives: Scott

Memorial Day Weekend Is Almost Here

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Of course there will be somber ceremonies to remember our fallen at the Virginia War Memorial, culminating with this:

The public is invited to celebrate and remember our nation’s heroes at the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial. The ceremony is co-hosted by the American Legion 11th District, and Governor McDonnell will be on hand to deliver the keynote address.

Monday May 28th • 10 am
Virginia War Memorial, 621 S. Belvedere Street
FREE

At Hollyowood Cemetery:

History of Memorial Day at Hollywood Cemetery Walking Tour

Learn about the history of Memorial Day from local scholar Jim DuPriest while taking a stroll through one of the most historic cemeteries in America. Be sure you don’t forget the walking shoes!

Sunday May 27th • 2pm – 4 pm
S. Cherry & Albemarle streets
$10 per person

On a more festive note, there is the 1st Annual Oregon Hill Invitational Soccer Tournament (click here for details).

Also, tonight, Captain America!

And if you act fast, you might be able to pick up a sweet foosball table after going to this Craigslist ad (click here).

Drip, drip, drip…here we go again.

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I thought the message had already been sent, but I guess not. Hello Anti-Poverty Commission.

Excerpt from today’s Times Dispatch:

On an annual basis, Richmond’s minimum charge for water really puts a dent in the budget of a low-income resident. While in Norfolk the minimum annual cost per consumer for water/sewer service is only $12, in Henrico annually it is $195.24, and in Richmond annually it is a whopping $564.36!

This is a conservation issue: There is little incentive to conserve water in Richmond because the city finances the lion’s share of its water works through the minimum service charge. The cost per CCF of water is kept artificially low so you don’t feel much of a pinch when you use more water. It would encourage conservation if Richmond slashed the minimum service charge while raising the cost for each CCF of the resource.

This is a social justice issue: Richmond’s outrageous minimum water/sewer service charge shifts the burden of financing the city’s water supply disproportionally onto those who use the least water, and often unto those who can least afford it. For a senior citizen on fixed income, the water bill will often be the largest bill of the month, even if minimal water is used. It is unjust to require low-income residents of Richmond to pay a whopping $564.36 in minimum service fees annually just to be connected to the water supply. Water is a necessity that no one can do without.

Here is a revenue-neutral proposal. Let’s revamp Richmond’s water rates by lowering the minimum monthly charge for water and sewer service to $15 per month, while raising the cost per CCF of water in line with the neighboring counties. As sure as the spring showers, the summer droughts will follow. Richmond should have a price structure in place that encourages conservation of this important resource while giving those on fixed income a fair deal.

(Sorry if you are tired of editorials on this site this week. I did not have any control on when the TD piece would come out.)

Best of the Best

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Congratulations to Mamma ‘Zu and Pescados China Street for their recognitions in the latest Style magazine for Best Italian Restaurant and Best Fresh Seafood Restaurant, respectively.
Combined with previous honors (and that includes 821 Cafe!), Oregon Hill is known as a dining destination.

It would be nice if the Hill had picked up other awards as well, but it is not always easy for the smaller neighborhoods to register in these reader polls. The only mention in the Richmond Times Dispatch’s recent Discover Richmond magazine was at the end under Dog Parks, where there was a snide remark about how “the old days of Oregon Hill mutts run amok have given way to a more courteous approach to sharing our spaces with four-footed friends”.

But hey, perhaps its just as well to leave the rest of Richmond to its self-accolades, and just go get a bite to eat, while being happy where you are at. Maybe I will grab a sandwich at Mojo’s, maybe I will share part of it with my dogs.

Meanwhile In Northern Virginia…Move To Amend!

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From announcement:

Here is the work that Northern Virginia MTA has done:

Resolutions on overturning Citizens United v. FEC and combating the undue influence of money in politics passed Saturday at the Virginia 8th and 11th Congressional District Democratic Conventions. The resolutions call for the Constitution to be amended to establish that: (1) Corporations should not be entitled to the same Constitutional rights in our elections as people and should have only the powers and rights granted to them in state and federal law; and (2) Money is not speech so federal and state governments have the power to fairly regulate, without infringing the freedom of the press, any political contribution or spending. NOVA MTA helped prepare the resolutions and strongly advocated their passage.

The resolutions will help build support for passing a similar resolution at the State Democratic Convention on June 2, 2012, which in turn will help build support for passing MTA resolutions in municipalities in northern Virginia and elsewhere across the Commonwealth.

The Move To Amend movement may start small here, but it has potential to join other states’ efforts and become a reckoning force in the next few election cycles.

TD Profile for Neighbor Ryan Corrigan

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The Times Dispatch published a ‘Decision Maker’ profile of Pine Street neighbor Ryan Corrigan last month.

Excerpt:

Best career move: “Without a doubt, best career move has been taking the position with the James River Association. A clean and healthy James River has always been important to me, so I’m excited to work with an organization committed to protecting Virginia’s greatest natural resource. To be able to combine a career with a personal passion — that’s what it’s all about.”

Career goals: “I’ve had the same goals since sixth grade. Give more than I take, and do good things. Thanks, Mom and Dad.”

The best advice he ever received: “The best advice I ever received was not to take myself too seriously. Still working on that one.”

The most difficult situation faced on the job: “I find that fundraising is a lot like fishing. Or maybe that fundraisers are a lot like fishermen. Either way — it’s the ones that get away that we tend to talk about and focus on the most. In this field, we will hear the word “no” a lot. When you’re young it can even cause you to hesitate in making the ask.”

Career tip for students: “Don’t hesitate, and don’t quit.”

What motivates him? “Knowing that I at least tried to make a difference.”

Lots of Meetings Early This Week

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I already mentioned the water pollution meeting on Wednesday, but there are a few other important meetings this week. Tonight the City’s anti-poverty commission seeks public feedback. While the meeting is in Gilpin Court, it would be interesting to include an Oregon Hill perspective. Tuesday, there is the monthly Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association meeting, but earlier the GRTC Task Force’s Macro Subcommittee will meet-

From City press release:

Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force has established and will hold two subcommittee meetings

All residents are invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT The Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force has established and will hold two subcommittee meetings. The subcommittees include: the Macro Subcommittee, which will focus on long range transit planning issues, and the Services Subcommittee, which will focus on bus users’ service issues.

The purpose of the Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force is to make recommendations to Richmond City Council with regard to enhancing mass transit in the Metro-Richmond area and the efficiency and effectiveness of the GRTC Transit System. The meeting is free and open to the public and all residents are invited and encouraged to attend.

The two Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force Subcommittee meetings will be held as follows:

Continue reading →

Byrd House Market News

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From announcement:

Byrd House Market: Tuesday May 22
Tour the Byrd House Farmlet with Matthew our Farmlet Project Coordinator, and learn more about the Allegheny Mountain School. Come by and enjoy the shady environs and some of the perks for shopping our fine, fine farmers and food producers…

Byrd House Bash This Thursday, May 24
If you haven’t got your tickets yet, get them now! Sponsored by the Associate Board of Governors of William Byrd Community House. Enjoy a night of good old southern hospitality including a silent auction featuring gift packages from local vendors, food from local restaurants, bourbon tastings and live music. 6:30 – 9:30 pm at Historic Tredegar, 500 Tredegar Street. $30 ticket includes: open bar (beer/wine), bourbon tastings, food from local restaurants and a live band. Silent auctions and food donors include: Peter Blair, VMFA, Comfort, Riverside Outfiters, Juleps New Southern Cuisine, Bikram Yoga Richmond, Six Burner, Olio, and more! Purchase tickets at http://byrdhousebash.eventbrite.com/. All proceeds benefit William Byrd Community House.

Virginia Grown
Resource for all things grown in Virginia. www.virginiagrown.org

3 Weeks! 3 Winners!
Support your Byrd House Market. Our weekly raffle is generously sponsored by Byrd Farm & Rural Virginia Market. $1 ticket gets you a chance at a week’s share of goodies from Byrd Farm – value $33.83. Win this week, pick up your share next week. And we get to see your pretty face. Not too shabby!

Storytelling at the Market
Bring the kids, your inner kid, and enjoy the afternoon under the Mulberry Tree.

Our Wish List!
Every now and then we find we need to reach out and let you know we need your help! Our farmlet is in its 3rd year of growing and providing a learning space for the children and families served by William Byrd Community House. One of our goals is not only to make the community garden, farmlet and market look better, but to make each of them work better every year. This year you can help us keep that forward momentum going by
professional produce scale (value: $100-200) – to weigh the harvest so we know how much is grown and packaged for distribution through our food pantry to neighbors in need.
refrigerator (value: $100-300) – to store the harvest before distribution through our food pantry
market umbrellas (value: $35-50 each) – to shade you as you enjoy the fruits of your market day (7.5-8′ diameter, colors: rainbow, bright blue or yellow)

Visit us at byrdhousemarket.blogspot.com!