Author Archives: Scott

RVA Environmental Film Festival Continues…

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The RVA Environmental Film Festival, which has a long history here, and has been mentioned here many times in the past, continues tonight at the Main Library, Oregon Hill’s branch.

Wednesday, February 25, 6:00 PM – “The Street Project”
Main Library – Richmond Public Library
“The Street Project” will be followed by a panel discussion with representatives from local organizations who seek to make the streets safer for anyone not in a car, including pedestrians, cyclists, and public transportation users.

More upcoming…

Thursday, February 26, 6:00 PM “The Cigarette Surfboard”
University of Richmond, Jepson Hall, Room 118
Hosted by University of Richmond Office of Sustainability
There is a reception with the filmmaker, Ben Judkins, and a Q&A following the film!
Yes – it is about a surfboard made of discarded cigarettes and the activism around that.

Friday, February 27, 5:30 PM – “Common Ground”
ICA/ VCUarts hosted by VCUarts Cinema program.
This film highlights how regenerative farming practices can heal the soil, improve health, and stabilize the economy, while also addressing issues of racism in the food industry.

Saturday, February 28, 2:30 PM- “Teach Me to Be Wild”
The Robins Nature Center – Maymont
A beautiful and touching film about an animal sanctuary and a therapeutic program for ‘at-risk’ youth.
(Free – ticket to Robins Nature Center not required)

Tuesday, March 3, 5:30 PM- “The Little Things that Run the World”
@LaPrade Library hosted by Chesterfield County Public Library
Through striking visuals and authoritative voices, “The Little Things That Run the World” uncovers the essential role insects play in sustaining life on earth.

Stay tuned for the festival’s grand finale, March 7th! (See www.rvaeff.org)

In addition, the MountainFilm On Tour is a great little traveling film festival that is coming to the Ashland Theater this Saturday Night. And, though it is not free admission like the RVAEFF, it is also highly recommended.

Trash/Recycling Pickup Tomorrow Morning

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Tomorrow is a “Red Wednesday”, which means trash and recycling pickup.

Please go over what can be recycled.

NOTE: CVWMA (Central Virginia Waste Management Authority) has announced that all curbside recycling must now be INSIDE the CVWMA containers with lid closed. Items beside the container or on top of it will not be collected. In fact, incorrect setouts may not be collected at all. This is new as of July 1 for all our curbside recyclers, with the exception of townhomes/condos still using small bins. (And yes, this also applies to flattened cardboard boxes.)

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. More CVWMA information can be found at this link:
https://cvwma.com/cvwma-locations/richmond/

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

OHNA And Upcoming Neighborhood Events

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From email:

Dear Oregon Hill Community:

The next OHNA meeting will be February 24 at 7pm.
Agenda and Zoom link will be sent prior to the meeting.

Neighborhood events in February:

Sunday, February 15th at 5:00pm:
Storytelling Gathering at Pine Street Church
(see attached flyer)
This month’s theme: When I Fell in Love
Come tell a short story about how you fell in love – with a person, a place, a hobby, a passion, a calling, or anything that awakened joy and meaning in you. Stories can be funny, tender, surprising, or all of the above, and you’re welcome to come just to listen. Cupcakes and coffee and other beverages served.

Thursday, February 19th at 6:00pm – 8:30pm:
Community Craft Night at Pine Street Church
Bring a craft, a snack, and yourself! Even if you aren’t crafting, come hang out with community and enjoy some productive art making and socializing! Mark your calendar for the next event on March 26th.

Sunday, February 22nd at 9:00am:
Friends of Oregon Hill Parks
Committee meeting at Holly Street Playground, followed by a cleanup at Holly Street Playground from 10:00am – 12:00pm.

RVA News & Events:_______________________________

Code Refresh:
The City of Richmond has extended the comment period on draft two of the Code Refresh maps and use regulations. The comment period, which was originally scheduled to close on Sunday, February 15, has been moved two weeks to Sunday, March 1 at 11:59 p.m. Visit the interactive tools available at rva.gov/coderefresh and leave comments.

‘So, What’s Next?’ RVA Community Dinner:
– When: Thursday, February 19th, 5:30-7:30 PM
– Where: LabRVA Event Center, 1001 N. 25th St
RSVP by February 12 by clicking here: Please let us know if you would like us to invite others. Info: Email kristine.lalonde@gmail.com

Utility and Water Bill Assistance
METROCARE GAS- Assistance from Department of Public Utilities to help pay heating bills from December 15th thru April 30th. Customers must be at least 30 days past due.
METROCARE WATER- Assistance with water bills. Customers’ bills must be at least 30 days past due. MetroCare may pay one bill payment of last resort, up to $500 per heating season. FYI: Funds are for current charges only. Applicant can only receive MetroCare assistance only once in heating season or once per 12 months. Funds cannot be used for unpaid balances from last heating season or older.
ENERGYSHARE – Dominion Virginia Power helps pay customers’ utility bills.
Energyshare is a 12-month program. The program assists with heating and cooling bills. If approved, customer can receive up to $300 for cooling. June 1st thru September 30th and up to $600 for heating bills October 1st thru May 31st.
Please note: Program may end sooner depending on availability of funds.
For more information: CAPUP 804-788-0050.

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Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association
Valerie L’Herrou, President
John Bolecek, Treasurer
Amanda Bradley, Co-Vice-President
Bryan Clark Green, Co-Vice President
Jennifer Hancock, Co-Vice President
Susan Hill, Co-Vice President
Phaedra Hise, Co-Vice President
Scott Racette, Secretary

JOIN OHNA: https://forms.gle/joCpHqcPrShu8qf86
For events and more: https://ohnarva.org/

Trash/Recycling Pickup Tomorrow Morning

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Tomorrow is a “Red Wednesday”, which means trash and recycling pickup.

The Central Virginia Waste Management Authority has this Service Alert on their website:

February 3, 2026
5:45 p.m.
As road conditions allow, service will resume on Wednesday, Feb. 4, with Wednesday trash collection in Hopewell and Colonial Heights, and Red Wednesday recycling routes throughout the region.

The City of Richmond has lifted its state of emergency following the last winter storm, and supposedly trash collections will be on schedule.

Please go over what can be recycled.

NOTE: CVWMA (Central Virginia Waste Management Authority) has announced that all curbside recycling must now be INSIDE the CVWMA containers with lid closed. Items beside the container or on top of it will not be collected. In fact, incorrect setouts may not be collected at all. This is new as of July 1 for all our curbside recyclers, with the exception of townhomes/condos still using small bins. (And yes, this also applies to flattened cardboard boxes.)

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. More CVWMA information can be found at this link:
https://cvwma.com/cvwma-locations/richmond/

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

Second Storytelling Event: When I Fell In Love

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From FaceBook event page:

Join us for our Second Storytelling Event!
You’re invited to “When I Fell in Love”, a storytelling event where we’ll share true stories about the moments that captured our hearts and changed our lives. Come tell a short story about how you fell in love-with a person, a place, a hobby, a passion, a calling, or anything that awakened joy and meaning in you. Stories can be funny, tender, surprising, or all of the above, and you’re welcome to come just to listen.
Cupcakes, coffee, and other beverages served

This is the mushy sequel to the previous event.

Icy Road Conditions Continue

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This past weekend’s winter storm continues to impact mobility, with neighborhoods and roads still very icy.

Citywide, from The Richmonder: “Richmond fights losing battle against snow, ice as temperatures stay below freezing”

Urban transportation and history nerds may take some time to ponder how the Richmond Union Passenger Railway would be handling this, if it were still in existence.

OHNA Meeting Tomorrow Evening

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From email announcement:

(Editor’s note: Zoom meeting link and password has been redacted, please join or contact OHNA for that information)

OHNA January Meeting
Tuesday, Jan 27, 7pm: The first meeting of 2026! Agenda is attached and below. Materials for action item regarding zoning are attached.
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Winter Storm
Stay safe! Have a plan in case your pipes freeze or you lose power and heat.
> Weather will delay some City services such as trash pickup
If you or someone you know needs shelter: https://rva.gov/human-services/inclement-weather
RVA city Weather Alerts signup: https://rva.gov/node/18466
Power outages: https://myaccount.dominionenergy.com/portal/#/ReportOutage
——————-

Zoning: “Code Refresh”
Comments on the second draft of the re-zoning may be made through February 15. Access interactive map and zoning regs here: https://rva.gov/planning-development-review/code-refresh You can explore the maps and leave your feedback there — or email your comments to Richmond300@rva.gov.

——————-

Parks – Richmond INSPIRE
The Parks’ Department’s Richmond INSPIRE is now live for public review.
Review the draft before March 6, 2026. Parks will start a more formal outreach strategy after the new year.
90% Draft Vision Plan — Richmond INSPIRE Citywide Vision Plan for Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities

——————-

OHNA Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, 27, January 2026 • 7:00PM

Welcome

Approval of Minutes:
There are no minutes to approve as December was a social and not a business meeting

Community and local Officials Updates: Police, VCU, Councilmember Lynch

Committee updates:

Zoning, FoOHP, Traffic and Safety, Bylaws, Events

Action items:
OHNA Resolution Requesting Amendments to the proposed Zoning ordinance
Support Tree Planting Project

New Business:

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Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association
Valerie L’Herrou, President
John Bolecek, Treasurer
Amanda Bradley, Co-Vice-President
Bryan Clark Green, Co-Vice President
Jennifer Hancock, Co-Vice President
Susan Hill, Co-Vice President
Phaedra Hise, Co-Vice President
Scott Racette, Secretary

JOIN OHNA: https://forms.gle/joCpHqcPrShu8qf86
For events and more: https://ohnarva.org/