Author Archives: Scott

Conservative Rally, 1880

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There was most likely quite a bit of ideological rivalry on the Hill back in day (just like now?). I wonder just how serious it became (a la Gangs of New York, perhaps?). Of course, the conservatives were likely the Democrats back then, and the Republicans were probably considered ‘the liberals’ (and certainly not ‘the radical right’ you see now with the likes of G.W. “I am the decider” Bush and Palin, (‘Goin’ rogue, you know’).

From the Daily Dispatch, August 7, 1880:

A meeting of the Conservatives of Oregon Hill is announced for to-night, at which Captain George D. Wise, Hon. A.M. Keiley, and S.B. Witt, Esq. are expected to speak.

Michael Anthony “Mad Dog” Brown

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Obituary:

Michael Anthony “Mad Dog” Brown died on July 27, 2010 at his Oregon Hill home in Richmond, Virginia. Born September 21, 1958 in Ohio, he was preceded in death by his parents and a son and is survived by a daughter and siblings. Quick to tell a story or share a laugh, he enjoyed blue grass music and living simply.

Visitation will be held at the SynerGeo building located at 349 South Laurel Street on Wednesday, August 4 from 5-7pm. A burial service will be held at Riverview Cemetery on Thursday, August 5 at 1:00pm with a reception following at Pine Street Baptist Church.

Much gratitude is extended to Angelus Funeral Home, Ms. Lewis, the Medi Hospice team and the Oregon Hill community. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to SynerGeo or the Oregon Hill Baptist Center food pantry.

Earthlings Coop/Internet Grocery

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For almost ten years now, some Richmonders have been getting organic pre-packaged foods and goods through the Earthlings Organic Food Cooperative, which has been based in Oregon Hill. The cooperative name sounds impressive but really its been more of a buying club with aspirations. Roughly once a month, Earthlings members order their buying selections through an internet website and then a truck from United Foods comes and delivers the cooperative’s order. For the last two years or so, the delivery site has been on Sundays on Linden Street near the William Byrd Community House gym, Grace Arents Community Garden, Byrd Market location. A scene from last week’s delivery:

Members help unload the truck and organize the delivery to their homes. Some orders are ‘splits’ which means a bulk order with members taking different portions from it. The idea is that this supports organic food choices, makes organic food more affordable, increases community involvement in food, lessens the carbon footprint, and offers a good alternative to traditional grocery shopping. Whether the idea works depends on having enough people involved to get a good-sized order with members volunteering. The aspects of internet grocery shopping are also part of the mix.

Personally, I would love to see the Earthlings concept get combined in some way with the Byrd Market and local CSA’s for fresh produce, but coordinating deliveries is still problematic. In the meantime, the Earthlings coop is looking for new members. Please contact Mim Scalin at mim4art at gmail.com or Kathleen Travis at travis.kathleenc at gmail.com if you are interested. You don’t need to be an Oregon Hill resident to apply (but it doesn’t hurt, either).

Richmond’s Young Trees Need Help Getting Through the Summer

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From the Urban Forestry Commission:

Richmond’s Young Trees Need Help Getting Through the Summer
RICHMOND, Virginia – July 29, 2010 Urban Forestry Commission
With this summer’s heat and drought taking hold, all Richmonders could use some relief, but none so much as our newly planted street trees. Richmond’s newly-formed Urban Forestry Commission is concerned about the condition of thousands of street and park trees planted in recent years to replace trees lost during and after Hurricane Isabel. Those trees are in jeopardy because Richmond has had long periods of no significant rainfall compounded by extreme heat.
Newly planted trees are particularly vulnerable to drought stress because their root systems have not had a chance to become fully established in the landscape. “They come from a comfortable nursery environment with good soil and irrigation. Most of their roots are chopped off in preparation for transplant and the trees must re-grow those roots in the new location.” says Karen Townsend, an Urban Forestry Commission member and City resident. Many of the City’s newly planted trees may die if left alone to contend with a continuing drought.
“Regular watering will make a tremendous difference to these young trees and we are asking City residents to take on this task where ever possible,” says Townsend. “Stretch a hose or carry a couple bucketfuls of water from your house to any nearby trees.” Trees should be watered once or twice a week if there is no rainfall. Water the entire rootball with about 5-10 gallons, pouring slowly enough so as to ensure that the water soaks into the soil rather than running off.
Treegator® slow-release watering bags are zipped around the trunks of some trees. These green bags release 20 gallons of water over a 5 to 9 hour period and should be refilled at least once a week. Use either a hose or watering can to pour water in the opening under the colored tag at the top of the bag. With the bag 1⁄4 full, lift up gently on the top handles to properly position the bottom of the bag over the rootball, and then fill to capacity.
Planting and caring for young trees is an investment that pays great dividends in the future. Richmond’s street trees make the City not only beautiful, but also more livable. As Townsend points out, “Given the option of two park benches on a 90-degree summer day…one in the open sun and one under the canopy of a mature tree…there no question where I’d be.”

Contacts:
Tarisa Moran, Secretary to the Urban Forestry Commission 804-646-6308 tarisa.moran at richmondgov.com
Karen Townsend, Urban Forestry Commission Member Telephone: 804-357-4292 ktownsend at enrichmond.org