Does UofR care more about the environment than VCU?

Seems like it.

At University of Richmond, President Edward L. Ayers signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. Contrast that with this from VCU’s Commonwealth Times: VCU receives ‘D-‘ for energy efficiency – Sustainable practices barely passing at VCU. One of the planned buildings that Ohlinger alludes to in the CT article is the proposed rec center.

Free Concert on Nov. 18- Carnegie Hall meets Oregon Hill

Internationally acclaimed baritone James C. Martin will give a free concert at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church on Sunday November 18th, at 6:00 pm. Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Martin has performed at venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and recently he was the featured soloist at the consecration of Bishop Shannon Johnston at the National Cathedral. Located at the corner of S. Laurel St. and Idlewood Ave. in the historic Oregon Hill neighborhood, St. Andrew’s is offering this free concert to the Richmond Community as the centerpiece of its “Music with Grace” 2007-2008 concert series. For more information call 648-7980 or visit www.standrewsec.org. St. Andrew’s welcomes you to come along with neighbors, family and friends!

Oregon Hill Celebrates Halloween

halloween_parade.jpg

This past Wedensday Oregon Hill celebrated Halloween. One aspect that is quickly becoming a tradition is the All Saints’ Halloween Parade. It went down Laurel Street complete with brass band, banners, bike puppets, and more. All Saints’ Theater Company had the help of the Bread and Puppet Theater this year.

Lots of trick or treaters and some splendid jack o’ lanterns (especially on Pine Street) also helped make this year’s Halloween memorable.

AARB Rubberstamps VCU Plans

The Commonwealth of Virginia Art and Architectectural Review Board met yesterday and approved VCU’s plans for demolishing the historic stables. VCU adjunct faculty member McDowell made the motion to demolish 917 Green Alley.

Not one member bothered to respond when an Oregon Hill neighborhood representative questioned how the a 270′ façade on Cherry Street can be compatible with the scale and massing of the small 20′ structures in the historic district, or why VCU did not consider the vacant parking lots on Broad and Grace as alternative sites.

The Divine Reality Comedy Circus in Monroe Park

Bread & Puppet Theater will present The Divine Reality Comedy Circus in Monroe Park at 3pm on Sunday, October 28th! THE DIVINE REALITY COMEDY CIRCUS features famous rats leaving a sinking ship, the triumph of the small farmer, smart advice on where to get your water, a celebratory ballet by a flock of roosters, the Rotten Idea Theater Company’s distillation of political issues and much more, all accompanied by the Bread & Puppet Circus Band.

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SynerGeo Community Dinner

I would like to annouce and add to the calendar our Oregon Hill Community dinner that will be on Monday, October 29th at 6pm. It will be at SynerGeo, corner of Albemarle and S.Laurel. We are asking eveyone to please join us and bring a dish or dessert to share with everyone!!! Come meet our staff and find out more about our non-profit or just come socialize with neighbors!!! Contact me with any questions!

Name: Katie Cowles
Email: cowleskatie@yahoo.com
Phone: 603 781 1667

Proposed Panhandling Ordinance

City Councilperson Bruce Tyler (1st District) has an ordinance before council next Monday that addresses the panhandling problem at city intersections.

This ordinance makes it illegal to solicit funds from city intersections without a permit. The permit will cost $25 and must be obtained from the police department. Anyone interested in acquiring one of these permits should call 646-6566 and ask for Detective Caldwell once/if the ordinance is passed.

Personally, I have mixed feelings about this. I want to see the more obnoxious panhandling stopped, but I also do not want to curtail freedom of speech.
I will defend panhandling for food (but not beer). I will defend Food Not Bombs’ right to serve food to the homeless.

I think Tyler’s permitting idea is an honest attempt at a compromised solution, but I am not sure about all the ramifications. I am undecided right now about the specific resolution.

I would be interested in hearing neighbors’ views.