Local author, Clay Blancett, will be reading from his new novel, ‘White Boy’, at the Richmond Public Library this Sunday.
His earlier novel, ‘The Avenue Of Champions’, described and captured a grittier Oregon Hill and Richmond from the past.
From email announcement:
OHNA MONTHLY MEETING JUNE 23, 7pm on ZOOM
(editor’s note: please email ohnarva@gmail.com for Zoom meeting information and password)
Welcome
Approval of Minutes: Scott RacetteCommunity and local Officials Updates: Councilmember Lynch; Verenda Cobbs, VCU, Ashley Graves (VCU PD); Kelyn Gibson, Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, Johnny McRoy, RVAPD,
Announcements:
Committee reports:
Zoning, Parks, Events, Traffic and Safety, Bylaws, Amphitheater, Treasurer
Continued Business:
Action: Motion from May 26th Meeting regarding Oregon Hill Parks Stewards and FOOHPNew Business:
Action: OHNA Traffic Committee Safe Streets Priorities Memo—
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, SecretaryJOIN OHNA: https://forms.gle/joCpHqcPrShu8qf86
For events and more: https://ohnarva.org/
Got World Cup fever?
Pine Street neighbor Michael Delano has scheduled a pick up soccer game at Holly Street Playground this coming Thursday morning from 8:15 am to 9:30 am.
From Facebook Event page:
Join us for Oregon Hill’s Community Movie Night in Pleasants Park. Free refreshments served: grilled hotdogs, sides, desserts, and beverages. Enjoy a night under the stars with your neighbors.
The Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association (OHNA) is meeting tomorrow night, May 26, 6pm IN PERSON at Pine Street Baptist Church.
Notes and excerpts from email announcement:
Please bring a dish to share!
Agenda is attached and pasted below. There will be a virtual option for those not able to be present physically.
Because the church allows us to use their space without charge, please consider donating items for the church’s unhoused person ministry. NEEDED ITEMS for summer include socks, sunscreen, and insect repellent (including wristbands).Monthly Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, 26 May 2026 • 6:00PM
This meeting will be held in person, at Pine Street Baptist Church. You may also join virtually at the link below.
Join Zoom Meeting (Editor’s note: Zoom meeting link redacted. Please contact OHNA at OHNArva@gmail.com for link)Welcome
Approval of Minutes: Scott Racette
Community and local Officials Updates: Councilmember Lynch/Amy Robins. Other updates will be submitted via written reports
Announcements:
Committee reports:
Zoning, Parks, Traffic and Safety, Bylaws, Amphitheater, Events, Treasurer
Continued Business:
Action: Should OHNA host “National Night Out”event?
New Business:
Vote for interim committee chairs for the bylaws committee and the parks committee—
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, SecretaryJOIN OHNA: https://forms.gle/joCpHqcPrShu8qf86
For events and more: https://ohnarva.org/
—
Not to be confused with the OHNA, OHHIC, the Oregon Hill Home Improvement Council will be holding its first in-person, annual membership meeting in many years this coming Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 7:00 pm at the Pine St. Baptist Church. About 30 Oregon Hill residents have registered for OHHIC membership and will be allowed to vote on a new OHHIC board. Founded in 1976, the neighborhood non-profit organization will also be celebrating its 50th year anniversary at the meeting. OHHIC has renovated over 20 historic houses in Oregon Hill, selling them to first-time homeowners and placing preservation easements on the homes. Also, OHHIC sensitively built 17 quality new homes on vacant lots that are compatible with the Oregon Hill Historic District. OHHIC owns the historic Jacob House at 619 West Cary St. that was built in 1817.
From FaceBook event page:
Join us for Oregon Hill’s Community’s Craft Night. A monthly gathering of crafting and conversation among neighbors and friends. Bring your own creativity, crafts, as we share together in community. The informal gathering is a great way to meet your neighbor. All ages welcome. Bring a snack to share if you like. Enter the Pine Street building at the side door on Albermarle Street.
Editor’s note: I have had some computer difficulties lately so its been hard to post lately, but thankfully the neighborhood association has been stepping up with keeping track of events…
• Community Garden Hang – This Saturday and every Saturday through fall, 9:00AM – 12:00PM. Come check out the garden with a neighbor!
• Open Garden Day – Saturday, May 16, 10:00AM – 2:00PM (details below!)
• Potluck Picnic at the new Community Garden – Saturday, May 16, 6:00PM – 8:00PM
• RiverRock outdoors festival – Friday-Sunday, May 15-17, see schedule at riverrockrva.com
• Craft night at Pine St Baptist Church – Thursday, May 21, 6:00PM – 8:30PM
• OHNA Meeting (in person!) at Pine St Baptist Church – Tuesday, May 26, 7:00PM – 9:00PM
• End-of-school gathering at Holly Street Playground – Friday, May 29, 4:00PM – 6:00PM
• Movie night brought to us by Pine St Baptist in Pleasant’s Park – Friday, May 29, 7:30PM (movie to be announced, look for posters!)
Want to add an event to the June update email? Email the Events Committee at
ohna-events@googlegroups.com
Want to get the emails? Join for free at ohnarva.org
From Friends Of Oregon Hill Parks:
Linear Park cleanup is this Saturday at 10am near 600 block of Holly Street. Hope you can make it out! Come see the beautiful new meal that our neighbors painted, with guidance from Emily Herr! (See portion in photo above)
Join us to spread mulch, clear two overgrown planting beds, and free the peach/apricot tree! Bring water, and gloves and loppers if you have them! We will also have tools on site. All abilities are welcome.
From FaceBook post: We’re back this May for our 25th Season. Looking forward to our outdoor movies in Pleasants Park. Hope to see you. Movie suggestions can be made at info@pinestbaptist.com
Since 1986, the Virginia Natural Heritage Program has worked to conserve Virginia’s biodiversity through science-based inventory, protection, and stewardship. Our biologists collect, organize, and share essential information used to safeguard rare plants and animals, cave and karst features, and natural communities.
From discovering species new to science and building digital tools that make conservation data widely accessible, to establishing and managing a statewide system of Natural Area Preserves that protects critical habitats, our work expands knowledge of Virginia’s natural treasures and enhances the Commonwealth’s environment and quality of life.
As part of their 40th Anniversary, DCR Natural Heritage program is hosting a series of events, including this one…
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/eventsdetail-diggerbee
Tour a large colony of digger bees on Belle Isle in Richmond, Virginia as you learn that bees are more than just honeybees. Field Zoologist Ellison Orcutt is at forefront of documenting Virginia’s native bee diversity and distribution. You will learn about the more than 450 native bee species found in Virginia and get up close looks at a few native species.
Meet under the railroad tracks at the Belle Isle Parking lot by 10am. Arrive a few minutes early in case you have to park further away. The lot is at the corner of Browns Island Way and Tredegar St. Overflow parking may be available on 2nd St or Oregon Hill Pkwy.
There is no rain date. If heavy rain is likely the walk will be canceled. Contact Ellison.Orcutt@dcr.virginia.gov with questions
Other Details
Registration required: Register here
Date: May 9, 2026. 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 2 hours
Location: Belle Isle, Richmond, Virginia, meet here: 37.53467, -77.44736
Maximum capacity: None
Age: Best for adults and children 5 and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Pets: No
Clothing: Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy and comfortable shoes.
Amenities: Port-o-john available at the parking lot.
Supplies: Bring water, sunscreen.
Participants should be able to:
Expect to walk at least 1.2 miles roundtrip with an option to extend to a 2.2 mile walk.
Understand and follow directions to avoid/manage risks.
Tolerate the elements including temperature for the duration.
Traverse unpaved and uneven trails.