From Rev.Turner:
You’re invited to join Pine Street on Sunday at Pleasants Park, even if you can only attend the picnic. Casual atmosphere · No pressure · All are welcome. Come as you are. Feel free to bring a chair or blanket if you’d like. We’ll sing a little, share a few hopeful words, and enjoy being together under the sky. No expectations. No strings attached. Just a community gathering in the fresh air.
TheRichmonder online news site is reporting that City leaders are (again) discussing relocating Open High School, possibly to the vacant Clark Springs elementary building. No mention of deed restrictions on the Open High (Grace Arents School) building or its future.
Because Open High’s model program works so well (routinely listed as one of the best high schools in the country), the City wants to change it (instead of replicating it).
It’s not enough to build a 7,000+ amphitheater next to the neighborhood, with stages and speakers pointed at the neighborhood and river parks. It’s not enough to change land-use and re-zone the neighborhood against residents’ wishes. City leaders seemed determined to dismantle neighborhood institutions as well. This latest news is only contributing to the feeling that the neighborhood is under attack and that the City leaders care more about developers than anything else, including the views of longterm residents.
This Wednesday is a “Red Wednesday”, which usually means trash and recycling pickup, but because of the recent Memorial Day holiday, pickups will hopefully move to Thursday. Hopefully, because the City’s street repaving of neighborhood streets continues after Monday’s Memorial Day holiday.
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.
In local recycling news, the Central Virginia Waste Management Authority announced last week that the Central Virginia region recycled 623,451 tons, or 58.6%, of its solid waste in 2024.
Yard and wood waste, which is composted or chipped into mulch, was the top recycled material in 2024, with 240,501 tons.
Cardboard, paper, cans, bottles and containers accounted for 150,181 tons.
Metal made up 174,545 tons.
The authority is required to calculate the regional recycling rate each year and submit a report to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. The region comprises the cities of Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Petersburg and Richmond, the town of Ashland, and the counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Powhatan and Prince George.
These localities are members of CVWMA, a public-service authority established in 1990, to help the region meet state recycling requirements. Virginia requires the region to recycle at least 25% of its solid waste each year. In 2023, the regional recycling rate was 58.1%. The statewide recycling rate in 2023 (the most recent available) was 42.5%. More information on statewide recycling activity is available at DEQ’s website.
The recycling rate is calculated by dividing the amount recycled in the region by the amount of trash generated. CVWMA uses a national estimate of 4.9 pounds of trash per person per day, multiplied by the region’s population of 1.29 million, to estimate total trash.
CVWMA collects data for the regional recycling rate from its own residential recycling programs and from businesses that provide information voluntarily.
For more information, including monthly reports on CVWMA’s residential programs, visit www.cvwma.com/cvwma-data-center/.
In national recycling news, the Trump administration has injected uncertainty into grant awardees’ ability to access federal funding and canceled certain contracts. It’s forcing recyclers to view the government differently.
This goes along with the Environmental Protection Agency having frozen and or terminated billions in funding for communities identified as disproportionately impacted by pollution. These executive orders are the latest environmental policy move prompting a spate of protests and lawsuits— and leaving community-led projects in various developmental stages hanging.
In international recycling news, global recycling rates are failing to keep pace with a culture focused on infinite economic growth and consumerism, with the proportion of recycled materials re-entering supply chains falling for the eighth year running, according to a new report.
Only 6.9% of the 106bn tonnes of materials used annually by the global economy came from recycled sources, a 2.2 percentage point drop since 2015, researchers from the Circle Economy thinktank found.
The problem is systemic, they say: the rise in consumption is even more rapid than the growth in global population, and although some companies are increasing the amount of recycled material they use, the majority ignore the issue with no apparent penalties. This means that societies generate more waste than recycling systems can handle.
From email announcement:
OHNA MAY 27 2025 MONTHLY MEETING
Join Zoom Meeting: 7pm
(Editor’s note: Zoom link and password redacted. Please contact OHNA at ohnarva@gmail.com for that information)Welcome
Approval of Minutes (Scott Racette)
Community and local Officials Updates:
Police, VCU, Commonwealth’s Attorney, City Council, RVA neighborhood liaison
Primary candidate introductions: Hear from candidates for two city constitutional offices: Tom Barbour Jr., running for commonwealth’s attorney (we heard from incumbent commonwealth’s attorney Collette McEachin at the April Meeting); incumbent sheriff Antionette Irving, and challenger for sheriff, William Burnett.
Committee reports:
Zoning, FoOHP, RvaPB, BylawsUpdates and Continued Business
New Business:
Pleasants park: stage for events (Dave Pierandri: discussion)
Traffic calming (Doug Allen: discussion)
Iron fence: request to city to save (Charles Pool: vote)
Water meter at Pleasants Park (Charles Pool: vote)—
Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association
Valerie L’Herrou, President
Bryan Clark Green, Co-Vice President
Jennifer Hancock, Co-Vice President
Susan Hill, Co-Vice President
Harrison Moenich, Co-Vice-President
David Shannon, Co-Vice President
Scott Racette, Secretary
John Bolecek, Treasurer
JOIN OHNA: https://forms.gle/joCpHqcPrShu8qf86
See events and more: https://ohnarva.org/
The names, etched in glass and stone at the Shrine of Memory, represent Virginians who died during wartime from World War II to the never-ending “War on Terror”.
The Virginia War Memorial, a division of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS), will host the 69th annual Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 26, 2025, in the Heilman Amphitheater. The “Say Their Names Marathon” will begin at the conclusion of the formal ceremony in the Shrine of Memory – 20th Century. The public is invited and encouraged to attend the ceremony and to support those reading the names through the afternoon and evening.
The James River ran high all weekend (photo from Wednesday or Thursday morning).
Somebody held a scavenger hunt!
Somebody in Monroe Park needs parental guidance!
Neighbors are mourning this black snake, seen alive and then found dead. Black snakes are not dangerous to humans, and help keep mice and rat populations down.
Many folks headed down to Brown’s Island and the riverfront to enjoy music and activities at the RiverRock Festival. Here’s local reggae band Reggaelize It! playing some cool tunes for a nice Sunday afternoon.
Despite warnings, street paving, and enforcement, there were still some attendees who risked parking illegally. It was not as bad as some previous years, but does not bode well for the new amphitheater opening.
Visit your neighborhood urban back alley gardens on this self-guided tour This is a day for neighborhood socializing, to see and appreciate some of Oregon Hill’s urban gardens, to show off your own garden, and just enjoy a day outside.
Visit the Facebook event page for infoby clicking here.
From Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association:
KEEP AN EYE ON THE SIGNS: WARN YOUR NEIGHBORS: OREGON HILL SCHEDULED STREET CLOSURES
OHNA has not been provided with specific days when the individual streets will be closed so KEEP YOUR EYES OUT FOR SIGNS!
During this period these streets will be closed at various times for milling and paving. PAY ATTENTION to signs indicating particular blocks and streets. If you will be away during this time, find a safe place to park your car, or empower a neighbor to move it for you.
Wednesday, May 7 to Wednesday, June 18 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Riverside Park from South Cherry Street to Dead End
South Cherry Street from Riverside Park to Oregon Hill Parkway
Oregon Hill Parkway from South Cherry Street to 2nd Street
South Laurel Street from Oregon Hill Parkway to Broad Street
South Pine Street from Oregon Hill Parkway to Broad Street
South Cherry Street from South Cathedral Place to Dead End
Holly Street from South Belvidere Street to Dead End
China Street from South Belvidere Street to Cherry Street
Spring Street from Cherry Street to South Belvidere Street
Albermarle Street to Dead End
Idlewood Avenue from South Belvidere Street to South Harrison Street
Grayland Avenue from Idlewood Avenue to South Harrison Street
Cumberland Street from South Belvidere Street to South Harrison Street
South Linden Street from Idlewood Avenue to West Cary Street
Parkwood Avenue from South Harrison Street to South Lindon Street
Cathedral Place from North Laurel Street to North Cathedral Place
South Cathedral Place from North Laurel Street to North Cathedral Place
North Cathedral Place from South Cathedral Place to Cathedral PlaceALSO: Next OHNA monthly meeting: MAY 27, 7PM on ZOOM.
The Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association is putting a lot of events on its website …hey, the more the merrier…
There are some great opportunities to become more locally involved…
https://ohnarva.org/events-2/
Here are some more…
TOMORROW:
Open High’s PTA is holding its annual Art Exhibition and Bake Sale to benefit art at Open.
Please join us in the Open parking lot Thurs, 4/24, 3:30-5:30… Enjoy beautiful student art and maybe buy a tasty treat to raise money for student art supplies. All are welcome!
John Murden, who created Church Hill People’s News and this and many other neighborhood sites, is hosting a new event this Saturday.
Get your kids on the bikes and ride with us!
KIDICAL MASS + CARGO BIKE MEET-UP on Saturday 4/26
Meet and ride from Bryan Park in Northside or Meadow Park in the Fan to Pine Camp.
Meet at Meadow Park in the Fan at 10AM ~or~ at Bryan Park Bellevue Gate at 10:30 and ride together to Pine Camp.
Got a cargo bike or just big bike curious? Want to find out about bikes that can carry kids and groceries? Bring your bike check out other bikes, take demo rides and meet other cargo bike riders.
Van Yahres Tree Company will lead Hollywood Cemetery’s annual Spring Tree Tour on May 2.
This 90-minute guided walk will showcase our accredited arboretum and provide education about the preservation and care of the historic trees of Hollywood Cemetery.
RSVP to Kelly Wilbanks at kwilbanks@hollywoodcemetery.org or call 804-648-8501.
The Richmond Public Library Main Branch (Oregon Hill’s branch) has a variety of upcoming events, including a DIY Frog Waffles workshop on April 30th and free blood pressure screenings on the first Monday of each month and select Saturdays.
Check out the calendar here:
https://rvalibrary.libcal.com/calendar/main?cid=7469&t=d&d=0000-00-00&cal=7469&inc=0
Also don’t forget about the Friends of RPL Spring Book Sale:
Don’t forget that VCU’s graduation weekend is May 9-11.
Pine Street neighbor Stephenie Harrington has a timely reminder:
REMINDER
Saturday, May 10
City trucks will be removing rubbish and debris
Friday, 5/9 —> Place items where trash is normally picked up
From email announcement announcement:
Please join us at Pine Street Baptist Church for an in-person monthly meeting and pasta supper provided by the church (vegan option available). We will meet early, at 6pm, so we can get our dinner and get settled and start a little early. In exchange for feeding us, the church will be asking for our thoughts on how the church can meet the changing needs of the community. Agenda below and attached.
Neighborhood Traffic Safety Walk: Tuesday April 22 at 5:30 pm
JOIN The Oregon Hill Stop Sign Safety Workgroup and City of Richmond Traffic Engineer Andy Boenau for a walk through OH’s dangerous intersections. Meet at Pine Street Baptist, Albemarle Street side, at 5:30.Public Feedback: Brown’s Island Design Pop-up: Tuesday, April 22·3:30 – 7:00pm
Oregon Hill residents are encouraged to attend this public design feedback session for Brown’s Island. They say it’s a casual drop-in event, so ok even if you only have 10 minutes to stop by Brown’s Island to share your thoughts on proposed plans for the future of this beloved public space! Haxall Bridge Entrance near Potterfield Bridge. Learn more: https://venturerichmond.com/our-services/browns-island-improvement-plan/Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan: Tuesday, May 6th at 6:00pm.
Review the final draft of the Cultural Heritage Stewardship Plan. It will be presented to the RVA Planning Commission for a vote Tuesday, May 6th in the 5th floor conference room of City Hall (900 E Broad St) at 6:00pm. Public comments may be no more than two minutes. Written comments may be sent to Alyson Oliver (alyson.oliver@rva.gov) prior to the meeting time._______________________________________________________
Agenda: OHNA Monthly Meeting April 2025
Join Zoom Meeting (Editor’s note: Zoom meeting info redacted, please join or contact OHNA in order to receive it)Welcome
Approval of Minutes (Scott Racette)
Community and local Officials Updates:
Police, VCU, Commonwealth’s Attorney, City Council, Allianz Amphitheater
Committee updates:
Zoning, FoOHP, RvaPB, (Bylaws and Stop Sign Safety ctes will present during “Discussions” and “Continued Business” portions of the meeting
Updates and Continued Business
May Open Gardens Day: May 17, 10:00 – 2:00. (Phaedra Hise)Stop Sign Safety Workgroup: presentation, discussion, and vote (Amanda Bradley)
Discussions
Bylaws Committee: amended bylaws presentation and discussion (no vote)
Note: “By-Laws may be amended at any duly constituted meeting of the Association by a two-thirds vote of those members present and voting, provided that the amendment was submitted and read at the previous meeting of the Association.” (Phaedra Hise & John Bolecek)Pine Street Baptist Church: Discuss ideas for reimagining the space to meet the needs of our community. (Philip Turner)
New Business:
———————————————————
Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association
Valerie L’Herrou, President
Bryan Clark Green, Co-Vice President
Jennifer Hancock, Co-Vice President
Susan Hill, Co-Vice President
Harrison Moenich, Co-Vice-President
David Shannon, Co-Vice President
Scott Racette, Secretary
John Bolecek, TreasurerOHNA on the Web: follow our calendar of events: https://ohnarva.org/
JOIN OHNA: https://forms.gle/joCpHqcPrShu8qf86