Category Archives: community

Main Library Features James River Park Photos

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From the Friends of James River Park FaceBook page:

The downtown Richmond Public Library Main branch, 2nd Floor Gallery, will exhibit a
collection of photographs of “Wild Things on the James” from September 7th,
First Friday, to October 2nd. Check it out when you check out a book!

Also on Saturday, the 8th, at the Main branch:

11:30am
Father and Son Basketball Craft
Come and make a inside basketball game to hook on the door. Ball included. Please call for reservations – 646-4768. Limited spaces. Great for ages 2-10.

Today at Byrd House Market

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From email announcement:

It’s Storming so it must be Tuesday…
Isolated Thunderstorms and 30-40% chance of rain all week I think.
Bah! That’s nothing for you weathered market visitors.

9/4/2012
Agriberry – seasonal fruits (berries, peaches, apples…CSA
Sustenance – organic egg salad on croissant, PBJ, hot dog with slaw sandwiches, iced herbal tea…
Ettamae’s Oven – breads, rolls, pies, pie slices
Bill’s Produce / Heath Farm – seasonal produce, sustainably grown
Nanas Homemades – jams, jellies, chutneys, peanut brittle, tea cakes, cookies, dainties…
Cafe 2100 – spring rolls, sauteed tofu, rice and wheat noodles with pickled and steamed fresh vegetables…
Limeades & More – limeades, lemonades fresh squeezed and made before your eyes
Faith Farm Foods CSA – cow shares, eggs, Amish butter and produce, grass fed meats and poultry, goat cheese, honey, preserves, egg noodles, etc
Chocolate Cravings – dark and milk chocoloate bars, barks of assorted flavors, brownies…
Byrd Farm / Rural Va Market CSA – seasonal produce, Byrd Farm honey, Billy Bread, peaches, goat cheese, mushrooms, eggs, chickens
amy’s garden – certified organic seasonal produce, cut flowers, CSA
Epic Gardens – seasonal produce, edamame, cut flowers, eggs, plants
Tomten Farm – seasonal heirloom produce
Deer Run Farm – seasonal produce, eggs
Caromont Farm – variety of natural cow cheeses and goat cheese
Sub Rosa Bread – Evrim’s back with limited supplies of his famous bread and even more limited supply of his soon to be famous croissants…
TBC – Marshall Farm Natural Cheese – variet of local artisan cheeses
Salt Pork – variety of locally grown meat sausages – Italian, Bratwurst, Andouie and more
Becka’s Aloe Vera Juice – Va grown aloe juice in assorted fresh locally grown fruit and veggie flavors
Steve Haas Mushrooms – locally grown and harvested mushroom varieties
Tuckahoe Lamb and Cattle Co. – grass fed cattle and lamb, lamb’s wool, eggs, soup bones, ground, chops…
Robin Raver, CMT – chair massage
Soul-Ice – naturally flavored fruit sorbet-style ices
Wild Heaven Farm – artisan goat soaps, creams, insect repellents…
Thinking of You Creations – artisan granola, cookies, Yum Tarts…
Petal Palate – divinities flavored with fragrant herbs and flowers
Victory Farms – certified naturally grown seasonal produce and fruit, CSA
This is why you come, no?
SNAP / Credit and Debit Cards accepted

See upcoming events below
including the ongling VOTE for WBCH through 9/15 on RichmondUnited.org (we need at least 1,000 votes)
DONATE to WBCH through Amazing Raise on 9/19-20
_____________________

Ana Edwards, Manager
Byrd House Market & Library Programs
Grace Arents Library & Education Center
William Byrd Community House
www.wbch.org / 804.643.2717 ext.306

“poop is on my mind”

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Status report on WBCH FaceBook page:

POOP. Unfortunately, yes, poop is on my mind. Partly because it was on my hands about an hour ago and on the grass where vendors set up last week.

With all the generosity of spirit I hope is needed, I’d like to remind folks who walk their dogs onto the grassy (garden, market, playground, soccer and farmlet) fields along Idlewood Avenue, to PLEASE bring plastic bags or whatever you need to clean up after your beloved canine.

Part of this may simply be the influx of new residents (college bound or otherwise) who simply don’t know that these areas are in use on a regular basis, and may be thinking that weather and natural processes will take care of the mess. Sorry. It ain’t so. Time is not on your side for this one.

So, as a general rule for living, please leave the place you use like you found it, or better!

Thanks,

Ana
Manager, Byrd House Market and Library Programs
on behalf of the vendors, shoppers, children, seniors, and friends who walk and play in these areas

OHNA Meeting Summary

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I was unable to attend Tuesday’s Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association meeting, but thankfully 5th District City Council candidate Parker C. Agelasto supplied this meeting summary on his Facebook profile page:

Last night the Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association met with nearly 30 people attending. There were two main topics of discussion: 1) VCU’s response to off campus misconduct by students and 2) Venture Richmond’s plan for an amphitheater between Tredegar and 2nd Street.

Lt. Donald Davenport was introduced as the new head of Sector 413 in the 4th Precint of the Richmond Police Department. His email is Donald.Davenport at RichmondGov.com. Officer Greg Fulton from VCU Police also attended. His email is gfelton atvcu.edu.

Officer Felton reported that VCU has contracted increased patrol of its MCV and Monroe Park campuses after recent incidents. He also explained a zero tolerance policy that VCU has implemented for student misconduct off campus. Residents are encouraged to call the university to report any illegal activities that involve students. All emergencies should still be reported to 911.

VCU’s emergency number is 804-828-1234 and non-emergency number is 804-828-1196. Officer Felton can be reached at 804-828-1209 or his mobile 804-301-5704.

Part of VCU’s zero tolerance policy for off campus misconduct is to address the issue directly with students through disciplinary action and to also instigate a complaint process with the property owner of apartments and houses. A similar initiative was started with the May/June move out period and holding property owners responsible for the debris left on streets and alleys.

Jack Berry of Venture Richmond presented their plans for a 3 acre lot west of the American Civil War Center and the new 2nd Street Connector, south of 2nd Street, east of the City property below the Lee Bridge and north of the CSX railroad tracks. It is a proposed gift by NewMarket Corporation with an estimated value of $3 Million. The transfer of property will include an easement requiring the property to be used and maintained for the public. Venture Richmond expects the property to serve as an amphitheater for concerts for the Folk Festival and Riverrock.

The plan does not call for any permanent structures and the proposed improvements include lighting fixtures and electrical boxes and landscaping. In preparing the site, NewMarket Corporation and Venture Richmond have proposed grading the property for better sight lines to the stage. This includes partial removal of the embankments as well as fill in the basin of the historic James River and Kanawha Canal.

Members of the Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association voiced concerns about the permitting process and wetland remediation. They also adopted a resolution opposing any permanent alterations to the James River and Kanawha Canal that was survey by George Washington and opened in 1785.

Lastly, an announcement was made that the ordinance for a Special Use Permit pertaining to the Victory Rug building has been drafted. It authorizes 18 units with only 8 off-street parking spaces. OHNA continues to have concerns about this high density and more importantly the lack of available parking for this many new residents.

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Byrd House Market for Aug. 28

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From email announcement:

Back in the 90s my favorite meal was based on the existance of one salad dressing: Girard’s Pesto Dressing. I started with a large pile of spring mixed greens or romaine lettuce and baby spinach leaves. A large spoonful of warm basmati rice is laid on top, then toasted pine nuts, small chunks or shavings of havarti cheese with dill. The pesto dressing was poured over and a final sprinkle of black pepper. This came to an end when Girard’s discontinued their Pesto Dressing. All you smartie-pants who know how simple it is to make your own salad dressings can just stop smirking. I was in mourning and thought nothing would ever be the same again.
Then came Farmers Markets! So, I think late summer salads should be high on your list this week. Ingredients abound. And savory sautees await. And grilled whatsoevers…

WBCH after-school kids created their own salad recipes. Try one!

Vendors who will be here this week that were not last week: Thinking of You Creations, St. Andrew’s Church, Wild Heaven Goat Soaps, Petal Palate, Bernie’s Baked Goods, Sustenance…
Robin Raver is off this week, so no massage, but she’ll see you next week – First Tuesday of the month! And Epic Gardens is teaching edamame stuff at VSU, and she’ll see you next week. Where will you be?
Our storyteller is off this week, but we will have a tarot card reader and face painter. Tips are welcome – support your local artisans.
and Don’t Forget to VOTE!

EVERY DAY through September 15! (See Richmond UNITE notice below)

And speaking of such things, ARE YOU registered to vote? Check out Cedar Street Baptist Church, www.csbcog.org, for voter registration times and information. Or go to the city’s website to learn more. DEADLINE: October 15th (22 days prior to election day)

byrdhousemarket.blogspot.com
and wbch.org
—
_____________________

Ana Edwards, Manager
Byrd House Market & Library Programs
Grace Arents Library & Education Center
William Byrd Community House
www.wbch.org / 804.643.2717 ext.306

Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association Meets Tomorrow Night

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The Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association will meet tomorrow night at the William Byrd Community House.

From email announcement:

Hello everyone

The monthly OHNA meeting is tomorrow, Tuesday, August 28th at 7 PM at the WBCH.

Jack Berry, from Venture Richmond, will be attending the meeting to discuss the amphitheater that he wants to put in over by the 2nd St connector.

Thanks
Jennifer
OHNA

Today at VCU is the Great Bike Roundup!

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From Ride Richmond’s FaceBook page:

Today at VCU is the Great Bike Roundup! 10-2 on the Commons Plaza. Free bike repair, helmets and lights for those who register their bikes (while supplies last), and tables for the Cycling Club, RideRichmond, and more! Immediately following will be a Cycling Symposium. Come learn the ins and outs of cycling in town and at VCU!

This Tuesday at Byrd House Market

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From email announcement:

3rd Tuesday Jam
Our cat has abandoned the kitchen floor for our bed once more as our most reliable indicator that the seasons are changing. Fiddling and plucking in the market tells us its the 3rd Tuesday of the month and the sudden hush of students of all ages as the reality strikes that bells will call them back to class. These are the signs of autumn on my mind…

So start thinking stocks, and soups and stews. Creamy vegetable bisques with cheese and toasted breads. Late tomato bruschetti and light fresh sauces over sauteed, steamed or roasted fresh veggies of almost any kind you like. Savor the last weeks of summer and the illusion of freedom and carefreeness – let your foods embody what’s good and nostalgic, what good and coming soon.

This week, we bid farewell to Almadina and welcome Ettamae’s Oven. It’s been a rough year at the market between the economy, the heat and the storms, especially for our smaller, newer entrepreneurs. I have really enjoyed seeing the end of market trading between vendors to help support each other and strengthen bonds of shared experience. Spread the word – Byrd House Market is a great community because of its people and because its got the right stuff and the right attitude!

and Don’t Forget!
Visit William Byrd Community House’s website – it pays to know just how Byrd House Market, the Grace Arents Community Garden and the Byrd House Farmlet make up the outdoor nutrition education program of WBCH’s Library – to know how these work with the daily integration of social safety net services with early childhood education and after school programs to transform lives and build self-sufficiency in everyone who comes to our agency for help and encouragement. Next year WBCH celebrates 90 years of great work in Richmond. www.WBCH.org. Learn more. Volunteer. Support. Thanks! (See Richmond UNITE notice below)

Who’s Your Favorite Farmers Market?
Voting is still on for the 2012 America’s Favorite Famers Market contest at VaGrown. Click the button at byrdhousemarket.blogspot.com. AND at VaGrown here are two more marketing resources: Official Virginia Farmers’ Market Week Proclamation (last week, but nice for your “wall”) and Grow Virginia’s Economy: Take the $10 a Week Challenge (ongoing)

Farmers and Foodies on Facebook!
Our vendors are talking, sharing photos and showing off their great stuff on Facebook! Check it out: http://www.facebook.com/?sk=nf

MORE Save-the-Dates:
2012 Hans S. Falck Lecture on Social Responsibility will be Thursday, October 4th at St. Andrew’s School. THEME – Eradication of Poverty: Utopia or Reality? The Intersection between Housing, Livelihood and Transportation.hanssfalcklectures.blogspot.com
National Food Day (Oct.24) is October 23rd at Byrd House Market! www.foodday.org. We’ll have a chiropractor, VCU Wellness Department, a scavenger hunt and more.

Raffles
A $1 raffle ticket gets you a shot at $33.83 in Byrd Farm goodies and supports Byrd House Market! Every week all season long! We have had a happy winner every week – it’s a great deal and your pantry will love you for it.
and Massage????
For every $10 you spend at the featured vendor of the week, you get 1 minute of chair massage with Robin Raver! Different vendor every week! Check the chalkboard for this week’s vendor. (Last week Robin tore into the boulders in my neck and shoulder blade muscles so hard she made me wish I could cry in front of everyone. She said “you may not like me now, but in a couple days I will be your goddess! Lucky for us both as soon as I stood up I wanted to fall to my knees and a week later the boulders are pebbles and I can turn my head!) So since you’re going to spend $20-30 anyway, go get a massage. Or not. I’m just sayin…

Grants for Agricultural Producers
WASHINGTON, August 16, 2012 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today invited agricultural producers to apply for grants to increase the value of their products.
“Producers can greatly enhance the bottom line of their businesses and improve their economic prospects when they improve the value of their products, thus expanding their markets and customer base,” Vilsack said. “The Value Added Producer Grant program (VAPG) has a proven track record of doing just that and I am pleased to announce that we are inviting producers to apply for these grants by the deadline. The funds in this program enable America’s farmers, ranchers and rural business owners to find ways to expand their product offerings, revenue streams and create more economic opportunity by bringing additional value to what they already produce.Read more…. http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDAOC-4f4adb

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Byrd House Market Today

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From email announcement:

What’s on my mind???
Cool waters and breezes of fall approaching… In the meantime, its Byrd House Market in August! Which I actually find MUCH better than July. Today will be lovely, breezy and bright – humidity down a bit while being a little warmish. An isolated storm here and there. Altogether a great day to head to the market to stock up or shop for tonight’s great meal, the week’s lunches… or today’s treat!

Ettamae’s returns with breads, rolls and a sundry good spread of savory pies, etc. Almadina comes back this week. Agriberry’s got some blackberry meringue, I hear (could be a rumor…). Bring your egg cartons and milk share bottles back!!! Buy a Raffle Ticket or Two or Three!

Conversely it’s also a great time to give: Our food pantry which serves families, unaccompanied adults and seniors each week, is running low on nonperishables and perishables alike. The farmlet is growing food, but not quite enough to keep up with demand. So visit our Food Pantry Wish List at http://www.wbch.org/?page_id=213 and see what you can bring to the Byrd House Market Information Tent. Thank you!

Who’s Your Favorite Farmers Market?
Voting is still on for the 2012 America’s Favorite Famers Market contest at VaGrown. Click the button at byrdhousemarket.blogspot.com. AND at VaGrown here are two more marketing resources: Official Virginia Farmers’ Market Week Proclamation (last week, but nice for your “wall”) and Grow Virginia’s Economy: Take the $10 a Week Challenge (ongoing)

Farmers and Foodies on Facebook!
Our vendors are talking, sharing photos and showing off their great stuff on Facebook! Check it out: http://www.facebook.com/byrdhousemarket

MORE Save-the-Dates:
2012 Hans S. Falck Lecture on Social Responsibility will be Thursday, October 4th at St. Andrew’s School. THEME – Eradication of Poverty: Utopia or Reality? The Intersection between Housing, Livelihood and Transportation. hanssfalcklectures.blogspot.com

National Food Day (Oct.24) is October 23rd at Byrd House Market! www.foodday.org. Stay tuned for details on our Food Day event(s)!

byrdhousemarket.blogspot.com

—

Ana Edwards, Manager
Byrd House Market & Library Programs
Grace Arents Library & Education Center
William Byrd Community House
www.wbch.org / 804.643.2717 ext.306