“Oregon Hill” the novel (not yet published)

It will be interesting to see how this book release is received. However, that won’t be for another 8 months or so.

From Amazon.com page:

Willie Black has squandered a lot of things in his life – his liver, his lungs, a couple of former wives and a floundering daughter can all attest to his abuse. He’s lucky to be employed, having managed to drink and smart-talk his way out of a nice, cushy job covering (and partying with) the politicians down at the capitol.

Now, he’s back on the night corps beat, right where he started when he came to work for the Richmond paper almost 30 years ago. The thing Willie’s always had going for him, though, all the way back to his hardscrabble days as a mixed-race kid on Oregon Hill, where white was the primary color and fighting was everyone’s favorite leisure pastime, was grit. His mother, the drug-addled Peggy, gave him that if nothing else. He never backed down then, and he shows no signs of changing.

When a co-ed at the local university where Willie’s daughter is a perpetual student is murdered, her headless body found along the South Anna River, the hapless alleged killer is arrested within days. Everyone but Willie seems to think: Case Closed. But Willie, against the orders and advice of his bosses at the paper, the police and just about everyone else, doesn’t think the case is solved at all. He embarks on a one-man crusade to do what he’s always done: get the story.

On the way, Willie runs afoul of David Junior Shiflett, a nightmare from his youth who’s now a city cop, and awakens another dark force, one everyone thought disappeared a long time ago. And a score born in the parking lot of an Oregon Hill beer joint 40 years ago will finally be settled.

The truth is out there. Willie Black’s going to dig it out or die trying.

Amazing Blue Glitter Vinyl Chair And Matching Ottoman

From Craigslist ad:

This is thee most amazing chair and ottoman I have ever seen in my whole life! I believe it was made in the mid 1950’s. This is a very rare item, you may never see another one again in your lifetime!
The set is in near mint (close to mint) condition!!!! Would look amazing in anyones living room! very unique.

(go to link for more pictures, asking $150)

And on that note, don’t forget about the Fancy Flea tomorrow outside Fine Foods.

St. Andrew’s School Fundraisers

I received notice of some fundraising activities for St. Andrew’s School –

November 14: Pescados – China Street 11:30 am-2 pm & 5-10 pm. We will receive a percentage of the days sales.
and
The first Tuesday – Thursday of each month: Papa John’s Pizza Order online at www.papajohns.com during the dates below and enter SAS as the promo code to indicate our school.

January 3 – 5 April 3 – 5
November 1 – 3 February 7 – 9 May 1 – 3
December 6 – 8 March 6 – 8 June 5 – 7

City Streets Shut Down Saturday For Marathon

Personally, I do not suggest driving anywhere Saturday morning.

From announcement:

The Richmond Police Department asks motorists to be mindful of runners, parking restrictions and street closings because of the SunTrust Richmond Marathon this Saturday, Nov, 12.

Drivers need to be patient and on the lookout for runners along the routes.

Please be aware of signs restricting parking and detours throughout the city starting at 4 p.m. Friday and continuing through 5 p.m. Saturday.

The following streets will be closed during the designated times:

Continue reading →

Never Forget – Veterans Day

This Friday, the Virginia War Memorial hosts a public ceremony to mark Veterans Day:

November 11, 2011
Veterans Day Ceremony
WHEN: 11:00am until 12:00pm
WHERE: Heilman Amphitheater (map)
Co-hosted with the American Legion 11th District We honor all veterans who have served our country past and present and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Civic, military, veteran and community organizations are invited to present a wreath during the ceremony. No registration is required – each group should bring their own wreath and register with the American Legion at the Memorial before the ceremony begins. Free parking is available. Rain or Shine.

Nov. 11 Community Food Drive

From announcement:

November 11, 2011
Community Food Drive
Every week the Oregon Hill Baptist Center and
Pine Street Baptist Church provide food items for
households and homeless individuals in need.
This weekly food program is only made possible
through donations from people like you!
Join your neighbors on
Friday, November 11
5:00 – 7:00 pm • Pleasants Park
for a community food gathering at the corner of
Laurel and Albemarle Streets.
Drop off staple food items and enjoy a FREE
grilled beef or veggie hot dog and beverage.
Help support this important food ministry.
Questions: Call Jennifer Turner @ 804 648-1353

Renegade Market- Shop the Wild Bunch!

From Byrd House Market post:

Did you see the flames last week?
The pizza oven fired up?
The spring rolls and noodles steaming?

Did you stock up on apples?
And sweet potatoes?
And winter greens?
and broccoli?

the butter, the cookies, the honey
the jam?
the chickens, the pork chops, the stewing beef
the wings?

Fido’s marrow bones,
Fifi’s gizzard jerks
Your knitting yarn
His butter salt, her butter sweet

the succulent
the tangy
the creme de la cream
the tops in your stop

at Byrd House RENEGADE Market
3pm til dark
Tuesdays through April

He pleased into the spirit land, 1862

From The Daily Dispatch: November 7, 1862:

Died
On the 6th inst, after an illness of eleven weeks, from injuries received on the railroad, Charles Walter, youngest son of George and Emily C. Green, aged 7 years5 months and 7 days. He leaves an affectionate mother, one brother and sister, and a great many relatives and friends to mourn their loss. May he rest in peace!

When the bloom of health was on his check,
The light of hope illumined his eye,
He seemed as destined long to live–
Too bright and beautiful to die.
But the relentless spoiler came,
And touched him with his blighting hand;
And, like a bird from prison freed,
He pleased into the spirit land.

His funeral will take place from the Oregon Hill Baptist Chapel, at 3 o’clock this evening. The friends and acquaintances of the family are invited to attend without further notice.

Vote On Tuesday

Voting now in the 10th District, on Tuesday Oregon Hill will help decide between challenger David Bernard and incumbent John Watkins for State Senate. James River Maven offers more information on this race, with a provocative post entitled “Who Owns John Watkins”.

Although there has been some talk of moving the voting place for the precinct, it will remain at the Landmark Theater. For more voter information, contact the Virginia State Board of Elections. See you at the polls this Tuesday.