Celebrate 40 Years of the Clean Water Act

Check out the video link below from the James River Association:

Dumping Ground to Best River Town; 40 years of Progress on the James River

October marks the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, the nation’s landmark environmental legislation to protect water quality. Over the past four decades the James River has gone from being a “dumping ground” to supporting Outside Magazine’s 2012 “Best River Town Ever.” Arguably, it is the most improved river in the nation.

This accomplishment has been the result of a diverse, collective effort by many concerned citizens, businesses and governments. While the Clean Water Act and other state and local plans and policies provide the framework for improving the river, it ultimately comes down to individuals who make it happen.

Engaging Nature with St. Andrew’s Church

From email announcement:

St. Andrew’s Church is hosting a series of gatherings engaging nature and creation as a way to connect more deeply to God, ourselves and others. Track a fox to its den. Discover God’s ancient wisdom. Create fire from friction. Contemplate scripture. Sense the approach of a hawk. Feel compassion, connect deeply. Learn more about this new offering over appetizers on Wednesday, September 26 at St. Andrew’s House (236 S. Laurel Street), 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Please RSVP to me at abailey at standrewsoregonhill.org or 648-7980.

Upcoming: Brunch is for the Birds

From email announcement:

An invitation to explore the practice of backyard bird language based on the new book by Jon Young, “What the Robin Knows.” Three Sundays, starting July 29, from noon to 1:30 pm at St. Andrew’s Community House, 236 S. Laurel Street. July 29, Aug 5, and Aug 12.

Brunches: Brown bag or $5. (Please RSVP regardless)

The last weekend, August 11-12, we’ll be joined by Michael Blackwell, a trained naturalist (including work with Jon Young) who has been learning and teaching bird language for over a decade. Michael will lead several optional bird language “group sits” throughout the weekend ($10 per sit).

Contact Abbott Bailey for more details. (abbottbailey at comcast.net or 687-0122).

Link to Flyer: Brunch is for the Birds

Chicken Controversy Continues

I received this bit of political activism from Laurel Street neighbor Tommy Birchett:

Honorable Charles R. Samuels Councilman,

My name is Tommy Birchett and I spoke last night at City Council
during the public comments. I have been enrolled in courses on
backyard chickens at the William Byrd Community House. I initially
became interested in raising chickens when I was visiting a former
neighbor who moved to Charlottesville. He told me moving there allowed
him to raise chickens legally. He lives downtown near the train
station where city lots are similar in size to Richmond city lots.

The reason I’m writing to you specifically is to request your
assistance regarding some recent bad news for backyard chicken
advocates. Richard Hammack, a VCU Math professor and his family were
recently cited for keeping chickens in their backyard. They had the
chickens for a long time before a neighbor complained. He has not yet
removed them, but plans to follow the law and do so within the
allotted time frame. The underground backyard chicken movement is
growing. As Mr. Hammack says in the following article on NBC 12 news,
“There are lots of chickens throughout the city. You just don’t know
they are there.”

http://www.nbc12.com/story/17586022/neighbors-divided-over-chickens-as-pets-in-urban-areas

In light of the recent recommendations from the Mayor’s recent Food
Security Task Force I think Mr. Hammack should be allowed to keep his
chickens for now. Furthermore, I have never met or spoken to Mr.
Hammack, but I support backyard chickens and feel that it’s time for a
change and this is a good place to start.

Thank you for your time. You reply is appreciated.

As stated elsewhere, it looks like chickens will be a major upcoming political topic for City Council.

When he did attend a recent Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association meeting, Oregon Hill’s City Councilperson, Marty Jewell, did speak favorably towards changing the code regarding chickens.

Martian Dog Crossbreeding Exposed

Since the Disney movie came out and the local connections were written about, more questions have been raised. Are neighborhood dogs getting through holes in Hollywood Cemetery‘s fence?

By the way, folks, I hope I don’t spoil the fun for you late-risers by letting readers know that the past few posts have been made in fun and satire for April Fool’s Day.

Neighbor Bit By Rabid Fox But Manages To Kill It

According to one neighbor, an Oregon Hill Riverside Park neighbor was recently walking his dog near the river when he was attacked by a rabid fox. Fortunately, he was able to keep his dog from harm’s way, while batting away the fox. Though he did get bitten, he was able to eventually give the crazed animal a swift kick and then deliver it a fatal blow with a rock. Supposedly the dog is fine while the man is undergoing a series of rabies shots.

Release from the Virginia Department of Health:

Following recent (weekend) reports of two persons in the City of Richmond being bitten by a fox, the Richmond City Health District is advising residents to take precautions to prevent their risk of contracting rabies from domestic or woodland animals. Laboratory test of the fox involved in the biting incidents revealed that it was rabid.

Both biting incidents occurred in or near Belle Isle at the James River Park. During the summer and warm weather, animals and people are more active out of doors and the likelihood of encounters increase. The public is advised not to approach wild animals either in the woods or if they wander onto your property, especially if they’re acting strangely. Limit the possibility of rabies exposure by keeping your pets on your property; don’t let your pets roam freely.

Don’t attract wild animals into your yard by leaving pet food or garbage out.

Make sure your pets are vaccinated for rabies and keep shots up to date.

Rabies can be deadly; it is caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. The virus is in the saliva and brain of rabid animals. It can be transmitted through a bite or by getting infected saliva in the eyes, mucous tissue or an open wound.

If you or your pet is attacked or bitten by a wild animal, report it to the health department or animal control authorities. If possible, restrain the animal so that it can be tested.

For more information about rabies and animal bites, call the Richmond Health District at 205-3912 or the call Richmond Animal Care & Control at 646-5573.