A New Year’s salute to alumni of the ‘Byrd Watcher’ and community news efforts everywhere.
This is a good time to remind readers and residents that the editor of OregonHill.net is open to submissions and contributions.
The Extinction Rebellion protests which started on a weekly basis this past July continues into the new year this Friday from noon to 1 pm in Monroe Park (corner of Belvedere and Main). They welcome everyone, and every part of everyone to this nonviolent demonstration. All ages are welcome. They stand in support of #fridaysforfuture and the #globalclimatestrike.
Friday evening, there is the opening at the Main Street library for a new exhibit called Evicted in Richmond.
In 2018, there were 1167 fatal drug overdose deaths in Virginia. Fatal drug overdose has been the leading cause of unnatural death in Virginia every year since 2013. Naloxone was patented in 1961 and has the ability to save a person who is suffering an opioid overdose. It is essential that we educate and spread training on its use as it is available through our Health Department. Together, we can save lives through this knowledge and training.
On Sunday, January 12, 2020, the Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association will sponsor a short but informative training session on Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education called REVIVE! at 2pm at St Andrews Episcopal Church at 236 S Laurel Street in Oregon Hill. You are cordially invited to attend,
If you have a friend or Family Member currently using opioids
If you currently use opioids
If you are currently abstinent but have used opioids
or if you are just interested in becoming more knowledgeable on this urgent issue,
Please join us! The training will be conducted by Barbara Ambrose LCSW. We would like to limit the class to 25 attendees. There is no charge. Please RSVP to Barbara at cats4cats@comcast.net
From James RIver Park staff:
Join us for a family friendly hike to one of Richmond’s historic gems, Belle Isle. Learn about the geologic and human history of the area and the role Richmond played in the development of our nation. Please bring water, a snack and good shoes.
Parking:
Street parking on 5th street
Belle Isle parking lot
Tredegar parking lot $3 per hour or $18 for the dayAges: 8 and Up
Price: $5 or donation
Location: Meet at the visitor sign in the Belle Isle parking lot under the Lee BridgeTo Register contact Tyler Twyford: Tyler.Twyford@richmondgov.com
Because this Wednesday is a New Year’s Day holiday, trash and recycling pickup will be on Thursday this week. Please go over what can be recycled. 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 Thursday night.
If you have not done so already, don’t forget to sign up for your Recycling Perks.
In order to take your recycling to the next level, read this: 10 ways to improve your recycling.
Also, don’t forget to plan ahead for the City of Richmond Department of Public Works and the Richmond Clean City Commission’s annual “Bring One for the Chipper” on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020 from 10 am – 2 pm at 1710 Robin Hood Rd and N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. (field across from the Arthur Ashe Center). In addition to Christmas Tree recycling, the city is hosting electronics recycling (fees may apply on certain items) and document shredding (up to 5 boxes) and city recyclers can drop off their 24 gallon green bins for reuse in city schools since now have 95 gallon recycling cart with a blue lid.
Please contact the City of Richmond staff directly for additional information and other requirements as this event is for City of Richmond residents only. Proof of residency required.
All that said, keep your eyes on the big picture- as this recent piece opines, humanity can’t recycle its way out of consumption problems despite what the corporations say.
The Times Dispatch has published a story that celebrates St. Andrew’s School’s 125th Anniversary.
From the article:
“Grace Arents was a visionary,” said Head of School Cynthia Weldon-Lassiter. “We have the opportunity to continue to grow the school in ways that are going to impact the greater community.”
Students have been a part of ongoing anniversary celebrations, including the creation of a mural in the school’s courtyard. That light-blue mural, with a sun and flowers, includes the school’s motto: “Growing with Grace.”
Only a few more days to see this exhibit…
As seen on Laurel Street….
From press release:
RVAH2O, a public education initiative of the City of Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities (DPU), is seeking the talents of local artists ages 18 and up to help communicate the importance of keeping city storm drains litter-, leaf- and pollutant-free. The annual Storm Drain Art Project, which calls for artists to paint on city storm drains, is kicking off its fifth straight year. The deadline for submissions is Sunday, February 2, 2020, at 11:59 PM.
Twenty painted storm drains from previous contests currently adorn City sidewalks in Tredegar, Carytown, Northside, and Scott’s Addition. The City estimates that, each year, several thousand people walk by and view the drains. “Our goal is for artists to harness their talents to communicate a message that resonates with every Richmond citizen – that only rain should go down these drains,” reports Jenn Clarke, DPU’s stormwater outreach coordinator. “It’s creativity for a cause.”
This year’s chosen artists will paint their designs on storm drains in Shockoe Bottom. The art should reflect the goals of the RVA Clean Water Plan – the City’s five-year roadmap for reducing pollutant discharges into the James River, starting with wastewater, stormwater, and the combined sewer system. Artists are encouraged to think creatively and design a drain that will inspire Richmonders to keep our waterways clean.
An independent panel of judges from DPU will select four designs to be painted on designated drains in April 2020. Selected artists will receive a $400 stipend for their work and materials; DPU will provide non-slip paint, water and water tubs, and basic brushes.
Now in its fifth year, the RVAH2O Storm Drain Art Project has earned an award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies and inspired similar programs in municipalities throughout the country. It has also earned recognition in two consecutive years from the Richmond Ad Club.
“We’re excited to continue this tradition for another year,” adds Clarke. “It’s a tremendous opportunity for local artists to display their work, and it’s an important environmental message for Richmond’s citizens and visitors.”
The Storm Drain Art Project is being conducted with permission from the Richmond Department of Public Works, the Richmond Public Art Commission, and the Richmond Planning Commission.
Visit RVAH2O.org for details. Submit art at http://www.RVAH2O.org/submit-art.