archive for February, 2008
February 1, 2008
The Defender looks at possible Gilpin redevelopment
The current issue of the radical Richmond Defender (PDF) takes a look at RRHA’s intentions to redevelop Gilpin Court, Richmond’s largest public housing community, and asks “Where will they go?”. From the article: 2,109 people live in Gilpin Court, average annual household income is $9,128, average monthly rent is $185.
February 2, 2008
Old House Authority offers restoration information
The RTD’s New venture can help with restoration profiles the Old House Authority, a new venture of Jennie Dotts, Walter Dotts, and Dixon Kerr that offers services and information on restoration experts and old-house renovation, and “sells products such as invisible storm windows that are historically accurate, aesthetically pleasing and energy efficient”. The Old House Authority also offers assistance to artisans and craftsmen.
February 2, 2008
you are invited to the Greater Richmond Challenge
Ever wonder why your neighbors, colleagues or family members seem to view the Richmond region differently than you? If so, apply to the Greater Richmond Challenge taking place May 8-9 and see the region through the eyes of a fellow resident.
February 3, 2008
John Jasper Day set for Feb.17
Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church will observe its annual John Jasper Day on Sunday February 17, 2008 during its 11 o’clock am worship service. The speaker for this special celebration is Dr. Benjamin W. Robertson, Sr., the pastor emeritus of the Cedar Street Baptist Church of God. During the service, Sixth Mount Zion will recognize the works of three citizens with its John Jasper Trailblazer Award given in honor of the church’s founding pastor. This year, the 2008 awards will be presented to Reginald Gordon, CEO of the Richmond Red Cross, Dr. Patricia Gould-Champ, Founder of the Faith Community Baptist Church, and Senator Henry l. Marsh, III..
February 3, 2008
Downtown Plan meeting Monday for Carver/Oregon Hill/Monroe Ward
The second of the recently announced neighborhood-level Downtown Plan meetings is scheduled for Monday for the VCU, Monroe Ward, Oregon Hill, and Carver areas. The meeting will be at the William Byrd Community House (224 South Cherry Street) tonight from 6-8PM.
February 4, 2008
Handmade jewelry and silhouettes
This Saturday at Quirk Gallery: Renee Wagner’s handmade jewelry and Heather Tompkins’s silhouettes.
February 5, 2008
Carver barely part of Downtown Plan
Oregon Hill has coverage of last night’s Carver/Oregon Hill/Monroe Ward/VCU Downtown Plan meeting:
Carver neighborhood residents were interested in a couple of aspects. One resident thought Gilmore Street should be considered for two-way traffic. Many were surprised that more of Carver did not appear in the Downtown Master plan study, and wanted to see the whole neighborhood to come under consideration. They felt that streetscape improvements are badly needed there.
February 5, 2008
African-American Heritage bus tours
The Valentine Richmond History Center is offering African American Heritage bus tours of Richmond on Saturday, February 16th and November 8th (1-4PM): “Remember the era of Richmond’s slave traders, revisit the role of free blacks and urban slaves, discuss the contributions of blacks during the Civil War, examine the African American experience during Reconstruction and the Jim Crow era, and honor the impact of the lives of modern Richmonders Arthur Ashe and Douglas Wilder. The tour includes a trip through historic Jackson Ward, frequently referred to as “The Black Wall Street of America,” and a visit to the Maggie Walker Historic Site.”
February 5, 2008
VCU to test sirens, again
The VCU emergency sirens will sound on Wednesday at around noon as part of a test, not an emergency. [via]
February 5, 2008
Sector 412/413 reports for January
The January 2008 reports for Sector 412 (PDF) from Lieutenant Timothy Morley and Sector 413 (PDF) from Lieutenant Lisa Drew are now available. From Sector 413:
01/14/08 Citizen called 4th Precinct to advise that he had just received a call from a male attempting to sell him back his cell phone. (The cell phone had been stolen from his car the day before.) Detectives John Walker and Clarence Key worked with the citizen to set up a time and place to meet with the suspect. The sting worked and the Detectives were able to arrest Willie Binns with possession of the stolen property. This is FANTASTIC news because (knock on wood) since this arrest – we have not had one theft from auto in Jackson Ward or Monroe Ward. 21 in the Sector 413 in the 1st 13 days of the month – only one since – AMAZING!!
February 8, 2008
Booker T. Washington renovation to commence
Folks on Richmond City Watch are reporting that “the renovation of the old Leigh School Building at the corner of 1st and Leigh in Jackson Ward is scheduled to commence this month”. When complete, the building will house approximately 30 apartments as part of an independent living residential complex for Jackson Ward senior citizens who wish to continue living in the historic neighborhood.
February 10, 2008
this week’s CJWN calendar
Broad Street & Jackson Ward Downtown Plan meeting; Tuesday Verses; African American Heritage bus tours of Richmond; Prabir & The Substitutes, Hoots, Hellmouth; MORE…