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NEWSLETTER • June 2018
IN THIS ISSUE PG. 9
AskCAR
PG. 14
Responsible Pet Ownership
PG. 18
Interview for CHA Newsletter
PG. 22
Spooky New Neighbors with A Veteran Business
PG. 28
Church Hill Tree Steward
[2] June 2018
MEETINGS & NOTICES Historic Preservation and Land Use Committee Meeting
Generally held on the Tuesday before the board meeting at the Patrick Henry Pub, 2300 E. Broad St. at 6:00pm Upcoming Meeting: June 5 Upcoming Meeting: July 3
CHA of RVA Board Meeting
Generally held on the first Thursday of every month at Patrick Henry Pub, 2300 East Broad St. at 6:00pm Upcoming Meeting: June 7 Upcoming Meeting: July 5
Membership Meeting
Generally held on the third Tuesday of every month in St.John’s Parish Hall, 2401 East Broad St. at 7:00pm Upcoming Meeting: June 19 (Picnic Meeting) Upcoming Meeting: July 17 (Business Meeting) If any member wishes to attend any zoning or board meeting they are most welcome, but please check with Genni Sasnett at president@churchhill.org for updated meeting times and dates. What does Church Hill Look like to you? Send images to: Newsletter@churchhill.org
CHA Mission
The purpose of this organization shall be to promote a sense of unity and common endeavor among all the residents of the St.John’s CHurch, Church Hill North, and Chimborazo Old and Historic Districs, other residents of the East District, and other interested persons, in order to develop a stable, desirable urban neighborhood.
[3] Church Hill Association
CHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Genni Sasnett President@churchhill.org
Vice President: Debra Melisi vp@churchhill.org
Secretary: Pam Masters secretary@churchhill.org
Assistant Secretary: Audrey Auyeung asstsecretary@churchhill.org
Treasurer: Pam Lipscomb treasurer@churchhill.org
Assistant Treasurer: Steven Keener assistanttreasurer@churchhill.org
DIRECTORS AT LARGE Alli Alligood
Reshma Gola
Christina Masteroianni
Brian Loos
Past President: John Sieg
Historic Preservation and Land Use Chair: Barbra Cotter (804) 677-7647
VOLUNTEERS Layout & Graphics: Arthur Olivarez arthurolivarezjr@gmail.com
Content Editor/ Ad Sales Coordinator: Celeste Deal newsletter@churchhill.org Phone: (804)644-2862
Church Hill Planters: Marion Macdonald Phone: (804)644-1347
Lead Newsletter Dristribution: South: Tom & Eileen Sanders Phone: (804)343-7157
Membership Coordinator: Amy Beem membership@churchhill.org Phone: (804)344-7157
North: Sandra Horton Phone: (804)780-1641
For more information on joining the CHA, please see our website at: churchhill.org or fill our the application included in this publication
[4] June 2018
LETTER FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT Greetings Church Hillians, We know it is summer in Church Hill when it’s time for CHA of RVA’s summer picnic. We hope that everyone will come to Reed Square on June 19th and share some food, drink and fellowship with your neighbors. We will also have live music so bring your chairs or a blanket, a dish to share and come on over. More details to follow inside this issue. It seems like the year just started, but we will soon reach the time of year to start thinking about nominations for next years Board of Directors. Debra Melisi, VP of CHA, is the chair of the Nominations Committee this year. She and her committee members would love to hear about interested candidates. Our neighborhood has always been fortunate to have a very talented group of volunteers step up for service as board members and officers. Please see Debra’s committee notes in this edition. GRTC Pulse, RVA’s rapid transit bus system, launches on June 24! Prior to this launch date, operations are being systematically tested along the route. This 7.6 mile route along Broad Street, from Rockett’s Landing to Willow Lawn, will provide a modern, high quality, high capacity transit system for our area. Stone Brewery and the Intermediate Terminal demolition has been a huge topic of discussion over the past few weeks!.This issue has gone before the Finance & Economic Development Committee, the Organizational Development Committee and City Council and is slated to be heard again by City Council on May 29. Updates to follow this meeting. And next, some great news impacting all of our everyday lives up here on the Hill. Supervalu/ Farm Fresh just announced that our local grocery store has been acquired by Charlottesville based Neighborhood Grocery Holdings LLC. NGH currently owns 2 other independent grocery stores in Central Virginia. This transition is slated to be completed by the end of June. Welcome to the neighborhood NGH! Also after over a year of delays and inconveniences, Congressman Donald McEachin (Virginia’s 4th District) has communicated the tentative East End Post Office reopening date as as being mid May 2018. His letter assures that he will monitor this latest deadline dilligently to get us back our postal facility. In closing, we all recognize the vast and varied talents of Church Hillians but I really wanted to spotlight a few of them. Nathan Madison recently released a PBS documentary “How the Welsh Changed the World: The Tale of Two Tredegars” in April. Please see his interview in this edition. Finally, Chris and Beth Houlihan operate “Haunts of Richmond” right here in our midst! Please read about them in this issue.
All the Best,
Debra Melisi, VP of CHA 2018
[5] Church Hill Association
CHURCH HILL ASSOCIATION’S COMMITTEE REPORTS: MAY 2018 Historic Preservation and Land Use Committee (HPLUC) Meeting summary notes of May 2, 2018
1. The committee heard the new owner’s concerns related to her restoration of 2617 East Grace St. In particular, she expressed concerns regarding the high cost of consultants required to navigate the Department of Historic Resources’ tax credit process and the many complexities associated with restoration approvals. 2. Louis Salomonsky provided updates regarding his interest in building a hotel (possibly Wyndham operated) in Shockoe Bottom. He also reviewed the status of his Peach St. Scenic easement (should be completed by end of 2018) and his Pear St. project (no significant changes since our last review). 3. The committee voted to support Charles Poole’s appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) that challenges the Zoning Administrator’s new interpretation which has removed zoning code protections on corner “transitional sites” situated on 37 Minor Arterial Roadways in the city, such as Cary Street, 25th Street, and others. Transitional sites are those where business zoning abuts residential zoning and require special considerations in the city’s zoning regulations like limited building height and exclusion of uses incompatible with adjacent residential communities (e.g., service stations, dry cleaning, hotel/motel). This new ruling impacts Oregon Hill by allowing excessive height for a building in B-3 zoning. In addition, the committee also agreed to request approval (in May) by the Board and Membership to send a letter to the BZA that would support Oregon Hill’s appeal which will occur on June 6th. 4. Martha Broughton provided a detailed update regarding the April 24th CAR meeting. To learn more about the committee and its work, contact Barbara Cotter at cotterbarbara@hotmail.com.
Nominations Committee:
This committee was just formed ( Debra Melisi-chair, Steven Keener, Reshma Gola, Eugenia Anderson-Ellis, John Whitworth) and is currently accepting nominations for next years Board of Directors and Officers. Please consider volunteering to serve your community! The committee will meet in late June to begin the vetting process. Please send nominations to Debra at vp@churchhill.org.
Outreach Committee:
The CHA Outreach Committee met at 3:00 pm on Sunday May 6. We agreed to start a very casual weekly picnic gathering at Libby Hill Park on Sundays starting at 4:30 pm. The committee agreed to keep these gatherings low key and welcoming to ensure the largest turnout but provide opportunities for folks to join the CHA (square availability for swiping cards?) and/or learn more about who we are and what we do. Steven and Ali are going to work on making the June Picnic at Reed square a hit.
CHA’s Parks Committee:
The group met on May 11th, identified key parks and green spaces and various contacts and resources for these as well as the following actions: 1. Immediate work will include a plan to eliminate ailanthus trees in Libby Hill Park and Chimborazo School’s rain garden, as well as getting updated information on current activities underway for the greater Church Hill area and on effective new strategies for destroying this plant. 2. For tree planting/stump removal/new tree wells, focus will be on trees for Chimborazo School (rain garden/sidewalk), new wells and trees for Jefferson Avenue, and trees for Chimborazo Playground. In addition, the Committee will disseminate information on getting new trees and removing stumps from tree wells for both community groups and individuals. (Joel Cabot will share information on this at the May 15th CHA meeting.) [6] June 2018
3. The City will install the replacement plaque for the Grace Street Overlook very shortly. The Committee is requesting that the Board order a plaque for the missing one at the Libby Hill overlook, using the recently discovered photograph of it. To learn more about the committee and its work, contact Barbara Cotter at cotterbarbara@hotmail.com.
Technology Infrastructure Ad Hoc Committee Report:
The Committee is already off to a fast start by having completed the identification of all segments of the current infrastructure. We have investigated and evaluated alternatives related to our social media presence as well as the churchhill.org website. For the next 30 days, we will be exploring and/or piloting multiple technologies in the areas of… • central repository for the organization’s documentation • membership/contact list • email blasts • payment processing Feel free to reach out to Brian Loos with any questions at brian_loos@hotmail.com
CHA Youth and Education Committee:
This group met on Sunday May 6th at the Patrick Henry Pub. For Teacher Appreciation Week the Committee stuffed and delivered treat bags to the staff at both Chimborazo and Bellevue Elementary school; in part with support from Farm Fresh who generously donated candy and school supplies. The Committee also provided an update at the May CHA meeting. The principals of Chimborazo and Bellevue Elementary Schools attended, as did representatives from CHAT and St John’s church, to provide information about opportunities for community members to volunteer with students and schools. To receive updates and learn more about the committee and its work, contact Holly Coy at Holly.m.coy@gmail.com.
GREAT DOCTORS — RIGHT DOWN THE HILL Close, convenient care is nearby at Bon Secours Canal Crossing Internal Medicine.
Vicki Latham, MD
Bon Secours Canal Crossing Internal Medicine offers adult primary care, senior care, annual physicals, women’s services, immunizations, checkups and more. Compassionate care for all adults, at all stages of life, is right next door to Church Hill. Offering same-day appointments and accepting new patients—call (804) 298-3460.
Katie Skiff, NP
Canal Crossing Internal Medicine 115 South 15th Street Suite 501 Richmond, VA 23219
bonsecours.com/richmond
[7] Church Hill Association
Sarah Meyers, PA
Church Hill Real Estate Market Report Does your home make you happy? Your home should be your sanctuary, where you wake up with your coffee, and where you relax with your friends and family. You should feel grateful for your home when you write your check to the mortgage company every month. If your home isn't bringing you the happiness it should, consider these tips: 1.
Surround yourself with colors and items you love. Had that cheap Picasso print on your wall since college and find that it's no longer bringing you joy? Don’t be afraid to take it down and replace it with something you love (speaking from experience here). Besides that, paint is the easiest and most effective way to change the mood in a space. Try out some different swatches or paint testers - figure out the colors that draw you in and make you feel at ease in your space.
2.
Fill the air with scents that make you feel something. For example, sweet orange creates an uplifting and invigorating ambiance while geranium oil produces a calming, grounding effect. Try out some “flavors” for the indoors, or plant a rosemary or lemon balm plant by your front walk and rub it with your hands when you walk by.
3.
Create a dedicated space for your hobbies. Spending time on passions is necessary for your overall happiness. Whether it be yoga, reading, creating or brewing beer, having a place devoted to what makes you happy will motivate you to spend more time doing it.
4.
Bring the outdoors in. According to Psychology Today, there is a significant link between time spent enjoying nature and happiness. Two houseplants that require little care are the peace lily and the spider plant. Are you someone who has trouble remembering to water? Just try to keep in mind that it’s "Water Wednesdays", or set a reminder on your ever-present smartphone.
5.
Enterrtain more in your home. First, you'll want to spruce up the house before guests come over (have we shared our Rubbermaid tip for you?). Second, when you surround yourself with people you want to be around, those positive feelings will begin to translate into a feeling of love and sentimentality for the space that brought you together.
The Facts* ⌂ ⌂ ⌂ ⌂ ⌂ ⌂ ⌂
2017 YTD Median Sale Price: $227,500 2018 YTD Median Sale Price: $238,900 2017 YTD Median Days on Market: 16 2018 YTD Median Days on Market: 15 2017 YTD Median List Price to Sale Price: 97.23% 2018 YTD Median List Price to Sale Price: 99.56% Current Active Median Price: $315,000
-
⌂ Highest Sold Price in 2018 to date: 2607 E Grace St Sold for $815,000 Days on Market: 3
*Criteria: Area 10, Zip 23223 in school zones Bellevue, Chimborazo, and George Mason. Data obtained from CVR MLS
Prepared by Licensed Real Estate Broker and Church Hill resident, Amy Tesauro Amy Tesauro & Catherine Gilmer linchpin@linchpinrealestate.com linchpinrealestate.com 804.292.0852 [8] June 2018
What do I need to do if I am going to put new siding on my house? Thanks, Siding Suggestions
Are you a new or existing homeowner in a Designated Old and Historic District in the area? Do you have a question about a renovation or rehabilitation project on your property? Are you planning a demolition or new construction project? If so, send us your question to Secretary@ChurchHill.org with AskCAR in the subject line. In an effort to provide a resource to the community, I’ve started this “ASK CAR” column. If you don’t know already, CAR or the Commission on Architectural Review is the City’s official historic preservation body and helps to preserve the unique qualities of these designated districts. Since there are four of these districts in this area (St. John’s, Chimborazo, Union Hill, Church Hill North) chances are that if you are a homeowner you will have or have had some interaction with CAR. This column is aimed at providing clarity and understanding of a process that at times may seem daunting or frustrating. Marianne Pitts, Secretary of the Planning and Preservation Department in the City of Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review has kindly agreed to assist me in answering the questions that I receive from the readership.
Dear Siding Suggestions, You will need to submit an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness. The replacement of historic wood siding is generally not permitted. CAR guidance is to repair or replace with like material. If the wood siding is extremely deteriorated and must be replaced then the installation of smooth finish fiber cement siding without a bead has been permitted on the sides and rear with wood siding on the front. If the house has vinyl siding, the vinyl may be removed but the underlying wood siding should be repaired or replaced with like material. Vinyl siding is not an approved material in City Old and Historic Districts. If the proposed replacement meets our guidelines, the application can be administratively approved. Finally, I would contact Marianne Pitts, Secretary of the Commission on Architectural Review (CAR) if you have any further questions or need clarification. Her phone number is (804)646-6335 and her email address is: Marianne.Pitts@richmondgov.com.
Do I need a permit to redo landscaping? Thanks, Longing for Landscaping Dear Longing for Landscaping, In general, landscaping does not need to be reviewed but if you are removing or adding pavement, hardscaping, fencing, or lighting that will need a Certificate of Appropriateness. Please contact Marianne Pitts, Secretary of the Commission on Architectural Review (CAR) if you have any further questions or need clarification. Her phone number is (804)646-6335 and her email address is: Marianne.Pitts@richmondgov.com.
[9] Church Hill Association
[ 10 ] June 2018
In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, area restaurants donated dishes to Bellevue School for a luncheon, titled “ A Taste of Church Hill..” On Thursday, May 10, teachers feasted on various dishes and desserts For making this a wonderful success, many thanks go to: The Nile, The Roosevelt, WPA, Garnett’s at the Valentine, 23rd and Main Street, Patrick Henry’s Pub and Liberty Public House. Church Hill Association and St. John’s Church also donated goodie bags and mugs. The teachers were able to sit down and enjoy the feast during their lunch break, and a wonderful meal was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Photos by Carolyn Dallas
[ 11 ] Church Hill Association
[ 12 ] June 2018
Casual & family-friendly dining located at the heart of Church Hill in the Historic East End Theatre Building
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TACO TUESDAY Taco specials all day
WIND DOWN WEDNESDAY Seafood and drink specials
Mon-Wed: 11am-10pm Thurs-Fri: 11am-11pm Sat: 9am-11pm Sun: 9am-10pm
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804.225.8275 • www.thelibertyrva.com • 418a N. 25th Street [ 13 ] Church Hill Association
Responsible Pet Ownership submitted by Pam Masters
Now that the weather is warmer more pets and people are out and about, be reminded that the City of Richmond has laws regarding responsible pet ownership, and Richmond Animal Care & Control enforces those laws. Complete information can be found on the Richmond.gov website under animal control.
Enforcement
Richmond Animal Care & Control is responsible for protecting the health and safety of the citizens and their pets in the City of Richmond. Animal Control Officers handle a variety of situations in the City of Richmond including: •Investigating suspected abuse or cruelty to animals •Abandoned animals •Injured or sick animals •Aggressive animals and animal fighting •Livestock and poultry issues •Animal bites •Various other animal related situations that present a problem to the community
Cruelty to Animals:
Cruelty to animals is a serious offense. Cruelty comes in many forms, such as an animal not having food/water/shelter, an animal being locked in a hot car, or an animal being beaten or tortured in some way. Additionally, dogs may not be tethered for more than one hour during a 24-hour period. Richmond Animal Care & Control relies on good neighbors to report suspected acts of cruelty or abuse. If you witness animal cruelty or abuse, please call 804-646-5573 and make a detailed report, including your call back number so we may get more information if needed. You can remain anonymous if you wish, but it’s important you provide as much information as possible. An Animal Control Officer will be assigned to investigate all reported situations of
Responsible Pet Ownership
The City of Richmond and Richmond Animal Care & Control enforce laws regarding the humane treatment of companion animals and laws pertaining to the protection and well-being of citizens and pets. A few of the key regulations are listed below:
Spay/neuter your pets! Sec. 4-307. Breeding Permit
City of Richmond residents owning cats and dogs are required to have their pets spayed or neutered for pets four months of age or older. Only a breeder who has purchased a breeding permit may be excluded from enforcement of this law. The cost of a breeding permit is $100.00 per pet and is available for purchase at Richmond Animal Care & Control. Area Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinics: •Richmond SPCA (Richmond) / 804-804-521-1330 •Richmond Animal League (Chesterfield) / 804-379-9725 •Prevent a Litter (Richmond) / 804-359-6369
[ 14 ] June 2018
Keep your pet healthy! Sec. 4-365. Vaccinations
Cats and dogs four months of age and older must be vaccinated against rabies. Your pet’s rabies tag should be attached to your pet’s collar. Rabies vaccinations must be given by a veterinarian and can be done at any animal hospital or clinic. Richmond Animal Care & Control hosts rabies clinic in the city periodically throughout the year.
Ensure your pet’s safe return! Sec. 4-185. Pet license
City of Richmond residents must purchase an annual license for each dog or cat they own that is four months of age or older. The cost is $10.00 for each pet. License information can be found by going to the License/Permit Your Pet link found on the left side of this page. The license tag should be attached to your pet’s collar. If your pet goes missing and is found by an animal control officer, an individual or is brought to an animal shelter, the license information registered with the City of Richmond will help reunite you and your pet. In addition to licensing, we recommend you have your pet micro-chipped. In the event that your pet goes missing and loses its collar, your contact information will be intact and can be found with the use of microchip scanners used by animal control officers, veterinary clinics, and animal shelters.
Sec. 4-90. Animal Excreta or Waste
City residents are required to clean up waste from both cats and dogs in all public places and private property. When not disposed of properly, pet waste seeps into rivers and contaminates our drinking water.
Shhh your dog! Sec. 4-244. Be a good neighbor
Pet owners must control the behavior of cats and dogs so as not to become a public nuisance. Pet owners will be held accountable for a pet’s excessive barking and the damaging of public or private property.
Leash your dog! Sec. 4-243.
The free roaming of dogs is prohibited. All dogs must be kept under restraint or confined in an enclosure. Dogs must be walked on a leash when off the owner’s property. The City of Richmond leash law does not apply to cats.
Animal Bites
Please contact the Health Department or Animal Control Department in the city or county in which the bite has occurred. They will offer guidance on quarantine procedures and steps to ensure your safety and the safety of the animal. Animal bites in the City of Richmond should be reported to Richmond Animal Care & Control at 804-646-5573 or the City of Richmond Health Department at 804-205-3912.
Chickens
The City of Richmond permits the keeping of up to four hens in all residential districts of the city. If you are interested in keeping chickens, please follow the License/Permit Your Pet link on the left side of this page.
Wildlife
If you are experiencing a problem with nuisance wildlife, please call the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries toll-free wildlife conflict helpline at 1-855-571-9003.
How to contact the enforcement section of Richmond Animal Care & Control
Call 804-646-5573 to report all animal related concerns. A call for service will be started and your request will be dispatched to an animal control officer. Please dial 911 for any animal related emergency after hours and an officer will be dispatched.
City of Richmond – Animal Related Ordinances
A complete list of the animal related laws in the City of Richmond can be found by clicking on: City Code.
Virginia – Comprehensive Animal Laws
A complete list of the animal related laws in the Commonwealth of Virginia can be found by clicking on: Virginia Code. [ 15 ] Church Hill Association
Church Hill, It’s never easy to start a revolution.
Presenting Patrick Henry Square 313 North 24th Street Richmond VA 23223
17 Apartments 6500 square feet of Commercial Space 2 Bedroom\2bathroom Live work Now leasing for August 2016 Occupancy Contact Joshua Bilder for more information 804.306.3089 Mobile 804-359-5018 Office (Website under construction) www.patrickhenrysquare.com Another quality Sterling Bilder LLC Development [ 16 ] June 2018
No one knows your home better than you do. And no one knows what it takes to sell your Church Hill home better than Chris Small. Contact Chris today to find out how he can get your home sold. c. 804.350.0879 | chris@smallre.net | chris.thervalife.com
Richmond, VA [ 17 ] Church Hill Association
INTERVIEW FOR CHURCH HILL NEWSLETTER By: Waite Rawls Church Hill resident Waite Rawls recently interviewed Church Hill resident Nathan Madison about his 2015 book Tredegar Iron Works and the PBS documentary How The Welsh Changed the World: The Tale of Two Tredegars, which aired in April. While the Tredegar site is about a mile up river from our view from Libby Hill, its history has certainly impacted our local history. Rawls: How did you get interested in the subject of the Tredegar Iron Works? Madison: After graduate school in 2012, while working on several written projects, I also happened to work at the front desk for the American Civil War Museum at its Tredegar site. It was interesting to me that so many visitors asked questions about the industrial site of the museum, which had been the Tredegar Iron Works for well over a hundred years. When Christy Coleman offered me the chance to research Tredegar’s history for signs and exhibits around the site, I readily accepted. Rawls: What did you find? Madison: There had been very little ever written about the site, but I found a treasure trove of information at the Library of Virginia—company documents, financial results, and so much more. I wish more people knew what a fantastic resource the Library of Virginia is. I also found additional papers at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture and The Valentine—enough to prepare all of the scripts for the signs which described its origins in the 1830s, its importance during the Civil War and to the railroad boom of the late 1800s, and how water could power a major industrial site. Rawls: Signs are one thing, but a book is another. How did you decide to write the book? Madison: I had written and published one book earlier, on an unrelated topic, so I knew what that entailed. But I was intrigued with the tale of Tredegar’s history, so I started digging even deeper with an eventual book in mind. One topic that I was researching in particular was Tredegar’s Welsh origins, as we had very little information regarding that. I was able to find a Welsh documentary about men from Tredegar, Wales who travelled to America in the nineteenth century. Following up on that lead, I contacted Peter Morgan Jones, a retired lecturer from Cardiff University, who happened to be a historian of the Sirhowy Valley, where Tredegar is located. Both he and I discussed, for a BBC Radio program, the work of Rhys Davies, a millwright from Tredegar who came to Richmond and helped build our namesake iron works. The final connection was a Welsh filmmaker, Kevin Philips, who had directed the original documentary I had come across, earlier. Rawls: Rawls: What happened then? Madison: When meeting with Kevin in 2014, he and I discussed the possibility of a film detailing the history of these two Tredegars, as neither side really had a full account of each other’s history. Not much research, on our side, had been done, and we thought it was a great idea — connecting the two sides of “the pond,” with the people and the skills from Wales who made Richmond the leading industrial center in the American South of the 1850s. While I worked with Peter on the script and securing images and archival footage, I also asked Joshua LeHuray, an educator at the American Civil War Museum and adjunct professor at Rappahannock Community College, to serve as one of the interviewees for the film. I also requested some interview time with U. S. National Park Ranger Mike Gorman, who had assisted Steven Spielberg, when Lincoln was shot here in town. It was quite a team on both sides. We found photographs, old video footage, and a lot of great personal stories of the men both here, and there. Rawls: I watched your documentary, How The Welsh Changed the World: The Tale of Two Tredegars, when it aired in late April. How did it do? Madison: We actually premiered the film here in Richmond, down on the site of the Tredegar Iron Works, a couple of days before it was on PBS. The audience loved it, and we got really great questions and feedback following the showing. The real test was on television; when the results came in, for the night it was aired it was the 2nd most watched show on PBS in Virginia and,6th nationally. Rawls: That is really terrific, particularly for a relatively unknown story, from an unknown source. But my final question is purely local. In Wales, the name Tredegar is pronounced with the accent on the second syllable and a long “e” in the middle. But here in Richmond, the accent is on the first syllable, with the “e” almost disappearing or swallowed. Did you ever discover how the Welsh got it wrong? (with a smile) Madison: That is a mystery still to be solved. [ 18 ] June 2018
Rawls: Nathan, thanks so much for sitting down with me and sharing this remarkable story with our neighbors on Church Hill. Note: A DVD of How The Welsh Changed the World: The Tale of Two Tredegars will be available for sale soon in the gift shops of the American Civil War Museum. Nathan Madison is the author of several academic books and articles, and has consulted and participated in documentaries for the BBC, PBS, C-SPAN, and AMC. He recently co-founded a non-profit venture, to help digitize and contextualize the infrastructural and economic history of Richmond and the surrounding region. He can be contacted via email at nathan@nvmadison.com. S, Waute Rawks III is the President of the American Civil War Museum Foundation, located at 1201 East Clay Street, Richmond, VA. The mission of The American Civil War Museum is to be the preeminent center for the exploration of the American Civil War and its legacies from multiple perspectives: Union and Confederate, enslaved and free African Americans, soldiers and civilians.
[ 19 ] Church Hill Association
A Realtor in your Neighborhood When Amy Tesauro isn’t helping Richmonders buy and sell their homes, you might find her sitting on her porch on the Hill, or at Chimborazo park with her kids, or at Dutch & Co enjoying the Perfect Egg. We know Church Hill because we live Church Hill. Let us put our unique experience to work for you.
Amy Tesauro Associate Broker 804.467.1881
Catherine Gilmer REALTORÂŽ 804.338.5397
Erin King
Director of Operations
804.292.0852
linchpinrealestate.com linchpin@linchpinrealestate.com 804.292.0852 [ 20 ] June 2018
[ 21 ] Church Hill Association
SPOOKY NEW NEIGHBORS WITH A VETERAN BUSINESS By: Chris & Beth Houlihan, Owners at Richmond Historic Haunts At the time of this publication, Haunts of Richmond (a Richmond Historic Haunts company) will be well underway with their 14th Ghost Tour Season. Having been founded in 2004 as an indoor haunted attraction on 18th Street in Shockoe Bottom, the ghost tour business became a natural extension of the haunted house as curious guests were frequently requesting a walking tour of the neighborhood. The hint was taken, and the Shadows of Shockoe Ghost Tour was launched in 2005, exploring the history and ghost stories associated with a number of notable local landmarks in the Shockoe Bottom and Capitol Hill neighborhoods. The walking tours proved to be a hit, and they quickly outgrew the permanent haunted house attraction which closed in 2007. As Haunts of Richmond Ghost Tours grew, they were able to diversify their offerings to include multiple tour routes: Church Hill Chillers, Shadows of Shockoe, and Haunted Capitol Hill. Both the history and the ghost stories that comprise the tours were carefully researched by Sandi & Scott Bergman, founders of Haunts of Richmond, and authors of Haunted Richmond: The Shadows of Shockoe. The historical research was generally drawn from traditional sources, including libraries and museum archives. Ghost stories on the other-hand are generally drawn from local legends & lore, and first-hand accounts. Stories are structured with a philosophy that guests should be entertained and educated by what they hear on a tour. Additionally, as a matter of respect for the historical facts and the individuals that share their stories with Haunts of Richmond, the tales are always told as accurately as possible, and without exaggeration. It is the company’s firm belief that Richmond’s history is interesting on its own merits. The abundant haunted history that Richmond offers, and the storytelling talents of the company’s guides, allowed Haunts of Richmond to continue to flourish until late 2015 when after almost 12 years of haunting Richmond, the Bergmans decided to retire from the ghost tour business to pursue other passions. However, they didn’t want their creation to fade away, so they turned to longtime employees Beth & Chris Houlihan to take the reins of the business. Haunts of Richmond Ghost Tours was brought under the umbrella of a new parent company (Richmond Historic Haunts). Chris & Beth have been working since January 2016 to nurture the brand and gradually expand it to include other offerings. One of the most recent additions to Haunts of Richmond’s offerings was a series of well attended Haunted Dinners at Patrick Henry’s Pub & Grille. The Haunted Dinners were popular and well-reviewed and are expected to return this next winter. In December 2017, Chris & Beth Houlihan officially became Richmond residents when they purchased a home on the 200 block of N. [ 22 ] June 2018
25th Street across from St. John’s Church. It only seems appropriate to note that the for-sale sign on the house was spotted while Beth was giving a Church Hill Chillers tour this past Halloween season. Having already fallen in love with Church Hill over the years of offering tours in the neighborhood, they had a signed contract on the house within 48 hours. Naturally, Haunts of Richmond (and Richmond Historic Haunts) moved as well and are now officially headquartered in Church Hill, in the Houlihan’s home office. By moving closer to the tours, 2018 is looking to be a year of significant expansion for the company. At least one new ghost tour route is expected to launch this summer in the area along Franklin Street by the Jefferson Hotel. Richmond Historic Haunts is also expected to make its own public debut this year as an independent history tour company focused on the off-beat portions of Richmond’s past. The companies are also expected to move beyond their seasonal nature, by beginning to offer select tours year-round. Chris & Beth are grateful for the community support that Haunts of Richmond has received over the years, and they want to show their appreciation whenever possible. Haunts of Richmond encourages anyone conducting silent auctions or raffles for non-profits to reach out for donations of tour tickets. Other contributions and forms of support for non-profits will also be considered on a caseby-case basis. Beth & Chris are also thrilled to now be a part of the Church Hill community and are eager to connect with their new neighbors on both personal and professional levels. They can be reached at bethh@hauntsofrichmond.com, and chrish@hauntsofrichmond.com respectively. To join Haunts of Richmond on a Ghost Tour, you can find tickets at www.hauntsofrichmond.com. To keep up with the latest news and offers from Haunts of Richmond, you’re encouraged to find them on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. A separate website and social media pages will be launched for Richmond Historic Haunts in the coming months. We hope to see you all on a tour soon!
The 20th annual
[ 23 ] Church Hill Association
CHURCH HILL CONTACTS Delegate Jeffery Bourne Virginia House of Delegates (804)698-1071 Mayor Levar Stoney City of Richmond 900 E.Broad St.,2nd Floor (804)646-7970 7th District Richmond City Council Member Cynthia Newbille (804)929-6894 cburke2@rvaschool.net 7th District Richmond City School Board Member Cheryl Burke (804)929-6894 Richmond City School Board: (804)780-7716
POLICE AND SAFETY
Emergencies: 911 Non-Emergency Police: (804)646-5100 1st Precinct Station Front Desk, staffed most hours: (804)646-3602 Fire Station #1: (804)646-4229 Church Hill Crime Watch: (804)343-3628 Commonwealth’s Attorney/Sector Prosecutor: Colette McEachin: (804)646-4845 Lt. Minton: (804)646-0574, cell (804)240-9158 Daniel.Minton@richmondgov.com Lt. Jeremy Sayles: Cell (804)283-0856 Sector Lieutenant Lt. McRoy: (804)646-0574, cell (804)283-0856
NEIGHBORHOOD MAINTENANCE
Citizen’s Assistance: (804)646-7000 Citizen’s Request Service Online: http://eservices.ci.richmond.va.us/applications/ citizensrequest/frmNewEntryType.asp# City of Richmond Public Utilities: (804)646-3000 Code Violations Related to Historic Preservation: (804)646-7550 marianne.pitts@richmondgov.com Commission of Architectural Review: (804)343-7550 Zoning Administration: (804)646-6340 Housing Code Enforcement: (804)646-6419 Environmental Control: (804)646-7448 Graffiti Hotline: (804)646-1406 Truancy Hotline: (804)646-ABCD Northeast District Parks Maintenance: (804)646-6419
STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Governor Ralph Northam Virginia State Capitol, 3rd Floor (804)786-2211 Senator Rosalyn R. Dance Virginia Senate District 16, Capitol Office (804)698-7516 district16@senate.virginia.gov Delegate Delores L. McQuinn Virginia House of Delegates 70th District General Assembly Building (804)698-1070 Senator Jennifer L. McClellan Virginia Senate (804)698-7509 delkmcclellan@house.state.va.us
EAST DISTRICT AGENCIES
East District Families First: (804)646-4508 EDI-W.I.C: (804)646-0775 Health Center: (804)780-0840 Social Services: (804)646-7212 VA. Cooperative Extension: (804)786-4150
RICHMOND RESOURCES
Animal Control: (804)646-5573 (804)646-0546 Better Housing Coalition: (804)644-0546 Black History Museum: (804)780-9093 Richmond CenterStage: (804)225-9000 Children’s Museum of Richmond: (804)474-7000 Edgar Allan Poe Museum: (804)648-5523 Historic Richmond Foundation: (804)643-7407 James RIver Association: (804)788-8811 Library of Virginia: (804)692-3500 Museum of the Confederacy: (804)6491886 Richmond Ballet: (804)344-0906 Richmond Coliseum: (804)262-8100 Richmond National Battlefield Park: (804)771-2148 Richmond Symphony: (804)788-1212 Science Museum of Virginia: (804)367-6552 St. John’s Church Visitor Center: (804)648-5015 Valentine Richmond History Center: (804)649-0711 Venture Richmond: (804)788-6466 Virginia Historical Society: (804)358-4901 Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: (804)340-1400 Virginia Opera: (804)643-6000 Virginia War Memorial: (804)786-2060
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WE ARE A TEAM OF CREATIVE STYLISTS DEDICATED TO PRODUCING INCREDIBLE HAIR EVERY TIME.
N OW O F F E R I N G N A I L S E R VI C E S !
BOOK TODAY ( 8 0 4 ) 3 4 4 -707 2 • LU M I N A RYH A I R CO.CO M 4 02 N 2 5T H ST R E E T R I C H M O N D, VA 2 32 2 3
Liberty or Death Summer Sunday Series Every Sunday through Labor Day Doors open at 1 PM / Music at 1:30 PM / Show at 1:45 PM June 3, 10, 17, 24 July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 August 5, 12, 19, 26 September 2
* check our website for info and tickets *
St. John's Church 2401 E. Broad Street 804-648-5015 HistoricStJohnsChurch.org
Tours daily: Monday through Saturday 10:00 am - 3:30 pm Sunday 1:00 - 3:30 pm Visitor Center open until 4:00 pm [ 25 ] Church Hill Association
322 N. 25th St.
644-8200
www.ChurchHillAnimalHospital.com Our Treatment Specialties Include: · General medicine · Routine dental cleaning · Surgical extractions using advanced dental equipment · Soft tissue surgery
On-Site Specialized Equipment Includes: · Digital · Dental equipment radiography · ECG · In-house lab · Pulse oximetry
We treat Dogs & Cats
Thank you for letting us care for your pets! [ 26 ] June 2018
2018 MEMBERSHIP IN THE CHURCH HILL ASSOCIATION (CHA)
Join and enjoy discounts at many restaurants and local businesses by showing your card!!! CHA of RVA Members receive one-time discounts at local businesses plus 5% all year at Alexander’s Cleaners: RESTAURANTS & OTHER EATERIES 23rd & Main Taproom - 15% 2302 E Main St - 804.788.7077 Alamo Barbecue – 10% 2202 Jefferson Ave - 804.592.3138 Dutch & Company – 15% (excluding alcohol and prix fixe menu) 400 N 27th St - 804.643.8824 Liberty Public House – 15% 418A N 25th St - 804.225.8275 Metzger Bar & Butchery – 15% 801 N 23rd St – 804.325.3147 Millie’s Diner - 15% 2603 E Main St - 804.643.5512 Nile (Ethiopian Bistro & Café) – 10% 306 N 29th St – 804.648.0791 Nota Bene restaurant and lounge – 15% 2110 E Main St - (804) 477-3355 Patrick Henry’s Pub & Grille – 15% 2300 E Broad St – 804.644.4242 Poe’s Pub - 15% 2706 E Main St - 804.648.2120 Proper Pie – 10% 2505 E Broad St – 804.343.7437 Sub Rosa Bakery – 10% 620 N 25th St - 804.788.7672 The Hill Café - 15% 2800 E Broad St - 804.648.0360 Union Market – 15% (prepared food/meals, excludes groceries) 2306 Jefferson Ave - 804.716.7233 WPA Bakery – 10% 2707 E Marshall St - 804.716.9797 OTHER BUSINESSES C. Alexander’s Cleaners – 5% off ALL cleaning orders Eric Schindler Gallery – 10% off up to 3 art works Luminary Hair Company – 20% off service/treatment Mowhawks - 15% off landscaping (garden, tree service, grass) Pets at Play - 5% off service Richmond Balance – free 1-hour personal training session Seven Hills Studio – 20% discount to new clients
2007 Venable St -- 804.658.4466 2305 E Broad St - 804.644.5005 402 N 25th Street – 804.344.7072 7020 W Grace St -1-855-mowhawks /1-855.669.4295 319 N 25th St - 804.343.7387 1806 E Main St- 804.225.7130 501 N 25th St – 804.344.0620
CHA MEMBERSHIP FORM
Sign up through the website, email, or in person at CHA meetings: 1. For the website, go to: http://www.churchhill.org/membership/ 2. Mail the form below to PO Box 8031 Richmond, VA 23223 or 3. Bring the form to the next membership meeting or CHA event. Membership is Individual (not by household) and is valid one year from date of joining. Note: Email is used only for communicating information to members. New Member ( )
Renewing Member ( )
Date:
MEMBER NAME #1 ________________________________ Email: ____________________________________ MEMBER NAME # 2 ________________________________ Email: ____________________________________ ADDRESS, street, city, zip: ___________________________________________________________________________ Member # 1 Phone: ______________________________ Member # 2 phone: _________________________
Cash: _______Check: ______ (Make check payable to the CHA) $30 per person x ____ For office use: Membership card ( )
Bag ( )
[ 27 ]Directory Church Hill Association
( )
members = $ ______
List ( )
CC ( )
We did a great job last year. Right? A particular thanks to neighbors who watered the new trees. Let’s plant again. “Our mission is to promote and improve the health of city trees to ensure that our city’s urban forest will survive and thrive.” Among other activities, we are pruning trees, under the umbrella of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation removing invasive species in Belle Isle, and planting. Thanks to a grant from the Overton and Katherine Dennis Fund, RTS may help us again plant more trees. Benefits of trees. Everybody knows it! Reduce pollution, carbon dioxide, noise, heat and promote wild life, social life. In one word make Richmond beautiful, a place to live. Can we do better? We already have a lot of them in some parts of Church Hill. Some street trees need to be replaced and we could have more shade in our parks … Help me to help you! I live in Church Hill and as a Richmond Tree Steward I would like to help CHA to apply for a CG project to plant trees in our neighborhood. So, let’s get organized for the new tree planting season. Let’s “work” together and enjoy a useful time. But as a reminder, once it comes to trees on public property, the city arborists are the ones making the determination.
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Our project: Location of the trees. We need to locate the empty tree wells. And for tree wells with a stump, it needs to be removed first, by reporting it before July 1st to the City of Richmond (Call 311 with the tree ID # and the address of the tree). Tree ID # can found on the City web site: http://cor.maps.arcgi. s.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3dda2aa7521941d8a48dc91f5014a5c8. Let me know of it and if you need assistance. For the parks, this will be done with the help of the “friends of the park”. Maintenance. A key factor for our success is to know who will be responsible for the tree maintenance (mostly watering). See in May 2018 CHA Newsletter, “Summer Tree Care” article. Tree selection. As a tree steward I will assist you with selecting species appropriate to your site. Planting the tree. Again, I will provide guidance for proper planting and care; provide trees for projects that are approved; provide a checklist for planning; be with you on planting day, provide tree bags. From the City of Richmond – Two links you may want to look at: http://www.richmondgov.com/PublicWorks/UrbanForestry.aspx and the Municipal Tree Policy Ordinance http://www.richmondgov.com/ PublicWorks/documents/TreePolicyOrdinance_92-231-227.pdf From RTS: Link to “Free trees to community groups”: http://richmondtreestewards.org/projects/community-roots/ Best Regards: Joel Cabot (joel.cabot@yahoo.com or 804-644-8301)
VOLUNTEER HOSTS NEEDED FOR VCU PROGRAM IN JUNE VCU Global Education Office will host a delegation through the State Department’s Open World StrategEast Young Leadership Program from June 6-9. Participants will be comprised of 7 English-speaking delegates who work in the executive branch of various countries in Eastern Europe and will be here to learn about U.S. systems of governance. We are in need of homestay hosts for 3 nights, with responsibilities to include provision of a private bedroom/ bathroom, breakfast daily and 2 dinners. VCU will provide transportation from and to hosts’ homes each day. If you are interested in this program, please contact Nichole Dorton at georgenl@vcu. edu or 827-9331 for more information. [ 29 ] Church Hill Association
2401 E. Broad St. Richmond, Va. 23223 804.649.7938 www.saintjohnsrichmond.org The Rev. Amelie Wilmer, Priest in Charge
Come, Lift Your Spirit! Summer at St. John’s Church Sundays 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Children’s Chapel, Keeper’s Cottage 11:00 a.m. Coffee Hour, Parish Hall Nursery available 9:45 a.m.– 11:15 a.m.
We are a caring, spiritual community joyfully embracing and nurturing all, serving God, each other, and the community.
Second Saturdays 5:30 p.m. Contemplative Eucharist—contemplative music, a quiet, candlelit atmosphere, and the rite of healing.
St. John’s Church Welcomes You If you are seeking a place to explore your faith, we invite you to make St. John’s Church your spiritual home. We are eager to tell you about the life and ministries of St. John’s Church.
Outreach Opportunities First Fruits Sundays: First Sunday of every month. Bring non-perishable food items to church for donation to the Christ Ascension Food Pantry. The food bank especially needs soup, stew, chili, canned fruit, and bars of soap. Laundry Love: Third Saturday of every month. Help do your neighbors' laundry at Richmond Coin Laundry, 25th & Nine Mile. For more information, visit our website, www.saintjohnsrichmond.org. Follow us on Facebook; search St. John’s Church
[ 30 ] June 2018
Summer Picnic ď?Şď?Żď?Šď?Ž ď?ľď?ł ď?Śď?Ż
ď?˛ ď?Ą
tuesday reed square june19
6:30pm
North 100 block of 26th Street Between Franklin and Grace
In lieu of our monthly membership meeting, come celebrate the summer at a community picnic! Whether you’re new to Church Hill, a long-term CHA of RVA member or not yet a member, come join the fun and celebrate what makes our Church Hill community so special!
bring a dish to share based on the first letter of your last name:
a-i j-r s-z
Entrees Salads, Starters and Sides Desserts
live music by
BJ Kocen!
The Church Hill Association will provide a variety of drinks, ice, music and additional food items. Special thanks to the Reed Square Foundation Board for donating the park and John Johnson for donating his electricity and restrooms for this event. No pets please. Donations of nonperishable food items or checks will benefit the Capital Area Health Network on 25th which distributes emergency food supplies to the needy in our community.
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[ 31 ] Church Hill Association
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presented by
AT I O N O F
[ 32 ] June 2018