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NEWSLETTER • August 2018
IN THIS ISSUE PG. 6
The CHA welcomes the 2018 Plein Air Artist to Church Hill
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: July 31 Upcoming Meeting: September 4
PG. 8
Making Church Hill Safer One Tree at A Time
PG. 10
Highlights from CHA’s July Committee Meetings
PG. 20
Board Member Nominations Are Open
PG. 24
The Pulse Review
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: August 2 Upcoming Meeting: September 6
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: August 21 (Picnic Meeting) Upcoming Meeting: September 18 (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.
Cover Photo By: Jesus Palacios
[2] August 2018
[3] Church Hill Association
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Happy August Church Hillians,
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
The dog days of August are upon us! Time to enjoy the many outdoor activities Richmond has to offer. You just have to enjoy them early in the morning or late afternoon when the temperatures are a little more comfortable. And since it is too hot to walk anywhere, everyone should be sure to use the brand new PULSE rapid transit bus. I rode it and found it to be convenient and user friendly. There have been a few hiccups, but I have mostly heard praise for the new system. If you haven’t tried it yet, do so soon. While we are excited about the new PULSE system and have high hopes for its success, it may bring some new issues to our community that must be monitored. One of those issues is traffic. Another is parking, since it is possible some people could drive to the neighborhood, park and take the bus further west into the City. The Historic Resources and Land Use Committee has suggested that CHA request a traffic and possibly a parking study by the City for our area. There is little doubt our community is growing and developing. Development is good for the City and for the neighborhood but we have to anticipate some possible adverse effects and advocate for our City officials to address them pro-actively. We have some received recent news about the Intermediate Terminal and the Stone Bistro project proposed for its site on the riverfront. The Department of Historic Resources found that the building was not eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places and concurred with the City’s Section 106 determination of “No Historic Property Effected”. This ends the Section 106 process to which we were a party. According to City officials, this means that Stone may demolish the building if they wish, assuming they get approval from City Council to amend their original agreement. The final decision now lies with City Council. CHA will work closely with our Councilwoman, Cynthia Newbille, and other local partners to ensure CHA is afforded input to the new design if the demolition plan goes forward. Speaking of development, we have more exciting news about new restaurants that have either already come to or are planning to come to Church Hill soon. First, thank goodness the Neighborhood Scoop has reopened for the season at N. 26th Street and 9 Mile Road. Just when we needed it! Recently Soul N’ Vinegar, specializing in healthy, affordable take-out, opened its doors at 29th & R. Street. Work is progressing on Alewife, the eagerly anticipated fish restaurant, at 3120 E Marshall St. It appears progress also being made on the new restaurant, Frontier, on 25th Street next to the post office. The Green Kitchen is opening at the former Pig and Dog’s space on 25th St. Chef Tammy Brawley will offer cooking lessons and cooking lesson parties, private chef dinners and catering. A new Mexican restaurant, Kahlo’s Taqueria and Bar at 718 N. 23rd. Streets, has been announced and is anticipated to open in four to six months. The renovation at 27th and Marshall for La Grisette seemed to have stalled for the moment. We hope it gets going again soon. It sounded wonderful and we all would love to see the historic building it is slated to occupy saved and put to good use. The CHA summer picnic is August 21st. My husband, Tom Wilds, and I are pleased to host the event for another year. Our wonderful local band, Church Hill Music Company, will be playing. Please come and enjoy some great food, drink and music while getting to know neighbors from all over the Greater Church Hill area. Don’t forget to bring a chair for the lawn and a swimsuit for the pool. We love to see all the kids swimming. Remember to bring donations of school supplies for our local elementary schools.
For more information on joining the CHA, please see our website at: churchhill.org or fill our the application included in this publication
Best regards,
Genni Sasnett, President, CHA of RVA 2018 [4] August 2018
[5] Church Hill Association
The CHA welcomes the 2018 Plein Air Artists to Church Hill
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This year’s committee included John Whitworth, Karen Jones, Malou Rawls and Jim Melisi. Karen was the lead chef. The committee would like to thank the local restaurant 8 ½ Church Hill for their assistance, Mark Rankin for tending bar and of course the RAWLS for their generosity and hospitality. We hope you had a chance to observe the artists painting in the neighbourhood. If you went to see their paintings in the gallery you will have seen many spectacular renderings of Church Hill, probably more than previous years. We look forward to next year and continuing our close relationship with the nationally recognized artists, the gallery and the opportunity to spotlight Church Hill. If you are interested in hosting a family next year contact “Melisi, Jim” jwmelisi@yahoo.com [6] August 2018
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Ginny Campbell – Olena Babak from Bangor, Main John and Benedicte Whitworth - Neal Hughes from Moorestown, New Jersey David Lussier from Rollingsford, New Hampshire Eugenia Anderson-Ellis and Howard Ellis - Beth Bathe from Lancaster, Pennsylvania Cathy Hayden – Fran Ellisor from Conroy, Texas Karen Jones – Stacy Rogers from Lewis, Delaware Robbie and Bette Dillahey - Greg Summers from Kansas City, Kansas Chris Haney – Elbert Shubert from Jacksonville, Florida Pam and David Clarke – Christine Lashley from Reston. Virginia Pam and Larry Masters – Nikolay Mikushkin from Syracuse, New York Diane Worthington – Allen Krieghauser from St Louis, Missouri
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The artists came from all over the USA and one from Canada. Eleven of them stayed with host families in Church Hill. The hosts and artists were:
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While rain dashed plans for the meal to be held in the Rawls’ charming garden everyone was delighted to take cover in their beautiful home. An Italian themed meal was enjoyed by 40 guests. It was a wonderful evening, with the artists saying over and over how appreciative they were of the CHA’s hospitality and how much they enjoyed Church Hill. Ann Belk of the gallery said “We have been told that Plein Air Richmond is considered one of the top plein air events in the country. Artists love to come to Richmond because it is such a paintable city and also because of the kindnesses shown to them by folks like you !“
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On the evening of the 21st June the Church Hill Association hosted the Plein Air Artists for a dinner at the historic home of Malou and Waite Rawls. Plein Air Richmond is an outdoor painting event and competition organized by the Brazier Gallery of 1616 W. Main St. It took place between the 17th and the 23rd June. The event raises money for a local charity and this year, as well as the previous two years, the beneficiary was the SPCA.
[7] Church Hill Association
MAKING CHURCH HILL SAFER ONE TREE AT A TIME Submitted by Trish Bernal, Richmond Tree Steward Your Church Hill Tree Stewards have been working on making our intersections safer by pruning trees that are blocking STOP, Yield, and other important street signs. We started working in mid-June and to date we have pruned over 60 trees. You may have seen us out early in the morning working in small (2 to 3 person) teams with bright yellow Tree Steward t-shirts and safety vests. In the past month we spent approximately 30 volunteer hours helping to make Church Hill safer one tree at a time. The work started on the far east end of Clay Street and we have been working our way west, including Franklin, Grace, Leigh and M Streets. Special thanks go to Chuck Field who provided a pick-up truck so we could remove the debris as we pruned. If we missed your “favorite” obscured street sign, or if you have a sidewalk needing clearance pruning, please contact Trish Bernal, Church Hill Tree Steward, at trishbernal@gmail.com or by calling 643-2420. We are here to help make the neighborhood safer and more pedestrian friendly. STOP Sign obscured by street tree
Photos by Ian Sullivan, Richmond Tree Steward
Buying or Selling a Home iS a HiStoric event
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STOP Sign cleared by Tree Stewards
2501 eaSt grace Street
Let us bring some perspective and experience to your momentous decisions. Contact Jennie Dotts Your Old House Authority FoR A FRee compARAtiVe mARket AnALysis
804.370.6565
jennie@oldhouseauthority.com Virginia ProPerties, A Long & Foster Company 412 Libbie Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23226
[8] August 2018
John hebberd
Jennie
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Real Estate Consultant
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[9] Church Hill Association
Highlights from CHA’s July Committee Meetings Committee meeting summaries are printed each month in the newsletter to keep the membership better informed about the activities of CHA’s committees. The summaries are of meetings or activities of committees which have occurred sometime in the month prior to the publication of the newsletter. Not every committee meets monthly. Please note – the full minutes of the committees can be found at www.churchhill.org under Participate: CHA of RVA Members: Committee Minutes.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION & LAND USE COMMITTEE SUP Application for corner of E Main Street and N 22nd: Lory Markham of Markham Planning represents a group of doctors who own three parcels at East Main and 22nd Street in Shockoe Bottom (parking lot, Honey white’s restaurant building and the Poythress building at East Franklin and 22nd). The plan is to use the City’s new TOD (transit-oriented development) zoning category developed following adoption of Pulse Corridor Plan. While TOD would permit building up to 12 stories, the plan is most likely to be construction of an 11-story building. The rezoning is expected to take about six months followed by a year plus of design and permitting prior to construction. The Committee recommended not supporting the proposed height but asking the developer to reconsider the height in the context of the more detailed guidance on scale and context in the Pulse Corridor Plan. The Plan states: The building size, density, and zoning districts for these areas will vary depending on historic densities and neighborhood characteristics. New development should be in scale with existing context or respond to unique site characteristics and opportunities for redevelopment. In addition, the Committee recommended checking with the City regarding guidance being provided to developers and requesting a traffic study Shockoe Bottom. Update on plans for Triangular Easement at Peach and Building on Pear: Guy Blundon of CMB Development is considering the purchase of three parcels below Libby Hill Park - the “Triangle” on Peach Street, the Ship Lock Watch Apartments, and E Main & Pear land (with its approved rezoning to B-5 -- 5 story (on Main) apartment building) from Louis Salomonsky. Guy’s background includes both architecture and business and an appreciation of historic preservation. The group recommends supporting CMB’s purchasing the several properties and taking over the projects associated with them, given his excellent reputation, and with six provisos. Key would be that CMB would follow the same terms and conditions of the rezoning approved for the project and the starting point for the new building would be Louis Salomonsky’s drawings for the proposed new residential building which our group originally endorsed. Barbara Cotter, Chair [ 10 ] August 2018
PARKS AND BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE Over 80 trees were mulched early June, led by the Parks Committee in close collaboration with Friends of Libby Hill Park, Church Hill Planters, and Richmond Tree Stewards. Other efforts include participation in the Chimborazo Elementary School’s re-establishment of the rain garden and in the East End Green Infrastructure Project. The latter is led by the Chesapeake Bay Alliance that is bringing together many groups (Trish Bernal represents CHA’s Parks Committee) and is seeking funding for projects. Our outreach has identified other community initiatives to enhance parks and green spaces in Greater Church Hill and nearby neighborhoods. These include: beautification of Jefferson Avenue for which the City has designated $500,000; Gillies Creek Greenway for which City funding is being sought; upgrades and partial restoration to the Lower Chimborazo Park; and clearing and enhancing the Bellevue School stairs from Franklin to Bellevue School. Our Committee will collaborate with these groups as appropriate. In addition, and in consultation with the City’s arborist, Tree Stewards have identified 24 dead or dying trees in Church Hill that need replacement, as well as 30 empty tree wells with stumps which need removal. If you are interested in participating on this Committee, send an email to Barbara Cotter, at cotterbarbara@hotmail.com.
YOUTH & EDUCATION COMMITTEE Chair Holly Mattocks Coy and her committee has been identifying what Church Hill community members can do this summer to support our students and teachers in the community. From the last CHA meeting, the principals from Bellevue and Chimborazo came. By way of follow up, the committee would like to have members participate in this survey to gather interest to gather interest and information from those that want to get connected to one-off or ongoing volunteer opportunities with students. The form is in the link below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1D5r0lK8XExu1NU0_6EJHfycrUYwlgqkhoIDdv2Ut YU0/edit?usp=sharing Summer Support: Donate Books for Bellevue Elementary School Students The committee is doing a book drive for Bellevue School. They ask that donors bring new or gently used books, appropriate for Kindergarten – 5th graders, to the CHA August Membership Picnic; or email Holly at holly.m.coy@gmail.com to arrange a porch drop-off. Donate Supplies for Chimborazo Elementary School Teachers Bring school supplies for teachers to the CHA August Membership Picnic; or contact Holly at holly.m.coy@gmail.com to arrange a porch drop-off. [ 11 ] Church Hill Association
Help Paint at CHAT Church Hill Activities and Tutoring (CHAT), a local nonprofit serving students with mentorship and after school programs, needs help with a project to paint a cinder block wall at their high school. Email Debra at boneflap@aol.com to sign up! Sign up to volunteer with students next year The Committee is connecting community members to volunteer opportunities during the 2018-19 school year that fit your schedule and interests! Take a minute to complete a short form online and we will do the rest! http://bit.ly/CHA2018KIDS
TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE AD HOC COMMITTEE UPDATE The Committee has completed the identification of all segments of the current technology infrastructure. We also investigated and evaluated alternatives related to our social media presence, the churchhill.org website, the membership/contact list (CRM – customer relationship management software), financial accounting tools, and how the organization handles funds from memberships, donations, sales, etc.At the July Board meeting we presented our committee’s recommendations. The Board will take those under consideration and determine what should be brought to the Membership for a vote. We are excited to have completed our work but another chapter also closes as Amy Beem, our Membership Coordinator, has decided to transition out of the role. Amy has served in this capacity for several years and has been vital to the accuracy, maintenance, tracking and growth of our Membership. Amy, heartfelt thanks from the entire Church Hill Association of RVA for the passion and dedication you brought to this position!!! Amy has agreed to assist in the transition to get a new person up to speed in the role. With that being said, if you have an interest in volunteering for the position, then please contact Genni Sasnett at president@churchhill.org or the Community Outreach Chair Christina Mastroianni at cmast1970@gmail.com. It’s been a significant effort but well worth it as it positions the organization for continued success. A big thanks goes out to Amy Beem, Audrey Auyeung, Reshma Gola and Steven Keener for all the time they spent and the insights they brought to this project!!! Feel free to reach out to Brian Loos with any questions at brian_loos@hotmail.com
[ 12 ] August 2018
[ 13 ] Church Hill Association
Church Hill Real Estate Market Report Rain, Rain, Go Away... Are you in the same (maybe literal?) boat as every other homeowner lately? Even homes that have been lived in for 10+ years and have never had water intrusion issues are now floating down Broad Street. A trusted contractor once gave us this tidbit: water will always take the path of least resistance. With these unprecedented rainfalls, we thought we would provide a few tips on how to prevent water from intruding on your home and life. 1.
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Keep your gutters clean. I know, this one seems like a given - but they’re the first thing to cause water issues and the easiest thing to forget about. Best practice is to have your gutters thoroughly cleaned twice a year. Also, consider removing branches that may hang over your home to help prevent clogging. Lastly, ensure that your gutter downspouts are draining at least 4 feet from the base of your home. [On that note, make sure your HVAC condensate line is also diverted at least 4 feet.] Watch where the water goes during a storm. The easiest way to keep water away from your home is to know where it’s coming from to begin with. Watch the streams of water around your home when there is storm - maybe drainage is failing, or your grade (slope) is off, or maybe your neighbor made some landscaping changes that affected the way the water moves around your home. Repoint your brick. Church Hill is full of old homes. Old homes have old masonry. Old masonry can get dry and brittle, and when old masonry gets dry and brittle, it can chip and break away from your home, making it less effective at keeping water out. Consider having a licensed professional repoint (fill in the area between the bricks with new masonry). It will not only help keep water out, it will also add to the longevity of your home overall, and it looks great when done properly. Adjust your landscaping/hardscaping. Ensure that the landscaping around your house drains away from your crawlspace/basement. Consider using permeable pavers - porous pavement - instead of old-fashioned concrete. Plant trees and shrubs. Integrate pebbles and mulch into your landscaping - great rainwater diverters. If all else fails… If efforts to prevent water from making its way to your crawlspace or basement prove ineffective, contact a professional. There are some great waterproofing experts in the Richmond area that will come to your home and provide options based on your wants and needs - and generally don’t charge a fee to provide quotes.
The Facts* ⌂ ⌂ ⌂ ⌂ ⌂ ⌂ ⌂
2017 YTD Median Sale Price: $240,000 2018 YTD Median Sale Price: $246,000 2017 YTD Median Days on Market: 9 2018 YTD Median Days on Market: 9 2017 YTD Median List Price to Sale Price: 100% 2018 YTD Median List Price to Sale Price: 100% Current Active Median Price: $322,475
⌂ Highest Sold Price in 2018 to date: - 11 ½ N 29th St - Sold for $840,000 - Days on Market: 25
*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 [ 14 ] August 2018
Photo By: Arthur Olivarez [ 15 ] 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.
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
Amy Tesauro Associate Broker 804.467.1881
Catherine Gilmer REALTOR® 804.338.5397
Erin King
Director of Operations
804.292.0852
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
linchpinrealestate.com linchpin@linchpinrealestate.com 804.292.0852
Another quality Sterling Bilder LLC Development [ 16 ] August 2018
[ 17 ] Church Hill Association
ADOPT-A-TREE PROGRAM REMINDER Submitted by Trish Bernal, Richmond Tree Steward
If you have an empty tree well in front of your house there is an inexpensive way to get a tree planted. The City of Richmond has an Adopt- a-Tree program through which you can request a tree to be planted. Residents may participate in the Adopt-A-Tree Program by making a tax-deductible contribution to the EnRichmond Foundation, which will go toward planting a new tree or trees. Additionally, participants agree to water the tree for the first two years as outlined in the Application/Citizen Tree Maintenance Agreement. Trees are planted in November through the end of April. Urban Forestry will accept applications for the Adopt-A-Tree Program throughout July and August. The tree planting season will begin in November. Don’t let a stump in your tree well deter you from applying for a new tree. Your Church Hill Tree Stewards have placed a request with Urban Forestry to remove approximately 12 stumps in the Church Hill area. Your support of this program will help to replenish and sustain the City’s urban forest. Check out the Department of Urban Forestry’s website for more information and the application form for this program. The application deadline is September 1, 2018. http://www.richmondgov.com/PublicWorks/UrbanForestry.aspx http://www.richmondgov.com/PublicWorks/documents/Adopt-A-Tree_Application121010.pdf
Liberty or Death Reenactments - Summer Sundays through Labor Day August 5, 12, 19 and 26 Our last show of the summer is Sunday, September 2
Doors open @ 1 PM / Music @ 1:30 PM / Show @ 1:45 PM Check our website for info and tickets
St. John's Church 2401 E. Broad Street 804-648-5015 HistoricStJohnsChurch.org [ 18 ] August 2018
Tours daily: Monday through Saturday 10:00 am - 3:30 pm Sunday 1:00 - 3:30 pm Visitor Center open until 4:00 pm [ 19 ] Church Hill Association
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.
Board Member Nominations Are Open! Have you thought about contributing to the Church Hill Community by placing yourself or someone else you think would be a good candidate into consideration for CHA of RVA board membership? CHA of RVA has established a nominations committee to develop a slate of nominees for the 2019 board of directors. Available positions include: Vice President, Assistant Treasurer, Assistant Secretary and two (2) board member at large positions. Details on the roles and responsibilities of each of these positions are on the CHA of RVA website under “Participate”.
Canal Crossing Internal Medicine 115 South 15th Street Suite 501 Richmond, VA 23219
bonsecours.com/richmond
National Park Service, U.S. Dept. of the Interior
Board of Director meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month. The meetings are managed very efficiently and generally are done within a 1 ½ to two-hour period. Please send nominations to Debra Melisi at vp@churchhill.org. Nominations should include: 1. name and contact information on the nominee; 2. his or her membership status and 3. a short statement of why you believe the nominee would be a good board member. Our Association is only effective when our membership steps up and participates. We need your suggestions to develop a strong slate of new board members and officers. We look forward to your nominations!
[ 20 ] August 2018
Katie Skiff, NP
August 25: Founders’ Day Bus Tour: “The Secret Civil War: Union Spies in Richmond” In this bus tour of Richmond, you’ll visit the places where Richmond’s secret Civil War was fought where spies, Unionists, prison-breakers, escaping slaves, and other dangerous dissenters resisted the Rebels from inside the Confederate capital. The tour is free but reservations are required. Contact: nathan_hall@nps.gov or call 804-226-5032
[ 21 ] Church Hill Association
Sarah Meyers, PA
VOLUNTEERS WANTED VCU’s Global Education Office is seeking volunteers to host 2-4 international Fulbright Scholars for dinner in their homes or their favorite restaurant on Wednesday, August 15. The Fulbright scholars will be visiting VCU from across the globe for a brief orientation program before their U.S. Fulbright experience. The “host family dinner” evening is an important aspect of this program and it is consistently one of the participants’ favorite events. Transportation is needed. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Nichole Dorton at nldorton@vcu.edu or 827-9331. VCU’s Global Education Office is also seeking community volunteers interested in participating in our Friendship Family and Cultural Exchange (FFACE) program for the 2018-2019 academic year. FFACE provides Richmond community members and international students the opportunity to develop cross-cultural friendships with each other. Friendship families are matched with a student and asked to meet once per month to participate in any activity they like (family dinners, sporting events, festivals, exploring Richmond, etc.). If you are interested, please visit https://global.vcu.edu/FFACE/ to sign up or contact Nichole Dorton at nldorton@vcu.edu or 827-9331.
Casual & family-friendly dining located at the heart of Church Hill in the Historic East End Theatre Building
HAPPY HOUR EVERYDAY 3PM - 7PM
BURGER NIGHT jjjjjjjjjjjj
BRUNCH
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
9am - 2pm
Mondays 5–10pm House Burger $7 Specialty burgers & drink specials
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
@thelibertyrva
804.225.8275 • www.thelibertyrva.com • 418a N. 25th Street [ 22 ] August 2018
[ 23 ] Church Hill Association
THE PULSE REVEIW Editor’s Note: I asked neighbors, at random, to share their experiences of riding out new bus rapid transit system, The PULSE. Following are some of their experiences. If you have ridden the Pulse and would like to share, please do so and send ot me at newsletter@chhurchhil.org. Thanks! – Celeste Deal
PULSE is great! I’ve had the opportunity to ride the PULSE several times since its inaugural week. One evening during the “free ride” week I was able to get a quick ride home after getting off from work later than usual (I usually walk home from MCV). During the second week several Church Hill ladies and I decided to head out to Scott’s Addition for a mid week brunch at LUNCH. After a quick learning curve using the kiosk to purchase our tickets we were on our way. One member of our group was disappointed that the kiosk couldn’t “read” her driver’s license for the reduced price fare. (If you qualify for reduced fare rides, it appears you need to obtain a card from GRTC that can be scanned at the kiosk. Check out the GRTC website for more information, http://ridegrtc.com/fares/reduced-fares/.) My most recent experience using PULSE was incredible. On Friday evening my granddaughter was playing a FUTSAL game in the U-Turn Sports facility near Staples Mill Road. My car was in the shop that day and I was working at MCV. I clocked out from work at 5:40pm, walked to the VCU Health PULSE station on Broad Street, bought my bus ticket, and the PULSE arrived within 5 minutes. As we passed rush hour traffic, I spoke with a retired gentleman on the PULSE who said he and his wife have almost completely stopped using their car because of PULSE. He noted he had lived in larger cities in the past and was excited that Richmond now has a state of the art transportation option. I had a delightful and quick ride to the Staples Mill PULSE station and started walking the few blocks to the FUTSAL facility at 6:13pm. I arrived in time to catch the second half of my granddaughter’s first game and all of the second game. -From Trish Bernal The whole family rode it this past Saturday (after it had been running a few weeks) from 25th to Willow Lawn and back. We loved it!! It was fast, clean and full of people. Buying our tickets was super easy - this instructions were clear and simple. As you can see my kids loved it!! We caught the bus right outside the cvs on Main Street at 25th. When we got to willow lawn [ 24 ] August 2018
the bus (as per the map) made a left, right and then right to circle back around on Broad outside willow lawn. We walked on the sidewalk into willow lawn. The bus was on time both going and coming. -From Christina Mastroianni My husband and I drove to Rockett’s Landing on the Wednesday of that first week when it was free. We had heard it was crowded on the previous weekend, and on the weekday there were a lot of people riding but we had no problem finding a seat. There was a GRTC guy there at Rockett’s but we didn’t get a chance to talk to him. We did not see GRTC representatives at every stop but at some stops so there were apparently employees there to help folks. Heading west, the bus actually got to the left side of the median, which seemed strange but that’s how they pick up riders when it’s running in the median; it got back in the lane within a block or two after the stop. There were five or six other couples riding for the novelty as we were, and a bunch of other people using it as normal transportation to or from work that day. It was on time leaving and arriving. At Willow Lawn, there was a bus already at the stop, so our bus driver waited until it pulled off and then pulled up to the stop. You get on with no steps to the bus, and it’s level for the first part of the bus, and we saw a person in a wheelchair get on and there seemed ot be a place for the wheelchair. There are steps toward the back of the bus, so that area is not wheelchair accessible. The bus did not come to a complete stop at some of the stops, slowed down but if there was no one waiting it did not stop. {Editor’s Note: I have been told by later riders this has since changed, and it now stops at all stops.] I think it was about 80% full heading both west and back east. We stayed on the bus at Willow Lawn and rode back to Rockett’s on it. Overall, it was a good experience. The only problem we have it that neither of us can walk far, but for the physically abled it seems like a great idea for going to a restaurant downtown on Grace Street or in Scott’s Addition. -From Anonymous My husband and I rode the late afternoon Pulse bus on Saturday, the last day that free rides were offered. We hopped on the bus by CVS and rode it to the Science Museum stop. The bus was standing room only to the Science Museum, which was understandable though we felt this wouldn’t be the norm once ridership fees are enacted. Our return trip was much less crowded and we didn’t have to wait long for a bus. I hope that in the coming weeks riders enter the bus in the front and exit from the back door, which wasn’t the case in our experience. It would also be nice to have the driver announce the next stop along the route over for those who may be visually impaired or new to the city. It’s also very important for all of the GRTC drivers to understand their routes, and connecting bus routes, so that they can better serve the public. I’m not sure if the Pulse buses will be able to meet their target of a bus every 15 minutes, due to traffic and traffic lights, but it was nice not having to deal with that headache as a driver. As non-commuters, we’ll definitely ride the Pulse to see how it’s progressing and to actually use it to get to a destination. -From Susan Mossem [ 25 ] Church Hill Association
CHURCH HILL CONTACTS 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. Ken Roane: (804)646-0574, Ken.Roane@richmondgov.com
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 [ 26 ] August 2018
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)646-3012 cburke2@rvaschool.net 7th District Richmond City School Board Member Cheryl Burke (804)929-6894 Richmond City School Board: (804)780-7716
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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Improving Property Values the Easy Way Submitted by Trish Bernal
An easy way to improve the property values in our wonderful neighborhood is to improve the “curb appeal” of your home. One simple thing you can do that costs not a penny and only a little bit of time and effort is cleaning out the curbside gutters and storm drains that adjoin your property. The recent rains have made it apparent that many neighbors and property owners are not maintaining their curbside gutters appropriately. The rainfall isn’t able to drain into the storm drains if there are small volunteer trees growing out of the storm drains and debris collecting in the gutters due to weeds, leaves and trash not being cleaned up regularly (per City of Richmond Code). Clogged catch basins full of trash and debris can attract rats and cockroaches, create odors, and become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Clogged catch basins can also cause local flooding, which can damage property. If you are the owner or tenant please do your bit to help. Please consider helping out elderly neighbors. Another thing that many folks may not realize is that in our part of town the City of Richmond has a combined sewer system. A combined sewer system carries stormwater and wastewater to the wastewater treatment plant prior to discharging it into the river. Leaving leaves and other trash and debris on your sidewalks and in the gutters can burden the water treatment system.
City Code pertaining to maintenance of sidewalks and alleys adjacent to your property: Owners are responsible for ensuring the cutting of vegetation from the centerline of alleys to the centerline of the street and for ensuring that no grass, weeds or any other vegetation in yards grows higher than 12 inches. Owners must also ensure the removal of any unsafe conditions caused by tree limbs and shrubs encroaching on the public right-of-way. Property owners and tenants are responsible for removing all trash, garbage, refuse, litter, junk, demolition materials or other offensive, or unhealthy substances on their property or on any alley, sidewalk, public right-of-way, grass strips, or street bordering the property. Violation of these ordinances is a Class I misdemeanor. Contact the Department of Planning and Review at 646-3908 or the 311 Call Center. Above Code is excerpted from the City of Richmond’s Resident’s Guide to Neighborhood Improvement available at http://www.richmondgov.com neighborhoods/documents/ NeighborhoodImprovement.pdf
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[ 29 ] Church Hill Association
We are a team of creative stylists dedicated to producing incredible hair every time.
Book with us today! 8 0 4 . 344. 7 0 7 2 | L U M INA RY H A IR CO.CO M 402 N 25TH STREET RICHMOND, VA 23223
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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
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 2302 E Main St - 804.788.7077 23rd & Main Taproom - 15% 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: _________________________
Thank you for letting us care for your pets! [ 32 ] August 2018
Cash: _______Check: ______ (Make check payable to the CHA) $30 per person x ____ For office use: Membership card ( )
Bag ( )
Directory ( )
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members = $ ______
List ( )
CC ( )
2401 E. Broad St. Richmond, Va. 23223 804.649.7938 www.saintjohnsrichmond.org The Rev. Amelie Wilmer, Priest in Charge
Come, Li� Your Spirit! Summer at St. John’s Church We are a caring, spiritual community joyfully embracing and nurturing all, serving God, each other, and the community.
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.
Second Saturdays August 11 5:30 p.m.
Contemplative Eucharist—contemplative music, a quiet, candlelit atmosphere, and the rite of healing.
National Night Out Ice Cream Social Tuesday, August 7 6:00-8:00 p.m. at E. Broad & 24th Sts. The ice cream’s on us, and everyone’s welcome! We’d Like to Get to Know You Better
Outreach Opportunities Join the $5 club! Pledge to spend at least $5 a month on non-perishable foods to feed others. Bring your donations on the first Sunday of each month, or deposit your donations in the wicker basket at the rear of the church anytime. Remember that while we might take a vacation this summer, hunger does not.
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, cereal, tuna, and canned fruit. 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
Photo By: Jesus Palacios [ 34 ] August 2018
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Summer Picnic ď?Şď?Żď?Šď?Ž ď?ľď?ł ď?Śď?Ż
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Tuesday, August 21 at 6:30PM
2617 East Franklin Street, the home of
Genni Sasnett & Tom Wilds 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, 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
Salads, Starters and Sides Desserts
S-Z
Entrees
The Church Hill Association will provide a variety of drinks, ice, music and additional food items. Donations of school supplies will be gladly accepted at the picnic for use by local elementary schools during their 2018-19 academic year. Cash, check and credit card donations will also be appreciated. Special Thanks to CHA hosts Tom Wilds and Genni Sasnett. No pets please. Don’t forget your bathing suits for the pool and lawn chairs.
Church Hill Music Company PRESENTED BY URCH H CH
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LIVE MUSIC BY
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