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NEWSLETTER • May 2018
IN THIS ISSUE PG. 8
2018 RVA East End Festival: Sights and Sounds of Our Future
PG. 17
Summer Tree Care 3 Ways to Water Trees
PG. 19
Stone Brewery/ Intermediate Terminal Community Meeting Notes
PG. 25
Richmond Cycling Corps
PG. 33
Highlights from April Committee Meeting
[2] MARCH 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: May 1 Upcoming Meeting: June 5
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: May 3 Upcoming Meeting: June 7
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: May 15 Upcoming Meeting: June 19 (Picnic 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 Church Hill Planters: Marion Macdonald Phone: (804)644-1347 Membership Coordinator: Amy Beem membership@churchhill.org Phone: (804)344-7157
Content Editor/ Ad Sales Coordinator: Celeste Deal newsletter@churchhill.org Phone: (804)644-2862 Lead Newsletter Dristribution: South: Tom & Eileen Sanders Phone: (804)343-7157 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] MARCH 2018
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Greetings Church Hillians, Richmond is surging forward with so many developments lately, it is difficult to stay abreast of everything. The new Institute for Contemporary Art opened on April 21st to great acclaim. We are very fortunate to have yet another world class cultural asset in our city. The Pulse Bus system is ever so close to coming on line, with tests being scheduled soon and many new bus stops popping up everywhere. Richmond 300, the new Master Plan for Richmond, is on the way to development and finally, the 17th Street Market appears to be getting closer to completion. Our city is on the move! A recent issue garnering attention closer to home, is the development of the long-anticipated Stone Brewery World Bistro and Gardens on the riverfront at Nicholson Street. Readers will find two articles elsewhere in this newsletter addressing the status of the Intermediate Terminal slated to be redeveloped as the Stone Brewery World Bistro and Gardens. One article is by Eddie Slipek, local architectural journalist and friend of Church Hill. The other is a summary of a meeting on the subject held by Councilwoman Cynthia Newbille on 4/13/18 in Fulton. While all the development activity is exciting, it does cause some concern about what is of value and should be preserved for the long-term benefit of the neighborhood and the city. A letter was sent from CHA to Mayor Stoney in April seeking a meeting and assistance with the three requests below. 1. Notify CHA very early in the planning processes associated with any changes or development projects that could take place within Church Hill, on our boundaries, and for any projects or changes with the potential of modifying the view from Libby Hill. 2.Provide CHA with the opportunity to engage collaboratively with the Richmond Planning and Development Department and to direct developers to engage us in the early planning stages regarding topics covered in #1 above. 3.Add wording to the master plan that will protect the view from Libby Hill that gave Richmond its name, including zoning and other view shed protections. We are hopeful our Mayor will facilitate a meeting between CHA representatives and those in government, so we can develop more constructive partnerships. Lastly, though it may seem early, please put the CHA June 19th picnic on your calendars. It will held at Reed Square on 26th Street between Franklin and Grace. More details to come next issue. Let me know if you want to assist, we can always use help. Hope to see you all there.
Best regards
Genni Sasnett, President 2018
[5] Church Hill Association
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[6] MARCH 2018
Sarah Meyers, PA
[7] Church Hill Association
The 2018 RVA East End Festival: Sights and Sounds of Our Future By: Steven Keener
The weekend of May 25-26 will feature the return of the coveted RVA East End Festival: Sights and Sounds of Our Future. This is the third iteration of the RVA East End Festival, which has been described as an inclusive community celebration of the Richmond’s diverse East End neighborhoods. The festival has previously been held at Chimborazo Park, but this year it will take place at the 17th Street Farmer’s Market. The festival is family-friendly and features two days of exciting art, musical performances, and children’s activities. Brass and string ensembles from the Richmond Symphony Orchestra will kick off the festival on Friday evening and Saturday will feature an eclectic mix of stage performances, including music, dance, spoken word, and student performances, among others. There will also be an opportunity for local performers and youth groups to showcase their talents, as well as an art exhibition comprised of works created by East End public school students. A beer garden will also be pouring craft beers from Richmond’s Stone Brewing to compliment the festivities. Admission to the event is free but individual donations are accepted in addition to bucket collections and corporate and foundation sponsorships. The event serves as a fundraiser for the music and art programs in Richmond’s East End public schools. The festival raised approximately $100,00 in 2016 and $75,000 in 2017. The funds raised from these two festivals have made a major impact in the art and music programs at these schools. For example, the 2016 funds helped East End elementary schools go from seven violins total to having enough instruments for a full classroom set of string instruments in each school. In fact, every East End public school now has a classroom set of string instruments in addition to being able to purchase band instruments and addressing much needed repairs to existing instruments as well. This has helped give hundreds of new students the opportunity to learn and grow together as they experience the power of music each year. It is also important to note that the Armstrong High School Choir now has dresses and tuxedoes in part because of the funds raised by the festival. Proceeds from the 2017 festival also helped support visual arts in these East End schools as well as continuing to support their music programs. For example, the art programs at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle and Woodville Elementary School have been significantly strengthened by Richmond’s selection for inclusion in the highly competitive national Turnaround Arts program. The 2018 RVA East End Festival is a collaborative effort put on by the East End neighborhoods and their local civic and tenant associations. The specific civic and tenant associations that helped in the planning of this year’s festival includes the Church Hill Association, Church Hill Civic Association, Creighton Court Tenant Association, Fairfield Court Tenant Association, Fulton Civic Association, Mosby Court Tenant Association, New Visions, Union Hill Civic Association, and Unity Civic League. The chair of the 2018 festival is Reverend Marilyn Heckstall of the Asbury Church Hill United Methodist Church. Other partners include the City of Richmond, the Honorable Cynthia I. Newbille, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Richmond East End 7th Voter District, the Honorable Cheryl Burke, Trustee, Richmond Public Schools Board of Trustees, Richmond East End 7th Voter District; Richmond Public Schools; Bon Secours Richmond Health System; Enrichmond Foundation; Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation; the Richmond Symphony and many other local community partners, businesses and civic organizations. If you would like to volunteer, support, or attend the festival and need more information, visit rvaeastendfest. org to sign-up, donate and/or get up-to-date information about performances and activities. [8] MARCH 2018
When: Friday, May 25, 2018 (5:00p.m.-9:00p.m.) Saturday, May 26, 2018 (Noon-9:00p.m.)
Where: 17th Street Farmers Market 100 N. 17th Street, Richmond, Virginia
More Information: rvaeastendfest.org [9] Church Hill Association
Wednesday, May 16 Walter W. Craigie Speaker Series - F. Carey Howlett Science, Secrets and Symbolism- The Art and Mystery of St. John's Sounding Board Breakfast - 8:00 am Presentation - 8:30 am RSVP required Sunday, May 27 Patrick Henry Birthday Reenactment Doors open at 1:00 pm, music at 1:30 pm, Show at 1:45 pm * 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
[ 10 ] MARCH 2018
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[ 11 ] Church Hill Association
Bellevue School & St John’s Saturday Academy Partnership In Spring, 2015, Bellevue School reached out to the community for assistance by asking community organizations and groups to provide bagged lunches in support of its Saturday Academy. This Academy provides additional tutoring and assistance to support students academically. Without proper nutrition, academic attainment is hindered. The partners’ commitment and contributions are vital in helping to remove barriers to learning and demonstrate the great care and concern they share for Bellevue students and their families. These lunches help Bellevue to achieve its goal of assisting students to demonstrate a high standard of excellence that we all know they are capable of. Among other faith based and community organizations, St. John’s Church, Church Hill has responded to Bellevue’s request for assistance. St. John’s provides approximately 160 lunches each Spring for the Saturday Academy Sessions. In Spring 2017, we included additional lunches for teachers to show St. John’s support of the teachers who give of their time and talents and commitment on a weekend day. This ministry is a mutual benefit; it feeds the St. John’s members’ desire to serve while providing proper nutrition to the students as they work to achieve their academic goals.
[ 12 ] MARCH 2018
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[ 14 ] MARCH 2018
Transportation Committee Report By: Tom Wilds, Chair
The City of Richmond Public Works Department has a variety of projects which have impact on the greater Church Hill neighborhoods. This is a report on three projects in the planning stages. Public Works held a community meeting on Tuesday March 13 at 2600 Nine Mile Road to discuss the Nine Mile Road Streetscape project as well as the 29th Street Bike Walk Project. The City presented preliminary design concepts for both projects via a poster display with project managers there to discuss individual questions with community participants. The Nine Mile Streetscape Project includes the area between 25th Street to I-64. Proposed amenities will include sidewalks, entrance repairs, curb ramps, crosswalks, street trees, pedestrian street lighting and corner extensions. Construction is proposed for 2018-2019. Questions and recommendations should be directed to: Yongping Wang at Yongping.Wang@Richmondgov.com or 804/646-2467 The 29th Street Bike Walk Project is to improve safety, accessibility and connectivity along this corridor and is a portion of the overall Bike Walk City plan. This project connects the Nine Mile Road area to Libby Park via 29th Street. It would connect several east end schools and a number of parks. The primary targets to slow traffic include streets that intersect with 29th Street are: Marshall Street, Clay Street, M7N Streets, Nine Mile Road and Kane Street. Additional improvements are subject to funding. No improvements proposed for the area south of E. Broad Street. Preliminary design will be completed in 2018 with construction planned for 2019. Questions and recommendations should be directed to: Jacob Helmbolt at Jakob.Helmboldt@Richmondgov.com or 804/646-7141 The Shockoe Valley Streets Improvement Project is another project being proposed by the City with VDOT funding. The scope of the project centers on the intersections of E. Broad and 18th Street and Oliver Hill Way as well as Venable Street. Again the goals are to increase safety, traffic flow and provide for better bike and pedestrian access. Proposed are a variety of possibilities which include: bike lanes, sidewalks, circles at major intersections, a new exit ramp from I-95 going north entering Oliver Hill Way going to E Broad. Issues such as the No Left Turn signage going east on E Broad to the MacDonald’s was discussed. Some barrier id needed to prevent a left turn to this establishment Also discussed was some protection needed for students crossing the I-95 entrance ramp on their way to VCU Hospital. . The City made this initial presentation to a steering community composed of city planners as well as many of the civic associations (including Church Hill) that will have some impact. There will be an open community meeting to discuss the concepts at the Martin Luther King Middle School on Mosby and Leight Streets on May 1, 2018 starting at 6 pm to 8 pm.
[ 15 ] Church Hill Association
[ 16 ] MARCH 2018
Summer Tree Care 3 Ways to Water Trees
Excerpted by Trish Bernal from the Richmond Tree Stewards website
http://richmondtreestewards.org/education/summer-tree-care/ways-to-water-trees/
Below are the three ways we recommend for delivering water to young trees. All will accomplish the goal of deep watering without losing water to run-off. A minimum of 15 gallons should be applied each time you water. Weekly watering from May to October is ideal during the first two planting seasons. Watering every two weeks is OK, except when the weather is very hot or very dry. A minimum of 15 gallons should be applied each time you water.
2. 5-Gallon Bucket Five gallon buckets with a few small holes drilled in the bottom can be used for watering trees too. Simply put the bucket next to the tree and fill it. Three buckets will provide the 15 gallon minimum or one bucket filled three times. Consider putting a rock or brick in the bucket to keep it from blowing into the street when it is empty and please remove the bucket as soon as possible when it is empty.
3. Garden hose
1. Gator bags* or Ooze tubes Some of the newly planted street trees have gator bags or ooze tubes. Both have a space to insert a hose for easy filling; just fill and you are done. The water seeps out gradually and goes down to the root ball where it is most needed. Gator bags empty in 5 – 9 hours; ooze tubes may empty more slowly. Very little is lost to evaporation and none should be lost to runoff. Small holes can be easily repaired with duct tape.
Another simple method is just using a garden hose. Turn the hose on to a trickle or slow flow and leave it on long enough to deliver 15 gallons. Adjust the flow so that the water soaks in and does not run off; you may need to experiment a bit to get the flow just right. Move the hose occasionally. To determine how long it takes to deliver the needed 15 gallons just place the hose in a 5 gallon bucket and turn it on to the same slow flow you use to water your tree. If the 5-gallon bucket fills in 10 minutes, you will need to water for 30 minutes to get about 15 gallons.
*Please note if you need a gator bag, please contact Church Hill Tree Steward Trish Bernal trishbernal@gmail.com or 643-2420 [ 17 ] 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.
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[ 18 ] MARCH 2018
Stone Brewery/Intermediate Terminal Community Meeting Notes Friday April 13, 2018
By: Genni Sasnett, President, ChA of RVA
Councilwoman Newbille held an informational meeting on April 13, 2018 at the Powhatan Recreation Center in Fulton regarding the development of the Stone Brewery World Bistro and the proposed demolition of the Intermediate Terminal Building on the riverfront in Fulton. The building was originally slated to be redeveloped into the Stone World Bistro and Gardens. Approximately 50 people attended the almost two-hour meeting. Those in attendance were invited to ask questions during the presentations and encouraged to leave questions in writing if they had not been responded to during the meeting. The agenda for the meeting included an overview of agreements between Stone Brewery and the City by Jane Ferrara, Deputy Director, Department of Economic/Community Development (ECD) of the City of Richmond; a summary of Stone’s community impact by Juliellen Sarver, Stone Brewery representative; and the findings of the design development process by representatives of Baskervill, Architecture & Engineering. Councilwoman Newbille presided. Ms. Ferrara provided details of the agreement between Stone Brewery, the (ECD) and the Economic Development Administration (EDA). The City of Richmond provided grants and incentives to Stone for the development of the brewery and the bistro through the ECD and EDA. Those investments are being re-cooped as scheduled by the city through taxation and lease-backs. Ms. Sarver provided information about Stone’s commitment to community partnering in Richmond. Some highlights include: 40% of their current workforce lives in Richmond; $153,000 has been raised by Stone for local organizations; 20 minority owned businesses were involved in the construction of the brewery; lease payments paid to date to the city of $2.7m, state taxes paid of $275,000; and city taxes, inclusive of meal taxes, property taxes and personal property taxes, of $1.3m. Representatives of Baskervill, provided an explanation of the deficiencies they found in their examination of the building for redevelopment as the Stone World Bistro and Gardens. According to the representative, the building has the following issues (not an exhaustive list): •The first floor of the building lies below the flood plain by 2’8”, despite being elevated on piers. Mechanical equipment cannot be placed in flood zone area. •The building is not a weak one but is sitting on poor soil. The piers which serve as foundation for the building are not placed on bedrock and there is no reinforcement in the foundation. •The roof is thin concrete and is not reinforced. The building will require a structure above the roof. If they went with the original design, the mechanicals would be on the roof. •The current zoning for the area is M-2. The height of the current building presently exceeds the limits under M-2. According to Stone and Baskervill representatives, the estimated cost of the redevelopment of this building would be around $24m. The original estimate was $8m. [ 19 ] Church Hill Association
No real design for a potential replacement has been developed. Stone representatives stated community input would be sought for the new design, if it is necessary to discontinue pursuing the original plans. They do not anticipate having to seek a SUP (special use permit) for the project. They indicated that the existing building is too large for their purposes and anticipate a new building would have less square footage. The process for developing the design may be impacted by provisions of Section 106, the same process implemented with the Glenwood Terrace Project. The building has not been placed on the National Register of Historic Places to date, though it has been evaluated for the purpose twice previously. Placement on the National Register does not guarantee that a building will not be demolished, however. If the building is determined to fall under the provisions of Section 106, the public will be allowed to provide input for mitigation of the impact of the demolition. In the Glenwood Terrace situation, the mitigation agreed upon included retention of a portion of the existing building, in that case a car barn. The developer also agreed to provide signage, lighting, public access to the site and designed parking. Stone representatives stated that it had been their full intention to renovate the Terminal building and were disappointed that could not be achieved. They have other projects, like the bistro in San Diego, which are examples of adaptive re-use of existing structures. Pictures of Stone’s other restaurants can be viewed on the internet. Next step at this writing is the Finance Committee’s consideration of the proposal to amend the original agreement with the city calling for redevelopment of the Terminal building and to instead allow for its demolition and replacement. The issue is slated to come before the Finance and Economic Development Committee of City Council on April 19, 2018. If the amendment is supported by the Finance Committee, the matter will then come before the entire City Council for consideration.
MORE INFO AT RVAEASTENDFEST.ORG
[ 20 ] MARCH 2018
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OPINION: The History Behind Terminal Warehouse No. 3 and Why It Shouldn’t Be Destroyed By: Edwin Slipek
First appeared in Style Weekly on Wednesday, April 11,2018 – Reprinted with Permission Editor’s comment: The Church Hill Association of RVA has taken no position regarding the Terminal Warehouse, but your Editor thinks this story is worth contributing to the conversation for those who live here. Please also refer to the report provided by the President of CHA of RVA, elsewhere in this newsletter, regarding a recent meeting about the possible future of the building.
The sprawling Stone Brewery complex at 4300 Williamsburg Road now dominates Fulton Bottom and has transformed an industrial landscape once mostly populated by warehouses. But many beer lovers have awaited part two of Stone’s planned investment and footprint in the vicinity — a bistro and garden restaurant. Plans called for the restaurant to be housed within a building that is a rare reminder of the riverfront’s glory days as an international port — the hulking and evocative Intermediate Terminal Warehouse No. 3. The 30,000-square-foot, three-story concrete structure at 3101 Wharf Ave. (or East Main Street) commands a dramatic view of the downtown skyline. The potential for enhanced beer tourism, especially along the slowly reviving north bank of the navigable riverfront, had economic development officials foaming at the mouth. And if the project returned the sturdy, but now-empty terminal, an intriguing relic of the mostly-lost maritime history of Rocketts Landing, to new life all the better. Last month, however, Stone’s engineers said no go. Apparently, the former terminal won’t accommodate the company’s goals for the project. Alternative plans for the building have yet to be announced. But this about-face seems to threaten the survival of the distinctive, 81-year-old building. The terminal should be retained. There are other sites Stone could develop as a bistro, and the sturdy, concrete behemoth can continue being mothballed or used for other purposes, including city storage as it was until recently. But don’t destroy it. Why is this building worth saving? The terminal’s brutal appearance suggests little of its romantic past. It was constructed in 1937 during the Great Depression, probably as a New Deal infrastructure stimulus project. Raw sugar from Cuba initially was stored here until the ingredient found its way into local tobacco products. In 1939, 1.5 million tons of sugar passed through the warehouse, some of which was transferred to rail for shipment to Hershey, Pennsylvania, for candy bars. [ 22 ] MARCH 2018
In addition to linking Richmond with Havana harbor and Pennsylvania chocolate makers, the terminal building itself is like none other. It is the rare structure locally that is built into a hillside. And the fact that a city street once ran under the building testifies to how densely built-up this now picturesque area once was. While other warehouses in the immediate vicinity that housed sugar are now lost, the socalled “sugar pad” remains: It’s an expanse of concrete set between Terminal No. 3 and the river that is populated sporadically by local fishermen. Today, Terminal No. 3 is a welcome architectural landmark along the 52-mile Capital Trail, a world-class amenity, delighting cyclists, runners and pedestrians, as well as those in passing vehicles. And while the building is concrete-tough, its open bays three sides of the ground level are slightly arched, adding subliminal gracefulness to the building. Richmond, now famously, has breweries and bistros at every turn and what Stone eventually adds to the mix should be popular. But there’s only one Intermediate Terminal Warehouse No. 3. If it’s unnecessarily erased from the riverfront, the history it evokes and the architecture it delivers cannot be replicated like a next batch of brew.
Though it appears somewhat brutal, the Terminal Warehouse No. 3 at 3100 E. Main St. is a rare structure that once connected Richmond to the Cuban sugar trade. Photo Credit: Scott Elmquist with Style Weekly reprinted with permission
[ 23 ] Church Hill Association
[ 24 ] MARCH 2018
Richmond Cycling Corps By: Amy McCracken
I returned to work at Richmond Cycling Corp’s Legacy Academy after being away a week. One of our students, Anthony “Ant” said that he saw an article about Legacy in the neighborhood newspaper. It was the March edition of this publication. I told him I was given an opportunity to submit another article for April, but that I had no ideas and had missed the deadline. He said, “You could write about my first race. It’s tomorrow. Me and Wug are both racing for the first time,” I wrote to CHA and asked (begged) for a deadline extension. It was granted. This is that story. Thank you for this opportunity. Our first race of the spring season happened on Tuesday, April 17th at Forest Hill Park. The weeks leading up to the race where tumultuous—the few warm days we have had brought on spring fever, a reluctance to practice, and a restlessness that manifested in some chaotic days. But, despite it all, the team showed up ready to compete with elite mountain bike racers from across the state. Watching our young men walk to the staging area you would never know what they deal with in their daily lives. At a race, they are strong young men, confident student-athletes. Two of our racers were competing for the first time. Anthony (Ant) and Tavon (Wug) joined Legacy in January and started training just a few months ago. It was impossible to know that watching them at the starting line. I knew just how far Ant had come only because Craig told me about Ant’s first few workouts.
“I can’t do it” was Anthony’s mantra when he joined Legacy Academy in January. Having been released from his previous high school, he was shut down, shut out, dejected. There was skepticism, every day, toward our academic approach and disdain for this grueling school sport of mountain bike racing. Cycling for Legacy Academy is tough. Each student pushes beyond their comfort zone, and then we ask for more. Preseason training consisted of a two-mile run in 15 minutes, 150 lunges with 20% body weight hoisted upon the shoulders, 5 sets of basketball court-length sled drills, then another five minutes of light cardio work to cool down. This routine was three days a week, for six weeks. Three weeks into preseason, Ant was stalled, in class, socially, physically. On week four, we decided to work one-on-one with Ant, and take him through a graduated effort on the treadmill to reach his goal distance. Every five minutes he would flounder, flop, grab the support rails and yell “I can’t do it!” We’d counter, “If you can yell, you can breathe, and if you can breathe, you can still run...push!” At the 10 minute mark, he was on pace, but the squint of his eyes aligned with the burn of lactic acid pumping through his body. “I can’t!” he was yelling. “You are,” we’d reply. At 13minutes, two minutes to go seemed an eternity. “I can’t!” was met with “You will.” At the end of 15 minutes, Ant reached 1.98 miles. So close. Close enough to demonstrate that it is possible to reach the 2 mile goal, but also close enough to demonstrate that negativity alone, “I can’t,” cost him twotenths of a mile. At the next practice, Ant made it 2.1 miles. Ant has been on the bike for six weeks now. He improves every day—every day. Three [ 25 ] Church Hill Association
months ago, this young man, although committed to participating due to a signed contract to attend the Academy, never imagined himself as a cyclist. In fact, at that point in his life, he wasn’t imagining much at all. I got to sit down with Ant and Wug the day after the race and ask them about their experience. This is what they told me. After so much anticipation and nervousness, was the race what you expected? Ant: It was a little bit like a track meet, but like in slow motion riding up those hills and with so many more people. Wug: Harder. It was harder than I expected. While you were out on the course what were you focused on? Ant: I just didn’t want to wipe out. I noticed the people around me, but mostly I just didn’t want to crash. Wug: You got to pay attention to yourself so you don’t fall. If you fall once, you get up. But if you keep falling you’re going to get the f**k-its. I was right behind Ant for a while. I was trying to stay with him. People pass you. You pay attention to that. I got passed by a fast female rider. Ant: Oh, I got passed by a lot of girls. Craig says always let people pass.
Anthony and Legacy Academy entering staging area
Are the other riders generally supportive when things get tough? Ant: Yeah, a couple people would say “good job” as they rode with you. I ran my bike up a hill and someone shouted from the side, “No shame in running that hill!” He was an old guy—like 50. Wug: Sometimes you hear about trash talk, but there’s not really that. Most people give you a “good job.” How did Legacy prepare you for this moment? Wug: You have to show up for practice. We’ve been training for months. Ant: You get ready to ride by riding. How was the first lap of your race different from the second? Wug: The first lap I was fast and full of energy. The second lap I was getting tired. My chest was burning. Ant: For me, the second lap was easier. Having done the first lap, I knew exactly what to expect and that made the second time easier. What was your favorite part of the race? Wug: Going down the hills. [ 26 ] MARCH 2018
Coach Craig Dodson gives Anthony last minute guidance
Tavon (Wug) finishing his first race
And your least favorite? Wug: Going up. Ant: I don’t have one. Except there was a pile-up right at the beginning of the race. Immediately when we started there were already people falling. That was my least favorite part. Wug: Cahlee got caught up in that. Our kids get caught up in so much. We had six racers there yesterday who showed up despite great odds. Racing with Ant and Wug were Tawante, Trevon, Korey, and Cahlee. When I asked Ant what the best part of race day was he said, “Dinner with the team after the race. Everyone was chill. We laughed.” Tre’s bike broke, Cahlee came out of that early pile-up with a busted lip and bruised spirit, Nut hadn’t made it to the race at all, Wug had been so nervous he had walked home an hour before race time—but came back, Korey had missed practices, making Tawante anxious. That post-race dinner that was the highlight of the day was no small feat for the boys and all that they brought with them. Ant, and all of us, are keenly aware of this. What did you do when you got home, Ant? “Told my aunt how much I enjoyed the race and went to bed.” What about you, Wug? How did you feel when you got home last night after everything? “Aight. I felt aight.” Our next race is Saturday, April 28th at 12:00 PM at Massanutten Western Slope, 3493 Happy Valley Rd, Keezletown, VA 22832 [ 27 ] 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! [ 28 ] MARCH 2018
Photo by Carolyn Dallas
The dragon flags are back, flying high at Bellevue School, thanks to the generosity of a grant from the Church Hill Association to the school.
Photo by Jesus Palacios
[ 29 ] Church Hill Association
CHA Outreach and Membership Happy Hour at Liberty Public House By: Christina Mastroianni
The inaugural Church Hill Association Happy Hour occurred on March 22 at Liberty Public House and it was a huge success. Thanks go out to everyone who attended and especially to Liberty Public House for hosting us and providing us with yummy treats on which to snack. So how did this all come about, you ask? When I lived in Philadelphia, our neighborhood association often hosted Happy Hour’s at local bars and restaurants in an effort to welcome all the new folks moving in to the neighborhood. It was also an opportunity for neighbors to socialize and learn more about the Association and the neighborhood. So, I thought, why not try that here in Church Hill? I approached Amy Foxworthy, one of the owners of Liberty Public House, about hosting us and she was more than happy to assist. When she asked about how many people I was expecting I said maybe 20-25 since this was our first event and I really had no clue as to whether it would be a success. At 4:15 on March 22, I walked into Liberty Public House and headed over to the tables in the back of the restaurant…and waited. 4:30 came and went and I began to get nervous, thinking this is going to be a flop. At 4:45 about 6 – 7 neighbors walked in and said, we are here for the Happy Hour! From that point on there was a flood of neighbors, most of whom I had never met! In fact, one couple had just moved to the neighborhood a few weeks ago. Looking around the room, I saw neighbors young and old talking, sharing stories and of course enjoying a glass or two. At 8:45 that evening, I left the restaurant with tons of ideas for future happy hours (picnic in the park), activities for the Outreach Committee (welcome baskets for new neighbors) and a few items for my AskCAR column. Stay tuned for more events in the weeks and months to come and if you are interested in joining the Outreach and Membership Committee send me an email! cmast152@gmail.com. Photo by: Christina Mastroianni
[ 30 ] MARCH 2018
2401 E. Broad St. Richmond, Va. 23223 804.649.7938 www.saintjohnsrichmond.org The Rev. Amelie Wilmer, Priest in Charge
Come, Li� Your Spirit! Sundays at St. John‘s Church 8:15 a.m.
Holy Eucharist (no music)
9:30 a.m.
Adult Forum, Parish Hall
10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Children’s Chapel, Keeper’s Cottage 11:30 a.m. Coffee Hour, Parish Hall
Nursery available 8:00 a.m.– 11:45 a.m. We are a caring, spiritual community joyfully embracing and nurturing all, serving God, each other, and the community.
Summer Schedule Begins May 27 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Children’s Chapel, Keeper’s Cottage 11:00 a.m. Coffee Hour, Parish Hall
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.
Prayer for St. John’s Church O God, creator of life and giver of gladness, let us be your Beacon on the Hill, shining your light so brightly that others may come to know you, to love, and to be loved. Help us to reach out to those around us, bearing fruit through acts of kindness, welcome, and fellowship. Amen. For more information, visit our website, www.saintjohnsrichmond.org.
[ 31 ] Church Hill Association
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 [ 32 ] MARCH 2018
Highlights from CHA’s April Committee Meetings This month we are trying to new strategy to keep our membership better informed about the activities of CHA’s committees. Our intention is to provide summaries of the activities of committees which have met 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. Highlights from the April 3rd Historic Preservation and Land Use Committee meeting: 1. The committee reviewed plans to convert the church located at 2712 E. Leigh St into apartments and a management office. The committee thought this was a good use of this dilapidated property while saving the historic nature of the building. 2. There was considerable committee discussion regarding recent Planning Commission and CAR meetings. The committee decided that two actions were warranted: a. First is to request meetings with the Mayor and separately with Matthew Ebinger (Richmond Planning and Development Department). Genni Sasnett and Barbara Cotter to represent CHA in those meetings. Genni and/or Barbara will consult with the RVA 180 Group if they gain an audience with the Mayor. b. The second is for Genni to send a letter to the Mayor, copy to Councilwoman Newbille, discussing common interests regarding the Church Hill community and the city and requesting help meeting the following 3 requests: i. Notify CHA very early in the planning processes associated with any changes or development projects that could take place within Church Hill, on our boundaries and for any projects or changes with the potential of modifying the view from Libby Hill. ii. Provide CHA with the opportunity to engage collaboratively with the Richmond Planning and Development Department and to direct developers to engage us in the early planning stages for projects covered in item (i) above. iii. Add wording to the master plan that will protect the view (from Libby Hill Park) that gave Richmond its name, including zoning and other view shed protections 3. The committee concluded by discussing concerns regarding the safe care of children within the proposed Child Day Care Center located in the 22nd block of E. Broad Street. Barbara Cotter informed the group that all churches in Virginia that seek to operate a religiously exempt child day facility must submit an application to the Virginia Department of Social Services – Division of Licensing and request approval for such status prior to operating the center and annually thereafter. Chair Barbara Cotter at barbaracotter@gmail.com. April Youth and Education Meeting Summary The Youth & Education Committee began meeting in 2018 and has begun meeting with local school and community leaders. The Committee has narrowed its initial scope to serving elementary schools, students and families. Our goal is to serve as a connector between 3 elementary schools, [ 33 ] Church Hill Association
Bellevue, Chimborazo and George Mason; the local nonprofits that serve them; and members of the neighborhood. We want to make it easy for community members to know what is happening at those schools, what opportunities exist for short and long-term volunteering, and what the changing needs are of the schools. In providing that linkage, we want to support efforts already underway to enhance the learning of these students, and the needs of the schools and their staff. Immediate volunteer request: One of the local community partners, CHAT (Church Hill Activities & Tutoring), is still looking for someone with some interior design skills who might volunteer some time to help them rethink their office space. Please let Holly Coy know if you or anyone in your network might be interested in lending their skills in this way! At the May CHA meeting our committee will be providing an update, introducing some of the community principals and partners, and sharing a variety of upcoming volunteer opportunities. Please plan to join us then to learn more! Finally, our next Committee meeting will be May 6 at 6pm at the Patrick Henry Pub; all are welcome! You can contact Holly Coy, at holly.m.coy@gmail.com to receive committee email updates and/or learn more. Technology Infrastructure Ad Hoc Committee Report The CHA Board was presented with information regarding a potential increase in the subscription cost for maintaining Membership data on a hosted software platform. Besides wanting to ensure financial due diligence is conducted prior to approving any increase, it was determined there should be a broader exploration of the CHA’s technology infrastructure. Therefore, the Technology Infrastructure Committee was formed on an ad hoc basis. The Committee will work to gain a thorough understanding of all the technology platforms currently used by the CHA for storing, maintaining, and processing data and communicating information. Next, the Committee will evaluate the current platforms as well as investigate alternative solutions. Lastly, the Committee will present recommendations for consideration. The Committee is already off to a fast start by having completed the identification of all segments of the current infrastructure. We will be investigating alternatives over the next few weeks. Feel free to reach out to Brian Loos with any questions at brian_loos@hotmail.com.
April Transportation Committee and Community Outreach Committee Meeting Summaries Please see articles by Transportation Committee Chair, Tom Wilds and Outreach Committee Chair, Christina Mastroianni elsewhere in this newsletter.
[ 34 ] MARCH 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 ( )
Directory ( )
[ 35 ] Church Hill Association
members = $ ______
List ( )
CC ( )
Under ContraCt
The Hancock House ca. 1868 11 1/2 n. 29th street In a neighborhood of distinctive houses and great stories, the Hancock House stands out on both accounts. Not only does this house have one of the city’s finest cast iron porches but it took an act of the General Assembly to save it. There are two bedrooms on the second floor, featuring a modern master suite overlooking the enchanting garden. The English basement is a completely self-contained in-law unit. A spacious two-car detached garage which is rare in Church Hill, couldn’t be more convenient. Beyond history and architectural detail, The Hancock House sits across the street from Libby Hill Park offering some of the most spectacular skyline views anywhere in Richmond.
MLS#1806006
Your Old House Authority
Jennie Dotts REALTOR®
(804) 370-6565 • JennieDotts.LNF.com Virginia ProPerties, A Long & Foster Company 412 Libbie Avenue, Richmond, VA 23226 [ 36 ] MARCH 2018