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New Community Leaders James River Writers A Matter of Engineering The ChildSavers Building By: Edwin Slipek CHA Financial Report
Church Hill Newsletter | 1
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About the
Church Hill Association October 2017
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CHA Board of Directors President: John Sieg
President@churchhill.org
Vice President: Genni Sasnett vp@churchhill.org
In this Issue
Pg: 4
Pg: 6
Pg: 9
Secretary: Ali Schneider secretary@churchhill.org
Assistant Secretary: Pam Masters
asstsecretary@churchhill.org
Treasurer: Trish Bernal
treasurer@churchhill.org
Assistant Treasurer: Pam Lipscombe assistanttreasurer@churchhill.org
New Community Leaders
James River Writers
Pg.14 | The ChildSavers Building By:Edwin Slipek
A Matter of Engineering
Pg.26 | CHA Financial Report
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: October 3 Upcoming Meeting: October 31
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: October 5 Upcoming Meeting: November 2
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: October 17 Upcoming Meeting: November 21 If any member wishes to attend any zoning or board meeting they are most welcome, but please check with John Sieg at president@churchhill.org for updated meeting times and dates.
Directors at Large Alli Alligood Christina Masteroianni
Karen Jones Colin Schlueter
Past President: Bill Dinkin Historic Preservation and Land Use Chair: Robert Gordon rrgpc@mac.com
Volunteers Church Hill News letter: Layout & Graphics:
Arthur Olivarez Contact: arthurolivarezjr@gmail.com
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
Membership Coordinator: Amy Beem membership@churchhill.org Phone: (804)344-7157
Church Hill Planters:
Marion Macdonald Phone: (804)644-1347
What does Church Hill Look like to you? Send images to: newsletter@churchhill.org
For more information on joining the CHA, please see our website at: churchhill.org or fill our the application included in this publication
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.
2 | October 2017
Letter from the
President John Sieg
Dear Church Hillians, School has started. The Church Hill Association of RVA, thanks to the generosity of our members, was able to donate school supplies and funds to George Mason, Chimborazo and Bellevue public schools. It is so important for our young residents to get a good education and we hope that our contributions will help with that imperative in some small way! I’m expecting additional details will be provided in this newsletter. While on the topic of schools I know you all join me in thanking Nadine Marsh-Carter for her contributions to the school board. You may know that she recently suffered a major loss in her family that prompted her resignation. We wish Nadine the very best during her time of grief and are grateful for her help while on the school board. Christina Mastroianni recently started a newsletter column ‘Ask CAR’. CAR, the commission on architectural review, is the city’s official historic preservation body and they have considerable influence regarding construction and home modifications within our historic neighborhoods. Please use this column to learn about their regulations, to answer your questions and to share learnings with other readers! Our neighborhood parks, sidewalks and bikeways are in constant use and are a source of pride. People come from across the country to admire the views, learn about our history and enjoy the beauty of Church Hill. We are also becoming a frequent venue for regional events. Amy’s Army raising funds to defeat cancer (September) and our Hogtober festival (October) are just two recent examples. One of our obligations as residents of this community is to keep our public places as clean as possible and homeowners are also obligated to keep their sidewalks clear. I’ve been inspired and motivated when seeing neighbors out early in the morning, picking up trash, pulling weeds and doing other things that keep our neighborhoods looking clean and inviting. Please consider contributing a couple of minutes per week to help keep our neighborhood beautiful. I’m sure your work will inspire others to do the same. Our association is committed to keeping our work as transparent as possible. Two of our standing committees; Parks and Beautification Committee and our Historic Preservation and Land Use Committee have recently documented and published their charters on our website (www.churchhill.org). Our association by-laws, our association budget and financial reports are also on the website as are our Board and Membership meeting minutes. Going forward, the Historic Preservation and Land Use Committee will also publish their meeting minutes on the website and, when appropriate, in this newsletter. Please feel free to review any/all of those documents in order to learn more about how we operate, how association’s money is spent and to become more involved in the important work of our association. Our 2018 budget and a slate of candidates for officer and board roles are to be reviewed during our September 19th meeting. The budget approval and elections will be conducted during our 4th quarter membership meetings. Members will be contacted by email with the details. Let me close with a comment about safety. I recently spoke with Lt Johnny McRoy. He strongly encourages residents to report any suspicious activities observed within the neighborhood. Thieves and criminals are more likely to operate in communities that aren’t vigilant. Unlocked cars, packages on front stoops and unlighted areas are like magnets for those who don’t respect the rights and property of others. Police and fire contacts are listed on our website under ‘Safety and Health’. For reference: call 911 for a true emergency. The non-emergency police number is 804-646-5100. Our 1st police precinct station number is 804-646-3602. Fire station #1 number is 804-646-4229. Consider adding these number to your mobile and/or home phones for quick access.
Best regards to you and yours, John Sieg, President CHA 2017
Church Hill Newsletter | 3
New Community Leaders Join the CHA of RVA Board The Nominations Committee for the Church Hill Association put out a call for all open Board positions this summer. We are delighted to report that, after implementing new Nominations Committee Guidelines which include an interview process for each candidate, we unanimously propose the following candidates to join our leadership team. This slate will be presented at the September 2017 Membership Meeting along with a request for nominations from the floor. To review the official roles and responsibilities for each position and to see the Nominations Committee Guidelines, please visit the “CHA of RVA members” section under the “participate” tab of our website, churchhill.org. All Board positions are unpaid volunteer posts and some carry multi-year commitments. We are grateful to all applicants for offering to dedicate their time, energy, and talents to serve our community.
The election will be held at the November meeting
Vice President, Debra Melisi, R.N., M.S.H.C.A., L.N.C., C.J.C.P. (St. John’s
Historic District)
Debra Melisi is particularly invested in improving public education opportunities in the community, viewshed preservation, and increasing Association engagement with residents of greater Church Hill. Debra has been a resident of St. John’s Historic District for two years. She volunteers as a tutor and fundraiser for Church Hill Activities and Tutoring (CHAT), as Vice Treasurer for the Richmond Academy of Medicine Alliance (RAMA) and as a Board member and Committee Chair for the Richmond Academy of Medicine Alliance Foundation (RAMAF). She also serves as a Legal Nurse Consultant, and a Managing Partner and Healthcare Consultant for PARC Consulting LLC in Northport, New York. A wife, mother and grandmother, Debra is originally from New York, and has previously studied, worked and lived in Florida, New Mexico, Maryland, Washington D.C., and throughout the Commonwealth.
Assistant Secretary, Audrey Auyeung (Church Hill North) Assistant Secretary, Audrey Auyeung (Church Hill) While preparing for graduate school exams, Audrey Auyeung works as a private English teacher electronically for students in China, and as a brand ambassador for a start-up. She is a first-generation Asian American, Church Hill homeowner, former area renter, and VCU engineering alumna. Audrey was the first member of her family to graduate from college, where she helped to found the Omincon Delta Kappa Chapter at VCU. She served as ODK’s Secretary, and as a board member and Student Leader for the VCU Alumni Association. Originally from Chicago, Audrey has also studied and lived abroad in Germany, and in neighborhoods throughout the city. She cares particularly about opportunities around diversity and inclusion and education, and she looks forward to getting to know more people in the community, connecting the Association to more residents, and enhancing the Association’s evolving digital presence while serving as Assistant Secretary. 4 | October 2017
Assistant Treasurer,Steven Keener, Ph.D. (Chimborazo) Steven Keener is faculty member at Christopher Newport University and has taught courses at Virginia Union and VCU. Originally from Clifton Forge, Virginia, Steven recently earned his Ph.D. in Public Policy from VCU’s Public Policy and Administration program, and owns a home in Chimborazo with his partner Emily and husky Covey. Steven believes that civic neighborhood organizations can serve a unique and important role in a city’s growth and wants to do all he can -- whether improving public education opportunities, increasing diversity and inclusion, working with local nonprofits, or supporting local businesses -- to help the association understand and embrace its role in making Church Hill a wonderful neighborhood for all its current and future residents. Steven has previously worked as a Research Analyst for the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), and as a research assistant, consultant and coordinator for various entities including KidSafe, a nonprofit committed to preventing child sexual abuse. Steven received the Excellence in Virginia Government Award in 2015.
Member at Large, Reshma Gola, M.P.H. (Union Hill) Reshma Gola is a Business Project Manager at Veracity Consulting Group, a startup healthcare consulting firm. Originally from Richmond, Reshma holds a Masters degree in Health and Medical Policy (with a concentration in Global Medical Policy) from George Mason University’s Schar School of Public Policy, and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from James Madison University. Reshma previously participated in the Events and Sponsorship Committee on the Leadership Council for the American India Foundation D.C. Chapter and established the Alexandra Healthy Workplace Awards Program which encourages and rewards local businesses that implement policies that will support their employees in living a healthier and balanced lifestyle under the Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria. Reshma recently purchased a home in Union Hill with her husband who is a radiologist at VCU, where he earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees. Reshma particularly cares about promoting diversity, improving public education, and supporting local businesses around the Church Hill area.
Member at Large, Brian Loos, M.B.A., C.P.M. (St. John’s Historic District) Brian Loos proposed to his wife Stacey four years ago in Libby Hill Park. They now live together in a historic 1885 house on East Grace Street, and have been actively involved in the community for the past two years. Brian and his wife opened their home for the Church Hill Association’s Historic House Tour, Brian and his daughter mulched the parks in advance of the UCI International Bike Race, he served beer for Hogtober Fest, and he has volunteered on the Association’s Transportation Committee. Brian has been employed by Altria in Richmond for the past 14 years and currently works in the Procurement organization where he is responsible for capital expenditures for buildings and equipment as well as supporting the commercialization of new products. Brian is past President of the Richmond chapter of the Institute for Supply Management, a Certified Purchasing Manager and he received his MBA from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Brian has two daughters and has coached their basketball, soccer, and volleyball teams. He also serves as a youth leader in his church. Brian would now like to apply his skills and energy to increase and diversify the Association’s membership base, encouraging methods “outside the box.” Church Hill Newsletter | 5
My Writing Community By J. P. Cane
I’m grateful for the Richmond writing community, which I’ve been a part of for about ten years. In all the places I have lived, I cannot recall a more active literary scene. Since attending my first James River Writers’ Writing Show, I have felt welcomed and valued by the organization’s many members. Inspired by a Writing Show topic on podcasting, I decided to record one with a writer friend. We were pleased with the result, and I continued doing a few here and there. Now, with more confidence, I produce a monthly show called, Working Title. I interview authors near and far about the craft and business of writing. While helping author-interviewees reach a wider audience, my podcast helps listeners improve their own writing skills and practices from the author’s experience and advice. Just in time for James River Writers’ 2017 Conference, I interviewed local radio talk show host Sharvette Mitchell, who is also a web designer and social media coach. In our talk, we covered the importance of author platforms, that is, websites and social media channels. In Working Title’s Episode 12, Ms. Mitchell offers important insights and tips on building and maintaining an author’s brand. Ms. Mitchell is leading a discussion on “Accelerate YOUR brand with Social Media” at the conference’s Master Class Series on Friday, October 13, 2017. Check James River Writer’s Conference website for details (jamesriverwriters.org).
J.P. Cane is a board member of James River Writers. His debut novel Shadows Within comes out October 2017. Find out more about Working Title and Mr. Cane’s works at jpcane.com
2319 E. Broad St. Richmond, VA 23223 • Telephone: 804.433.3790 Visit us at www.jamesriverwriters.org for information on upcoming programming, Writers Wednesdays, contests, and to view our video! It’s easy to make a donation or become a member with our online forms.
6 | October 2017
Church Hill Real Estate Market Report Pop Quiz: Is your home haunted?? (follow the flow chart to know for sure) Are your lightbulbs screwed in all the way?
no
no
HAUNTED
no
Are your floors creaking?
Stop that. Still flickering?
yes
yes
no
Has there been a weather change recently?
Update your electrical!
no
It’s your neighbors It’s you r
yes
Did your spouse recently pick up smoking?
Are you sure you don’t have a teenager?
2017 year-to-date Average Sale Price: $243,971 2017 year-to-date Average Days on Market: 32 2017 year-to-date List to Sale Price: 99.03% Current Active Average Price: $280,974
no
pet s
Do you have pets?
yes
no
yes
Do doors randomly slam shut in your home?
yes I do
no
HAUNTED
Do you have a teenager?
(or wearing makeup)
HAUNTED
I’m sure...
yes
yes
no
no
Do you live in a condo or duplex?
no
yes
Are things missing from around your home? (makeup, money, cigarettes...?)
yes
Do you live in an 1890s farm house?
no yes Don't worry, if your house is, in fact, no haunted and HAUNTED you're ready to move, a seller in Virginia is not obligated to disclose this, or if the property was the site of a crime. Next month, we'll talk about alien abduction. Just kidding (or am I?)
⌂ ⌂ ⌂ ⌂
Do you have a rodent problem?
no
yes
Do you have a roommate/partner/ child/pet?
The Facts*
yes
You should get that taken care of.
You’re welcome.
Is your electrical less than 100 yrs old?
yes
no
Screw them in! Still flickering?
yes
Are you running every imaginable appliance?
no
Do you hear noises in the walls & ceilings?
no
It’s one of them
yes
Do your lights flicker on & off?
yes
I feel your pain. I’m sorry.
HAUNTED
Time for an intervention.
yes
no NOT HAUNTED. (seriously, why did you even take this quiz?)
⌂ 2017 Q3-to-date Average Sale Price: $234,602 ⌂ 2017 Q3-to-date Average Days on Market: 24 ⌂ 2017 Q3-to-date List to Sale Price: 100.16%
*Criteria: 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
Church Hill Newsletter | 7
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There is a very unique behavioral engineering being developed in youth in public housing. These are young people living in a sub culture (public housing) that is by and large rife with repeated exposure to trauma and violence, a lack of stability, little to no scaffolding for future goals, and fewer role models for emotional expression or communication than might be present in other communities (from our experience, this picture represents the entirety of the body of youth we serve). Let’s not label it as good or bad, but rather, as incompatible with mainstream society.
Richmond Cycling Corps from Matt Crane
A Matter of Engineering
There were seven of us lying under the stars by the lake, a handful who had been willing to brave the nighttime trails to arrive at this, the annual end of summer Bryce Mountain star watch. The rest of the team had opted to stay behind, but for us, the soft glow of the Milky Way was now scattered above us, and the glittering holes in the darkness were more numerous than we had dreamed. Two Richmond Cycling Corps staff and half the team, bouncing along behind the stark light of cell phone flashlights, managed to brave woods very foreign to kids from the streets. Chaos. Too dark. Too many bugs. WHAT WAS THAT NOISE. And then -- the lake, and darkness, a few visible planets. A few more complaints about the bugs, and...silence. We sat back on the loose stones of the steep slope leading to this lake which was all ours for the night, and just watched. Sometimes we talked about how many planets were out there. Along with the bullfrogs, we murmured our approval of the splendor. And then word got around that there might be mountain lions out here and there was no calming down from that, no matter what we said, so then it was time to go. It is incredible what can occur in the simple act of removing our youth from the city -- the inner-city -- and placing them in an environment free from stress, danger, and what they have always known. The effects of the places we know and call home, and how it shapes the way we are built: it’s a matter of engineering.
With engineering created from such a climate, are we to expect that youth from this environment can viably function in a mainstream environment wholly foreign to an overwhelming majority of them? We think not. Our mission, then, is to recognize this engineering, to meet it where it’s at, and build from there with tough love, standards, unflinching support, and nimble strategies. Applying our own engineering, from outside, simply will not reach these youth. We have seen it. We know now, after years of building an inner-city cycling program from the ground up, that we must seek trust, and learn, and be very patient. The struggles run too deep to take what we take for granted and expect it to be instantly compatible. So, we start on the bike. A universal language, a stepping stone, the vehicle leading into all of the work we do to reprogram learned behavior. Is it the only way? No, likely not. But it allows us to go in deep, to effect fundamental shifts, to turn the wheel of our youth’s future toward more numerous prospects. While we’re on the topic of engineering, the next phase of this work is under construction as we speak. Stay tuned for news regarding the construction of our latest level of programs. Thank you for reading. And next time you see the stars, take a moment, as we sometimes do, to remember the positive engineering that’s helping you to appreciate them. Church Hill Newsletter | 9
A Realtor in your Neighborhood When Amy Tesauro isn’t helping Richmonders buy and sell their homes, you might find her sitting on her porch on the Hill, or at Chimborazo park with her kids, or at Dutch & Co enjoying the Perfect Egg. We know Church Hill because we live Church Hill. Let us put our unique experience to work for you.
Amy Tesauro Associate Broker 804.467.1881
Catherine Gilmer REALTORÂŽ 804.338.5397
Erin King
Director of Operations
804.292.0852
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10 | October 2017
CHA Historic Preservation and Land Use Committee September 5, 2017 Attendees Members: Bill Dinkin (presiding), David Herring, Martha Faulkner, Martha Broughton, Eugenia Anderson-Ellis, Waite Rawls, Barbara Cotter CHA President : John Sieg Guest Presenters: Glenn Moore (Meyer, Baldwin, Long & Moore LLP attorneys), Bill Vorhees (William Vorhees Designs, Inc. –architect), and Walid Daniel (owner and developer-WWS VIII, LLC)
The group had a presentation from the developer of 800 North 32nd Street, which is in the early stages of development. The proposal involves use of three lots of land to develop two duplexes (4 town homes) facing N Street. The group recommends the project to the CHA Board for further discussion with the developer, but with some reservation (particularly the placement of a garage for each unit at the front of the building that is atypical for the Church Hill area). The group reviewed and by consensus endorsed the Committee’s Charter with the following four changes and/or additions: inclusion of electronic voting, exclusion of use of proxies, requirement for committee members to reside in the Church Hill community, and plan to distribute minutes to members for review the next day, and to the Board no later than the end of that same day/ early Thursday so that issues can be considered at the monthly meeting of the CHA Board. Note: The Committee also agreed that the minutes should appear in the Newsletter. The Committee discussed the Pear Street Proposal submitted by Louis Salomonsky and the related Q&A between the developer and CHA on this. While the project and related communications were received favorably, the Committee decided it would be helpful to have a short meeting with the developer that involved both the CHA Board and this committee. John Sieg will set this up for October 5th and invite Mr. Salomonsky. Members also discussed the critical nature of defining the View Shed for Church Hill to protect the treasured views from the Hill, both for when the City of Richmond rezones areas along the Pulse Corridor (18 to 24 months for the East End) and even now as development continues in our area through the use of Special Use Permits (SUPs). Some technical support is underway to help define the range of the view and provide an overlay so that the view(s) can be specified within and protected by a City Ordinance.
Church Hill Newsletter | 11
Photos by: Ragbrai, the Agents of Fortune and our friends
Church Hill Rides Iowa By: Tom Wilds Editor’s Note:
We inadvertently omitted a part of the next to last paragraph of this article last month in the September newsletter on page five, so in the interest of clarity are presenting here the entire last two paragraphs of the article.
We also suffered together. Not only did we ride the equivalent of the distance from Richmond to Connecticut but we climbed a total of over 13,000 feet (almost as high as the Grand Teton Mountains in Wyoming). We rode through the chill, extreme heat, head-winds (the worst!) and cold rain. Our arms, backs, hands, legs and especially our bottoms hurt. Our legs cramped at night while we camped and we stumbled in the dark to find the nearest Port-a-Potty (Man!!‌.no toilet paper?). But day after day we rose again to ride on through simply gorgeous vistas of valleys and mountains, of Iowa corn fields, of pastures with cows and barnyards of pigs all the while discovering our strengths, our weaknesses, our friendships and ourselves. We rode through the heartland of America. There were Czech and Norwegian towns as well as Amish and many others. We were welcomed and surprised in one town by a group composed of youth from Colombia and Somalia both in indigenous dress as well as Chassidic Jews in their black hats and long black coats who wanted to pray for us. We were also met by Christian mountain music as well as beer-drinking country rock. In these crazy political times when we see so much confusion, anxiety and anger, Church Hill rode through America and found joy in diversity and companionship in our joint struggles and celebrations. We found greatness, determination and strength, in our neighbors and in our country. We also found ourselves. We did it!! 12 | October 2017
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The ChildSavers Building: A Philip Johnson-designed Modernist landmark by Edwin Slipek
The history of the ChildSavers Building, the starkly modernist landmark at 200 North 22nd St. built for radio station WRVA , begins in a Manhattan hotel ballroom. In the late 1960s John Tansey, WRVA’s station manager, was in New York for a broadcasters convention. Philip Johnson (1907-2005), a prominent blue-blood architect, was the keynote speaker. No shrinking violet, he was riding high at the time with such recent and widely-publicized buildings as the 1964 New York World’s Fair; Lincoln Center; and a PreColumbian art gallery at Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, D.C. The architect closed his talk to the broadcasters with typical 14 | October 2017
flourish: “I hope each of you will engage me to design a building.” That’s all Tansey needed to hear. He waded through a sea of people and cornered Johnson, saying he wanted him to design a radio station in Richmond. The men exchanged cards but the architect tried brushing his pursuer off (thinking the project too small). Tansey, however, browbeat Johnson until he acquiesced. The site was one of the most dramatic in Richmond-- a high Church Hill bluff offering sweeping views of Shockoe Valley, I-95 and downtown skyline. But in the 1960s dilapidated and empty brick houses--many of them roofless-- lined nearby streets. I know, I explored them as a boy with my brothers. The sisters of Monte Maria were cloistered in the convent across East Grace Street. Architect Johnson devised a brilliant urban design solution. Rather than create a commercial building that would disappear into mostly red brick fabric of the then-slowly re- blossoming historic district, he created a sharply contrasting structure. It was bunker-like-- made of poured concrete-- a brilliant shade of white and sprinkled with mica. Huge windows were punched out on all sides to create interaction between the employees and their immediate surroundings. Another great thing was how the building also connected with buildings farther afield. As Johnson recalled in the 1980s: “They [WRVA] had no money. It was just a radio station, and all you need is a room and a tower. But somehow I conned them into thinking it would be nice to see it from the other side of the ravine.” When viewed from Shockoe Hill across the valley, the building sits on this perch like a Greek acropolis. The tower’s fenestration cleverly mimics the building while transmission equipment sprouts from it, announcing its purpose. On dedication day in 1968, the contractor, J. Kennon Perrin Company, sent a limousine to the airport to pick up Johnson. As the vehicle approached the radio station, however, the architect apparently went ballistic. He chastised Buford Wood, a Perrin vice president, for a poor job of concrete pouring: too many ripples. “In the back seat of the limo he really cursed me out,” Wood told me years later. Church Hill Newsletter | 15
But according to Wood, when Johnson-- ever the showman-- emerged from the car he gestured with open arms to the crowd: “It’s the most beautiful building in the world.” “It was my first and last time to use poured in-place concrete,” Johnson said years later, “It’s a miserable material.” But those at WRVA loved their workplace. “The broadcast studio had large windows looking out on Richmond,” Michael Hinnlen, a broadcaster remembered, “ I could look out at traffic on I-95 and activity on the side streets, and really get a sense of who I was broadcasting to.” In June 1997, when Clear Channel Communications announced it was moving the station operations, the building’s future was uncertain. One prominent Richmond art collector considered purchasing the building for his home. Farmville-based Longwood University noddled about making it a Richmond outpost to engage state officials and alums in the area. Eventually, ChildSavers acquired the building. It has been an excellent steward of it and is now embraced as a mid-century modern architectural icon. In 2007 the Richmond architecture firm of Baskervill undertook a sensitive and respectful renovation. And the views of the building-- as well as from the building-- remain spectacular.
Editor’s Note:
Edwin Slipek is a native Richmonder who once resided on Church Hill. He is senior contributing editor at Style Weekly where he writes regularly on local history and architecture. He is also the co-founder and co-editor of “ArchitectureRichmond.com,” an on-line encyclopedia of architecture and urban design.
16 | October 2017
Church Hill, It’s never easy to start a revolution.
Presenting Patrick Henry Square 313 North 24th Street Richmond VA 23223
17 Apartments 6500 square feet of Commercial Space 2 Bedroom\2bathroom Live work Now leasing for August 2016 Occupancy Contact Joshua Bilder for more information 804.306.3089 Mobile 804-359-5018 Office (Website under construction) www.patrickhenrysquare.com Another quality Sterling Bilder LLC Development 18 | October 2017
TRICK or TREAT! IT’S TIME FOR THE FALL
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HYSTERIC ALL CHURCH HILL
YARD SALE 2800 BLOCK OF EAST FRANKLIN STREET
LIBBY HILL PARK
Sunday, October 22nd FROM 9 AM / OPEN TO EVERYONE ALL ARE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE No assigned spaces - Set up as early as you like You’ll have a frighteningly good time. Rain or shine Come early for the best selections. For more details contact: Chuck Wrenn 512-5286 or Marilyn Stroh 648-2109
Church Hill Association of RVA Documents Online See what the Church Hill Association of RVA is doing for your community. Various documents related to the business of CHA of RVA are available to the public online at churchhill.org under the “Participate” tab. These documents include the Bylaws, Board Members’ Role Descriptions, Committee Charters, Budget and Monthly Treasurer Reports, and Meeting Minutes (General Membership and Board Meetings). We also post the monthly Community Newsletter online. Please check it out!
http://www.churchhill.org/membership/
Church Hill Newsletter | 19
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20 | October 2017
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PLEASE JOIN AND BE A 2017 MEMBER OF THE CHURCH HILL ASSOCIATION! 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 North 25th St – (804)225.8275 Millie’s Diner 15% 2603 E Main St – (804)643.5512 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 Stroops Heroic Dogs (free Stroopwafel with purchased hot dog) 2709 E Marshall St – (804)644.3647 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 Blackbird Salon $5 off service/treatment 402 N 25th St – (804)344.7072 C. Alexander’s Cleaners 5% off ALL Cleaning orders 2007 Venable St – (804)592.3138 Eric Schindler Gallery 10% off one art work 2305 E Broad St – (804)644.5005 Mowhawks 15% off landscaping (garden, tree service, grass) 2312 M St – 1(855)mowhawks/1.855.669.4295
Pets at Play 5% 319 N 25th St – (804)286.4665 Richmond Balance 20% off first month 1806 E Main St – (804)225.7130 Seven Hills Studio 20% discount to new clients 501 N 25th – (804)344.0620
Get your membership card and start enjoying! Sign up through the website, email, or in person at CHA meetings: 1. For the website, go to: http://www.churchhill.org/cha/join/ 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. NOTE: CHA of RVA is a 501(c)(3) organization. Your membership is tax deductible to the full extent of the law as no goods or services are received in exchange for your contribution.
Church Hill Association (CHA) Membership Form Membership is valid one year from date of joining.
New Member
Date:
Renewing Member
Membership is Individual, not by household. Email is used only for communicating information to members.
Member Name #1
Email:
Member Name #2
Email:
Address, street, city, zip: Member #1 Phone: Cash:
Member #2 Phone:
Check:
(Make check payable to the CHA)
$30 per person x For office use: Membership card 22 | October 2017
Members = $ Bag
Directory
List
CC
Church Hill Newsletter | 23
Newsletter Content & Advertising The Editor would like to offer a reminder that your neighborhood newsletter is in need of monthly content, including: • Informative, educational, historical articles with a focus on Church Hill • Photographs to go with articles and/or pictures that represent the neighborhood (will be printed in black & white, 300dpi, JPEG or TIF file, must be credited, and remain the property of the person submitting) • Environmental or safety information that pertains to the neighborhood • Letters to the Editor (as space allows, 250 words) • And more!!
Editorial Policy Submissions for inclusion to the Church Hill Association’s newsletter are welcomed. Editorial Policy does not allow for personal attacks or inappropriate tone, profanity, or anonymous submissions. Submissions may be edited for space and editorials should not exceed 250 words. CHA will not print editorial letters that are abusive or non-truthful. It is only as a courtesy that we may occasionally print letters from non-members when they add value to the conversation. Final approval of all submissions rests with the Board of Directors. The Church Hill Newsletter is distributed by volunteers throughout the Church Hill neighborhood (North and South of Broad Street). We also distribute to several area merchants. A total of 1200 issues are distributed monthly.
Send Materials Only electronic submissions will be accepted. Send ad files to: newsletter@churchhill.org
Ad Size, Pricing & Specifications Half-page: $60 at 7.5” x 4.75” Quarter-page: $45 at 3.5” x 4.75” Full-page: $115 at 7.5” x 10” Back cover: $125 at 7.5” x 10” Black and white art only File formats: 300 dpi, PDF, TIF or JPEG Files must be sized correctly Borders must fall within the size of ad space MSWord, .DOC or .DOCX files will not be accepted
Payment 10% discounts for orders of 3 months or more. Payments for ad space should be received no later than the 15th of each month for the upcoming issue. No ads will run if payment has not been received. Payment by check only to: CHA Newsletter P.O. Box 8031 Richmond, VA 23223
Contact If you are interested in advertising in the Church Hill Newsletter, please check the website for ad specifications at ChurchHill.org, or email questions to newsletter@churchhill.org.
Due Dates Copy must be submitted by the 14th of each month to newsletter@churchhill.org. Ad submissions must be received before the 15th of each month for the upcoming issue.
What’s Next?
24 | October 2017
What corner of Church Hill’s history would you like to explore? Send suggestions for the next historic article to: newsletter@churchhill.org
Church Hill Newsletter | 25
Church Hill Association of RVA: 2,016
Holiday Festival Sales Expenses Sponsorship
Net Holiday Festival
Last years Accruals paid 2016
Newsletter
Revenue - Ads Expense - Printing Expense - Editor Net Newsletter Revenue
Net Hogtober Membership
Fee Income Sale - Flags
Budget
Jan
Feb
March
April
2016 Annual Financial Report to Members
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
18,225 (13,000) 5,225
0 (1,142)
0 90
7,700 (13,950) (2,200) (8,450)
3,150 (1,245) (200) 1,705
290
0
0
2,271 (995) (2,175) (200) (200) (200) 90 (1,195) (104)
0
0
0
0
(500) 500 0
864 594 1,692 513 (995) (1,180) (1,180) (200) (200) (200) (200) (200) (131) (786) 312 313
9,000 Number of members
Donations Received / Paid out
Music Festival etc. Received Music Festival etc. Paid over St. Patrick's Irish Festival Net Donations Received
250 @ $30
7,500
Nov
2,016
Dec
Accrual Actual
640 1,485 15,050 731 17,906 (1,665) (3,000) (10,232) (977) (16,373) 500 500 1,500 3,000 (525) (1,015) 4,818 1,254 4,532 (1,052) 1,442 (2,240) (200) (999)
267 (995) (728)
11,082 (11,005) (2,000) (1,923)
(200) (200)
(12,729) 19,059 1,625
1,740 20
150
560 50
6,331 215 @ $30
360
360
60 40
420
30 20
180 20
270
690 30
6,445 180
(Walmart)
250 1,000 1,250
Oct
2,000
0
0
2,000
(1,800) 0
(1,800)
51 51
20 390 (250) (160) 0
(230)
230
1 0
1
0
0
Interest Earned / ( Others) NET INCOME
0 14,525
2,188
1,940
Membership Winter Party (1,000) Picnics (two) (500) Insurance - Directors & Officers (1,200) Insurance - General Liability (600) State Corporation Commission (25) Business License (75) Office Supplies (125) PayPal & Square fees (350) Website: Hosting (100) Website: Maintenance (1,000) Membership software (600) P.O. Box (75) Purchase LCD Projector Misc. / Contingency (500) Total Operating Expenses (6,150)
(475)
(726)
Operating Expenses
Project Expenses
*Last years Accruals paid 2016 Yard Sale Sub-Total Project Expense
Education Donations
*Last years Accruals paid 2016 Sub-Total Education Donations
(2,500)
**TOTAL Donations (6,000) CONTINGENCY - UNDECLARED (2,375) NET CASH FLOW
102 (25) (75)
(80)
(5)
(14,525) 0
506
(1,640)
(686)
(386)
(289)
(36) (56)
280
(4)
(31)
502
(296)
(22)
(10)
593
(157)
(5)
(344)
(60) (615)
60 (671)
2
(381)
(296)
(33)
17,587
(584)
(63) (128)
(260) (416)
(365)
5,338
1,254
(306) (162)
(1,344)
0
17
(254)
(bullhorn)
(775)
(48) (286)
14,765 (1,201) (543) (864) (482) (25) (75) (36) (562) (128) (344) (756) 0 (260) (338) (5,613)
(756)
(Tent sign)
(290) (294)
(14,052)
0
0
(740)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
(177) (177)
0
0
0 (740) (177) (917)
0
0
(600) (600)
(600) (600)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
(1,200) (1,200)
(740)
(420)
0
0
(1,160) (1,000) (451) (200) (2,811)
0
(740)
(1,500) (1,500)
955
(2015 Refund)
(2,500)
Community Relations (2,000) *Last years Accruals paid 2016 RSO: Instruments local Schools Plein Air - SPCA CHPN - Election Forum Sub-Total Community Relations (2,000)
EXPENSES / DONATIONS
2,462 (2,210) 0 252
(1,000)
(451)
0
0
(420) (1,000)
0
0
(451)
0
(200) (200)
0
0 (2,080) (1,020) (1,000)
0
0
(451)
0
(200)
(177)
0
(615)
(671) (2,078) (1,401) (1,294)
(416)
(365)
(756) (162)
(1,544)
(952)
(286)
(15,596)
16,635
5,053
1,573
(740)
1,269 (1,123)
(895) (2,934)
(136) (1,051)
(254)
431
0
(4,928) 0
0 (10,541) 1,254
4,224
*Donations paid from 2015 Accruals: BellevueElem,ChimborazoElem,CHAT,ChildSavers,Richmond Hill,St.John's Church,Family Resource Center,Reed Square,Crime Watch, Richmond Cycling Corps, Planters **Donations to be paid in 2017. The newlsetter, before editor's expense, broke even. See Treasurer' report for additional information.
26 | October 2017
2016 HOLIDAY FESTIVAL WEEKEND SPEND AGAINST BUDGET Ball / Party
Ticket Sales 125 @ $25 Drink Sales 200 @ $3 Total Revenue Expenses Venue Costs Music Providers Food & Beverage 125 x $25 ABC License Bartender / Helpers Decorations / tent hire Security 2 Officers Printing - tickets / flyers PayPal Commission Total Costs Ball Profit / (Loss)
House Tour
Ticket Sales 400@ $25 Expenses PayPal Commission Courtesy trolley (2x5hrs) Misc. (Booties/nametags) Plaques for Houses Security - Sunday sales Total Costs House Tour Profit Sponsorships
BUDGET
ACTUAL
(400) (1,000) (3,125) (100) (600) (400) (250) 0 (100) (5,975) 250
(1,000) (500) (570)
5,625 600 6,225
Vespers BUDGET Candles (200) Bagpipes etc. (800) Musicians (200) Wreath (25) Song sheets+ Refreshments (250) Santa (75) Security 0 Vespers Costs (1,550)
3,015 730 3,745
-
(600) (4,878) (112) (844)
12,090
(200) (1,500) (100) (200) (150) (2,150) 7,850
(316) (1,620) (112) (2,048) 10,042
2,000
3,000
(254) (700) 0 (25) (230)
(441) (1,650)
Printing / Publicity / Decorations (1,400) (200) (200) (525) (400) (500) (100) (3,325) 0 Totals 5,225
(1,828)
Publicity Poster Printing Signage Tickets (all events) Prov: Other costs Bows Other Total Print / Pub. etc. Other
(8,505) (4,760)
10,000
ACTUAL
SUMMARY OUTCOME
Ball House Tour Vespers Printing/Publicity Sponsors Other
Revenue 3,745 12,090 3,000 2,071 20,906
(875) (483) (3,186) 1,085 4,532
Costs Profit / (Loss) (8,505) (4,760) (2,048) 10,042 (1,650) (1,650) (3,186) (3,186) 3,000 (985) 1,085 (16,374) 4,532
Assistant Treasurer's Report of 2016 Cash Report versus Budget
Totals Adjust for 2015 accruals paid in 2016 = Total favorable cash flow versus Budget
Budget
Actual
Cash Flow 0
Cash Flow 4224
(Over) / Under 4,224 4,152 8,376
Explanation of Favorable cash flow compared to the budget: 1) Budgeted events which did not take place: No receipt of expected donation from 2016 Irish Festival 2016 budgeted donations to be applied for in 2017 2016 budgeted contingency not used
(1,000) 6,000 2,375
2) Membership or Board approved expenditures: Projector Bullhorn & tent sign School Board Election Forum Donation: Plein Air - Goodwill Diner East End Music Festival - Art supplies & Music Instruments
(260) (338) (200) (451) (1,000)
(2,249)
3) Budgeted income levels not achieved Holiday weekend festival: Budgeted income =$5225 vs Actual of $4532 (693) Hogtober income: Budgeted =$9,000 vs Actual of $6331 (2,669) Membership fee income: 35 members less than expected (1,050)
(4,412)
4) Actual spend less than budget: Newsletter Budgeted loss = $8,450 vs, Actual Loss = $1,925 Website Maintenance: spend under budget Net all other small items
6,525 656 481
7,375
7,662 1,001
Total 1 - 4 = Total favorable cash flow versus Budget
8,376
Trish Bernal, Assistant Treasurer (2016), Treasurer (2017) Sept 16th 2017
Church Hill Newsletter | 27
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