Category Archives: Uncategorized

FREE: Thomas Shiff Photography Exhibit opens at the VMFA

The VMFA is hosting the panoramic work of Thomas Schiff in an exhibition of 40 photographs of well-known sites across Virginia. “I always like to go to places people are familiar with and show the perspective from a panoramic camera,” said Schiff. “The camera distorts everything in the picture – straight lines become curved and it throws off your perspective. It challenges your relationship to what is familiar or thought to be understood.” Schiff made the 40 photographs between 2004 and 2013. The exhibition will be available at the VMFA until June 19, 2016. For more information on this FREE show, check out the VMFA website here and the photo below.

Richmond Parks and Recreation begins Summer Camp Registration

Richmond Parks and Recreation summer camp registration began last Monday (online and walk-in). If you are signing up online, please log in or create an account to make sure that your account is set up prior to the actual registration date. Online registration accepts Visa and Mastercard cards only. If you decide to register at the center, they do not accept cash! If you do not have an account, please create one ASAP so that you can have your city residency verified. If you are signing up as a walk-in, a $100 deposit is required per child (credit/debit cards/money orders and checks – NO CASH).

$250 – city residents, $400 – non-city residents
Ages 6-12 (must turn 6 by June 20th, 2016)
dates: June 27 thru August, 26 (9 weeks)
Camp times: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Mon-Fri
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your local Community Center or call City of Richmond Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities Phone: (804) 646-5733
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2016 Movies in the Park

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Films and Dates for Public Park Summer Screenings

Films and Dates for Public Park Summer ScreeningsRichmond school officials are still scrambling to get volunteers to help with Fruit and Veggie Tasting Week the week of March 14th through 18th. Some schools don’t have any volunteers at all and others only one or two. In order for the program to succeed and get healthier foods into our kids a few more folks need to step up. It only requires a little training, then just your presence during 10:30 – 1:30 lunch periods through the spring semester at various schools, helping kids grow up to be strong, healthy adults.
For Fruit and Veggie Tastings, please sign up here
For Salad Bar launch help, please sign up here
To read the complete RVA News low-down, click here.

Randolph March 5th @rvacleansweep Cleanup

The next neighborhood cleanup will be March 5th from 1pm-2:30pm. Neighbors will be tackling Winder, Blair, and Claiborne. Meetup: http://www.meetup.com/RVA-Clean-Sweep/events/227700450/

If you have a moment we encourage you to go pick up litter on your block and in your alley. After the snow the streets seem more littered than normal.

Also, remember if you have bulk pick up (ex. broken furniture, Christmas trees) in the alley you need to use SeeClickFix or call 311 to schedule for it to be picked up.

Thank you for caring about the state of the neighborhood.

#pickuplitterRVA

Classical Revolution at the Byrd – $5

When some hear “classical music,” they think it’s reserved for stuffy concerts and traditional musicians? Guys, it’s totally not like that. Classical Revolution RVA is, well, revolutionizing classical music in RVA. They’re removing all stereotypes and integrating classical music into local galleries, cafes, and even bars. This weekend, they’re presenting Immortal Beloved at the Byrd, a movie about Beethoven and his lover. A mysterious lover, in fact! Great for a Valentine’s Day date, or for a not Valentine’s Day date. Just a great thing to see for any reason. Sunday, February 14th – 7:00 PM – $5

Celebrating African-American Heritage at VCU

VCU will celebrate Black History Month with a variety of events throughout February that are meant to provoke thought and conversation. All of the events will be free and open to the public, though registration may be required for certain events. Here are some of the events this week!

Hump Day Dialogue on “Race/Mental Health Stigma” featuring Shawn Utsey, Ph.D., professor, Department of Psychology in the College of Humanities and Sciences Date: Feb. 17 , Time: 3 PM, Location: University Student Commons, room 215

“Birth of a Nation, Birth of a Movement: The African-American Outcry in Virginia and Nationwide” Feb. 18 , Time: 7 – 9 PM, James Branch Cabell Library, Lecture Hall (Room 303)

Register Your Child in the City’s Free Preschool Initiative!

Richmond Public Schools Virginia Preschool Initiative Program gives local four-year-olds access to a free, quality preschool experience in an effort to make sure they are ready to get learnin’ when they cross over thresholds of their future kindergarten classrooms. Online registration started on Tuesday, and in-person registration kicks off next month.The majority of VPI classrooms are housed within RPS elementary schools, but there are also three, free-standing preschool learning centers available. Find the full list and more information on registering at this RVA News article.

Register to Vote

Register for the Primaries and Presidential Vote!
In 2012 there were 5.5 million registered voters and of those 72% voted. In 2015 those numbers dropped to 5.1 million registered voters and 30% voted. What a difference a presidential election makes! Well, we’re in the presidential cycle again, and many folks need to get their voter registration back in order. Your important dates for the electoral process:
  • Next General Election or Primary: Tuesday, March 1
  • Deadline to register to vote: Monday, February 8
  • Deadline for absentee ballot by mail application: 5 PM Tuesday, February 23
  • Deadline for absentee ballot by appearing in-person: 5 PM Saturday, February 27

The Virginia Department of Elections has all the links on getting registered and this handy form that will tell you where you go to cast your ballot.

Granicus gives access to RVA Government Meetings & More

Access RVA Gov. Meetings Agenda, Calenders, Etc.
The Richmond City Clerk’s Office has completed its transition to the Granicus Legistar system making access to meeting agendas and information more available. For the first time, citizens can see a centralized calendar of public meetings (please note that not all 72  have been set up at this time) that allows for easy navigation between agendas for the Planning Commission, Urban Design Committee, Public Arts Commission, as well as City Council formal and informal sessions and standing committees.

A citizen can now search the content of an ordinance or resolution or other paper and see the complete history of when and where the issue has been on an agenda and the minutes of the particular meeting. Likewise, a citizen can now access more of the supporting documentation such as site plans and letters of support/opposition to particular zoning matters.

Granicus is a significant change in how City Hall communicates with the public and how citizens can follow issues that are important to them. The City Clerk’s former tracking system will still be available and contains records dating back to the 1960s. Staff continue to work to digitize and upload old records so the public has access to this important archive.