The Virginia Comicon, a one-day comic book convention, will be held on Sunday, August 8 at the Crowne Plaza West at 6531 W. Broad Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular admission is $6, with $5 admission for members of the convention’s mailing list, and free admission for children under 10, active military personnel, and people in full costume.

Special guests at this event will include Bill Bowman, who hosted late-night horror movies on Channel 8 as “The Bowman Body” in the 1970s.  A crew filming an upcoming documentary about Bowman will also be present.

This Saturday from 9am-3pm shop at the Libbie and Patterson Sidewalk Sale! A variety of shops will be participating, plus Richmond Bargains Blog reports the The Shops at 5807 will be offering jewelry, clothing and decor up to 80%, in addition to live music and family activities.

The new Hampton Inn & Suites at Glenside and Broad at I-64 opened today.  For reservations call: 804-756-1777

The hotel features 116 non-smoking rooms and suites and a 1,300 sf business center. The official grand opening will be in September.

HotelPlanner.com has more details:

high-tech corporate meeting and training facility, 24/7 business center and complimentary gourmet coffee make our property a unique get away for corporate retreats, meetings and trainings. Looking to unwind? Energize your mood with the new Hampton “Jump Start Fitness” Center featuring the latest in cardio technology in addition to free weights. Our seasonal outdoor pool is an oasis where your group can experience absolute tranquility, enrich their spirit, and achieve a state of grace so elusive in our busy modern world… Minutes from Richmond’s historical venues, world-class museums, colleges and universities, unique shopping and the state capitol, Hampton Inn & Suites / Glenside I64 W. Broad is proud to be the newest hotel in the Richmond region, and we look forward to serving you in 2010!

The Henrico County Division of Police will hold a rabies clinic on Saturday, Aug. 7, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at gate 4 of Richmond International Raceway. Shots cost $8, cash only, and include a rabies tag and certificate of inoculation. Dog owners may purchase a 2010 license for $10 with proof of rabies inoculation.

Cats and dogs ages 4 months and older are required to be vaccinated for rabies. Contact Animal Protection at 727-8800 for more information.

These days it is easier and easier to buy services and products that are better for the environment. Recently, a friend and former co-worker of mine, who grew up in the Near West End started a carpet and upholstery cleaning company that is better for the environment. BioCare Green Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning uses non-toxic and green-certified products along with hot-water extraction to clean without toxic fumes & residue.

BioCare is a locally- owned small business founded by Jack Cooksey, formerly an editor for Richmond Magazine.  He explains the transition to small business owner:

Most of my working life in the past 15 years has been spent in journalism, often writing about local small businesses and Richmond’s growing green economy. Covering these topics as a journalist eventually motivated me to find some niche where I could become a small business owner while doing something I believe in. There are many conscientious textile cleaners out there, but the mission of my company, BioCare Carpet & Upholstery, is to give people even healthier option for cleaning their indoor environment.

If you have ties to the Near West End and would like us to feature your business email info (at) NearWestEndNews [dot] net

The entire West End District is encouraged to attend a meeting on Tuesday, July 27th, regarding the future of Bandy Field Park.

Richmond City Councilman Bruce W. Tyler, West End 1st District, Richmond City Council, will hold the meeting at Mary Munford Elementary School at 6:30 p.m.  Bandy Field Park is a city-owned park, near the Henrico County line, and managed by the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities. A public discussion will include the potential creation of a Conservation Easement of the site.

WHEN             Tuesday, 27 July 2010

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

WHERE Richmond Public Schools – Mary Munford Elementary School

211 Westmoreland Street (Between Cary Street and Grove Avenue in Richmond’s West End)

WHO The Honorable Bruce W. Tyler, Councilman

West End 1^st District, Richmond City Council

CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilman Bruce Tyler, at 804.357.6007; or bruce.tyler@richmondgov.com; or, Jennifer Walle, at 363.3442/jennifer.walle@richmondgov.com.

Background on Bandy Field Park

Bandy Field Park was established as a Richmond City Park by Richmond City Council on May 10, 1999. The park is approximately 18-acres and is located in both Richmond (4.42 acres est.) and Henrico County (13.58 acres est.) at the northwest corner of Three Chopt and Bandy Roads in Richmond’s West End – near the Village Shopping Center

Originally the space, now known as Bandy Field Park, was located in Henrico County. When part of Henrico County was annexed into the City of Richmond in 1942, the land was split between Richmond and Henrico County. In 1955, Richmond purchased the remaining County land for a potential school site, as there were plans for further annexations which did not materialize. The site then became Richmond Surplus Property.

Over the years, City and County residents began using “Bandy Field” as a neighborhood park and playground. During that time, a number of entities have been interested in purchasing the property for commercial development.

The City of Richmond Parks and Recreation will offer a free outdoor movie – Planet 51 at Mary Munford Elementary School, this Friday at 8:30 p.m.

Planet 51
Friday, July 16, 8:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Mary Munford Playground, 211 Westmoreland Avenue

Walk, stroll, ride your bike to a neighborhood festival then stay for an outdoor movie.  FREE outdoor movies near Libbie & Patterson — First up for Movies on the Avenues – The Blind Side on July 17th and Hotel for Dogs on August 13th. Plus, kids activities, with Betsy Q, Bonnie the Bunny, Richmond Revolution Cheerleaders, face-painting, balloon animals & more start at 6 p.m. The movie starts at 8:45 p.m.
Location: The Westhampton School playing fields at 5800 Patterson Avenue at Maple Avenue.
I should mention that this event is presented by “St. Mary’s for Kids” and Bon Secours Children Services, most likely in an effort to gain support from the neighborhood for their proposed Children’s Hospital at the St. Mary’s campus.