archive for July, 2009
July 2, 2009
Black Dog, RIP July 2, 2009
RIP Black Dog
I just got an unconfirmed report that legendary Black Dog who has roamed the Near West End for years was struck and killed by a car this morning near the intersection of Cary Street Road and Maxwell, just a few blocks west of Mary Munford Elementary.
I am very sad, as I enjoyed hearing all the stories about Black Dog, and his adventurous life, evading animal control officers, and anyone else who tried to capture him. Black Dog was friendly and a free spirit. He could be described as both aloof and illusive. He had such a kind spirit. I never saw him run from anyone, only just disappear.
I’ve been known to drive down the alleys with my kids trying to get a good glimpse of Black Dog as I tell my children the stories of his legendary status. I will miss that. But I’m sure there are many in the Near West End who knew him better and will miss him more.
How many dogs can say they had no owner — but had a fan club on Facebook?
Update, WTVR now confirms, Black Dog is dead.
July 3, 2009
Don’t Miss the Genworth July 4th Celebration Tonight
Tonight, Friday, July 3rd, is the annual Genworth freedom celebration with the Heritage of Americ Band and fireworks following.
The concert will begin at 7:30p.m. at Genworth Financial’s world headquarters located at 6620 West Broad Street, between Glenside and Horsepen roads.
The concert will be followed by our fourth-annual fireworks display. This event is free and open to the public.
Me, I’m excited because I can see these fireworks from my house! What a treat to share them with the kids without the hassle of driving and crowds.
Then, tomorrow, July 4th, head to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden for their All American Celebration: Butterflies are Free – this day only 9a.m. to 5 p.m. enjoy free admission to the Garden for all, plus see the Butterflies LIVE! exhibit.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden shows its appreciation to the community by waiving Garden admission on this day — also part of the Garden’s 25th anniversary celebration. Wear your red, white & blue or dress up like a butterfly, decorate your strollers and wagons and come out to the Garden for a fun-filled day including a parade in the Children’s Garden (see below). Many thanks to the Robins Foundation for making this day possible.
(With free admission on this day, we are anticipating many visitors and have plans in place to accommodate them. We thank you for your patience in advance.)
9 a.m. -5 p.m. Garden open and Butterflies LIVE! exhibit open.
9 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. WaterPlay in the Children’s Garden (weather permitting).
10 – 4 p.m. The Garden Library will be open. A wonderful place to visit and a great “cooling off” spot in case of hot weather.
1 – 4 p.m. Activities in the Children’s Garden
- 1 – 4 p.m. Live music by the Happy Lucky Combo
- 1 – 2 p.m. Decorating for parade; materials available at “decorating table” under the tent in the Children’s Garden (while supplies last.)
- 2 p.m. Parade in the Chldren’s Garden starts.
Disclaimer: as many of you know, I am also honored to be an employee of the Garden, and I promote this event because it is near to the Near West End and a great opportunity.
Finally, we’ll be heading over to our favorite spot on Southside to view the Carrilon fireworks tomorrow night. There is nothing like seeing the fireworks over the river! Hope you have a Happy 4th of July!
July 6, 2009
Near West End Landscapers?
Does anyone have a recommendation for a good landscaper in the Near West End? A friend is looking to create a flat spot in her sloped yard so her tot can play. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
July 7, 2009
Police Arrest Women in Connection with Robbery
Police have arrested a women in connection with an armed robbery of a Patterson Avenue convenience store, according to the Times Dispatch.
Fulgencio Maria Freeman, 41, was taken into custody near Intertstate 64 and Nine Mile Road shortly after the 7:20 p.m. robbery at The Market Place 13 in the 8900 block of Patterson Avenue yesterday.
July 7, 2009
Possible Small Earthquake Shakes Near West End
Downtown ShortPump is reporting that the rumbling I heard in my house last night , around midnight, was likely an earthquake. “What was THAT?” I said to my husband. I guess, the next thing I should have done, was turn to Twitter, but instead, I went to bed. Here’s the lowdown from Trevor over at Downtown Shortpump:
Just after midnight, around 12:01 a.m. Tuesday morning, something shook Richmond’s West End. From Short Pump to Carytown and all points in between and beyond, we got reports into our Twitter account that something had shaken the ground. I felt it right here myself in Wyndham, too. I’ll take a personal approach on this story for once.
Just back from the scene of live wires that were downed on Pouncey Tract Road, I heard what sounded like a low rumble, similar to rolling thunder. At first, I thought another transformer had exploded down the street at the scene of the downed wires.
Trevor even has a A seismograph from the University of Richmond, check out the full post to see it.
July 9, 2009
Community HS Student Named Youth Female Diver of the Year
Latifia Neblett-Burell, a Richmond Community High School student, was recently named the Youth Female Diver of the Year by the National Association of Black Scuba Divers (NABS). Neblett-Burrell learned to dive from the Richmond RHA Youth Sports & Fine Arts Academy.
July 10, 2009
Sports Backers Announce Athem Moonlight Bikeride
Richmond Sports Backers just announced the coolest event — The Anthem Moonlight Bikerid
e on Aug. 8th! And even better — it is going to take place (partly) right here in the Near West End. I will totally be doing this ride — and hopefully will be dragging lots of TRIgirls to do it with me!
Howl at the full moon and celebrate the joy of cycling at the inaugural Anthem Moonlight Ride. Let your wild side show by decorating your bike and winning the best bike costume award. There will also be prizes for the best decorative lights for your bike. The Anthem Moonlight Ride starts and finishes at Sports Backers Stadium and features a short (8 miles) or a longer (17 miles) route through the Northside and near West End. A free concert awaits riders as they finish the ride. There will be activities before and after the ride, including live music, exhibitors, food, and interactive activities.
To check out the courses, go here:
The race starts and ends at Sports Backers Stadium off of the Boulevard and both courses head over to Northside and Bryan Park. The full course goes all the way out Monument Avenue to Charles. Also of note, my friend, Ethan Seltzer’s company, GroundForceIT, is a sponsor, so I want to give them a shout out too!
July 10, 2009
Sports Backers Announce Athem Moonlight Bikeride
Richmond Sports Backers just announced the coolest event — The Anthem Moonlight Bikeride on Aug. 8th! And even better — it is going to take place (partly) right here in the Near West End. I will totally be doing this ride — and hopefully will be dragging lots of TRIgirls to do it with me!
Howl at the full moon and celebrate the joy of cycling at the inaugural Anthem Moonlight Ride. Let your wild side show by decorating your bike and winning the best bike costume award. There will also be prizes for the best decorative lights for your bike. The Anthem Moonlight Ride starts and finishes at Sports Backers Stadium and features a short (8 miles) or a longer (17 miles) route through the Northside and near West End. A free concert awaits riders as they finish the ride. There will be activities before and after the ride, including live music, exhibitors, food, and interactive activities.
To check out the courses, go here:
The race starts and ends at Sports Backers Stadium off of the Boulevard and both courses head over to Northside and Bryan Park. The full course goes all the way out Monument Avenue to Charles. Also of note, my friend, Ethan Seltzer’s company, GroundForceIT, is a sponsor, so I want to give them a shout out too!
