Post Updated Oct. 6, 2009

I’ve been holding out on you all. Not meaning to really, but just too busy to come clean. Richmond’s got a new arts organization and I’ve gone to 2 bloggers lunches now, trying to get the low down on what they are all about. I’m sort of new to the Richmond arts seen. Well by sort off,  I mean, I came to Richmond (and VCU) back in 1991 because of the arts community. I WAS an artist, and had a photography show of my work. I married an artist (well that was waaaaay back in 1995) and, well since then, I haven’t had alot to do with Richmond art. It must be something about having young kids, where only now are they starting to be the age where I could drag them downtown to a First Fridays. Or, the fact that I have way too many jobs and commitments and not enough time.

Anyway, as I’ve eased my way back into at least the politics the arts community, through these blogger lunches sponsored by John Bryan and Richmond’s new arts organization, CultureWorks, I’ve learn that there is a history of distrust between the arts community and institutions run for the arts by the non-arts community. And, well rightly so. I probably shouldn’t admit my ignorance of all the details, but I get the gist.  Wasting thousands of tax payers dollars and trying to  hide the truth about it could easily give anyone a good reason to be distrustful.

The good news, is that CultureWorks is a new organization. And CultureWorks president, John Bryan, seems like a good guy.  He’s been meeting with bloggers,  and so far he seems willing to listen, even if it takes a while for our comments to sink in. He knows mistakes have been made and if he just gets a tiny bit more centered toward the artists and alternative community, he might be able to build a good bridge between the political figures in this town who “care about” art and the true down and dirty artists in this town who really don’t give a hoot about politics. Bryan, after all, I was surprised to learn, is a bonafide artist himself. And despite his 3 piece suit and the fact that I’ve never actually seen any of his art, my inclination is to not judge him by his (non-artsy appearance). I mean, we’ve all been stereotyped before (and know how bad it sucks) so why not give the guy a chance?

What I’m looking for: I’m looking for a leader who balances the needs of Richmond’s artist with the desires of the business-professional-political-money community.  I’m hoping Bryan will flesh out his board of CultureWorks (which was a really a bit light on true artists) and fill it with people who dedicate their lives to making art.  October 6th, 10 a.m. at the press release at the Community Foundation will be the beginning of that test. Bryan will hold a press release to announce the new organization, the new leadership, who’s on the board and the new direction that CultureWorks hopes to take Richmond in.  He’ll introduce Brooks Smith, the new chair of the organization’s board of directors who seems like yet another guy dedicated to making things work.

I can’t make it to CultureWork’s press release on Tuesday, but I’ll continue to give you updates on anything I learn.  Harry Kollatz from Richmond Magazine, and John Sarvay from Buttermilk & Molasses have brief write ups on their take of the whole CultureWorks, blogger meetings. Might be worth a look if you are interested. OR if you are really interested in the future of Richmond art, then you should go to this thing.  A Q&A session will follow the announcement.

WHAT: A newly formed organization that will serve as the collaborative and collective voice of Richmond’s arts and cultural community will be formally introduced during this media conference. This organization will facilitate and coordinate the Richmond Region Cultural Action Plan and serve as the overall champion for the region’s arts and culture. This announcement is a major next step for the advancement of arts and culture in the Richmond community.

*A Q&A session will follow the announcement.

WHERE: The Community Foundation

7501 Boulder View Drive

Richmond, Va. 23225

*On back patio.

WHEN: 10 a.m., Tuesday, October 6, 2009

WHO: The organization will be formally launched by its president, John Bryan, who will provide information on the organization’s missions, goals and plans.

Brooks Smith, chair of the new organization’s board of directors, will introduce the board and provide background on how the organization came to fruition.

Susan Davis, a member of the task force that developed the Richmond Region Cultural Action Plan, will discuss the support of the Richmond community and discuss the vision for the new organization moving forward.
Tyrone Davis, a board member of the new organization, will discuss the organization’s planned task groups and provide details of what the organization has accomplished already.

Update: Here is a list of the new CultureWorks board of directors, as announced at today’s press conference.  As for me — I’m still waiting to see more folks who make a living as artists added to the list!

CultureWorks is governed by a board composed of persons who: understand and are advocates for CultureWorks’ constituents; command high levels of influence and respect; are able to generate philanthropic support; are personally engaged in the region’s arts and culture; and commit priority energies to their involvement as board members.

Steve Allred (provost and vice president for academic affairs, University of Richmond) came to Richmond in 2008 after 22 years at UNC Chapel Hill where he took a special interest in leadership work with a collective of corporate and municipal leaders to strengthen the city’s arts and culture.

Jack Berry (president and CEO, Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau) makes it his business to know about the region’s arts and culture and provides leadership in many areas, such including chairing the board of Virginia Civil War Trails.

Dave Campbell (president, Data Network Services Inc.) has a specialized expertise in arts and culture through the information technology lens via his company’s work serving more than 1,000 customers, including those in the arts and culture community.

Rejena Carreras (president, Carreras Ltd.) received her formal education in art, was a longtime art teacher and has become one of the region’s foremost advocates and workers for the arts.

Michael Chapman (vice president and group planning director, The Martin Agency) gives his energetic involvement to arts and culture as evidenced by his board involvement with Art 180 and membership involvement with the Children’s Museum, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and Maymont’s Dooley Society.

Dave Christian (CEO, Dominion Generation) is a pianist, guitarist, art collector and supporter of the arts as evidenced by his involvement with the Visual Arts Center of Richmond.

Dave Fairchild (CEO, First Market Bank) has been involved in community arts and its impact on community development as evidenced by his board involvement with the ArtsFund.

Mike Falzone (partner, Hirschler Fleischer) is a longtime advocate for the region’s arts as evidenced by his leadership involvement with the Arts Council, the ArtsFund, and the Richmond Region Cultural Action Plan.

Gordon Fruetel (vice president, corporate audit, Altria Client Services, representing Altria Group, Inc) appreciates the significant impact that arts and culture have on the economic vitality of our region and the role that CultureWorks will play to help implement the Regional Cultural Action Plan.

Lenita Gilreath (president, Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce) understands the vital importance of the arts and culture to communities as evidenced by her personal and professional attention to the Chesterfield Center for the Arts project, and by her track record that includes a similar center that was initiated in her service area when she headed a Chamber of Commerce outside of Raleigh.

Tammy Hawley (press secretary to the mayor, City of Richmond) brings a national perspective from her work with the federal government on Capitol Hill and is a former chair of the board of the Zora Neal Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to preserving black literature.

Scott Horchler (retail line of business, SunTrust) shares his enthusiasm for all of the arts with his daughter who attends the school of the Richmond Ballet; and also participates in a variety of volunteer activities, including children’s theatre.

Adele Johnson (community volunteer), a 29-year member of the Richmond Jazz Society and a collector of contemporary works by Virginia artists, sings with ONE VOICE CHORUS, a group that sets the region’s standard for the celebration of diversity.

May-Lily Lee (host and senior producer, Virginia Currents for the Community Idea Stations) is a professional performer and has two decades of up close and personal knowledge of arts and culture, people and places throughout the region.

Charlotte Minor holds an undergraduate degree in art history, worked for 10 years at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, was co-owner and director of Reynolds/Minor Gallery, is a former president of the VMFA Board of Trustees and is currently vice president of the VMFA Foundation Board.

Tyrone Nelson (pastor, Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church) is a board member of Elegba Folklore Society and pastors a church that features music, dance, theatre, visual arts and mime presented by its members.

Joan Oates (founder, Partners In The Arts) has taught dance at VCU and Collegiate, and founded Partners in the Arts which has trained more than 1,000 K-12 teachers in the Richmond region in how to use the arts to enhance student learning of core subjects.

Charles Piper (principal, BCWH Architects), is a longtime musician and an avid performing arts enthusiast as evidenced by his active role on SPARC’s board and his support of his daughter’s membership in the Richmond Symphony’s Youth Concert Orchestra.

Evelia Gonzalez Porto has been an energetic champion for the arts and culture with many organizations, including the Latin Ballet of Virginia, the Virginia Historical Society and the Petersburg Area Art League.

Jim Rothrock (commissioner, Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services) is an expert on disability and accessibility issues and served on the board of Very Special Arts-Virginia, an advocacy organization for arts within the community of persons with disabilities.

Kim Scheeler (president and CEO, Greater Richmond Chamber) understands the value of the arts knowing that world class arts programs are the difference between a good community and a great community, and that the arts are the heart and soul of the region and the fabric that ties the people together. It’s also one of the quality of life issues that employers care about and want when looking at locations for their businesses.

Geoff Sisk (managing director-investments, Mosman & Sisk Investment Group, Wells Fargo Advisors) provides support and interest for the arts and culture via his three school-age children and other involvement, including his work on the Board of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Foundation.

Brooks Smith (partner, Hunton & Williams LLP) publicly premiered his new book, The Songlines of Richmond: A Celebration of Performing Arts, Artists and Songs, at Richmond CenterStage’s inaugural open house.

Brock Vaughn (senior vice president, Bank of America) has an avid first-hand interest in the performing arts as evidenced by his board involvement with Richmond Shakespeare and through his active support of his adult daughter, an aspiring actress.

NOTE: Additional board members will be added during the coming months.

I know this is short notice. So sorry.

My friend and neighbor, Kathleen Burden, is hosting a meet and greet at her home with 73rd district candidate Tom Shields, Thursday the 17th at 7 p.m. If you’d like to meet him and ask some questions, she welcomes you to come on by.  If you want to learn more about the candidates but can’t attend, take a look at our Q & A series with Tom Shields and John O’Bannon.

Here are the details from her invitation:

The November general election is in less than 2 months, and for the first time in several years, we have a choice. I recommend you come and find out a little more about Tom.

Further info about Tom and his campaign may be found at www.shieldsfordelegate.com

My address is 1815 Harvard Road, 23226.

Back in February, we wrote about how University Heights neighbors were working to get Henrico to build a path along Forest Avenue for walking and for bikes. I’m happy to bring you a report that that neighborhood has been successful. Here’s the full report from Lila LaCroix, President of the University Heights Neighborhood Association.   And, check out the wonderful photos too!

by Lila Loutfi LaCroix, President of University Heights Neighborhood Association, and Near West End News guest Blogger

It’s BUILT!  Now our kids can walk to school safely on their new pathway!  During the Fall of last year, University Heights Neighborhood Association approached Henrico County Public Works and government officals about installing a pathway on Forest Avenue.  Over the years our children have walked or biked on Forest Avenue in treacherous conditions.  If you aren’t familiar with Forest, you may not know that it has absolutely no space for walkers or bikers at all.  Frankly, it was dangerous.  This past year has been an example of how government should work!  The neighbors held a public meeting with the County in March, they listened to our concerns and over the year, we came up with a solution that is cost effective, pretty and meets all our needs!

The pathway is made up of “Crush & Run” , is five feet wide and is framed by wood. It’s completely level.  It goes along Forest Avenue from Rock Creek to Tuckahoe Elementary School.  We even have a crosswalk at University Blvd.

Sidewalks bring neighbors together.  We are truly grateful and happy to have one.  Wow!  This is the way it’s suppose to work.

John O’Bannon’s 73rd District seat challenger, Tom Shields,  will host a town hall style meeting on the topic of education, and preparing our children for the 21st century economy, on Monday, August 24 at 7 p.m.  The meeting will be at the Tuckahoe Area Library –
1901 Starling Drive.

Shield’s press release states the reason for the meeting:

WHY:  Incumbent John O’Bannon has voted to defund education by over $1/2 billion.  Whether on early childhood, K-12, or higher education, O’Bannon has provided a consistent voice against Virginia’s schools. As an educator and Director of the Center for Leadership in Education at the University of Richmond, Tom Shields knows that education is the key to preparing our children for the 21st Century economy and as Delegate will fight to improve, not weaken, Virginia’s education system.

Wow, I had no idea any legislator would vote to defund education right now!  Personally, as a parent of 2 kids in school and as the wife of a long-time Head Start teacher, I can say, that is the last thing I would want for our children.   I feel like more money should be spent to improve quality and opportunities for our children’s education. Free Pre-K as an option for all of Virginia’s children would be a great start. Also, I like how Shields is emphasizing 21st century learning. As a blogger and someone who makes a living in social media, I have to say that what our children need to know is changing and our educational system needs to change with that. Sheilds totally gets that.  And thankfully, Henrico County Schools seem to get that too.  Computers and teaching technology to our children costs money. We should spend more money on education and teachers not less.

Also, I’d love for our education system to teach our children more creativity, and alternative solutions. So much of our schooling teaches us that there is one right answer. But what about the inventors and the people in this world that can see that there are many right answers and we just have to find or discover them.  The successful workers in the 21st Century will have learned how to be innovators and inventors — always being open to new things and always learning. Because in 21st Century learning, one thing is for sure — nothing will stay the same for very long, and our children will need to be open to new perspectives and new ways of thinking on a continual basis.

I’d love to hear O’Bannon’s side of this.  I wonder what he thinks is important for our children’s education. I wonder where else he thinks this money would be better spent.

Also, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment if you have an opinion on either of these candidates or the future of education in Virginia.

Earlier this year, The Near West End News featured a Q & A series with Tom Shields and  Del. John O’Bannon, in preparation for this fall’s political race. Today, Tom Shields will officially kick off his campaign with a lunchtime announcement — “Pizza, Popsicles and Politics.”  Obviously this is a kid-friendly and family-friendly event.  So if your kids like politics, or pizza even, consider showing up!

What: Shields for Delegate Campaign Kickoff

Where: Tuckahoe Elementary School,

701 Forest Ave,

Henrico, VA 23229
When:   Tuesday, July 28^th at 11:00 AM

A few weeks ago, we announced that Tom Shields would run against John O’Bannon in the race for the 73rd House District seat.  I decided to ask them both a few questions so that readers could get to know them and their platform a little better. This is the last in a four part series of their answers.

NWEN: With its increased diversity and the changing economy, what is your vision for the future of the 73 House District?
Incumbant Del. John O’bannon says:

My vision for the 73rd District is for it to continue to be a safe place to live and raise a family.  Maintaining our strong public schools, high standard of living, and low taxes are all very important to me, and my record reflects that emphasis.

Tom Shields says:

As our region and county changes, I believe we have an incredible opportunity to create a community where we are looking forward and not backward. Where we take the best from what we have done in the past and begin to forge new identities and new ways of viewing our differences. Too often our representation has not recognized this changing dynamic. As your representative in the House of Delegates I will reach out to all audiences and will encourage a dialogue across all spectrums. I will focus on all the magisterial districts in the 73rd –Fairfield, Brookland, Three Chopt, and Tuckahoe and the City of Richmond. This district and others across the Richmond region continue to change and grow and we can’t afford the same old partisan games. We need a new generation that recognizes that practical solutions involve everyone, not a select few.

NWEN: What do you feel are the most important issues facing the 73 District today?

Incumbant Del. John O’bannon says:

The most important issues are strong public education, low taxes, public safety and a healthy environment.

Tom Shields says:

I believe that the three most important issues facing the 73rd District are creating a quality education system, helping people and businesses survive this economic downturn, and creating a new sense of optimism and hope in our representation at the state level.

NWEN: Are you on Facebook and/or Twitter? Do you use any other social media marketing? How do you plan to utilize social media marketing to stay in touch with your constituents?

Incumbant Del. John O’bannon says:

I’m on Facebook and will use this and other media to communicate with constituents.  However, most of the inquiries and feedback we receive come from other methods of communication, like phone, mail, and e-mail.  My annual legislative survey yielded over 300 responses electronically this year.

Tom Shields says:

My campaign is on Facebook. Currently we have 150 members signed up, which shows the strength of my campaign and our use of this online social medium. My campaign and eventually my legislative office will use other forms of social marketing such as Twitter and blogging. We will also have a YouTube presence which will allow me to talk on the issues directly to the citizens of the 73rd.  I would encourage everyone to visit my website at www.shieldsfordelegate.com and look for those initiatives in the months ahead.
It is my hope that by making the campaign accessible through these social networking tools that it will allow my constituents the ability to communicate and collaborate with the campaign and myself. I feel these social media tools will provide true inside access to the campaign by allowing the sharing of ideas and information in an open and direct manner without the traditional formalities and barriers that exist.
NWEN: What do you see as the role of neighborhood news blogs in the future?

Incumbant Del. John O’bannon says:

Neighborhood news blogs will be integral in communications in the future.  And, I will add the Near West End News to the preferred blog list on my website.

Tom Shields says:

Neighborhood news blogs are continuing to grow in popularity and influence.  Blogs like the Near West End News, Buttermilk and Molasses and others provide citizens the ability to quickly disseminate information that directly relates to their neighborhoods without the traditional media filters. Much like social media tools mentioned previously, neighborhood news blogs provide an outstanding medium for citizens to receive, post, and comment on news in an open and direct manner. Blogs like this are a great way for citizens to let their voice be heard and I want to thank Jonah Holland for the work she is doing to facilitate this online dialogue with everyone who lives in the Near West End.

NWEN: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your family?

Incumbant Del. John O’bannon says:

I’ve been practicing medicine here for 30 years, raised 3 children in Henrico Public Schools and have 3 grandchildren who will attend public schools here in the county.  My wife is also in public service, serving on the Henrico County Board of Supervisors.  A more comprehensive biography is posted on my campaign website.

Tom Shields says:

I am on the faculty of the Jepson School of Leadership Studies and I am the director of the Center for Leadership in Education at the University of Richmond. I work with students, teachers, and administrators in K-12 school systems, both public and private, to help them better student learning and improve teaching. I have been at the University of Richmond for nearly eight years. Previously, I worked at Virginia Commonwealth University where I received my doctorate in public policy and administration and my Master of Arts degree in teaching high school. Over the years, I have worked hard for change and accountability in our state and local governments. The past several summers I have taught in the College Leaders Program and the High School Leaders Program at the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership. Sorensen teaches our young people to be engaged and committed citizens in our local and state government. In addition to my professional life, I have a vibrant family life – I am married to Anne Bargatze and have three daughters, Ivey who is 9 months and Lydia and Ella who are two years and two months. We attend St. Bridget’s Catholic Church on Three Chopt Road. When I have the spare time I love to run and have participated in several marathons, including having run the Richmond marathon several times.

Restaurant and bar patrons in Virginia will have to brave the elements if they choose to smoke after Dec. 1, 2009.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine signed a bill this month that will ban smoking in all restaurants and bars in Virginia, with a few exceptions, including permanent outdoor patios, separately ventilated smoking rooms and private clubs. The penalty for breaking the law would be no more than $25.

Virginia is one of 34 states to have some kind of ban — partial or complete — but it’s one of a few states to ban smoking in bars.

Student opinion is mixed on the ban.

Giorgi Zurabishvili, a freshman international student from Georgia who smokes, said the ban was unfair to smokers. He said there are a lot more smokers in Georgia, where smoking indoors is allowed. And while he won’t stop going to restaurants and bars in Virginia after the ban, he said the unfairness to smokers outweighed the benefits for non-smokers.

“It’s bad to smoke, but it’s up to the individual,” he said.

Senior Brent Dean and freshman Alex Johnson, both of whom smoke, agreed that a ban on smoking should be left up to the owners of an establishment. Dean, a native of New York state, where there’s a complete ban, drives to places farther away because they allow smoking, he said.

Johnson is from Hawaii, which does not have a smoking ban. He will not stop going to restaurants or bars because of the ban, but will choose places that have smoking areas, if possible, he said.

Seniors Matt King and Maxine Naawu, who do not smoke, said they appreciated the ban because it would prevent them from being exposed to second-hand smoke as often.

Local restaurant and bar owners and managers said they believed the ban would be good for business, not detrimental.

Nick Hanson, an owner of Bogart’s on Cary Street, said he appreciated the ban. He said it would positively affect the popular jazz restaurant and bar because non-smokers would be more likely to come in, and smokers would still be permitted to smoke on the restaurant’s open patio.

“Every morning I come in, and it smells like smoke,” said Hanson, who added that he was glad this wouldn’t be the case after December.

Mei-i Liu, manager at Three Monkeys on Main Street, said she didn’t expect any problems. The restaurant also has an open patio where people will be allowed to smoke after 10 p.m., she said. Some patrons who smoke may be upset, but she said she hoped it wouldn’t affect business.

The bill that became the smoking ban law went through several changes in the Virginia General Assembly. Kaine, who helped write the bill, steadfastly supported it.

Arguments in favor of a ban included the health of restaurant workers.

“In today’s economy we really can’t force … restaurant workers to choose between their jobs or being exposed to cancer-causing second-hand smoke,” Del. David Englin, D-Alexandria, said at a press conference.

Contact staff writer Stephanie Rice at stephanie.rice@richmond.edu

A few weeks ago, we announced that Tom Shields would run against John O’Bannon in the race for the 73rd House District seat.  I decided to ask them both a few questions so that readers could get to know them and their platform a little better.  This is the third in a four part series of their answers.

I’ll continue to publish their answers over the next few weeks, so stay tuned!

NWEN: Obama has expressed his support of early childhood education for America.  Do you support funding access to preschool for any parent who wants their child to attend?

Incumbant Del. John O’bannon says:

Currently, the Commonwealth targets state-support for pre-K to those programs that are geared toward assisting at-risk children.  Considering the added expense and burden it would impose on our schools systems, I would not support mandatory universal pre-K at this time.

Tom Shields says:

Early intervention in a child’s life, in particularly from the 0 to 3 stage, is so valuable to how they will perform later in school, in a career and in life. So, yes I am a proponent of early childhood education or pre-k forms of instruction and intervention. In fact, I think we should not just look at 0 to 3, but even with funding good pre-natal care. Some studies suggest that good pre-natal care is as valuable as any other types of intervention in terms of learning and advancement later in life. Unfortunately, our state budget does not allow for any public expansion of pre-k services at this time. However, I don’t think just government should be the answer. I think we have quality providers of these services, such as our faith organizations, that should be encouraged to partner with our philanthropic and business organizations to help out in this time of economic uncertainty. In particularly we need to realize that pre-natal and 0 to 3 is as important as any other time in a child’s development – sometimes this message gets lost.

NWEN: What environmental and sustainable future legislation do you support?  Are their any plans to reduce the use of paved surfaces in favor of more environmentally friendly solutions such as permeable surfaces, green roofs, and using nature (rain gardens and natural filters) as opposed to storm sewers to handle runoff that ends up in our rivers and the Chesapeake Bay? How do you think the state can be a leader in this area?
Incumbant Del. John O’bannon says:

I have sponsored tax credits for solar panels in the past.  During the last several sessions, the General Assembly has approved hundreds of millions in funding for wastewater treatment plants, and I voted for legislation that would encourage farmers and developers to reduce run-off into the Bay this session.  In addition, I have supported several measures that have been enacted to improve land use planning, specifically targeting growth to be more environmentally conscious.

Tom Shields says:

Yes, I think the state can do many things to encourage future legislation to promote not just green building, but also green jobs and green infrastructure. It is an expanding area of our economy here in Virginia, even in the Richmond region. We do have to be careful not to hamstring the market which will be key in moving these innovative products and concepts to the marketplace. Overall, sustainability is about the future that we envision leaving for our children.  We have incredible natural assets in Virginia – the Shenandoah Mountains, the Atlantic Ocean, the Chesapeake Bay and our rivers and estuaries such as the James River. We need to make sure that this beauty is protected and secured for future generations. I think the marketplace is realizing that people are interested in sustainability not just because of its impact on the environment, but also because of what it means in terms of how we live our lives. You see more and more business introducing green products because it makes sense and state government should be a leader in encourage this in the Commonwealth.