Colonial Place/Riverview Civic League
COMMUNITY NEWS
Vote on Secretary and Vote on Amendments to the Bylaws at This Month's Meeting
NEXT BOARD MEETING will be September 15, 2003, at 7:00 pm.
DEADLINE for the October issue is Tuesday, September 30, 2003.
THIS MONTH'S MEETING AGENDA: Monthly police report - Code enforcement update - Vote on League Secretary - Vote on Amendments to the Bylaws.
Good news to report since last month: Our PACE Officer Brent Routon has now been reassigned to our neighborhoods. It's comforting to know that we have a fine officer watching out for the neighborhoods. Please make sure to assist him and the police by reporting any suspicious activity you may observe.
You may have noticed the crane and barge docked along Mayflower Road. Virginia Marine Structures is preparing to resume work on the Knitting Mill Creek bulkhead. This portion of the bulkhead project will continue to and include the steps at Connecticut Avenue. The next section of the project is already on the drawing board, with plans to elevate the area around New York Avenue. The elevation will be done to help alleviate some of the flooding that is such a problem at this intersection.
Our Civic League has been without a secretary since the June elections. I am pleased to announce that Susan Sussman has stepped forward to assume this position. Thus at our next meeting we will have a special election per Article IV-Section 7 of our Bylaws. Please come meet and vote for our new CPRV Secretary, Susan Sussman.
In closing I would like to ask everyone driving along the waterfront to be aware of the ducks and geese and please slow down. We have had four ducks killed by inattentive motorists last week alone. These birds are beautiful creatures and are such an asset to our neighborhoods. I hope we can all pay attention and give our feathered friends a brake. See you at the next meeting!
At the September 8th meeting we will vote on the following amendments to the Bylaws. These amendments, proposed during the August Board of Director's meeting, will facilitate Civic League activities.
Existing:
Article VI. Finances, Section 1. All expenditures shall be approved in advance by the Board, and all expenditures in excess of $100.00 shall be approved in advance by the membership.Proposed
Article VI. Finances, Section 1. All expenditures in excess of $100.00 shall be contained in a membership approved budget or approved in advance by the membership at a meeting. All expenditures shall be approved in advance by the Board.Rationale: The membership approves routine planned expenditures when it passes the annual budget and thus it is unnecessary for the membership to approve these expenditures again. Unplanned (non-budgeted) significant expenditures would still have to be presented to the membership. The board would still approve all expenditures, whether budgeted or not.
Existing
Article VI. Finances, Section 2. All checks shall be signed by the president, vice-president, or treasurer, and all checks in excess of $100.00 shall be signed by any two of said officers.Proposed
Article VI. Finances, Section 2. All checks shall be signed by the president, vice-president, or the treasurer, and all checks in excess of $250.00 shall be signed by any two of said officers.Rationale: The original amount of $100, has not been changed since the Bylaws were written in 1986. Many routine expenditures are greater than $100, and it is inconvenient for the treasurer to have to find another officer to approve checks when paying bills.
I would like to introduce you to James and Heather Devlin, their two sons, Julien and Miles, and their Boston cat, Freddy. The Devlins are originally from Washington DC (although Miles was born right here in Norfolk) and have lived on Colonial Avenue between New York and Connecticut for two years now.
With the arrival of their children, Heather and James realized that it would work out best to move closer to family, and all of Heather's close family and friends now live nearby.
James graduated from Vassar College and Georgetown Law School and now works as a corporate attorney for an IT consulting company. Heather graduated with a mechanical engineering degree from nearby ODU, but is now working at home raising their two boys, while attending Tidewater Community College in search of an art degree. Look for a few pieces from Heather at the Front Porch Art Show coming up in October.
James and Heather met through their common love of electronic music, having produced and performed in several shows in the DC area. Heather now expresses herself in the backyard garden and on her easel. James is a self-proclaimed media critic and enjoys reading and working out. You might have seen James running around the neighborhood, sometimes pushing his two boys along for the ride. Of course, together Julien, age 3, and Miles, who is 1, keep both of the Devlin elders busy.
Most every night, after dinner, the family takes time to enjoy the neighborhood and each other with a walk near the water surrounding Colonial Place. They were attracted to Colonial Place because of the diversity, friendly live and let live attitude, beautiful Dutch colonial homes and large trees. James is always looking for running partners so if you wish to reach him for that or any reason, his email is jamese@erols.com You may contact Heather via email at heathers@erols.com
It's time to go back to school! With the advent of the new school year, here are some tips to help our schools, children and community work together to achieve higher goals.
1. JOIN THE PTSA! The Parent Teacher Student Association is the ground floor level of school politics, and an often underrated group. While most people are very active in elementary and middle schools, the high school membership is almost non-existent. Yes, our kids are older and more independent, so the thought is maybe they don't need us in the school as much. I couldn't disagree more. Life decisions are being made in high school, career paths are chosen and values tested. So join up and then be active! Get your voices heard before decisions are made about dress code, scheduling, etc. It takes less time than you think!
2. SPONSOR SOMETHING. Remember the class mother you had in second grade? There's always a class and a teacher that would love to have a caring adult share their time. An adult who reads a story allows a teacher to set up the next lesson. For older kids, sponsor a club. The cheerleaders always need someone to help behind the scenes. Sell tickets for the football team, usher for the drama club's play, or help judge a debate meeting.
3. DONATE. No, not cash. Save it for the candy-sale fund raisers. However, think about where all that macaroni art comes from. How much construction paper does a 1st grade class go through in a project? Elementary teachers spend hundreds of dollars out of their own pockets to purchase supplies for all the crafts, parties, and special events throughout the year. While the dollar store is a teacher's dream, a few dollars each week adds up to quite a sum by the end of the year. So, when you're out and about, buy an extra pack of crayons, markers, tissues, or whatever you see your child bringing home. Or, when you have that garage sale, think about what a school could use. Teachers will always want magazines to cut up, crayons/markers/paint, bookshelves, clean carpets, storage bins, and file cabinets.
4. SHARE YOUR JOB. What is your profession? No matter what it is, there's a class you can go address and inspire. It helps to hear someone say that they use geometry, history, Spanish, etc. When the Real World enters the classroom, students will listen. Maybe you could hire a student worker, and provide first hand business experience. Or perhaps your company can donate a service. Could you host a banquet? Print posters? Demonstrate new technology hands-on? Design a web page? Store or repair equipment? Even a discount on school/team/club purchases save limited class/club funds.
5. ASK. Whether you have children who have already graduated, are about to, or are already through with school, an investment of your time in the school is an investment in your community. There are so many needs out there that could easily be filled if someone were to ask a teacher, coach, or principal. A one-time donation or a weekly visit in the office all adds up to one thing: A Better School Experience.
Stickers-by-mail. What a great idea! Since I can't make the September meeting, this is your chance to get free home delivery of the now famous CPRV Sticker.
Stickers are only $2.50 each so order a couple, or better yet get together with your neighbors and send in a group order. Checks should be made out to CPRV and mailed to Jeanne Ullian, 4400 Mayflower Road, Norfolk, VA 23508.
Before sealing the envelope make sure your address or the address to which the stickers should be delivered is inside. I plan to start making home deliveries the week of September 22nd. That should give you plenty of time to get the sticker on your vehicle before the temperature drops below 50 degrees.
Riverview / Colonial Place Front Porch Art Walk
Sunday, October 12th from 1pm to 5pm
This annual event features resident artists in these two historic communities who convert their porches to art galleries, displaying their work to visitors and neighbors.
For more information, please call Sheila Robinson at 625-2880
The bad news is that crime is up by 4% in our neighborhoods compared to this same time last year. Why? No one is sure. For a while our PACE officers was reassigned to other duties. Some people blame the economy.
The good news is our PACE officer is back on patrol in Colonial Place and Riverview, and we are reactivating our Neighborhood Block Security Program.
A Neighborhood Block Security Program contributes and enhances our community in several ways. It provides an organization for neighbors to reach out to one another and work together for the good of all. It provides education and information and it encourages communication within the community and between residents and police.
This special edition of the Community News is designed to be a tool for you. Keep it close to the phone or on the refrigerator. It includes phone numbers, tips and information that will empower you and help us all contribute to the quality of life in our communities.
And please, call me, Malcolm Martin, if you have any questions or concerns at 625-8285.
Block Captains are vital to the success of a Neighborhood Block Security Program. A Block Captain is a point person--the person that neighbors can turn to for information and a personal connection to report observations and concerns.
A large percentage of Riverview is participating in the Neighborhood Watch program, although they need volunteers for Ethel Avenue and 41st Street. If you would like more information about Neighborhood Watch and/or volunteering to serve as a block captain, please contact Audrey Webb at 623-1197.
We especially need more volunteers in Colonial Place. Call Malcolm Martin at 625-8285
A new page on the Neighborhood Watch program is under development on our Web site. I have a link off the home page and one under Neighborhood Watch in the Site Index. To encourage you to volunteer I have provided a link to the Web site for the National Neighborhood Watch program. This is a great program. We belonged in our neighborhood in Houston and it really made a difference.
Help Keep Our Neighborhood Clean and Serene.
Report health and environmental violations to the City as soon as you see them.
| Environmental Health | 683-2712 |
| Waste Management | 441-5813 |
| Code Enforcement | 664-6527 |
| Transportation Division | 664-7300 |
| Public Works, Streets & Bridges Division | 441-2952 |
| Mosquito Control | 683-2840 |
| Vacant Building Program | 664-6696 |
Tidy neighborhoods are less attractive to criminals. Former New York City Mayor Giuliani knew that when he launched an initiative to clean up NYC. Crime rates plummeted. Grime leads to crime.
Seven years ago Norfolk declared a war on blight, and the program is still active. Residents, businesses and city staff have partnered on a wide range of activities to improve the quality of life within their neighborhoods. This partnership understands that litter, dilapidated buildings, waste dumping and other eyesores can attract more serious crimes. An unclean area indicates that no one is taking care of a neighborhood, or worse, that no one cares. They understand that crimes are more likely to occur in neighborhoods where the residents do not take ownership of their community.
(The following information is from the City of Norfolk's website...)
"So next time you turn the corner and spot an eyesore in our neighborhood, take action. You can choose the course of action you feel most comfortable taking. You can offer to assist your neighbor to correct the problem. Or, you can discuss the situation with your neighbor and ask them to take appropriate steps to eliminate the problem. Or, you can call one of the following departments, give them an address, and describe the problem so they can ensure it's abated sooner rather than later. Clean neighborhoods are less inviting to criminals and more inviting to everyone else. If you decide to ask the City for assistance in correcting the problem, contact the appropriate department using the information provided."
Violations include: Any trash or debris that appears between the sidewalk and curb or on the street prior to 5pm the day before trash pick-up.
Violations include the lack of exterior maintenance of homes, garages, and fences to include deteriorating wood, peeling paint, falling gutters, and deteriorated roofs. Our Code Enforcement inspector who responds to these issues is Rusty Masten.
Street lights that need repairs. Form to submit repair requests can be found at the following link: http://www.norfolk.gov/PublicWorks/streetlights.asp
E-mail jriddic@city.norfolk.va.us or call 664-7300.
Sidewalks that need repair. Form to submit repair request can be found at: http://www.norfolk.gov/publicworks/sidewalk.asp You can also Report a Pothole at: http://www.norfolk.gov/publicworks/report_pothole.asp or a call 441-2952.
Areas of concern are stagnant or impounded water, tin cans, automobile tires or other receptacles that could hold water for harboring mosquito larvae. The program reduces the possibility of diseases such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus spread by mosquitoes and enhances the comfort of residents by removing these potential health hazards. For more information call 683-2840
Any building that has been vacant for a continuous period of one year or more must be registered with the Division of Neighborhood Preservation. The owner of the property will incur an annual fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00). For further information please call: Codes Specialist Philip E. Williams at 664-6696. (If Codes Specialist Williams is unavailable please leave a message and he will promptly return your call.)
The Colonial Place/Riverview Civic League
P.O. Box 6130
Norfolk, VA 23508
E-MAIL: president@cprv.org (checked weekly)
WEB PAGE: www.cprv.org
Community News Editor: Kelly Sorensen, Phone 622-0437
Community News Distribution: Margaret Bright, Phone 627-2815
Advertising: Kelly Sorensen, Phone 622-0437
Please deliver typewritten newsletter items to:
Kelly Sorensen
Phone: 622-0437
e-mail: cprvnews@earthlink.net