Colonial Place/Riverview Civic League
COMMUNITY NEWS
Guest Speaker, Mr. Pete Sessa, Host of WNIS Radio's Housetalk, At This Month's Meeting
NEXT BOARD MEETING will be Monday, October 16, 2006, at 7:00 pm.
DEADLINE for the November issue is Tuesday, October 24, 2006.
THIS MONTH'S MEETING AGENDA: Monthly police report - Code enforcement update - Mr. Pete Sessa will speak on preparing your home for the winter months as well as other home improvement topics.
Every once in a while our daily existence of work, schedules, meetings, and responsibilities is pleasantly interrupted by the lightening bolt realization, that we live in a darn special place. There's a lot to be improved and worked on in our community, and many are joining in that process. But what I am talking about is one of those deep breath moments that occur as you are making your way down one of our historic streets with the fall air feeling just right and you think wow, this is THE place. I have a moment like that every October during our Front Porch Art Walk.
Ms. Tara Sheldon and Ms. Kristin Bourcier have planned a fabulous event this year (see below) that brings together a perfect trinity of my favorite things: front porches, art, and walking. The front porch culture of CPRV is one reason so many people are attracted to the neighborhood and explains why so many blocks in our community have a very close bond. This front porch culture feeds the needs of the creative class types that show off their art work on this special day in October, the need for genuine human connections and social interaction. Best of all, we exercise as we make our way from house to house, stopping, chatting, looking, and appreciating. The Front Porch Art Walk is one of the best examples of how CPRV is different from other neighborhoods. Show me another neighborhood in Norfolk that has the social capital to pull this event off year after year, each time adding to the number of artists showing their work. Please come out on October 8th and invite all of your friends from other communities. Make them jealous for a day.
See you the day after the CPRV Front Porch Art Walk for our civic league meeting on Monday, October 9th. I think you will like what Dave Nye has planned. If that’s not enough community involvement, please remember Mayor Fraim's Ward 2 Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, October 11th, 7p.m. at Lafayette-Winona Middle School.
It's not just a neighborhood, it's an Art Walk…
-Steve Earnhart, searnhart@gmail.com
Well, it's autumn. Although it's still quite warm, cold weather's just around the corner and now's the perfect time to winterize your home. I'm pleased to announce that the host of WNIS Radio's Housetalk, Mr. Pete Sessa will be October's guest speaker. Pete will be on hand to discuss preparing your home for the winter months ahead as well as answer your questions on keeping your CPRV home in top shape. In addition to hosting his weekly radio program for the last 10 years, Pete is a professional home inspector, a contributing writer for the weekly newspaper, Flagship, and an arbitrator for the BBB's settlement dispute center.
Come one, come all and see what beautiful art your neighbors are creating! On Sunday, October 8th from noon until 5 p.m., we will celebrate our 8th annual CPRV Front Porch Art Walk. Tour the neighborhood by foot or on bike and be prepared to start your holiday shopping as you explore the amazing works of art and fine crafts our residents are creating right here! Don't know where to start, or what to see? New this year, we will be featuring a "Tasting Gallery" at the Lydia Roper House (127 E. 40th Street in Riverview), where each of our participating artists will offer a sample of their work. Maps and refreshments will be available there as well. Brochures will also be available at the Riverview Coffee Parlor, as well as on the porches of our resident artists. For more information contact Tara Sheldon at tara@tarasart.net or Kristin Bourcier at 622-5324. Spread the word and invite your friends - this is a fabulously unique event in a fabulously unique neighborhood - OURS!
I would like to thank our September guest speakers for an interesting and informational presentation. Agnes Flemming, Environmental Health Manager with the City of Norfolk and Stephanie Boyles, Wildlife Biologist with PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) both did an excellent job presenting their organization's beliefs and techniques surrounding the control and elimination of rat infestations. The presentations focused on the control of the Norway rat and Roof rat, both of which are found in our neighborhood.
Where the two organizations expectedly had differences of opinion in the way that an infestation should be eliminated, I think that most CPRV members were a bit surprised at just how much the two groups agreed on the techniques of prevention. In fact, some residents that had speculated that PETA would suggest that we “accept them [the rats] into our homes,” were surprised to find out that PETA's number one message was prevention and, in case of an infestation, simply wanted to insure that the animals were eliminated in a humane manner.
Some suggestions for the prevention of an infestation:
During September's meeting (detailed above) both Norfolk's Vector Control Division and PETA agreed that the best way to prevent rodent infestations was to eliminate their sources of food, water, and shelter. Both groups also strongly agreed that the practice of feeding the waterfront wildlife in our neighborhoods needed to stop immediately. The food that is left over from feeding (even just a few grains) offers the rats a steady source of food. To compound the problem, by concentrating the waterfowl in small areas for feeding, the volume of their droppings drastically increases supplying the rats yet another source of nutrition. Agnes Flemming, Environmental Health Manager with the City of Norfolk's Department of Health pointed out that spreading food out for the waterfowl in an area that was under treatment for rodent infestations may also be in violation of one or more city codes (including Chapter 6.1 which covers the feeding of wild animals and is a class I misdemeanor). Ms. Flemming warned that while the city is actively treating a rodent infestation, these codes will be enforced first with warning, then a citation. PETA's Wildlife Biologist Stephanie Boyles' stand on the feeding of wildlife was similar, with a couple of unexpected additions. Not only did she indicate that feeding wild birds was not necessary to the bird population, but over feeding could lead to overpopulation. In turn, this could lead to disease and potentially the need to reduce their numbers by physical relocation or even, as a last resort, elimination through euthanization. PETA and the city understand the desire to feed the neighborhood ducks and geese, but both firmly agree that feeding them is not only unnecessary, but in the long run, can actually be harmful.
The Riverview Village Businesses are gearing up for their 2006 Holiday Open House! Our theme this year is “Greening Your Holiday's (for Our Earth & Home)”. Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 4. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., you will find free food, drinks, crafts, entertainment, drawings, discounts and environmentally positive fun for the whole family! Come see what the businesses are doing to help save the environment. We will also sponsor the SPCA Litter Drive again. Each dollar donated will buy a bag of litter! Each year we have managed to donate over 100 bags of litter! Come join the fun!! Thanks for supporting the neighborhood and Riverview Village businesses!
Promote our neighborhoods! Display the famous black and white oval CPRV sticker on your vehicles. Don't delay. Stickers should be attached before outside temperatures fall below 55 degrees. Come to the October Civic League meeting or send a check ($2.50 per sticker) made payable to CPRV, to: Jeanne Ullian, 4400 Mayflower Road, Norfolk, VA 23508. All of the money you send goes into the CPRV treasury to help fund all the wonderful league activities throughout the year.
Ahhh, the crisp October air – “Fall is for planting.” It's more than just a catchy slogan to promote sluggish sales in the stores. It is a fact. And here's why: When you purchase a new perennial or shrub, no matter what time of year you put them in the ground, it usually takes at least a full year for those plants to get themselves established in their new home. If you can put yourself in the mind of a plant for a moment, try to imagine how it must feel when you are finally placed in your new home in the garden. The first thing that needs to be done is to establish new roots. A good root system is the foundation for a healthy plant for years to come. When you plant in the spring or summer, the plant, because of weather, temperature and season, is not only having to establish new roots but it also has to put it's energy into new foliage, blooms and possible getting immune to new pests. Place that plant in its new home when it is soon to go dormant. That way, it can put all of its energy into establishing a good solid root system. Your plants are still growing even in winter but it is mostly underground. By next season, your new perennials and shrubs will be bigger and healthier and stand a much better chance of survival in the coming years. The basic rules for planting this time of year are simple. For shrubs, dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but no deeper. If the soil is very dry, fill the hole with some water. Place the shrub in its new home, back fill and cover with at least 3 inches of good mulch. Trimming depends on the shrub so be sure to read up on the shrub you are planting. Perennials are even easier. Dig, plant, and water. That's it! For most perennials, you can go ahead and trim the top 2/3. Be sure to mark the planting so you'll remember where to look for new growth next spring and if you fertilize, use a slow release product this time of year or just use basic compost. One of the best reasons to plant in the fall is the money you can save. Most garden centers have huge discounts on shrubs and perennials this time of year and if you don't see the mark downs, ask them. Most reputable garden centers will be happy to reduce the stock for winter! Feel free to drop me an e-mail if you have any questions; just be sure to put “Up From The Soil” in the subject line. My best to you!
Halloween is an especially great time in Colonial Place and Riverview! Make sure to stock up on candy this year and turn on your outside lights so you are prepared for goblins and ghouls. Because our neighborhood is so safe and has a reputation of good spirits, we get kids from all over participating. I'll be checking to see if the 500 block of Connecticut again wins my award for spookiest street! Have a ghostly good time! Take extra caution this October 31st:
Fall is right around the corner and soon to be time for raking leaves. As a reminder, yard waste is collected on the same day as your regular garbage collection and should be placed in a central location at the curb or street line no earlier than 5:00 p.m. on the day before collection. Please do your part to prevent CPRV from looking “trashy.” Please do not let your yard waste sit on the street for extended periods of time. Further, yard waste must be placed in clear plastic bags or a 30-gallon container. Yard waste placed in blue, black, green, or brown bags will receive a warning notice or fine, and may not be collected. Limbs and branches must be tied in bundles no longer than 4 feet long and no larger than 18 inches in diameter. No more than 20 clear bags, 20 bundles or 3 cubic yards of yard waste per household is permitted in one collection. Three cubic yard amounts must be scheduled. To schedule a special pick up please call 441-5813 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or use www.norfolk.gov/publicworks/bulkywaste.asp to schedule your request online.
When: Saturday, October 7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, October 8, 2 to 6 p.m.
Where: The festival is located on the grounds of Tabernacle Church of Norfolk, 7000 Granby St. in Norfolk (1/2 mile south of Wards Corner). There is no admission fee. Parking is free and available on the festival grounds.
Activities & Entertainment: As a family event, Halizo will feature a large hands-on children's art workshop conducted throughout the festival. In addition, kids will be busy with face painting and hands-on crafts. Music will be provided throughout the day featuring a variety of local musicians.
Contact Information: Further information is available at www.halizo.org or 440-8224, ext. 13.
Ah, October in Colonial Place and Riverview – that magical month of golden leaves, lingering sunsets and the unforgettable sight of a river filled with vikings, mermaids, Desperate Housewives and other crazy costumed rowers from all over eastern Virginia. That’s right, it’s the 11th Annual Head of the Lafayette Regatta, sponsored by the Hampton Roads Rowing Club, Sunday October 29. Costumed rowers from novices to elite and juniors to masters will be out on the water dressed as, well, who knows?! The 5k course starts and ends at the Granby Street Bridge and you’ll have a great view if you watch from Mayflower Avenue, beginning at 9:30 a.m. See you there!
Dates and times are subject to change without notice. Consult your local periodicals for additional information, costs and updates.
Just For Kids
CPRV Children’s Playgroup
Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
Call 624-6810 for details.
Seniors
Senior’s Bowling Club
Mondays at 2:15 p.m.
AMF Bowling on Little Creek Rd.
Call 441-2109 for details.
60+ Club
Wednesdays at 11 a.m.
Ocean View Senior Center
Call 441-1767 for details.
CPRV Meetings
CPRV Civic League Meeting
Monday, October 9, 7 p.m.
Stuart Center
CPRV Board Meeting
Monday, October 16
Call CPRV President for details.
CPRV Crime Prevention Meeting
Monday, October 23, 6:30 p.m.
Riverview Coffee Parlor
Out & About
“19th Annual Cingular Wireless Town Point Virginia Wine Festival”
October 21-22, 2006
Town Point Park, Norfolk, VA
“Discovery Series at the Attucks”
October 9: Rhett Miller and special guest Greg Trooper
October 17: Amos Lee
October 28: The Avett Brothers with special guest Will Kimbrough
November 14: Dar Williams with special guest Peter Mulvey
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: Stephanie Hale, Phone 622-6999
Community News Distribution: Buddy Petzinger, Phone 622-0233 and Mary Hormell, Phone 627-2392
Advertising: Stephanie Hale, Phone 622-6999
Please deliver typewritten newsletter items to:
Stephanie Hale
Phone: 622-6999
e-mail: cprvnews@gmail.com