Colonial Place/Riverview Civic League
COMMUNITY NEWS
Guest Speakers: Mr. Norman Grefe, Environmental Health Supervisor for The Norfolk Department of Public Health's Vector Control Division, and Stephanie Boyles, a Wildlife Biologist from PETA's Domestic Animal & Wildlife Rescue & Information Department, At This Month's Meeting
NEXT BOARD MEETING will be Monday, September 18, 2006, at 7:00 pm.
DEADLINE for the October issue is Tuesday, September 19, 2006.
THIS MONTH'S MEETING AGENDA: Monthly police report - Code enforcement update - Guest Speakers: Mr. Norman Grefe, Environmental Health Supervisor for The Norfolk Department of Public Health's Vector Control Division, and Stephanie Boyles, a Wildlife Biologist from PETA's Domestic Animal & Wildlife Rescue & Information Department.
Our September CPRV Civic League meeting falls on the 11th of September. This day is one of remembrance and a time for reflection on what it means to live in the United States of America and in the world in 2006. We all have different emotions and memories tied to this anniversary, but I would suggest that a common thread within all of our thoughts is that on that September day, as the tragedy unfolded, and in the days following, we felt a sense of community that was somehow stronger than what we felt before this terrible event. We slowed down to talk to neighbors, to see how they were doing or what they were thinking. We were more patient with the small details of life. We felt a kinship or a bond with individuals we had only met through news articles or TV broadcasts. To paraphrase Mother Teresa, we attempted to bring sense to the madness by performing small gestures with great care: giving, reflecting, connecting, praying. We have lost a good deal of that communal solidarity in the last couple of years, but why not commit to re-engaging ourselves in our community at all levels: our neighborhood, our city, our commonwealth, our country? We cannot immediately and directly change the world, but we can change things, for the better, around our block. And then the next block, and the next one after that. We can choose the path of passivity and cynicism or the path of engagement and optimism. It's a small gesture of civic engagement, but an important one to do on a day with such emotional gravitas: come on out for a civic league meeting, meet new neighbors, become part of making our small part of the world a little better. You might find what I have written above to be a little trite or a tad naïve. But ask yourself in what way are you doing your part?
Off the soapbox now, I would like to commend the CPRV Crime Prevention Committee on their excellent “Bike Ride Against Crime” event. Along with our P.A.C.E. Officers, they registered over 40 bikes (including mine). Dr. Terry Whibley, our Ward 2 Representative to City Council, donned her helmet and made the ride with us. Check out the pictures at www.cprv.org.
Lastly, I am very pleased to introduce Mrs. Stephanie Hale, resident of New York Avenue and graphic artist extraordinaire, who will be taking over the job of CPRV Newsletter Editor. As we say hello to Stephanie, I would to thank Joe Rivas for serving as CPRV Newsletter Editor for the last year. He has done a fine job and is moving on to coach his son's soccer team this fall.
Thanks for reading. See you on Monday, September 11th at 7:00 p.m. at Stuart Center for our monthly civic league meeting.
Until then, it's not just a neighborhood, it's a lifestyle…Steve Earnhart (searnhart@gmail.com)
Fortunately, this creature, the size of a buffalo, lived more than eight million years ago in South America. Though our furry, present day, neighbors are somewhat smaller, they still seem to be a big issue.
For the last several months there's been considerable conversation on the listserv concerning rodents making their way from the waters surrounding our neighborhood into our homes. The suggestions on solving our problem have ranged from welcoming the sweet little creatures into our homes, all the way to baseball bats, and flamethrowers. I feel that somewhere between these extremes lies a practical means to control our waterfront friends and the potential health risks that they may bring.
Steve Bayer (a.k.a. Arthur Katz on the listserv) did some preliminary work on rounding up an expert or two on rodent control. Taking his lead, I have invited two speakers to be our guests at the September 11th civic league meeting. Mr. Norman Grefe is the Environmental Health Supervisor for The Norfolk Department of Public Health's Vector Control Division. Vector Control is aware of our problem and is already taking steps to help solve our problem.
Also, based on feedback received through our listserv, I felt that it would be beneficial to invite a speaker that could offer our membership some additions and/or alternatives to the solutions presented by Norfolk's Vector Control. I have invited Stephanie Boyles, a Wildlife Biologist from PETA's Domestic Animal & Wildlife Rescue & Information Department. My intention is not to spark a debate between two potentially very different solutions, but to present to the membership alternatives with which we can make informed decisions.
Always feel free to e-mail me at davenye@cox.net to suggest topics for future meetings.
Fall is coming, which means it really could cool down to 55 degrees--too cold to apply the famous black and white oval CPRV sticker. Don't delay. Come to the September 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.
Last month the CPRV Bike Ride Against Crime was a great success. We were able to register 39 bikes from the neighborhood and then the bikers rode around both Colonial Place and Riverview for a nice ride. A special thanks to our two PACE Officers, Officer Jackson and Officer Horn, for registering all the bikes and to all the volunteers who were able to pass out flyers to every house in the neighborhood.
Beware of people going door to door trying to sell security systems or asking for money because they are down on their luck. Anyone going door to door peddling items or a service should have a vendor's license from the City of Norfolk. Please ask to see their license and if they cannot produce one, call the police. Too many people are canvassing our neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods engaging people in conversations about the level of security their home has. Please do not reveal any security information regarding your home and don't invite them in to get a peek at your valuables.
Continue to be observant about the people and vehicles that are on your street. Call the police regarding suspicious behavior. You may call 9-1-1 if you need an officer on the spot right away or call 441-5610. It is a good idea to put this number in your phone so that you can have it when you are out strolling the neighborhood. Please keep your porch lights on.
If you have any specific concerns, please don't hesitate to call me at 469-3531. Also, valuable information regarding crime is distributed on our neighborhood listserv. Please go to www.cprv.org and sign up for the e-mail list. Please contact me if a block captain has not been in contact with you. Thank you for doing your part to make CPRV a safe neighborhood!
Our September Crime Prevention Meeting will be held at the Riverview Coffee Parlor on September 25th at 6:30pm. Alice McCoy will open up the shop for those that would like to purchase coffee, tea, or dessert during the meeting.
Photos--more photos! Check out the bikers who came out on one of the hottest days of the year to register their bikes and ride around our neighborhoods. Then cool off with "better late than never" photos from our 2005 Holiday Party. All this fun is just a click away from our home page. The Artist Registration Form for the 2006 Art Walk is available on our home page: www.cprv.org in pdf format.
We are glad to announce the date for the 8th annual CPRV Front Porch Art Walk is Sunday, October 8th, 2006 from 12 noon to 5 pm. All neighborhood resident artists are encouraged to mark their calendars and plan on participating in this exciting event!
Calling all ARTISTS!!! Registration forms can be downloaded from our very own website: www.cprv.org. Please be sure to submit your registration form as soon as possible, but no later than Friday, September 29th.
Calling all VOLUNTEERS!!! We are looking for volunteers for the following:
CPRV is looking for a highly motivated individual in her/his teens or older to become the official CPRV Roadie, Sound Technician, and Stage Manager. OK, so it's not the Dave Matthews Band, but it's an outstanding opportunity to serve your community and experience what all but a few have only dreamed of. I have been the Roadie for the last couple of years, but, unfortunately, the new duties of Vice President require that I pass it on.
The system is quite simple and typically takes about ten minutes to set up and tear down. In addition to the actual set up and sound checks, the new CPRV Roadie will need to be able to store the system and transport it to and from the monthly meetings. The individual selected for this outstanding opportunity to enter the entertainment industry will be fully trained in load-in procedures (that's roadie speak for unpacking and setting up) as well as the load-out (again, that's roadie speak for just the opposite of load-in). Training also includes the proper mixing of the sound, cable coiling techniques, how to check a 9-volt battery with your tongue, and how to say, “check, check.”
If you are somewhat able-bodied, have the ability to lift about 70 pounds, have access to dependable transportation, and feel that you have what it takes to be the next CPRV Roadie, please call me at 533-6526 or see me at the September meeting.
As part of the continuing effort to beautify Granby Street, the Riverview Village Merchants had their first Adopt-A-Spot clean up. It was a great success! We had 25 volunteers and collected 33 bags of trash. In late September, you will notice new fall plants in our planters. And before the end of the year, we hope to have cigarette butt receptacles. Just another one of our efforts to keep the Riverview Village Business District a place we all can be proud of!
Look for Parallel 36's Grand Opening this month! (Really) This new restaurant will feature foods from around the world, from countries located on the 36th parallel.
If you have not been to Fat Boys, you are missing out on great fries! They also have burgers, hot dogs and shakes. Try them all!
The McDonald Montessori School is now in session! The grounds and the building are a great improvement over the old Health South building. Ellen is very active in our Keep America Beautiful program. She has even incorporated environmentally friendly features to her new building!
The Riverview Village Business Association is gearing up for our 2006 Holiday Open House! We are looking for talented CPRV Residents who may wish to perform at this event. Please contact Alice McCoy, at 622-1365 if you are interested.
We hope everyone had a great summer! And remember, to shop the neighborhood first!
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.
Seniors
60+ Club
Wednesdays at 11 a.m.
Ocean View Senior Center
Call 441-1767 for details.
Seniors
Square Dancing
Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
Ocean View Senior Center
Call 441-1767 for details.
CPRV Meetings
CPRV Civic League Meeting
Monday, September 11, 7 p.m.
Stuart Center
CPRV Meetings
CPRV Board Meeting
Monday, September 18
Call CPRV President for details.
CPRV Meetings
CPRV Crime Prevention Meeting
Monday, September 25, 6:30 p.m.
Riverview Coffee Parlor
Out & About
The “2nd Annual Virginia In-Water Boat Expo”
September 8 – 10
Town Point Park & Waterside Marina
Out & About
The “America Supports You Freedom Walk”
Monday, September 11, 6 p.m.
Harbor Park
www.hamptonroadsfreedomwalk.org
Out & About
The “5th Annual Norfolk Seafood & Beach Music Festival”
September 15 – 17
Town Point Park
Out & About
The “Mid-Autumn Moon Festival”
Saturday, September 30
Town Point Park
Dates and times are subject to change without notice. Consult your local periodicals for additional information, costs, and updates.
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: haledesigns@cox.net