Ginter Park Weekly Gazette
Sunday, July 17, 2022
Annual Adopt a Tree Program Cancelled by City
Collateral Damage of Enrichmond Dissolution
Wondering why the neighborhood Tree Team has not been disseminating Adopt a Tree applications? The City of Richmond Urban Forestry division cancelled the annual Adopt a Tree Program for 2022-23 as a result of the dissolution of Enrichmond, the 501(c)3 that held funds for parks and recreation and the Adopt a Tree Program. Enrichmond also held funds for 86-100 local small organizations, such as the Richmond Tree Stewards, leaving them with no access to their funds.
How does this impact Ginter Park and other city neighborhoods? Fortunately, GPRA is not financially impacted, because no funds have been submitted for additional city street trees since August 2021. But, the cancellation of the city program leaves GPRA and other neighborhood associations unable to work on replenishing the urban tree canopy until the city revises its processes. While we wait, let’s take excellent care of our young trees that were planted in 202-21 and 2021-22 planting cycles, taking care to fill those gator bags 1-2 times weekly through October, so that the young trees thrive.
https://richmondbizsense.com/2022/07/07/enrichmond-foundation-board-votes-to-dissolve-nonprofit
Love It, Then Lock It or Lose it! Car Burglaries Reported
July Is Vehicle Theft Prevention Month!
District Reps, Block Captains and neighbors have reported car burglaries in varied districts within Ginter Park. So, here’s a PSA from RPD:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLm0WKwTSIQ
#LOVEMYRIDE
- Park in a well-lit space
- Do not leave valuables in your vehicle
- Do not leave firearms in your vehicle
- Do not leave your vehicle running
- Do not leave keys/fob in your vehicle
- See something, say something
Follow-up on Reported Issues with 911 Calls
Following multiple complaints from Ginter Parkers regarding issues with 911 calls, GPRA reached out to the Department of Emergency Communications (DEC) for a discussion. GPRA received an offer of a presentation from Karen Gill, City of Richmond DEC, and we will followup to schedule a presentation about 911:
Here is some information for the meantime:
- Whenever citizen have concerns about their calls to 911 we ask that they please let us know, so that we can properly investigate what happened. If the event is over, please call 804-646-5911 with all of the details about their call to file a complaint. If the event is still in progress, they should call 804-646-5100 and ask to speak to the on-duty communications supervisor. There is more information about this here: https://www.rva.gov/911/comments
- Please stay on the line until their call is answered. Do not hang up, even if they call by mistake, or even when it is taking a while to get an answer. I can explain more about this, as well.
- Dos and Don’ts about calling and texting 911, as well as videos for adults and children, are here: https://www.rva.gov/911/getting-help-through-911
- Please follow us on social media @911rva.
New National Suicide Prevention Lifeline!
https://www.fcc.gov/988-suicide-and-crisis-lifeline
988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16, 2022.
National Night Out, Ginter Park!
Tuesday, August 2, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Tuesday, October 4, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Ginter Parkers, let’s promote public safety awareness, engagement, action, and partnership with Richmond Police Department for National Night Out 2022. Visit the city website for information and to register your event with RPD. Registered events receive visits from RPD, RFD, City officials.
According to John Marriner, GPRA District Rep Co-Chair, some Block Captains have decided to host NNO block events on August 2, while the majority seem to be holding out for cooler weather on Tuesday, October 4. Have questions about where/when there are NNO events? Contact your District Rep-refer to website District Reps page to identify your District Rep.
https://ginterpark.org/committees/board-committees-2/
Register your event with RPD here:
https://www.rva.gov/police/national-night-out
- Please light your homes, interior and exterior lighting, Tuesday, August 2,
from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, or the alternative night, Tuesday, October 4, 6:00 – 8:00 pm. - Organize a neighborhood flashlight walk with your friends during that time.
- Host a casual gathering on your block during that time. The city website offers ideas for Block Parties.
Please contact John Marriner, districtw2@ginterpark.org to learn about events in your District, or register your event, so that we can disseminate some materials to you for your attendees, and so that we can report on your event.
Too hot for you? We will also promote National Night Out Tuesday, October 4.
August GPRA-Red Cross Blood Drive
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Ginter Park Presbyterian Church
Richmond, VA 23227
Or, call 1-800-273-2767, for assistance finding an appointment.
08/10/2022 | 12:00 PM – 05:00 PM
The Red Cross and our GPRA volunteer coordinator for these blood drives, Margee Smither, have this routine so well-organized. Come and donate in a pleasant space right here in the neighborhood.
All who come to give in August will receive a $10 gift card by e-mail to a merchant of choice. Our goal is to collect 24 units at your blood drive and there are 40 sign up slots.
Give the Gift of Life!
No Holiday from Hunger in Richmond
Please Remember to Donate to Local Food Pantries
https://www.stthomasrichmond.org/food-pantry
3602 Hawthorne Avenue
Church Office: (804) 321-9548
Director, Kristen Cummings
The mission of the St. Thomas’ Food Pantry is to address hunger, loneliness, and neglect in our city by providing our neighbors with nutritious food, positive social interactions, and educational information focusing on healthy lifestyles.
Click here to download our list of most needed items
482,573 pounds distributed
Each household received 30+ pounds of food each week, and this year marked a dramatic increase in the amount of fresh produce we distributed.
Battery Park Christian Church Blessings Box-Donate!
| Blessing Box | |
| ADDRESS | 4201 Brook Rd, Richmond, VA 23227 |
| DESCRIPTION | Blessing Box located on the sidewalk next to the church parking lot containing non-perishable food items. |
