Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) is celebrating Easter early with an egg adoption special. Wednesday, April 1 & Thursday, April 2 choose an egg out of our Easter basket for a reduced fee adoption. There are even a few "fee waived" eggs! Adoption fee includes spay/neuter, all age appropriate vaccines and a microchip.  Remember to follow RACC on Facebook . Gal (pictured here) is available for adoption! How cute is she???

WHAT:            Huguenot High School (HHS) will present its 2015 Arts Festival in association with the Cadence Theater Company. The event will showcase students delivering a variety of musical and spoken word performances based on James Thurber's work, The Last Flower .                          Advance tickets will be on sale for $3 at Huguenot High School on Tuesday, March 31  and Wednesday, April 1. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door for $5 at 5:30 p.m. on April 2. WHO:               Parents, students, staff and the community WHEN:            Thursday, April 2                          6 p.m. WHERE:         Huguenot High School                     ...

WHO:        City of Richmond Department of Public Works WHAT:      Street Closure WHERE:  Richmond-Henrico Turnpike from East Brookland Park Boulevard to Craigie Avenue     WHEN:     Wednesday, April 1 through Friday, April 3 BACKGROUND: The aforementioned area will be closed to allow tree cutting along the Richmond-Henrico Turnpike. DETOUR: Heading North on Richmond-Henrico Turnpike: From E ast Brookland Park Boulevard go north on Wellington Street, west on Craigie Avenue, then north on the Richmond-Henrico Turnpike. Heading South on Richmond-Henrico Turnpike: From Richmond-Henrico Turnpke go east on Craigie Avenue, south on Wellington Street, then enter East Brookland Park Boulevard

The City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities is pleased to reopen the Swansboro Indoor Swimming Pool, located at 3160 Midlothian Turnpike. The pool will reopen on Monday, March 30 at 8 a.m. The indoor aquatic facility was closed in August of 2014 for comprehensive improvements to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning units.   “These upgrades were necessary for the continued use of the facility by the general public, Richmond Public Schools, and the departments swim teams,” said Dr. Norman C. Merrifield, director of the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities. Program offerings include: Open Swim for All Ages (Monday through Friday 3-4 p.m. and 7:45 – 8:30 p.m.), Aquacise for Seniors (Monday through Thursday 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.), and Adult Aerobics (Monday and Wednesday 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.  For more information, please call (804) 646-5733 or (804) 646-8088.

The Elegba Folklore Society, Richmond's Cultural Ambassador, will be holding three signature events on Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4. The events are in recognition of the end of slavery, 150 years ago, and will feature different ceremonies, music, dance, commentaries, art, and food and drink. For more information, visit  https://madmimi.com/p/3ac906?fe=1&pact=29164972892

The Richmond Police Department asks motorists to be mindful of runners, street closings and parking restrictions for the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K this Friday and Saturday. The events begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, with the Virginia 529 Kids Run. The first wave of the 10K steps off 8:30 a.m. near Broad and Harrison streets. The 10K’s finish line is on Franklin Street next to Monroe Park. Logistics of the 10K will require numerous street closings and traffic pattern changes throughout the city beginning with parking restrictions starting at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 27. Restrictions and closures will continue until 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 28. Richmond Police reminds all 10K event participants and attendees to take advantage of parking in the decks near the start and finish lines and to not leave any items that may tempt would-be thieves in plain view in your vehicle, regardless of where you park.  Following are the Richmond Police closings and changes schedul...

WHAT:      “Police and Peeps” – A Community Conversation  WHEN:      6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 31, 2015 WHERE:   MLK Middle School, 1000 Mosby Street The Richmond Police Department is sponsoring the second in a series of conversations with Richmond residents about public safety and enforcement issues in the city. Called “Police and Peeps” – A Community Conversation, the event will provide an opportunity for people to talk to Chief Alfred Durham, his officers and each other about how the Department conducts business. “We need the public’s help to do our job. It’s as simple as that,” said Chief Durham, “We need to hear what people think about how we are preventing crimes and solving crimes, while respecting their civil rights.” Clovia Lawrence, News and Community Affairs Director at radio station iPower 92, will return as moderator.                     ...

On Saturday, March 28 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) will be hosting a rabies clinic at Southside Plaza Shopping Center 507 East Southside Plaza, Richmond, VA 23224. FREE distemper shot to any city resident canine with the purchase of a rabies vaccination ($10).  We will also be selling city licenses onsite--all city of Richmond animals (dog and cat) must be up to date on Rabies and have a city license to be in compliance.

Chief Alfred Durham will lead his Command Staff and other officers on a walk Tuesday afternoon through the Circle Shopping Center and Southside Plaza. During the walk, the officers will speak with business managers, clerks and customers about any safety concerns they may have.  According to Sector 211 commander Lt. Michael Bender, shoplifting and other property crimes are the principle drivers of crime in the area. “We have been able to reduce the number of incidents recently by increasing our patrols on the days and times when these crimes occur,” said Lt. Bender. “We call it focused policing.” The officers will be joined by members of the Hull St./Midlothian Civic Association and the Department’s Faith Leaders group. They will meet at the city’s Social Services Building, 4100 Hull Street at 2 p.m. to begin the walk. This event is the latest in a series of walks conducted on a monthly basis by the Richmond Police Department in neighborhoods throughout the city. ...

The Richmond Police Department will be closing the following streets starting Friday afternoon for the Irish Festival in Churchill this weekend. Parking in those areas will also be prohibited.  Street Closures/Parking Restrictions E. Broad Street between 24th and 26th Streets. 25th Street between E. Marshall and E. Grace Streets. Street closures and parking restrictions run from 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 20 until 8:00 p.m. Sunday, March 22. See the attached map. Vehicles in those locations will be towed. We encourage citizens to come out and enjoy the festivities but ask all to be responsible and safe.

The Richmond Police Department will host the 19th Citizens Police Academy April 21 through May 21 on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m.   This FREE 5 week Academy is ideal for citizens who are interested in learning about the Richmond Police Department, have an interest in pursuing a law enforcement career or just want to know how police operations work.  Classes will consist of an overview of the Richmond Police Department, patrol functions, hands-only CPR training, tours of Divisions within the Richmond Police Department, crime prevention, personal safety, crime scene investigation and so much more. To apply, citizens may follow this link.  http://www.richmondgov.com/Police/documents/CitizensAcademyEventApplication.pdf Applications are due April 17, 2015

WHO:         Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones                  Richmond Sheriff C.T. Woody                 10 teen girls from Girls For A Change/Camp Diva Summer Retreat WHERE:    City Hall Lobby (Marshall Street side)                  900 East Broad St. WHAT:        Event to commend Richmond girls for creating a social change event WHEN:       Tuesday, March 17, 2015, at 2 p.m. BACKGROUND: In advance of the 2015 Date With Dad Weekend, March 20-22, Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones will commend girls belonging to the Richmond non-profit organization that started the event. The event began as part of a Girls For A Change (social change) project by girls in Richmond-...

The City of Richmond's Animal Care and Control (RACC) is featuring a $17 adoption fee for all animals in celebration of St. Patrick's Day! RACC will discount adoption fees from a regular $100 to a wonderful $17 beginning Wednesday, March 18 through Sunday, March 22. The $17 adoption fee includes spay/neuter, all age appropriate vaccines/tests and a microchip. RACC is located at 1600 Chamberlayne Avenue.  

WHAT:           Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones will take time out of his busy schedule on                     Monday, March 16, to deliver Meals on Wheels in celebration of                     March for Meals Champions Week. VISUALS:     Mayor Jones rolling up his sleeves as a volunteer to deliver Meals on Wheels. WHO:            Mayor Jones, who is committed to fighting hunger in the Richmond Metro area and beyond. WHEN :         10:30 a.m., Monday, March 16. Media set up is 15 minutes earlier. WHERE:       FeedMore’s distribution center at 1415 Rhoadmiller St., Richmond VA for dispatch.       ...

“Leaks Can Run, But They Can’t Hide.” That’s the theme for Fix-a-Leak Week, March 16 – 21, 2015.  During this week, the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities and other WaterSense partners remind residents and customers to check their plumbing and irrigation systems for leaks. Customers may be surprised at how costly leaks can be and how simple some are to repair. Representatives from the Department of Public Utilities will distribute free water leak detection kits at the following locations this week: · Tuesday, March 17            10 a.m. – 3 p.m.          East District Center, 701 North 25 th   Street ·   Wednesday, March 18     10 a.m. – 3 p.m.               Lobby of City Hall, 900 East Broad Street  ·   Friday, March 21    10 a.m. – 3 p.m.  Southside Community Service Center, 4100 Hull Stree...

Street Closures for St. Patrick's Day Events March 12, 2015 The Richmond Police Department will be closing the following streets for Saturday’s two St. Patrick's Day events. Parking in those areas is also prohibited.  Boulevard Event (Shamrock the Block) *    N. Boulevard between W. Moore and W. Broad streets *    W. Leigh St. between N. Boulevard and Altamont St. *    W. Clay St. between N. Boulevard and Altamont St. *    W. Marshall St. between N. Sheppard St. and N. Boulevard *    Myers St. between W. Broad St. and Leigh St Street closures and parking restrictions run from 5 a.m. – 9 p.m. Shockoe Bottom Event (Shockoe Fest) *    N. 17th St. between E. Main and E. Grace streets *    N. 18th St. between E. Main and E. Grace streets *    E. Franklin St. between Ambler and N. 18th streets *    Ambler St. between E. Franklin and E. Grace streets *...

Richmonders who live on the City’s southside will have a shorter commute to the next E-cycle Day, as it will take place on Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Broad Rock Park, 4835 Old Warwick Road.  In addition to electronics, the event also will include on-site document shredding.  Residents can bring up to five boxes of paper for shredding.   Small electronic items that will be accepted for recycling include, but are not limited to, printers, computer monitors, radios, VCRs, camcorders and microwaves. Televisions will be disposed at a cost of $10 each. There is no charge for all other items.  For more information on City programs and services visit www.RichmondGov.com

Please join Crestview Community and MPACT Saturday, March 14 from 9:00 a.m. - noon for a morning of service of in the Crestview area neighborhood. Meeting will take place at the corner of N. 37th and Crestview Road  All safety equipment will be provided by the Clean City Commission, and refreshments will be available for volunteers.  Click here for more information http://www.richmondgov.com/NeighborToNeighbor/documents/flyerCrestviewAreaCleanUp20150314.pdf Click Here to Map It https://www.google.com/maps/place/664+Crestview+Rd,+Richmond,+VA+23223/@37.5283062,-77.4047428,17z/data=%213m1%214b1%214m2%213m1%211s0x89b110ec42d141ff:0x23e3564003b95391 For other volunteer opportunities, please visit  http://www.richmondgov.com/NeighborToNeighbor/index.aspx

The City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will host “ Mujeres! ” in celebration of Women’s History Month at Pine Camp Arts and Community Center located at 4901 Old Brook Road. The exhibit will open on Friday, March 20 with a public reception and gallery talk from 6 – 8 p.m. “ Mujeres! ” will be on display until May 1, 2015. Co-sponsored by the Hispanic Women in the Arts organization, the exhibition will celebrate the talents and strength of several female artists of Hispanic descent living in the Richmond area. This show will include paintings, textiles, sculpture, and other works on display. There will also be a special performance from the Eight-Oh-Four Brass, a brass group comprised of music students from Virginia Commonwealth University during the opening reception.                   Spotlight Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. This...

WHO:             Mayor Dwight C. Jones Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Human Services Debra Gardner Members of the Mayor’s Youth Academy First Robotics Team WHAT:           Pep Rally for Mayor’s Youth Academy Robotics Team WHEN:          Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. WHERE:        Lobby of Richmond City Hall                         900 East Broad Street BACKGROUND: In December, the Mayor’s Youth Academy (MYA) launched a FIRST Robotics (FRC) team, RVA Coder Collective, in partnership with CodeVA. It is Virginia’s only all-city team that is not directly sponsored by a single school. FRC teams participate in the premier international robotics competition run by FIRST Robotics. The MYA team will compete against teams from all over the world March 18 - 21 at Virginia Regional’s competi...

City of Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will hold the 2015 Youth Basketball Championships on Tuesday, March 17 and Wednesday, March 18 at Huguenot High School. The excitement starts at 6:15 p.m. and will include three games each night.  When:  Tuesday, March 17 at 6:15 p.m. Where: Huguenot High School              7945 Forest Hill Avenue Who:  6:15 p.m. - JV Pee Wee           7:15 p.m. - Mid-Jet Girls           8:15 p.m. - Pee Wee When:  Wednesday, March 18 at 6:15 p.m. Where: Huguenot High School              7945 Forest Hill Avenue Who: 6:15 p.m. - Midget Boys           7:15 p.m. - Junior Girls           8:15 p.m. - Junior Boys Come out and cheer on these young athletes!...

Please join your neighbors at the monthly MPACT Community Meetings. During these meetings, residents are able to discuss concerns they have in their community, hear from City Departments and administration about events that affect their community and the City, as well as become an active member in helping improve the aesthetic qualities of their neighborhood through volunteer opportunities.   The March MPACT meeting dates and topics are as follows: Precinct 3 – Thursday, March 12 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.      Byrd Park Roundhouse, 600 South Boulevard      Code Enforcement to discuss abandoned property strategies      Zoning to discuss illegal uses      DPW to discuss street signage Precinct 4 – Thursday, March 19 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.      Linwood Holton Elementary School,1600 West Laburnum Avenue       Bike lanes and rules of the road with City Bike Coor...