Issue Number 5 / June 2014

Ginter Park Residents Association News

General Meeting & DinnerTuesday, July 226:30 p.m.All Saints SchoolNoble & Walton

Dates to Remember...

continued on Page 4

A Flawless Day for the Home & Garden TourMusic in the GardenBy Paige Schiavone

This year’s Home and Garden Tour was met with clear, sunny skies and plenty of eager and enthusiastic attendees. The perfect weather surely brought folks out in force, with nearly 400 attendees.This tour cannot happen without a few main components: volunteers, volunteers, volunteers. The homeowners who volunteered to show their homes provided the draw for attendees, and we are so thankful for that! Volunteers who helped out on tour day as docents, ticket takers, working at the ticket check-in location and helping at the after party were key to making the day run smoothly. I hope the tour continues to get this much-needed neighbor support to continue its success.We received kudos on the addition of the talented musicians who entertained attendees in the gardens throughout the day. With sounds ranging from classical guitar, to folk music, woodwind instruments and even a harpsichord, these performers certainly made the day a more memorable experience. These musicians have many other opportunities to share their music and we are grateful that they chose to volunteer their time for our event. Attendees got a unique look at the character of Ginter Park throughout the homes and gardens on the tour. The gardens revealed treasures of bamboo forests, calming ponds and fountains, elegant garden nooks and outdoor dining spaces. Vibrant blooms on display included rhododendrons, peonies, irises, roses, and thriving hastas, Japanese maples and magnolias, to name a few. Homes on tour showcased the rich variety of architecture in Ginter Park, including a charming workman’s cottage, a hand-painted tortoiseshell library, original light fixtures and historic wall coverings. The owners’ careful planning and preparation was evident.

This newsletter is produced by: Ginter Park Residents Association

P.O. Box 25374 Richmond, Virginia 23260-5374

Published monthly except January and August

President Christina Shelor president@historicginterpark.org

Vice President vacant

Secretary Deborah Bowser secretary@historicginterpark.org

Treasurer Sharon Pohlmann treasurer@historicginter park.org

Past President Rebecca Dodson pastpresident@historicginterpark.org

Public Safety Dick Stone Committee safety@historicginterpark.orgFinancial Chair Rick Fox finance@historicginterpark.orgProgram Chair Karen Beasley programs@historicginterpark.org | 303-6770

Membership Heather Earl barnettha@gmail.comPlanning & Zoning Stephen Weisensale planning@historicginterpark.orgYahoo Group Annette Foster 274-0175

District RepresentativesA Louise Wenzell districta1@historicginterpark.org Trish Poupore districta2@historicginterpark.org

B Cathy Yohai 321-1659

C Beth Perdue districtc1@historicginterpark.org | 387-6063

D Sidney Bland rwebrweb@aol.com Jay Johnson districtd2@historicginterpark.org

Member-at large Meg LawrenceNewsletter Editor Anne Thorn 353-9363Advertising Will Benton wtb@alumni.duke.edu | 536-1957

Advertising and copy deadline is the second weekend of each month. Send comments, corrections and articles to:

Editorial Committee, P.O. Box 25374 Richmond, VA 23260©Copyright GPRA 2008

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Visit our website to view a detailed map of

the GPRA districts.

www.ginterpark.org

June 2014

Bellevue Cleaners1201 Bellevue Avenue • 264-8010

Dot’s BaCk Innwww.dotsbackrichmond.com4030 MacArthur • 266-3167

kIDs Grow!5524 Lakeside Avenue • 402-1627

lewIs GInter BotanICal GarDenwww.lewisginter.org

1800 Lakeside Avenue 262-9887

lIttle House Green GroCerywww.littlehousegreengrocery.com

1227 Bellevue Avenue 262-7474

luCky GInGer stuDIowww.luckygingerstudio.com

683.6173

nICola Florawww.nicolaflora.com

1219 Bellevue Avenue • 261-1060

onCe upon a vInewww.onceuponavine.us

4009 MacArthur Avenue • 726-9463

tHe MIll on MaCartHurwww.themillrva.com

4023 MacArthur Avenue • 716-1196

ZouZou’s BaseMentwww.zouzousbasement.com

928-6130

If you’d like to notify us of new neighbors to welcome, please send an e-mail containing their name and address

to: welcome@historicginterpark.org.

sends a HUGE Thank You to the following local merchants who have generously contributed to our new neighbor welcome bags!

The Ginter Park Welcome Committee

St. Thomas Episcopal Church3602 Hawthorne Avenue (corner of Hawthorne and Walton Avenues)Phone: 804-321-9548 | www.stthomasrichmond.org

Summer Worship Service:Holy Eucharist Sunday 10:00 am Candle Light Eucharist Wednesday 5:30 pmBluegrass Mass first Sunday 5:30 pmFall worship services at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. will resume September 8, 2013

Ministers:The Reverend Mary Sulerud, Interim RectorThe Reverend Rock Higgins, Assistant RectorDr. David McCormick, Director of Music

St. Thomas’ Day School offers a weekday morning program for children,

ages 2 through pre-kindergarten September through May.

Director: Mrs. Kelly Kane | Phone: 804-329-1117

SAINT THOMAS’ CHURCH

3June 2014

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Open Position as GPRA Advertising ChairJoin the Newsletter Team

The newsletter is the single largest expense Ginter Park has and an important way to communicate "what's going on" within our neighborhood. We depend on local advertisers to help alleviate some of the cost and for our benefit their provided services in the local community. The Advertising Chairperson receives new, renewals and changes to advertisements coordinating with our Newsletter Team to get these advertisements published.

The Ad Chair is also responsible for processing related mail that arrives each week. If you are interested in becoming the next GPRA Advertising Chairperson or would like more information, contact Christina Shelor at President@historicginterpark.org.

Find out more. Call Today.(804) 474-1800

1600 Westwood AvenueRichmond, VA 23227

www.hermitage-vumh.com

Our Mission: The mission of Virginia United Methodist Homes, Inc. is to provide facilities, services and programs to enhance the quality of life for older persons.

We offer:Independent & Assisted Living

Nursing Care

Memory Care in a secured setting

Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy &

Occupational Therapy

Discover a fresh new season here in the heart of Ginter Park. The Hermitage has expanded opportunities for Memory Care with the introduction of Snyder Park, our newest residential household.

And coming later in 2013 — The Boulevard — luxury penthouse apartments featuring treetop views and premier amenities.

See What’s Springing Up at The Hermitage.

Peace of Mind Since 1948

Caring for

a loved one is a

long-term commitment.

The Hermitage is here to help.

For More InForMatIon contact christina Shelor at President@historicginterpark.org

June 2014 4

Added touches at several tour locations included flower arrangements donated by local florists including Coleman Brothers, Vogue Flowers, and Strange’s. Nicola Flora also provided arrangements at the Lewis Ginter Recreation Association for the post-tour party. Local wine shop Once Upon a Vine hosted a wine tasting for attendees to enjoy at the garden of the Johnson home as well. A celebration party for hosts, sponsors, and volunteers followed the tour at the Lewis Ginter Recreation Association, which donated space for the event. The evening was beautifully organized by Chelsea Naylor and Cathy Yohai, offering participants time to kick back and relax after a long, hard day of work on the tour. Charles Kilpatrick played keyboard throughout the evening to set a lively mood. Volunteers enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with neighbors and share stories about the events of the day.

Thanks to everyone who helped make the tour a resounding success!

continued from Page 1Home & Garden Tour

Tour Photos by Craig Hutson Photography, Rick Fox and Trish Poupore

5June 2014

A Thank You to the Dedicated Tour TeamBy Paige SchiavoneThank-you, everyone who helped with our Home and Garden Tour this year—you know who you are! Committee members, docents, hosts, board members and new neighbors—all pitched in with everything from sponsor solicitation, communications, planning and tour-day help. As always, one of the biggest benefits of chairing this event was getting the opportunity to meet so many of my Ginter Park neighbors. Shortly before the tour I welcomed my first child; I was relieved to have a core committee that I knew I could rely on to take care of the details of the tour.I want to give a special thanks to a few people without whom I could not have managed:• Chelsea Naylor Our resident hospitality guru put together some wonderful events leading up to the tour as well as a fabulous after party to thank our volunteers. She spread her wings this year to also take charge of sponsorship solicitations, which is an important component to the tour’s overall success. • Amanda Riley We needed over 100 volunteers to make this event run smoothly, and Amanda scheduled and communicated with these volunteers to ensure tour day was enjoyed by all.

• Jill Salp Publicizing the tour is the most important element to ensure attendees. Jill diligently aided communications and publicity through social media and working with R-Home Magazine to get us a spot on CBS 6.

• Sheila Weisensale, Jay Johnson and Karen Beasley In the Fall of 2013, this subcommittee worked hard to secure the homes and gardens that would host our 2014 tour — key to the success of the event.

Gardeniachristian-Lorraine oriental Rugs

MagnoliaAzalea Garden centercabinetry & construction inc.the hermitageonce upon a VinetwigZacharias Ganey health instituteZooom Printing

Lilybartlett tree expertscraig hutson Photographydavey tree expert companyenoteca Sognoheartfields at RichmondLewis Ginter Recreation Associationnicola Floraomega Grecian RestaurantStrange’s Florist

A Special Thanks to our Sponsors of the 2014 Home & Garden Tour

And thank you to all of our Daisy Sponsors

Thank you to everyone who helped and for giving me the opportunity to chair such a wonderful event.

6 June 2014

A Special Thanks to Our Home & Garden Tour Hosts

We truly appreciate your generosity and countless hours of hard work to share your wonderful homes and gardens on the tour. Thank you!

Our Talented MusiciansWithout these musicians, who volunteered their time and talents, our theme of Music in the Garden would not have been possible! We hope you enjoyed their performances on tour day, which set a welcoming and festive mood. Contact information for these musicians can be found on the Ginter Park website.

aleah Boisseau – Classical Guitar

chamber chicks – Woodwind Quintet

FluteForte! - Flute Choir

Patrick Hanes – Guitar and Harmonica

Faith Hofma – Violin

Gerry Laverty – Folk Rock and Blues Guitar

Michael Laverty – Folk Rock and Blues Guitar

David Mccormick – Harpsichord

Mary elfner & arlen Bolstad – Northside Ramblers

emily roepke – Guitar

roost – Indie and Classic Folk band

Matt Williamson – Guitar

� ruth and richard albert

� Sandra anderson

� Barbara and Denys Grant

� Kathleen Gurren and Jim Martinez

� nan and Jay Johnson

� carole and Jospeh o’Brien

� John Poarch and Jeff Butler

� Margee and Ken Smither

� Mollie and Stephen Watts

• • •

7June 2014

Over the past few years, the Urban Forestry Division of Richmond planted literally hundreds of trees throughout Ginter Park: Yoshino cherry, Chinese Pistache, Redbud, Sycamore and Ginko, to name a few. Because of budget limitations, the only care these trees have received since planting was provided by the property owner. The homeowner provides water but only the city is authorized to prune.But not to worry! In June, the Richmond Tree Stewards, an organization of volunteers who have completed a ten-week course on tree care, will begin to visit the Ginter Park tree lawns (the area between the sidewalk and the street), bringing much-needed TLC to these trees. Over the next few months, the Tree Stewards will work to ensure sidewalks have the legal 7’ clearance, damaged and dead branches are properly pruned and removed, and epicormic shoots (aka “suckers”) are removed. These measures will improve the health and structural integrity of the tree. When you see small teams of two to four Tree Stewards, sporting bright yellow-green t-shirts and/or safety vests, working in your neighborhood, give them a warm welcome. The trees would if they could!

Richmond Tree Stewards By Dave Pohlmann

June 2014 8

Omega Grecian RestaurantMacArthur Avenue’s Newest NeighborBy N. CognitoIt’s no exaggeration: MacArthur Avenue is Northside’s restaurant row. Add Enoteca Sogna and Northside Grille on nearby Bellevue Avenue, and you’ve got a gastronomic destination to please just about anyone. And just about every palate.The newcomer on the block, Omega Grecian Restaurant, which opened in March, is a comfortable setting with a good vibe. The completely renovated interior is surprising considering the space was once Shenanigans Eatery & Pub where bands ruled, beer flowed and the fish n' chips on St. Patrick’s Day were terrific.Omega’s owner and chef, Themie Xyderis, brings to the newly-foodie neighborhood a solid culinary background with roots in his family’s landmark restaurant, The Venice. Service is knowledgeable and friendly without being over the top. The menu is varied enough to warrant several return trips to discover a favorite few.The mixed grill appetizer ($10.25) offers a generous plate of citrus and spice-laced house-made sausage, hearty meatballs and succulent marinated lamb chops. It could be enough for dinner when paired with a salad or another appetizer like spanakopita ($6.25). These delicate mini packages of spinach and feta cheese in crispy phyllo triangles are just enough to whet an appetite – not too large, not too small.

Smelts ($7.95), another favorite, arrive hot and crispy, though the skordalia could use a few more cloves of garlic. The pastichio and moussaka entrees (both $10.95) are rich versions of the traditional classics with more than memorable béchamel and perfectly seasoned meat.The house salad ($4.25) is ho-hum, but fresh. Sides of green beans or spinach along with rice pilaf are perfect entrée accompaniments. Salmon, whether a daily special or regular menu item ($16.25), is a favorite non-pasta dish.Bar offerings are impressive with plenty of Greek wine and beer choices, as well as specialty cocktails and a local brew or two. Round out an evening by sharing an order of freshly made galaktoboureko ($4.75) and you won’t leave disappointed. This traditional Greek custard pie combines a creamy filling with crispy phyllo crust. Served warm, it is unforgettable.

Omega Grecian Restaurant | 4017 MacArthur Avenue | (804) 262-1081

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Sunday 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Closed Monday

Omega is a nice addition to a growing restaurant row right in our own backyard.

Grecian restaurant

Safety Expo July 22By Karen BeasleyThe next Ginter Park Residents Association membership meeting/supper will be a Safety Expo, on Tuesday, 22 July at 6:30 p.m., at All Saints School at the corner of Noble and Walton Avenues. The GPRA will provide hot dogs and fixings for this all-American picnic supper. Member families should bring complementary sides, salads or desserts. There is no admission cost for families that have already paid their dues for 2014. Other families can pay dues at the door or pay $5 to attend.Guests this year will be Lt. Christopher Gleason who will introduce the new Precinct Captain. Hands Only CPR will be demonstrated by members of the Richmond Ambulance Authority. An ambulance will be available for everyone to explore in the schoolyard.Karen Beasley is seeking two volunteers to arrive about 6 p.m. to help set up tables and two to stay afterwards for clean up. Please email Karen at Programs@HistoricGinterPark.org or call (804)303-6770.

9June 2014

•

On Thursday, June 12, members of the Westwood Task Group joined representatives of Union Presbyterian Seminary (UPS), the City Planning Department, and UPS’ development team to exchange ideas regarding the proposed development of the site via a half-day work session. The task group clearly presented all of the issues of concern that the neighborhood has brought to our attention with regard to the development plan that was first shown to us in March. UPS meanwhile, stressed its need to develop new student housing to replace the antiquated units currently located on the north side of the Westwood parcel. This new Seminary student housing would be part of, and supported by, additional market rate apartments developed by Bristol. UPS noted its desire to have its new student housing in place for the start of the 2016-2017 academic year. Based on what was learned at this meeting, Humphreys Architects and Bristol Development (UPS’ architect and development partner) committed to again review and revise the original plan and will schedule a follow up meeting with the task group, expected to occur around the end of July or beginning of August. UPS has committed to again take a fresh look at the plan based on the feedback provided at the meeting. The committee will present more information at the GPRA July association meeting, by which time we expect to have received an updated plan from UPS.

Westwood Tract Development Updateby Stephen Weisensale

Got Trees?Let Us

Take Care OfThem.

Tree Removal

Proper Pruning

Root Invigoration

Cabling and Bracing

Insect and Disease Control

Fertilizing

Lightning Protection

Appraisals and Evaluations

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A fulltree care company

taking care ofRichmond’s

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ARBORSCAPES, LLCTree Management Plant Health Care

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379-4507 • www.arborscapesllc.com

Got Trees?Let Us

Take Care OfThem.

Tree Removal

Proper Pruning

Root Invigoration

Cabling and Bracing

Insect and Disease Control

Fertilizing

Lightning Protection

Appraisals and Evaluations

Tree Preservation

A fulltree care company

taking care ofRichmond’s

Magnificent trees

ARBORSCAPES, LLCTree Management Plant Health Care

Construction Preservation

• Certified arborist and horticulturist •

379-4507 • www.arborscapesllc.com

ArborscApes

Contact us at 804-379-4507 or visit us on the webArborscapesllc.com

We are a Full ServiceTree and Shrub Care Company

Managing Richmond’s Magnificent Trees.

Multiple ISA Certified Arborists andVNLA Certified Horticulturists on Staff

Proper Pruning

Cabling and Bracing

Lightning Protection

Insect and Disease Management

Soil Amendments

Root System Care

Tree Removal

Tree Care Company in Richmond by Readers of

Richmond Home Magazine

í Voted Best í

Volunteers Neededcontact Karen beasley

Karen at Programs@historicGinterPark.org or call (804)303-6770.

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10 June 2014

GPRA 2014 Dues Coupon

Ginter Park Residents Association • P.O. Box 25374 • Richmond, VA 23260

Name _______________________________________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________________________

Zip Code _________________ Phone ____________________________________________

Email Address ________________________________________________________________

Check# __________________ date _______________________________________________

❏ Household member ❏ Other (e.g. church, business, etc.)

Dues for the 2014 calendar year are $25 per household. Checks should be written to the Ginter Park Residents Association and mailed with this form to the above address. Thank you very much.

✁

✁

Annual Yard Saleby Kate Martin The May 31st Ginter Park yard sale was a huge success with over 32 homes participating! The weather was on our side as we had a beautiful day for it. After making my rounds to as many houses as I could in the general vicinity of my house (I was participating too!), I saw many interesting things for sale and heard many positive responses. It was fun to see folks and to catch up with those I hadn't seen in awhile. A lot of yard sale participates walked away with extra change in their pockets and the sale was great for neighborly comradery! If you didn't participate this time, we'll definitely do it again next year so get out a box and make good use of your attic or basement space by putting your unwanted treasures away now!

InterIor & exterIor PaIntIngPower washIng and More!804-218-6560 | 804-247-4410

www.isaacspainting.com

Free estimates!“Currently serving Your area”

Isaac’s PaIntIng

Pay Dues with Paypal â www.ginterpark.org/join.php

KELLEHERSince 1968

ElectricalPlumbingCoolingHeating

Joseph M. Kelleher Jr.1301 School StreetRichmond, VA 23220

Heating OilGas FurnacesOil FurnacesHeat Pumps

Office (804) 649-7501Direct (804) 643-2206

Fax (804) 788-0848jmkelleher@kelleherhvac.com

11June 2014

$15.00 for maximum of 25 words. Clip the coupon below and send with your completed ad and check or money order. GPRA reserves the right to edit for space constraints. No personal ads.

Place your classified ad here! CLASSifiEDS

Send To: Ad manager c/o Ginter Park Residents Association P.o. box 25374 Richmond, VA 23260

Name __________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________

Phone ___________________ Email ________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

✁W.r. StaNSbury & bro. – 749-3501Painting and decorating. Richmond’s oldest, since 1908.Fifth generation

National Night Out 2014Register Online

It is summer in Richmond and a person’s thoughts turn to rafting on the James River, enjoying a Sunday brunch, watching a movie outdoors and participating in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5, 2014. This is the day when citizens and the police declare that public safety is an important part of their community. Ginter Park has celebrated this day with informal events like block parties, gathering in a neighbor’s front yard and a walk down Chamberlayne Avenue. If you are planning an event, there is a registration form on the Richmond Police website at www.richmondgov.com/police (click on 2014 National Night Out Online Registration).The Ginter Park Resident’s Association will send out by email a list of the activities in our neighborhood.

Pay Dues with Paypal â www.ginterpark.org/join.php

“caters the GPRA Holiday Party”

Stephen A. Schick Robert A. Butsavage

112 South Second StreetRichmond, Virginia 23219

Phone: (804) 643-1000Fax: (804) 643-0013

Toll Free: 1-800-355-1642

www.cateraide.com

� � � � � � � � � � � �

Ginter Park Residents AssociationP.O. Box 25374Richmond, Virginia 23260

NoN-Profit org.U.S.Postage

PAidRichmond, VA

PeRmit numbeR 3022

7/31/2014

See Inside for More Tour Highlights