December 13, 2010 Vol. 2 Issue 12
Welcome
Welcome to the December 2010 edition of the "Building a Better Richmond" newsletter. I'm not sure if the title of this newsletter has better fit any edition than this one as we are truly building in the city of Richmond. I am pleased to be able to give you insight into some of the seeds of growth and prosperity that we are planting in our city.
Tis' the holiday season and as your shopping for that perfect gift, I ask that you remember those in our community that may not be as fortunate. Help make a child's holiday special by donating a new unwrapped toy to the city of Richmond and Radio One Holiday Toy Drive. You can donate new unwrapped toys, books and clothing at any city Fire Station, Southside Community Services Center and City Hall by 5 p.m. December 15th. Previous toy drives have always been very successful and provided items for younger children. I hope that you are able to give this year and perhaps a special gift for an older youth.
Just this month, I joined representatives from Chesterfield and Henrico for a ground breaking of Virginia Supportive Housing's "Studios at South Richmond." This regional effort is the first of its kind as the city was joined by its neighbors, Chesterfield and Henrico, in providing funding for a new housing and supportive services facility that will assist former homeless single adults in our community.
To add in the fun and excitement of the season and in downtown RVA, I am pleased to announce that we plan to open a new seasonal ice skating rink before Christmas. The city's new 8,400 square foot ice skating rink will be located adjacent to Richmond CenterStage at 6th Street on the Broad Street side. I hope you are able to join us at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 22 for the grand opening event. And don't forget your skates!
I hope you enjoy reading the remainder of this newsletter and that you forward it to family and friends.
Building New Schools
This is a great time in the city of Richmond as we are doing something that we have not done in more than 10 years, and that is building new schools. I believe this says something about our city, in that we are raising expectations, and moving towards a generation of achieving results and not being satisfied with empty promises.
I am excited about these new schools as they will be state of the art centers of learning, LEED certified, and community centers for the entire community. The new Broad Rock Elementary School will have a fitness room and the new Oak Grove Elementary School will have an indoor swimming pool.
I would like to thank the Richmond City Council and Richmond City School Board for working with my administration to make these school groundbreakings a reality as these new facilities are not about us, but the success of our children.
Our city is definitely in a building boom as next year we will break ground on a new Martin Luther King Middle School and a new Huguenot High School; the first high school built in this city in more than 40 years. And so, we deserve to celebrate as we are rededicating ourselves to expanding opportunities for the quality of our children's education.
For more information on the new schools construction please visit www.buildingabetterrichmond.com.
Renovating Libraries
Since taking the office of Mayor, I've made it known that education is a top priority for my administration. Even in today's tough economic climate it is imperative that we invest in our future with new schools and new resources of education. Building new schools is very important but we must not rest on these laurels alone. Our educational system does not lie solely within Richmond Public Schools, as we must continue to invest in our libraries as well. It is very important to me that not only the city's educational system be absolutely above reproach, that it be excellent in every way. And to do so, we must stay up-to-date with technology advancements and continue to provide services and resources that will support literacy development for children and our community.
To help achieve this goal, we recently re-opened the newly renovated North Avenue Library and Westover Hills Library. These renovations are part of a series of renovation projects that will take place in all of our branch libraries, as well as a portion of the Main Library. Our public library system is an integral part of our community as many residents depend on our libraries for the vital programs and services they offer, for youth and adults.
In addition to the updated technology and computer systems in our newly renovated libraries, we've completely replaced all of the library's furniture, lighting, and shelving. We've added a brand new audio-visual equipped meeting room and also constructed a new roof and completed additional building repairs.
We're very excited to unveil the new additions and improvements. I look forward to many more celebrations and I hope that you are able to visit North Avenue Library and Westover Hills Library to see the wonderful renovations.
Close
In closing, I want to share a method you can participate in that will help build a better and stronger Richmond. The goal of my Neighbor-to-Neighbor program is to cause us to develop a closer relationship with our neighbor. This means that you will want to help your neighbor, especially the children, youth, elderly and disabled residents of our community. We are seeking individuals to make a commitment to read to our children, spend recreational time with our youth, share a hobby with a group of children or seniors, visit an isolated senior or disabled resident, support our teachers in schools in structured and unstructured activities.
To become a volunteer or review volunteer opportunities, please click here.
I would like to thank you for taking the time view this newsletter. I hope you found it informative and insightful and that you will share it with others in your family and community.
For more information on the city of Richmond, please visit www.RichmondGov.com.
Thank you.
Dwight C. Jones
Mayor, City of Richmond
