Dec. 2 Newsletter: RPS needs $43.7 million for immediate facility repairs
Weather: Cold. High of 41.
On this date in 1965, Swift Creek Mill Theatre opened in Colonial Heights. The historic building was first used in 1663 as a gristmill, grinding corn into flour.
Report: Richmond schools need $43.7 million in immediate repairs
Richmond Public Schools is releasing the results of a comprehensive study into building conditions.
- Bureau Veritas, a global consulting firm, has conducted similar facilities reviews for school systems around the country, including Boston Public Schools.
The 50 reports, which were reviewed by The Richmonder, document over the course of thousands of pages both deficiencies and strengths in school facilities’ structural, electrical, mechanical, fire and plumbing systems, as well as site conditions like parking lots, sidewalks and athletic and play facilities.
Roofs, windows and HVAC work are common needs. The study will inform the district as it prepares for the upcoming budget cycle.
Local musicians collaborate for Christmas album, concert
Some of Richmond's best-known musicians share billing on a new holiday album: “A Shockoe Sessions Live Christmas.”
Unlike a typical Christmas album that features a homogenous, familiar sound of yuletide festivities and holiday nostalgia, this one unifies sounds from a range of genres; from rock to opera and the genre-bending sounds of the local act Sweet Touch. Proceeds will benefit the Richmond Animal League.
The bands will perform Tuesday night at The Hippodrome. Each will perform their holiday song, as well as another of their choice.
Read more on the album and concert here.
Seeing a need for civics education, John Marshall Center is offering new program for middle schoolers
The John Marshall Center in Richmond is rolling out a new program to boost civics education in classrooms across Virginia.
“There has been a sharp decline in the actual number of hours that students are studying civics,” said Joni Albrech, the center’s director.
Local students were tapped to film the introductory videos for each unit.
Read more on the program here.
In other news:
- Wrongfully towed? In Richmond, your options are scarce (Times-Dispatch)
- After fundraiser staves off closing, Virginia Rep to sell Northside property as part of restructuring (BizSense)
- 9 displaced after fire damages Chesterfield apartments (WTVR)
- Sub Rosa provides post-fire update: "It will likely be many months before we are able to reopen." (Instagram)
The editor's desk
A lovely, and relaxing, Thanksgiving weekend included a trip to the Silver Hand Meadery in Williamsburg, where we sampled different varieties of honey (above), and mead (an alcoholic drink made by fermenting honey).
Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org
