The Wrap: One year down, RVA crime, arts funding, Maymont’s Otter Cam, and fried chicken beer

Photo: @tomamepictures

One year down: Thank you, RVA!

Good afternoon, my fellow Wrappers. I’m back from vacation and ready to bring you up to speed on all the goings on in our fair city. First and foremost, I want to thank each and every one of you for reading our weekly emails, following us on social media (if you don’t… Facebook | Twitter | Instagram) and making our website part of your daily routine. Today marks our one year anniversary, and we wouldn’t be here without you! We’ve reached 500,000 visitors over the past year and we’re growing. Thanks for trusting us to deliver the news that matters to you and help you keep up with our growing city. And special thanks, most of all, to my partner in crime in all of this, Richard Hayes, without whom we’d be nowhere. Okay, enough with the sap. But seriously, thank you, RVA!

The week in brief

Let’s get right to it. Richmond Police released a mid-year report this past week outlining the city’s crime, the factors behind it, and what’s being done to address it. We crunched some of the numbers and broke down what they mean, and there’s good news and bad. Violent crime (homicides, rapes, etc.) is up 3%; property crimes (arsons, burglaries, etc.). But some crimes are on the decline and Richmond Police hope increased patrols and the expansion of many community programs–many concentrated on addressing quality of life and health concerns in and around the city’s public housing projects–will help turn things around. Read our summary of the report here.

Police shot and killed a suspect seen wearing only a kilt and threatening people in Downtown Richmond with an ax on Tuesday. The bizarre incident was caught on video. Police shot 23-year-old Alexander J. Schoessel after attempting to use a taser on the man to no avail. You can read more about the bizarre incident and the investigation thereof here.

Local nonprofit CultureWorks announced the distribution of $111,000 in grants to 11 local organizations and 10 artists making a difference in the Richmond community this week. Check out the full list and learn what they’re doing to improve our quality of life here.

Speaking of artists, local muralist Hamilton Glass will be painting a playground at Westwood Park this Saturday. The project will bring some color to the neighborhood, near Willow Lawn, and is part of a planned community cleanup day slated for noon until 3:00 PM. Learn more and find out how to get involved.

Another major cleanup–part of the ongoing restoration of Evergreen Cemetery, one of the largest African American cemeteries in town–was scheduled to take place today, but has been rescheduled for September due to the threat of inclement weather. Learn more about the cemetery’s history, the state’s plan to help keep it up, and what’s being done.

Eating and drinking

• Weekly Food News – “Richmond’s Best New Restaurants” list, summer trends, a new spot in Carytown, and more
• RVA Beer Explorer – Vasen’s grand opening, a Brews Cruise, burgers and beer, and more

Five things to know

1. Maymont’s Otter Cam is back thanks to a crowdfunding campaign, which means your productivity is out the window
2. Veil Brewing Co.’s new beer release was made with a whole tray of Chick-Fil-A chicken tenders, and is turning some heads
3. Some of the country’s best Putt Putt players will descend upon Midlothian this weekend for a mini-golf championship
4. Tickets are now on sale for Richmond Triangle Players’ silver anniversary theatre season; purchase them here
5. The Richmond Kickers take on St. Louis FC this weekend, and our own Richard Hayes has a great preview of the game

Until next time,

Trevor Dickerson
Editor, RVAHub