by Susy Meyer, Merchants Liaison

The Westover Hills Merchants Association would like to thank Amen Kahwagy of Paragon Place for his time and efforts as the merchants’ president for the past several years, having followed Suzanne Feigley and before that, Dr. Greg Toler.

We are pleased to announce the name of our NEW President (drum roll) who is BEN SPENCER with TaZa Coffee and Cream. Ben has been a long time merchant and has worked hard to add positive visibility of his shop (located at 5047 Forest Hill Ave) while enhancing the aesthetics of the merchants’ corridor. Ben had been on the second floor, off the back alley where Blanchards’ Coffee was. We now have easy access to his establishment and can see the shop from Forest Hill!

At the merchants last meeting, on July 9, an additional merchant join us. His name is also Ben – Ben Kitenke. His business is Prime Wireless. There will be more information to follow, as the merchants plan to highlight various members so that the neighborhood might become more familiar with our good merchants.

On Thursday evening, October 2, Westover Hills Merchant Association will hold a social event for all neighbors and merchants. It will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at taZa. Please join us!

Also in the fall, some of the merchants plan to be involved in an event called the “Dixie Donut Walk.” Participants will start in the Westover Hills Merchant’s area, walk or run across the “Nickel” Bridge to The Dixie Donut Shoppe on Cary Street. Participants will then get some donuts and run back to the Westover Hills merchants area for commeraderie and fun.

The merchants also have a new webpage. Check it out at WestoverHillsMerchants.com.

The merchants meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 8 a.m. for about an hour. All merchants, and any neighborhood residents who would like to attend, are encouraged to join us.

Let’s support our local merchants by using their services and spreading the word about how good we have it over here in Westover Hills!!

Training On Demand. Need to learn more about computers, e-readers, applying for jobs? Call us at (804) 646-8833 for your 30-minute appointment.  Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 4.

Environmental Films. Locally produced films focusing on the James River, its wildlife and human interaction. Co-sponsored by RVA EFF, James River Assoc., and RPL. Saturday, September 6, 2 to 4 p.m.

Westover Hills Library Advisory Group. Interested in supporting your library? We meet the first Saturday of each month September through May. Saturday, September 6, 9 a.m.

Westover Hills Fiction Focus Group. Come join our senior read book club! We meet 10:15-12:15 the third Wednesday of each month February through October. Books and discussion questions are provided. Sponsored by RPL and City of Richmond Office on Aging and Disabilities. Wednesday, September 17, 10:15-Noon

Toddler Story Time. Early literacy story time featuring books, music, and rhymes for 18 to 36-month olds, accompanied by an adult. Tuesdays, September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, at 11 a.m.

Book Babies. Early literacy storytime featuring books, music, and rhymes for babies ages 0-18 months, accompanied by an adult. Thursdays, September 11, 18, 25, at 10 a.m. (No storytime September 4)

Preschool Story Time. Early literacy storytime featuring books, music, and rhymes for children ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Thursdays, September 11, 18, 25, 11 a.m. (No storytime September 4)

The Westover Hills Library is planning a rain garden that will beautify the library and help the environment! A rain garden is a shallow, constructed depression that is planted with deep-rooted native plants and grasses. It is located in the landscape to receive runoff from hard surfaces such as roofs and driveways. Rain gardens slow down the rush of water from these hard surfaces, holding the water for a short period of time and allowing it to naturally soak into the ground.

The project is sponsored by the Library and the Westover Hills Library Advisory Group, and will begin in September. The rain garden will not only improve the library grounds and reduce runoff, but also will provide the opportunity to feature programs and activities relating to the environment inside and outside the library.

Partial funding and support has been pledged from the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Drew Harrigan’s Four Winds Design, and the Westover Hills Library Advisory Group. Additional funds and sponsorships are being sought to complete the rain garden.

The Westover Hills Library Advisory Group is launching a “$55 for 55” fundraising campaign in honor of the library’s 55th anniversary. The funds will be used for the library rain garden. If you’d like to contribute, make your check payable to WHLAG and send it to or drop it off to the library at 1408 Westover Hills Boulevard. Of course, any amount is welcome and, and the group has 501(c)3 status, so all donations are tax deductible. If you have questions about the fundraiser, please contact WHLAG chair Reeves McCune by email or by calling at 339-7308. For more info, contact Nancy Buck, librarian and community services manager, at 646-0652.

This fall, the James River Association (JRA) is offering free trees. You can receive up to $200 per home for each tree planted on your property.

This tree incentive program is only open to Richmond residents. Reimbursements are available September through November 2014. To qualify, homeowners must be an existing River Hero Home or submit an application to become a new River Hero Home.

River Hero Homes is JRA’s certification program that recognizes homeowners who are successfully taking steps to improve water quality by reducing the amount of stormwater and pollution leaving their property. To become certified, JRA requires homeowners to install a river-friendly practice, such as planting trees or installing a rain barrel, as well as follow some simple everyday actions to reduce pollution— such as picking up after your pet or planting native plants.

Tree reimbursements are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and will be available until funding runs out. Click here or more info and to find out if your property qualifies.