Neighborhood News -- May 2026
4th District Meeting and Free Pizza -- Monday, May 18 (Huguenot High School Auditorium, 6-7:30 PM)
Councilperson Sarah Abubaker invites everyone to attend her next District meeting tomorrow night. The guest speaker will be Andy Boenau, Director of the newly-formed Richmond Department of Transportation. He will give a presentation about his department's efforts to increase pedestrian safety, DPW's new community engagement division, and will take questions from the audience.
To make this event family-friendly, Councilperson Abubaker has included the following:
Mini bike safety "resource fair" from 6-6:25 p.m. with representatives from:
Kids' helmet raffle (helmets courtesy of RADshare!)
Kid-friendly snacks and coloring books to entertain the little ones during the meeting!
Kids' activities, books, library card signup, and Summer Reading Program information from Westover Hills Librarian Danielle Tarullo
And, perhaps importantly, dinner from Zombie Pizza!
Please RSVP here. While RSVPs aren't required, they are helpful to ensure there is enough pizza for all attendees!
Next FHNA Meeting -- Tuesday, May 19 (Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, 7-8 PM)
On the third Tuesday of each month we gather for updates from our City Councilmember, School Board representative, the Richmond Police Department, and others. We also brainstorm together about ways to improve life in our unique community. These monthly meetings are a perfect opportunity for new residents to connect. Come get to know your neighbors and share your insights on life in Forest Hill!
Speed Management Symposium -- Wednesday, May 20 (Main Street Station, 5:30-8 PM)
You are invited to attend the City's annual Speed Management Symposium this Wednesday. Here are some of the updates you can expect at the symposium:
Expansion of the City's Safety Camera Program on the high-injury network (now enforcing excessive speeding in school zones and red light violations).
Transportation projects — both big and small —designed to naturally slow speeds and create welcoming space for every travel choice.
Dynamic presentations on Vision Zero, Complete Streets, and other initiatives.
Informational tables featuring City staff/departments, non-profits, and other community partners (VDOT, VCU Police, and Bike Walk RVA, to name a few).
Heavy refreshments will be served. RSVPs are requested, but not required. Full information can be found in the RDOT press release.
Community Yard Sale (Saturday, June 6, 8AM-12PM)
It's almost that time! Dozens of households throughout Forest Hill and Woodland Heights host individual yard sales on the first Saturday in June. If you have an attic full of treasures looking for a new home, here's your chance! There is still time to join the fun, and it won't cost you a dime. Simply click this link to include your address on the online yard sale map.
RVA Weaver Awards 2026
In communities throughout the country, in ways big and small, people are showing up for each other and building connection and trust. It's likely you already know some of them. They are the people neighbors count on - and many times they go unrecognized. Weavers have hyper-local impact - making a difference where they live.
Each year, over the next 4 years, Richmond will select 20+ individuals and small organizations to receive a micro-grant ($1000-$5000) to support the work they have already begun. This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the incredible efforts, dedication, and community engagement happening throughout Richmond neighborhoods.
You can apply for yourself or nominate a neighbor beginning June 1. For all the details about this opportunity to recognize the "Weavers" in our community, click here.
OAPD Tax Relief Events
The City offers a tax relief program for Older Adults and People with Disabilities (OAPD), as allowed by state law. To be eligible for the program, property owners must be aged 65 or older OR permanently disabled; those who qualify by age must also meet certain income and financial assets requirements.
While the program is extremely beneficial, it is also complex given the eligibility requirements and providing all the necessary documentation can be difficult. To help, the Office of Aging and Disability Services is partnering with the Department of Finance to host outreach events that will provide one-on-one assistance for property owners who need assistance with their applications. You can find all the dates, times, and locations for the events here.
Tiny Porch 2026 -- A Woodland Heights Concert Series
Beginning June 21, Woodland Heights will sponsor a series of five monthly concerts at various homes throughout the neighborhood, with multiple artists featured at each event. Click here to see the dates, times, and performers, and location of food trucks.
2026 FHNA Community Service Scholarship
Do you know a graduating high school senior who has made a mark on our neighborhood through volunteer efforts? They may be eligible for Forest Hill's annual $500 Community Service Scholarship. Application deadline is June 1 -- click here for more details and a copy of the application.
City Annual Neighborhood Cleanup Program (Saturday, May 23)
This coming Saturday, May 23, DPW will visit each 4th District neighborhood offering residents opportunities to safely dispose bulk items at no cost. This program is in addition to the regular bulk and brush collection program. Here are the program details:
Pickup Time: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. (light rain or shine - place items outside on Friday night)
Item Placement: wherever your trash is normally placed (curbside or alley)
Items eligible for collection:
Furniture
Mattress
Tires (4 per household)
Appliances
Lawnmowers (remove gasoline)
Carpet
Bulk or brush items (brush must be cut down into
4-foot lengths and bundled)
Items NOT eligible for collection:
Electronics
Construction Debris
Hazardous waste items
Glass
Paint
A second Forest Hill collection is scheduled for September 26.
If you have any questions about the Neighborhood Cleanup Program, please email askpublicworks@rva.gov.
Free Fitness Classes at Bellemeade Community Center
David Robbins, a group fitness instructor with Sports Backers Fitness Warriors, is hosting a free fitness class on Monday nights from 6:30-7:30 PM. To see more details or to register, click here.
Upcoming Calendar
May 18: 4th District Meeting, featuring Director of Transportation Andy Boenau (6:30-8 PM)
May 19: FHNA Meeting (7 PM, Forest Hill Presbyterian Church)
May 20: Speed Management Symposium (5:30-8 PM)
June 6: Community Yard Sale (Forest Hill and Woodland Heights, 8AM-12PM)
June 7: Music in the Park -- Afro-Zen Allstars (6-8 PM)
June 16: FHNA Meeting (7 PM, Stone House)
