Department Stages Production for Acts of Faith Festival

The department has partnered with the Friends of Dogwood Dell and the African-American Repertory Theatre Company to present “Ecce” as part of Richmond’s Acts of Faith Festival. The Acts of Faith Festival, a collaboration of the faith community and professional theatre companies, is the largest faith inspired theatre event in the country.

      The premise of “Ecce,” by Washington-area playwright AP Carroll, is that the Roman occupation of Israel, the appearance of Jesus Christ, and the rise of Christianity takes place in the present day. “Ecce” is not biblical however; rather it is an age-old tale told in a modern voice that is political, personal and paradoxical.

      The production will be staged at the Pine Camp Arts and Community Center, located at 4901 Old Brook Road, February 28 – March 3 and March 7 – March 10. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m., and Sunday performances are at 4 p.m.

     Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students, seniors and groups of 10 or more. For reservations or more information, call (804) 646-1031. Please note that Ecce contains strong language and is not suitable for children.

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Tuesdays, Thursdays are Line Dancing Nights

Come out and have a good time line dancing every Tuesday and Thursday night from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities’ Blackwell Community Center, located at 300 East 15^th Street.

    This fun group is lead by Yolanda Wilcox, who welcomes everyone from beginners to those who know the steps and just love to dance.

    There is a participation fee of $25 a month or $16 for four weeks, which can be paid by credit card, check or money order. No advance registration is required, so drop in and start dancing anytime, or call (804) 646-8630 for more information.

Department to Hold Mardi Gras Party for Seniors

The department will hold a Mardi Gras party for senior citizens at its Ann Hardy Plaza Community Center on February 26 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. The program will feature music, karaoke, games, door prizes, other fun activities and food.

     The program is free to attend, and there is no need to pre-register.

      The Ann Hardy Plaza Community Center is located at 3300 First Avenue. For more information, call (804) 646-4824.

Guided Walks to James River Park's Heron Rookery Offered

The department has partnered with the Richmond Audubon Society and the Virginia Audubon Council to offer guided walks again this year to see the Great Blue Herons making their home in the James River Park.

     The popular walks will be offered on three Saturdays; February 16, March 16 and April 13, from 10 a.m. to noon. Each walk to the rookery will bring its own sights and sounds as these magnificent birds court and build their nests throughout the spring in preparation for laying their eggs and raising their chicks. The cost of each is $5 per person.

     No registration is required. To participate in one of the guided walks, bring $5 in cash and meet in the grassy area on the northwest side of the 14^th Street Bridge. To participate in this tour, you must be able to climb a small ladder. You may also want to bring a pair of binoculars.

    For more information, call (804) 646-5944.

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Black History Month Cook-Off

Richmond Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will celebrate Black History Month with a Soul Food Cook-Off on February 28 from 7 to 8 p.m. at its Randolph Community Center, located at 1415 Grayland Avenue.

     The public is invited to bring their favorite homemade soul food dish to the community center to share, whether it’s a main dish, a side dish, a dessert or bread. Everyone who brings a dish will get to enjoy the food and will be asked to vote on their favorites.

      Children age 6 and older, as well as teens and adults, are encouraged to enter, and winners will be selected from age groups six to 11, 12 to 16, and 17 and older.

      The cook-off is free to enter, but participants must register by February 15. For more information or to register, call the Community Center at (804) 646-1080.

  

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Spring Cleanup Scheduled for Cemeteries

Owners of lots and gravesites in city-owned cemeteries are reminded that according to City Code, Sec. 22-30, all flowers, decorations and non-approved vases must be removed from the ground by March 1 in preparation for the City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities’ annual Cemeteries Spring Cleanup.

     The city-owned cemeteries are Barton Heights, Shockoe Hill, Oakwood, St John’s, Riverview, Maury and Mount Olivet.

     Floral arrangements placed on monuments and memorials or in vases that are on monuments and memorials do not need to be removed; however, any items left on the ground will be collected and disposed of by the cemetery staff beginning Monday, March 4, and continuing through Saturday, March 16.

     All city-owned cemeteries are open daily from sunrise to sunset.

     Anyone with questions or concerns can call (804) 646-1401 or (804) 646-1402 on week days between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.