Sunday, November 28, 2021

December Newsletter and Events

 In this month's issue, we have:

  • Indian River Planning Area Study
    • Plan going for final approval at City Council on Tuesday, Dec 21
  • Upcoming Events
    • No Second Saturday Hike this December
    • No Monthly Meeting this December
    • First Day Hike @ Indian River Park, Saturday, Jan 1
  • Other News
    • Holiday Lights & Decoration Contest
    • Tree Planting on Indian River Road - Volunteers Needed - TBD
    • Chesapeake Holiday Brass Concert, Thursday, Dec 16
    • Leave the Leaves

Indian River Planning Area Study at City Council

Date: Tuesday, Dec 21, 6:30 pm at City Hall

There was a mistake in advertising the Nov 16 City Council meeting, so the Indian River Planning Area Study review was rescheduled for the Tuesday, Dec 21 City Council Meeting.

This is the final stage in approving the Indian River Planning Area Study and Redevelopment Strategy.  This Plan lays out a strong, interconnected combination of actions that, when implemented, should improve the quality of life of our community.  The Friends of Indian River have been working closely with the Planning Department throughout the development of the Plan and we wholeheartedly support the document as drafted. 

The Planning Department has been working closely with the community to gather input and incorporate feedback into the Plan.  

We are again asking citizens to speak out in support of the Plan at the City Council meeting on Thursday, Dec 21, 6:30 pm.  We believe that showing up in person to support the plan will help get it across the finish line, so please join us at City Hall on the 21st!   You can also send you comments to council@cityofchesapeake.net

Visit http://www.friendsofindianriver.org/2021/10/action-alert-indian-river-planning-area.html for info and key points for submitting your comments. 

Key themes that we support throughout the Plan include:
- Redesign and revitalization of Indian River Road, including the Indian River Shopping Center, as our Main Street
- Preservation of the residential character of our community
- Interconnecting the community with parks, the civic campus, and open space
- Increasing the overall environmental quality of the community through increased tree canopy, natural areas and shorelines, and green infrastructure.




No Second Saturday Hike this December

No Monthly Meeting this December

First Day Hike  @ Indian River Park

Date: Saturday, Jan 1, 9:00 am to 10:30 am

Location:  Indian River Park entrance
at Rokeby Ave. and Main St. (2001 Rokeby Ave.) which is located just south of Military Highway, i.e. across Military Highway from the Fire Station.

Welcome the new year with our traditional First Day Hike at Indian River Park.

Learn about the history of the park, the native trees and plants in this century old forest on the Indian River flood plain, and its value to maintaining the health of local butterfly, bird, and wildlife populations. Note: the forest trail has uneven surfaces and minor elevation changes.

Please pre-register at https://forms.gle/UP36Z7Pzw2BJwpNm7


Other News

Holiday Lights & Decoration Contest

Our 3rd Annual “Main Street” Indian River Holiday Lighting & Decoration Contest is now open. To participate, just decorate your storefront! Contest is open to all businesses along Indian River Rd from Oaklette Bridge to Military Highway and along Sparrow Road from Nautilus Ave. to Fontana Ave. 

Judging will be between 4 pm and 7 pm on Thursday, Dec 9, and based on overall appearance, festiveness, and being fresh and appropriate for site.  Top 3 winners will be announced by Thursday, Dec. 16.  Winners will receive $50 prize money and be recognized in our newsletter and social media channels.

Tree Planting along Indian River Road at Oaklette Bridge 

Date: TBD

Work on the tree planting plan is dependent on the weather now, but we'll still then need volunteers to support planting of  30 shrubs and 34 muhly and fountain grasses at the site.  We'll have Master Gardeners on hand to provide guidance.   The exact date is still TBD and we'll update folks once we set a date. 

Chesapeake Holiday Brass Concert, Thursday, Dec 16

Enjoy the holidays with this  FREE concert by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra brass section hosted by the City of Chesapeake at the Chesapeake Conference Center, 700 Conference Center Drive.  Doors open 6 pm

Leave the Leaves

Want to save time and work and help the environment?  Then skip the blowing, raking, and bagging and leave those leaves lay this fall!   Leaves are nature's mulch and the provide food and shelter for butterflies, moths, bees, and other invertebrates over the winter.  Removing the leaves actually can wipe out the next generation of many moths and butterflies.  Learn more at https://xerces.org/blog/leave-the-leaves

We always encourage you as an individual to pick up any stray litter that you come across along our roads, parking lots, and in our parks.  Every piece of trash collected is one less that causes harm to wildlife in our natural areas and waterways.  And just as important, reduce your use of single use packaging to not create litter in the first place.  Take The Pledge to keep Virginia Litter Free at https://loversnotlitter.org/pledge/



Now is a great time to become a member or renew your membership, or just make a donation online at http://www.friendsofindianriver.org/p/membership.html

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