Henrico is developing at an alarming rate.  This unchecked growth has created a sloppy, sprawl-oriented environment that can only mean harm for the future of the county.  With open space rapidly disappearing in Henrico, it is necessary for the local government to begin smart growth planning so that the County can maintain a healthy quality of life for its citizens.  How can we do this?  The Sierra/Student Coalition of Freeman High School is sponsoring a movement to spur the County Board of supervisors to do something.  With over 600 petitions signed already, and meetings with Pat O'Bannon and Victor Hazlett, the movement has been productive and effective. However, in order to convince the County Board of Supervisors to put plans like the Purchase of Development Rights (financial incentives for farmers not to sell their land) into place, we need to show them that we have citizen support.  Here is a form letter to use as an example to write to Pat O'Bannon.  If you care about the future of Henrico, please take the time to write this letter.  We need to act now to promote smarter growth. Thanks -Otto FORM LETTER: Your name Your street and street number Richmond, VA (your zip code) Patricia O'Bannon P.O. Box 27032 Richmond, VA 23273-7032 Dear Mrs. O'Bannon: 1. State that the East End is threatened by suburban sprawl.  For example: "I am concerned that suburban sprawl is threatening the agricultural character of the East End.  Within the past few years, a shopping center, gas station, and multiple subdivisions have been developed in that end of Henrico County." Please write in your own words, according to your own experiences. 2. Explain that the county needs to do something to preserve the health of the James River, the Chesapeake Bay, and the aesthetic appeal of Henrico County.  For example: "If the county does not act to preserve farmland now, then the entire county will be consumed by unwise development and strip malls.  This would irreparably harm the health of the James RIver and the Chesapeake Bay." Please write in your own words, according to your own experiences. 3. State your support for the Purchase of Development Rights Program (PDR).  For example: "A Purchase of Development Rights Program is a necessary step to preserve the health of the James River, the Chesapeake Bay, and the quality of life in this county.  PDR stries an appropriate balance between healthy growth and a healthy environment."

here is a picture of the hero of the hour himself (courtesty of http://www.vonnegut.com)

here is a picture of our hero scatting while a well-known musician plays the vacuum.

here is a picture that he drew of a human's asshole. he is selling this picture. Just another reason why Kurt Vonnegut is the greatest man in the history of the U.S. since Eugene V. Debs.

here is a picture of kurt vonnegut signing the picture he drew of an asshole. This photo is truly priceless. By the way, if you haven't read Player Piano, Slaughterhouse-Five, Galapagos, Breakfast of Champions, Timequake, Jailbird, God Bless You Dr. Kevorkian, or Slapstick, you should.  They be good. Ting-a-ling. But here's what you came for: