Zayla Braxton, 6, selects a backpack full of school supplies during the Northside Coalition for Children’s annual Back-to-School Rally on Aug. 13 at Liberation Church on Midlothian Turnpike.

One would never guess why Pauline Wheeler was so excited last Saturday, Aug. 13, when she beamed after Haywood Watkins applied finishing touches to her new “do” at his Semmes Avenue hair salon. Mrs. Wheeler, who lives on Richmond’s North Side, wanted her hair to look just right for her 100th birthday celebration on Saturday evening, and for her actual birthday on Monday, Aug 15. After Mr. Watkins worked his magic on this undeniable queen, she glanced in the mirror, smiled and asked, “Is that Eartha Kitt?”

The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, the Community Builders and the City of Richmond earlier this month recognized a “new beginning” for Creighton Court, one of Richmond’s oldest public housing communities. “Housing is foundational and a vaccine against poverty,” said Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney. “Providing quality affordable housing in Creighton Court will be transformational for our residents and is a big step in the right direction for the future of public housing.” The first buildings in Phase 1 of the renewal program were demolished in June 2022. Once Phase 1 is complete, construction of 68 units will begin with occupancy scheduled for mid-2024.

Giant hibiscus in the West End

The Northside Coalition for Children’s 14th Annual Back to School Rally on Aug. 13 featured backpack giveaways, school supplies for teachers and students, food vendors and cheerleaders to wish students, families and teachers a successful new school year. The event took place at Liberation Church on Midlothian Turnpike.

Nikiya Ellis, left, cofounder of City Bees RVA, explains the process of beekeeping to Treasure Daily, 12, of Richmond on Aug. 13 at Sankofa Community Orchard on Richmond’s Southside. The youngster experienced what it is like to be surrounded by 20,000 bees while helping to treat the hives for mites. “If you get nervous, don’t swat, just step away and take a deep breath,” Ms. Ellis advised the youngster.

Jonathan Christopher Miles, a Richmond yoga trainer, leads “Yoga for the People,” a community yoga class at Sankofa Community Orchard at 309 Covington Road on Aug. 13. He was accompanied by Shanna Latia, who provided sound bowl healing during the session.