Flower girl Sidney Drew, 5, and ring bearer Shomari Kearney, 4, brought smiles before and after they walked down the aisle at Richmond’s Second Baptist Church, 1400 Idlewood Ave. on April 23. The two youngsters, whose fathers are Alvin Drew and Nathaniel Kearney, participated in the wedding of Joseph W. and Apryl (Pecht) Wimbush.

The Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU’s new Children’s Tower officially opened April 30. The event featured VCU Police to help the patients settle in their new rooms and approximately 50 first responders that flashed their vehicle lights while patients’ flashlights beamed from their hospital windows. However, many observers found the sudden, unexpected 15- minutes wail of sirens from emergency responders disturbing and even triggering given Richmond’s recent propensity for gun violence with young people among many of its victims. When asked about the alarms, Kate Marino, manager for strategy, marketing and enterprise marketing for the VCU Health System, said: “The purpose of goodnight lights was to “The purpose of goodnight lights was to show the children and their families that there is a whole community surrounding and supporting them. First responder units from throughout the region came out and the reaction from inside the hospital was overwhelmingly positive. One mom described it as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience they’ll remember forever.” Perhaps. However, we hope that future displays intended to reflect a space where children can find comfort and healing are less about sounds associated with trauma and more about sensitivity and tranquility.

Delicate blooms on West Franklin Street

Hundreds of people attended this year’s Herbs Galore and More at the Carriage House Lawn at Maymont on April 29. The event featured more than 4,000 herbs ready to plant or grow indoors, along with ginger-related merchandise.

Nearly 80 vendors were on hand, along with specialty plant growers, garden accessories, home décor and artisanal food folks.

The Rho Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Sarah Garland Jones Center for Healthy Living on 2600 Nine Mile Road came together for “Passport to Wellness,” a day of health-centered information and nutrition on April 29.

The event featured yoga, food, information on health for men and women, financial literacy and more.